Fox Valley religion notes

To include your church in the free listings, e-mail to foxvalley@dailyherald.com, fax to (847) 608-0849, or mail to 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin IL 60123.

Faith Community AME Church: Faith Community AME Church offers worship service from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays at Otter Creek Elementary School, 2701 Hopps Road, Elgin. A coffee and croissant cafe opens at 10:45 a.m. and closes at 11:05 a.m. Children's church begins before and concludes after the message is delivered. Faith Community is a new work. The church is small, but the diverse membership is loving, children friendly and welcomes you to share in worship this Sunday. Call (847) 289-5000 or visit the Web site www.faithcommunityame.org for details.

Immanuel Baptist: Immanuel Baptist Church, 500 St. Charles St. in Elgin, continues its program from 4 to 5 p.m. to help define the labor market for Christian people in general. The tuition is free and is open to all area residents that want to get a job and need a resume. The second program will be from 4 to 5 p.m. March 14 with the title "Learn What Makes Employers Want." The third program is from 4 to 5 p.m. March 21 on Prepare resumes, cover letters, e-mails, etc. The fourth program is from 4 to 5 p.m. March 28 with the subject "Learn How to Look for a Job." The fifth program is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 4 on developing interview skills. The sixth program is April 11 on learning tips to manage your money. These classes will be hosted by Lucy Townsend, Northern Illinois University and Susan Lira, Kane County Nurses Staff. For details, call (847) 741-6902 or visit www.ibcelgin.org.

Epworth UMC: On Saturday, March 21, celebrate the beginning of spring from 5:30 to 8 p.m. with Together in Praise, a spring fellowship dinner, will be a family-style dinner and worship sampler provided free of charge to all interested in the community at Epworth United Methodist Church, 37W040 Highland Ave., Elgin. Everyone is invited to join in for an evening of worship, praise and fellowship. The evening will be a time to learn about all the different styles of worship, traditional, praise and family style, that are offered at Epworth UMC and meet neighbors and community. The People of the United Methodist Church may not all believe the same thing, but they believe in God and each other. The dinner will be catered, and they ask all those attending to bring a dessert to share. A special collection will be taken during worship to be donated to domestic flood relief efforts supported by United Methodist Committee On Relief. RSVP by March 17 by calling the church office at (847) 931-5400.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, March 15, the Rev. Mark Harder's sermon will be on "Bringing My World to Christ: Healing at the Pool," based on John 5: 1-15, at the 10:30 a.m. service at Country Covenant Church, Route 47 and McDonald Road in Elgin. Adult Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. Bring your Bibles and enjoy good, Scripture-related conversation, study, and prayer. Children's Sunday school is at 10:30 a.m. Join them this week for the new Wednesday study group at 6:30 p.m. The topic will be "Rocksolid," an exploration of faith for the mature Christian and for the new Christian. This material will serve as a foundational guidebook to take us into a deeper understanding of our faith.

On Saturday, March 14, there will be a night of fun and games at 7 p.m. UNO will be played, along with other card and board games. For information, call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at www.countrycov.org.

Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren: On Sunday, March 15, worship at 9:30 a.m. will feature a sermon by the Rev. Joel Kline entitled "Seeds of Freedom" at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.

The Spirited Sisters will host a birthday party for kids and their moms at the Community Crisis Center on Sunday, March 15, providing refreshments and small gift bags for everyone. Men from the congregation will conclude their joint retreat with men from the York Center congregation in Lombard and the Springfield congregation in Springfield at Camp Emmaus in Mt. Morris with a Sunday morning worship and brunch. The leader will be Quaker folk singer and university professor Bill Jolliff. The theme will be: "The Complexity of Simplicity: Being a person of faith in a time of disappearing prosperity." On Sunday, Bill Jolliff will perform at a coffeehouse at 7 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Friends and members of the community are welcome. For information, call (847) 741-5124 or visit hacob.org.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel has been serving the Fox River Valley for over 116 years. As a member of United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, it offers a full range of services: Torah school for prekindergarten to high school, adult education classes, a youth program for age 6 to 12, Sisterhood and Men's Club, and age-based interest groups. This week's Torah portion is "Ki Tessa." The service is led by Rabbi Jonathan Kohn in prayer and study. Shabbat services are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the synagogue, 330 Division St. in Elgin. Guests are welcome. CKI believes that each person can participate in the observance of Shabbat through the use of English, Hebrew, and age-appropriate activities. For details, call (847) 741-5656 or visit www.ckielgin.org.

