Notes on religion

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St. Peter: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Gerhard Mau will preach on "Bitten by Fiery Serpents" at 9 a.m. at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 43W301 Plank Road in Hampshire. Sunday school and adult Bible class follows at 10:20 a.m. The Wednesday Lenten worship at 7:30 p.m. will feature guest preacher the Rev. Caleb Schauer from St. John Lutheran Church of Union. Registration is open for Little Saints Preschool, including the Intro to Preschool class. Call Kristina at (847) 464-5134 for a tour or for details. It is open to the community. Wednesday Lenten worship at 7:30 p.m. will feature guest preacher Rev. Marty Marks from Immanuel Lutheran Church of DeKalb. The Home Bible Study group will host a meatloaf supper worship beginning at 6 p.m. Call (847) 464-5721.

First Congregational: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Jonathan Knight, the Fox Valley Association Minister of the United Church of Christ, will be the guest minister at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at the First Congregational Church, 11628 E. Main St. in Huntley. His sermon will be "God is Love," based on John 3:14-21. The Children's Choir will sing in the first service and the Genesis Bells will play in the second. The Instrumental Group will play in both services. The Sunday School children, after attending the first part of the 9 a.m. service, will watch clips from "Jesus Christ Superstar." On Saturday, March 21, the weekly contemporary worship will be a small-group Bible study at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary. Everyone is welcome to attend. The Mission of the Month for March will be the Grafton Township Food Pantry, concentrating on Easter basket dinners for needy families. Items needed are canned vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese, boxed potatoes and monetary donations. On Wednesday, Clickin Sticks, the knit/crochet group, will meet at 1 p.m., the Crusader Bells will practice at 4:15 p.m., and the Chancel Choir will practice at 7 p.m. On Thursday, the Genesis Bells will practice at 6 p.m. and the Whitechapel Bells will practice at 7 p.m. Call (847) 669-3691 or visit www.firsthuntley.org.

Country Covenant Church: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Mark Harder's sermon will be "Healing of the Blind Man," from John 9:1-12; 35-41, 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 for Scripture-related conversation, study and prayer. Children's Sunday school is at 10:30 a.m. Join the church 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 you into a deeper understanding of your faith. Call (847) 464-5381 or visit the Web site at www.countrycov.org.

St. John Lutheran: This weekend, the Rev. William Stroup will deliver the message, "Saved to Serve," based on Ephesians 2:1-10, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 Jefferson St., Algonquin. Sunday school will not meet on March 22. A supervised nursery is offered at the 10:30 a.m. service. Evy's Cafe will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on the fourth Sunday of the month. The Lenten season continues with a Lenten supper at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays followed by the service at 7 p.m. The theme this year is "King of Kings" and the message this evening will be "Zedekiah: The King Who Turned Out the Lights," based on 2 Kings 24:18-25:7. The Mission Resale Shop, located on Washington Street, is open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (847) 658-9300 or visit www.stjohnsalgonquin.org. St. John's Lutheran School offers a day school program for first to eighth grade; all-day kindergarten and morning and afternoon preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Church membership is not required. To schedule a school tour, call Principal Ralph Peterson at (847) 658-9311.

Kneseth Israel: Congregation Kneseth Israel, a member of United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, 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 "Vi'Haknet Pekudee." 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. 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 "Vayakheil-P'kudei," the final portion in the book of Exodus. It is also Shabbat Hachodesh, leading into the Hebrew month of Nisan, the month of Passover. Call (847) 695-6246 or visit www.CongregationShiratShalom.org.

Shepherd of the Prairie: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Nancy Amacher, ELCA stewardship key leader, will be the guest preacher at both services at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. The 9 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary services are held at the Cosman Cultural Center, 12051 Mill St., Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated at each service. Sunday school is at 9 a.m. Lenten services continue each Wednesday with a soup supper at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. in the Cosman Center cafeteria. The theme will be relationships with God, Christ and each other. Easter and spring craft and bake sales will be before and after services March 22 and 29 with proceeds to the building fund. Groups continue to meet, with the exception of those that meet on Wednesday nights. Communion instructions continue for fifth-graders on March 28 with First Communion on April 12. The church office is in Citizens First National Bank, 12101 Regency Square, Huntley. Call (847) 515-3711 or visit www.sotp.org.

