Fox Valley religion events

Organ recital: First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake will present the third annual Wesley M. Vos Memorial Organ Recital at 7:30 p.m. today, Feb. 27, at the church, 461 Pierson St. Organist Aaron David Miller will perform works by Bach, Handel, Ibert, Mendelssohn, Benoit, and an improvisation. Miller was recently appointed as director of music and organist for House of Hope Church in St. Paul, Minn.

Focus on Marriage: Focus on the Family's first national marriage simulcast event will be hosted by Elgin Bible Church, 1580 E. Chicago St., from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. The conference will offer strengthening tools and compelling insights for marriages at all stages. The conference, broadcast from Focus on the Family headquarters, will feature speakers Beth Moore, Gary Smalley, Gary Thomas, John Trent and Del Tackett along with popular Christian musician Jeremy Camp. Speakers will discuss marriage as it relates to Christ and the Church, the Trinity, and everyday changes that can be made to strengthen the relationship between a husband and wife. To register, call (847) 888-1978. Cost is $69 per couple or $40 for a single. A box lunch is $10 more per person.

Pinewood Derby: The Highland Kid's Club is hosting a community wide Pinewood Derby at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at Highland Fellowship Church, 2250 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin. Adults and kids, age 3 through high school alike, participate in the racing and fun. A total of 105 trophies will be awarded for speed, craftsmanship, originality. The theme has a real NASCAR excitement and feel. There are many additional activities including the "Pit Stop" Concession Stand, Miniature Golf and a Remote Control Truck course. For details, call (847) 741-6629, ext. 13 or e-mail bill@thehighlandconnection.com.

Soup and Salad Suppers: Beginning Wednesday, March 4, and continuing each Wednesday in Lent, St. James Episcopal Church, 516 Washington St. in West Dundee, will serve a soup and salad supper at 6 p.m. followed by a short video and either Evening Prayer or Stations of the Cross. Cost for the supper is $6 per person, with drinks provided. All are welcome. Call Liz Jackson (847) 426-5612 for reservations.

Open house: St. Laurence School, 572 Standish St. in Elgin, will hold an open house at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5. Anyone interested in learning about the school, the kindergarten or preschool program is invited to attend. St. Laurence offers classes in preschool through the eighth grade. Small class sizes, individual attention and dedicated teachers provide an environment that allows students to achieve academically, socially and spiritually. For details, call (847) 468-6100 or visit www.stlaurenceschool.com.

Lenten Recital Series: On Thursday, March 5, church organist Vernon Studt will give a recital at 12:10 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 11628 Main St. in Huntley. This recital is part of the annual Dundee and Elgin Area Lenten Recital Series. Studt was the director of music and organist at Hyde Park Union Church in Chicago from 1960-94, and has served the First Presbyterian Church in Chicago, two churches in Elgin and four Jewish temples. He has performed organ and carillon recitals throughout the United States. The recital is on a freewill offering basis. For details, call (847) 669-3691.

Rummage sale: The community is invited to an annual rummage sale from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 6; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 7, at Cary United Methodist Church, 500 First St. Saturday is half-price sale or $3 to fill a bag. With today's economy, there will be bargains for all, no charge to come and browse. Proceeds of sales go to local community activities. It is sponsored by the Cary United Methodist Women.

World Day of Prayer: Women, men and children in more than 170 countries and regions will celebrate World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 6. The women of Papua New Guinea have written the World Day of Prayer 2009 service around the theme, "In Christ, there are many members, yet one body." They welcome participants to Papua New Guinea, a land of many languages, cultures, traditions and beliefs. Though many of its communities experience isolation due to rugged terrain, there is unity in diversity. The women say, "By God's grace we are able to be united." They invite participants to join them in celebrating their unity in Christ, where diverse communities are of one heart and soul, and where women have faced the violence in their societies with courage and solidarity. The Elgin Church Women United service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 6, at the First Congregational Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. Call Peggy Homfeldt at (847) 741-6358.

Flea market: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School will hold its first "Turn Your Clutter into Cash Flea Market" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 7. Admission to the event is $3 per adult and $1 per child (or free for children under age 5). The flea market will be held at Good Shepherd's Nesler Road and Route 20 Christian Life Center in Elgin. Lunch items will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sellers are needed. The cost per 12-by-12-foot booth is $40. All are welcome, including home-based businesses. If a table is needed, an additional $3 fee will apply. For details, call the school office at (847) 741-7795.

25th anniversary: Elgin's Highland Christian Academy invites all those who have been impacted by its ministry over the past 25 years to join them for a special 25th anniversary celebration at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7. The evening will feature guest speaker Jerry Cain, president of Judson University, who will discuss the value of Christian education. A dessert reception and fellowship will follow the program. There is no admission charge; however, donations to the Highland Christian Academy Scholarship Fund will be accepted. For information, contact (847) 741-5530 or leslee@thehighlandconnection.com.

Men's Club: The Men's Club of the Burlington United Methodist Church invites you to its 68th annual ham dinner. This all-you-can-eat dinner will be served to the public from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 7. They will be serving dinner at the Burlington United Methodist Church, 195 W Center St, across from the fire station in Burlington. Carry-outs and a bake sale will be available until 6:30 p.m. The dinner includes ham and corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, applesauce, coleslaw, rolls, and pie or cake for dessert. Admission is $10 or $4 for children, age 6 to 12. Children under 6 get in free. For information, call (847) 683-3535 or www.Burlington-UMC.org.