Shirat Shalom: Congregation Shirat Shalom, 30W509 Shoe Factory Road in Elgin, offers friendly, participatory Shabbat services, led by Cantor Sarah Alexander, at 9:45 a.m. Saturdays and followed by a community kiddush luncheon. Services include a spirited Torah discussion, focusing on the "parsha of the week." This week's Torah portion is "Ki Tissa." It is also Parshat Parah, on which they read about the mystical purification ceremony of the Red Heifer to prepare them for the upcoming holiday of Passover. On Saturday, March 14, there will be an adult education class on Birchat Hachamah, after Shabbat services and lunch at 12:30 p.m. Just what is this holiday, and why does the synagogue only celebrate it once every 28 years? For details, call (847) 695-6246, e-mail hazzansarah@gmail.com, or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, March 8, the Celebration Ringers, under the direction of Jonathan Besancon, will provide special music at the 9 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. The sermon, "Divine Things," will be given by the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison. The 11:30 a.m. worship will include a message, "Living Hope."

There are Christian education classes for all ages from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The youth group meets at 12:45 p.m.

The annual Family Game Night, sponsored by the family ministries team, will combine with the ever popular monthly Holy Grounds Coffee House from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 6, downstairs in Rogers Hall. The difference for Family Game Night this year is that refreshments will be provided and then will be sold to help the youth raise funds for their summer mission trip. Participants are asked to bring their favorite board game to the event.

Food Bags will be distributed March 7-8 and should be returned March 15. As the economy is in such dire straits, the food pantries need help more than ever. First UMC's donations go to three area pantries: Interfaith Food Pantry, Centro de Informacion, and the FISH Food Pantry.

St. John: On Sunday, March 15, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "One Little Word," based on John 2:23-25, at 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 13N535 French Road in Burlington. Fellowship is at 9 a.m. and family education hour from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. The Quilters meet at 9 a.m. Mondays. Lenten midweek services begin at 7 p.m. Wednesdays with a Lent dinner at 5:30 p.m. There will be a rotating pulpit again this year. The guest preacher this Lent midweek is Rev. Donald Balgeman from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hinckley. He will preach on the "Saul: The King who fell from Grace." Call the office for more details. A date has been set for the first Friendship Sunday in three years, May 17. They are also planning a church picnic for late July in the Burlington Park. The day will include an outdoor service. For details, call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, March 15, the Rev. Rev. Lois Bucher will preach on "Holy Foolishness" at the 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin. The Open Door service starts at 8:15 a.m. in the chapel and the 10:15 a.m. service is in the sanctuary. The chancel choir sings the anthem, "O Savior of the World" by John Yarrington. Sunday school starts at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary and after the children's message, students are dismissed to their individual classes. Adult Christian Formation starts with breakfast at 9:15 a.m. and continues with an in-depth Bible study of the book of 1 Corinthiansin the fellowship hall. After the second service, all are invited to buy a ticket and attend the Pasta Luncheon being held in fellowship hall to benefit the mission trip to Washington, D.C. The second Lenten organ recital will take place at noon Friday, March 13 with Michael Surratt, music director and organist for the Union Church in Hinsdale. On March 19, the third session of "Thursdays with Jesus" will be held from 7:15 until 8:30 p.m. Prior to the meeting, there will be an optional pizza buffet available for $5 per person. Childcare is available if requested in advance. For details, call the church at (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, March 15, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 a.m. message with "All I Have Is His Word," inspired by Joshua 1:1-5, at 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Male Chorus will render the music for both services. The Christian Board of Education will be conducting their annual workshop for all ministry leadership and members at 9 a.m. March 14 in the multi-purpose center. Come out at 3:30 p.m. March 15 for the initial sermon of LaSha Brown. Divine Movement & S Step will host their annual concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22. On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. Bus and child care services are available. For details, call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, March 15, the Rev. Donald Longbottom will present the sermon, "Jeremiah Was Not a Bullfrog," based on selections from Jeremiah, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The Music Ministry will be highlighted during worship. After each service, join them for fellowship and treats.