First UMC-West Dundee: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Steven Mindrup presents the theme, "Do No Harm, Part 2: Practicing the Rule" at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 318 W. Main St., West Dundee. The scripture lessons are Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 3:14-21. The nursery is open for children age 3 and younger. Children who are 4 and older are invited to attend the multi-grade Sunday school class held in the church youth room. There are three times to attend the Lenten study: at 5 p.m. Sundays, 7 p.m. Mondays and 12:30 p.m. Thursdays. The Sunday sermons are based on the "Three Simple Rules for Christian Living" study book. Rich Rubietta, from Abounding Ministries, will lead the service on March 29. Experience God's love through music. Call (847) 426-2113 or visit www.firstumcdundee.net.

Faith Community: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Bruce Cole will lead worship at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at Faith Community Church, 10547 Faiths Way in Huntley. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Nursery for children up to age 3 is available at both services as well as Sunday school for children from age 4 through middle school. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. The church will host "Family Night" each Wednesday during Lent starting with a family dinner at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Call (224) 569-6501 or visit www.fccwired.tv. Open enrollment for preschool has begun. To schedule an appointment call Director Michelle Sullivan at (224) 569-6512.

First UMC-Elgin: On Sunday, March 22, the Cathedral Choir, under the direction of John Slawson, will provide special music at the 9 a.m. service at First United Methodist Church, 216 E. Highland Ave. in Elgin. The sermon, "Saving the World," will be given by the Rev. Jonathan Hutchison. The 11:30 a.m. worship will include a message, "Anticipation." 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. On Good Friday, April 10, a short drama titled, "Peter, Do You Love Me?", will be a part of the evening's worship at 7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 216 E. Highland in Elgin. This drama takes you through the events of the very first Good Friday; the very day Jesus was crucified, revealing perhaps what the disciples Peter and John were feeling the evening after the crucifixion of Jesus. Call (847) 741-0038 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

St. John: On Sunday, March 22, the Fourth Sunday in Lent, the Rev. Howard Gleason will preach the sermon, "Treasure of Grace," based on Ephesians 2:4-10, 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. Caleb Schauer from St. John Lutheran Church in Union. Call (847) 683-2338 or visit www.stjohnburlington.com.

First Congregational: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Paris Donehoo will preach on "Who Is Your Timothy?"" 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. Scripture for the morning is Philippians 2:19-24 and 2 Timothy 2:1-7. The chancel choir will assist in the leading of worship by singing the anthem, "If Ye Love Me" by Thomas Talus. This is the day they join with churches of many denominations to celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing. 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 Corinthians in the fellowship hall or Controversial Conversations with Carl in the church library talking about possible directions for the community and the municipal election in April. Damaris, the women's dining-out group, has changed its meeting date to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at JuRin Japanese Restaurant, 588 Randall Road, South Elgin, so it would not interfere with the March 26 meeting of "Thursdays with Jesus" that meets at the church from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. with an optional pizza buffet available beginning at 6:30 p.m. Call (847) 741-4045 or visit www.fcc-elgin.org.

