New Anglican Church meeting in Elburn

A new Anglican congregation not associated with the U.S. Episcopal Church is meeting in Elburn.

Hope Anglican Church holds worship services at 5 p.m. Sundays at the Congregational Church at 100 E. Shannon St.

"We're meeting in a proper church building and we feel it's time to let the world know we're here," said the Rev. David Kletzing, pastor.

A core group of about 25 had been meeting for about two years at a school in Campton Hills. The group moved to the Elburn church two months ago.

Kletzing said he came into contact with others who were looking for an alternative to the mainstream Episcopal Church when he saw a bumper sticker that said "Orthodox Anglican," and began a conversation.

"For three months we prayed together and talked about what we had in common," Kletzing said. "We studied the Bible and we knew we wanted to be on the same page."

According to Kletzing, the biggest differences between his congregation and other Episcopal churches is the "uniqueness of Jesus Christ and the Bible being the authority for our lives."

Kletzing says that the U.S. Episcopal Church, under Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, holds other religions other than Christianity at equal value.

"We believe that Jesus is unique, the only way to get to God and to have a relationship with God," Kletzing said.

The congregation wanted to be accountable to the Anglican Church and it operates under the Anglican Diocese of Bolivia. The congregation intends to join the New Anglican Province that is forming in Canada and the U.S., Kletzing said.

For information, call Kletzing at (630) 802-4424.

Nativity is focus of the season:

St. Peter Church will have a collection of Nativity sets on display from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22 and from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 at the church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva. The Nativity sets were loaned to the church by parishioners and community members, and nearly all have a special story. Last year, about 1,000 people visited a display of about 175 sets.

This year's event will feature items from The Work of Human Hands, products made by the poor of developing nations. All of the proceeds from purchases of these items will be returned to the crafters. Donations will be accepted for the St. Peter Community Food Pantry which feeds about 250 families from the Fox Valley area twice a month.

New Nativity sets, Advent calendars, prayer books and candles will be available for purchase.

Organizers of the event are Peggy Gurbal and Mary Jaeger who hope to promote an early focus on Christ as the center of the season.

Call (630) 232-0124 for details.