Traditional worship, with the Chancel Choir and a vocal or bell choir, will be at 9 a.m. Progressive worship, a spirit-filled experience with the Praise Singers and Band, will be at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday's Ministry of Music at the 9 a.m. service will be by the TEMPOS high school bell choir directed by Chad Coe; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Robert Blazek with Linda Gilmore, piano/organ accompanist. The 10:30 a.m. service will feature songs and music by the Praise Singers and Band: Cheri Blazek; Robert Blazek; Sonja Boekenhauer, Penny Mensik, Sue Schmidt and Sara Tustin with Robert Blazek, saxophones; Mark Frystak, guitar; Linda Gilmore, keyboard; Noah Katsma, bass and Rich Robotham, drums.

The Mission Ministry is collecting donations of personal products for the armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the military is well supplied, personal products must be paid for by the soldiers. If you would like to help our servicemen and women, consider donating a few of these supplies. Contact the church office for a complete list of items to be collected. All donations will be assembled and sent overseas.

The Third Sunday Benevolence Offering will be donated to "One Great Hour of Sharing." This special mission offering of the United Church of Christ carries God's message of love and hope to people in more than 80 countries. The UCC works with international partners to provide sources of clean water and food, education and health care, small business micro-credit, emergency relief and advocacy/resettlement for refugees and displaced persons. Your gifts also support domestic and international ministries for disaster preparedness and response.

Church council chat will take place Sunday between the services at 10 a.m.

Children, age 3 through fifth grade, will begin their worship in the sanctuary with their families and move to Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. and to God's Big Backyard for KidsOwn Worship at 10:30 a.m. A new snack time for kids will be held in God's Big Backyard from 10 to 10:10 a.m. Nursery care is available for infants through first grade from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. Children should be signed in and out.

The high school youth group meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday with Chad Coe, director of youth ministries, to discuss and choose a service project to complete in the community. All ideas are welcome.

The women's book/Bible study meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays with Karen Gundersen. The group will be reading "Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us from the Inside Out" by Joanna Weaver. Read chapter 10 and reflect on the study questions. The book is available at all major bookstores. If child care is needed, call the church office.

God's Kitchen continues at 6 p.m. Wednesdays through April 1 and is a Lenten family dinner series. The meals are served buffet-style and a freewill offering will be taken. Sign up by calling the church office with the number attending on a specific date and in which areas you will be able to lend a helping hand. Come gather in God's Kitchen.

The Lenten study series, "Rethinking The Christian Vision" continues at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Over the next five Wednesday evenings, the Rev. Don Longbottom will be addressing and discussing various subjects related to the material known as the Phoenix Affirmations. One particular subject will be the relationship of Christianity to the other great religions of the world. Come, bring your questions, your opinions and any concerns you may have with the historic Christian faith.

The church serves dinner at the Community Crisis Center in Elgin on a monthly basis. The next meal will be provided Tuesday, March 17. If you are interested in cooking, donating food or delivering the meals, call the church office. Some menu items need to be prepared while others can be purchased and dropped off at church. Any help is appreciated by the temporary residents.

PADS of Elgin Inc. provides safe shelter, support services and advocacy to homeless individuals in Dundee, Elgin and Hanover townships. Four volunteers, 18 and older, are needed to provide staffing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 at PADS, 1730 Berkley St. in Elgin. Sign up by calling the church office.

For details, call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, March 15, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe the second Third in Lent at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services. Adult Bible classes are held every Sunday at 9:20 a.m. They also offer during the school year various midweek educational opportunities as well as a preschool education for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as youth programs for various age groups. On Mondays, join "The Refuge" and connect with God in a different, informal way at 7 p.m. Come for fellowship starting at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. In addition, a series of Wednesday Lenten worship opportunities continue with the theme of "King of Kings" at 7 p.m. For details, call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, March 15, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from Psalm 19 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. You stand in awe when humans attempt something great, but nothing is as awe-inspirig as the world around you.

It is an open and affirming congregation, welcoming all to their services. Sunday school is designed for children age 3 through seventh grade and begins at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Nursery care is available during the service. For details, call (847) 428-1712.