Congregational Church of Algonquin: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Brian Cope will preach at the 10 a.m. service at the Congregational Church of Algonquin, 109 Washington St. The message is "Moving Beyond A Rescuing Jesus," based on John 3:14-21. Music will be provided by the Senior Choir. After the service, there will be a soup and discussion on "Immigration." The Mission Ministry is supporting a series of seminars on immigration, religious faith and society at 11:15 a.m. Sundays, through April 5. The seminars will include the biblical imperatives of welcoming strangers and the present social, economical and faith values, and include how you can participate in healing and renewing your societal brokenness. Soup and bread will be served for a light lunch following worship, in the fellowship hall. The monthly men's breakfast will be at 8 a.m. Saturday, March 21. On Tuesdays at 7 p.m., there is a Bible Study with the pastor. On Thursdays, the Yarn Works group gets together to crochet shawls for the Shawl Ministry at 10 a.m. "Shepherd University," children's Sunday school for preschool through sixth grades meets at 8:45 a.m. Sundays. During March, the children will learn about refugees. Did you know that the creator of "Gilligan's Island" said he based the seven castaways on the Seven Deadly Sins? Did you know there are also Seven Holy Virtues? To find out the answers join them from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Sundays for an interesting study and great discussion. Everyone is welcome. Come for any or all of the sessions. There will be a Family Easter Egg Hunt at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 4. Enjoy egg hunting, egg dying, crafts and snacks. Shop at the Heavenly Attic Resale Shop, 307 S. Main St. in Algonquin. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call (847) 658-5308.

Second Baptist: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Nathaniel L. Edmond will deliver the message at the 8 a.m. message with "You Better Take A Closer Look," inspired by Genesis 45:1-5, at 10:30 a.m. services at Second Baptist Church, 1280 Summit St. in Elgin. The Praise and Worship Leaders will render the music for the 8 a.m. service and the Choral Ensemble will perform at the 10:30 a.m. service. Divine Movement & S Step will host their annual concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 22. The Brotherhood Ministry invites all men to come out every fourth Saturday of the month to fellowship with your Brothers in Christ. Free haircuts will be provided by the "barbershop" beginning at 9 a.m. On Wednesday, the Bible study will begin at noon followed by evening Bible study starting at 7 p.m. Call (847) 695-7757 or visit www.SBCElginIl.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Donald Longbottom presents the sermon, "Born Again," based on selections from John 3, at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services at First Congregational Church, 900 S. Eighth St. in West Dundee. The Mission Ministry is collecting donations of personal products for the armed forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Contact the church for a complete list of items. All donations will be assembled and sent overseas. Children, age 3 through fifth grade, begin 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. The XYZ's will gather for their monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25. Enjoy the luncheon prepared by Bev Bryson and Lovey Marcus. Gene Lamp will provide the travel program, "Going to the Baltic." Call the church if you plan to attend. A freewill offering will be taken. XYZ, eXtra Years of Zip, is a group for singles and couples, age 55 and older. God's Kitchen continues at 6 p.m. Wednesdays through April 1. 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. The Lenten study series, "Rethinking The Christian Vision" continues at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The pastor will be addressing and discussing various subjects related to the material known as the Phoenix Affirmations. One subject will be the relationship of Christianity to the other great religions of the world. Call (847) 426-2161, ext. 210 or visit www.fccdundee.com.

King of Glory: On Sunday, March 22, King of Glory Lutheran Church, Hopps and Randall roads in Elgin, will observe the fourth Sunday in Lent at the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. services by looking at the topic of ministry to the Jewish population here in the Chicago area, with guest missionary Eugene Lempert of Chosen People Ministries. The traditional style is worship at 8:15 a.m. Sundays, with a contemporary style worship at 10:45 a.m. led by the praise team singers and band. 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. Join fellowship at 6:30 p.m. and enjoy some coffee and snacks before worship. A series of Wednesday Lenten worship opportunities continue with the theme of "King of Kings" at 7 p.m. Call (847) 931-1520 or visit www.kogonline.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Jim Benzing will focus on scripture from John 3:14-21 at the 10 a.m. service at First Congregational Church, 30 N. Washington St. in Carpentersville. 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. Call (847) 428-1712.

Unitarian church: On Sunday, March 22, the Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St. in Woodstock, asks if there any reason for hope in your life at the 10:45 a.m. service. In "Is There Any Reason for Hope in Our Lives?," the Rev. Dan Larsen will speak about the possibility that things will get better. Sue McCowin will have the "Story for All Ages" before the kids go to their religious education classes. For information, call the church at (815) 338-0731, e-mail office@cucw.org, or visit www.cucw.org.

First Congregational: On Sunday, March 22, First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake, continues its Sunday Lenten schedule with a half-hour Holy Communion service at 7:45 a.m. in the chapel. Services will follow at 9 and 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. The Rev. Budd Friend-Jones will preach. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. Each Sunday at 9 and 10:45 a.m., all children, age 2 through seventh grade, will begin worship with their families. They will be excused to their appropriate Sunday school class early in the service. Nursery care and Toddler Time is provided for infants and toddlers at each service. On Sunday, March 22, the Sunday matinee and lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room. On Wednesday, March 25, Seasons of the Spirit Bible study is held at 10:15 a.m. in the Banner Library. The Lenten Soup Supper will be at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall; Lenten Study at 7:15 p.m. in the chapel. On Saturday, March 28, the men's breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Call (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org. Mature Singles outing to Rock Valley College Studio Theater. Call Rev. Ron Woodruff, (815) 206-0498, for information.

Bethany Lutheran: Midweek Lenten Wednesday worship has begun at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake and continues weekly through April 1. This year there are two opportunities for worship and reflection - 11:15 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Child care is available. The theme of the 11:15 a.m. worship will focus on "The Lord's Prayer: A Way of Life." On March 25, the theme will be "Forgive us our sins as we forgive." On April 1, it will be "Save us from the time of trail and deliver us." The Liturgy for Worship at the 7 p.m. services is the Holden Evening Prayer service. There will a drama "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" The Drama Team will re-enact the sacred events of the Passion in a way that deepens the understanding and awe of the death and resurrection. On March 25, it will be "The Mother - Mary"; and April 1, "The Friend - Magdalene." All are welcome. Call (815) 459-2690 or visit bethanylc.com.

McHenry County Church of Religious Science: On Sunday, March 22, the Rev. Anne S. Muelleman's topic, "Spring Springs Eternal," will reflect on the still point between the roar of the lion and the gentle calm of the lamb at the Center for Spiritual Evolution, a Religious Science community. Special music will be by Tricia Alexander. Everyone is welcome to attend the 10 a.m. Sunday Celebration Service at 204 Spring St., lower level in Cary. There is a children's program and toddler care. There is a meditation at 9:45 a.m. The children's Science of Mind curriculum is "Castles of Creation." There is a Tuesday morning mediation with Bhanta Sujatha at 10 a.m. for a $10 donation. As a trans-denominational church, all services and activities are open to everyone without obligation. Call (847) 516-1950 or visit www.newthoughtmchenry.org.

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. Call (847) 289-5000 or visit www.faithcommunityame.org.

Immanuel Baptist: Immanuel Baptist Church, 500 St. Charles St. in Elgin, will continue 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 third program is from 4 to 5 p.m. March 21 on preparing 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. Call (847) 741-6902 or visit www.ibcelgin.org.

McHenry County Jewish Congregation: As part of its "Bread and Torah" adult education series on Tuesday, March 31, McHenry County Jewish Congregation will host a Passover Workshop. The series pairs the preparation of food with learning, and at this workshop, speakers will offer tips on making tasty Passover desserts along with ideas for livening up Passover seders. The session is free and open to all. MCJC Religious School meets each Wednesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon. Twice-a-week instruction is offered to second- to seventh-grade students, and Sunday-only instruction is offered for the parent-tot, pre-K and kindergarten to first grade classes, and those in eighth grade through high school. Adult education is also offered at noon Sundays and Wednesdays. Shabbat services are at 6:30 p.m. Fridays, and 9 a.m. Saturdays at the synagogue, 8617 Ridgefield Road in Crystal Lake. Shabbat services are led by Rabbi Maralee Gordon and are free and open to everyone. It is located on Ridgefield Road in unincorporated Crystal Lake, accessible from Route 14. Call (815) 455-1810 or visit mcjc-online.org.