Religion Calendar

Drumming Circle: An evening of drumming, dance and song will be offered from 7 to 10 p.m. today at Fox Valley Unity, 230 Webster St., Batavia. Bring a small snack to share. Admission is free, but donations of $8 to $10 are welcome. Call (630) 879-1115 or visit www.foxvalleyunity.org.

WoW Night: Grace Community Christian Church will host an evening of fun for children in kindergarten through middle school from 6:30 to 9 p.m. today, 2770 Montgomery Road, Aurora. Cost is $5 and will include games, dinner, crafts and worship. Call (630) 898-7990.

Book sale: Spring, Lent and Easter books will be available for sale before and after the 10:30 a.m. worship services Sunday and Feb. 25 at United Methodist Church of Plano. A percentage of sales will go toward church rewiring. Call Ina at (630) 552-3949.

Clergy Exchange Pulpits: Under the sponsorship of the Oswego Clergy Association, four local churches will exchange preachers on Sunday. Pastor Bob Reid will preach at the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist, while Pastor Phil Sheets can be heard at Cornerstone Christian. Pastor Rob Tevis will preach at Oswego Presbyterian and Rev. Leon Aalberts will visit Neighborhood Church of the Brethren in Montgomery.

Saddleback Church Mission Trips: Susan Beese, formerly of Batavia, will speak about her mission trips with Saddleback Church at the 9 and 10:30 a.m. worship services Sunday at Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 S. Batavia Ave. She will show a video of her two trips to African countries. The mission trips are part of Saddleback's PEACE Plan to mobilize ordinary church members to do normal tasks that can change the world. Lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m. Call (630) 879-1999.

World Religions: Lord of Life Church will present the history of Hinduism at 1 p.m. Sunday at the log cabin, routes 34 and 71 in Oswego. Admission is free, and the program is open to the public. Food will be served from Indian Harvest in Naperville. Call Joan at (630) 554-3440 to register.

Culver's Day: United Methodist Church of Plano will sponsor a "Culver's Day" from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, at the location in Yorkville. Bring a blue flyer from the church bulletin and 10 percent of all sales this day will go toward church rewiring. Call (630) 552-3700 to pick up a flyer.

'Finding Work Without Losing Heart' Retreat: A retreat will be held Tuesday and Wednesday at the Warrenville Cenacle for those who are unemployed or in transition to help them find strength and resolve. The retreat is sponsored by more then 50 Chicago-area churches, career and academic organizations and businesses. Overnight accommodation include a private room and five meals. The fee has been subsidized and is on a sliding scale of $15 to $95, according to what participants can afford. Visit www.ctcchicago.org or call (312) 831-9350.

Mardi Gras: Trinity Vineyard Christian Fellowship will hold a Mardi Gras worship blow-out from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, 16 S. 7th Ave., St. Charles. Call (630) 587-1414.

Mass of Anticipation: St. Gall Catholic Church will hold a Mass of Anticipation at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to mark the beginning of Lent. Ashes will be distributed. 120 W. Shannon, Elburn. (630) 365-6030.

AuSable Grove Presbyterian Church: 7 p.m. Wednesday, 5021 Wheeler Road, Yorkville, (630) 229-3453. There will be no imposition of ashes.

Calvary Episcopal Church: Three Holy Eucharist services will be held -- 7 and 9:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. In addition, a brief prayer service, also with imposition of ashes, will take place at noon. A simple supper will be served at 6 p.m., 222 S. Batavia Ave., (630) 879-3378.

Congregational Church of Batavia: 7 p.m. Wednesday for Communion Service with distribution of ashes. Dinner will precede the service at 6 p.m. 21 S. Batavia Ave., (630) 879-1999.

Immanuel Lutheran Church: 3:45 and 7:15 p.m. Wednesday with Holy Communion. Lenten worship services will continue each Wednesday through March 28, with a light supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. 950 Hart Road, Batavia, (630) 879-7163.

Rejoice Lutheran Church: 7 p.m. Wednesday. Children in preschool through 4th grade will be invited to visit four different stations at which they will learn about Lent. 17 N. First St., Geneva, (630) 845-1709.

St. Gall Catholic Church: 8:30 a.m. Mass with distribution of ashes; 12:10 p.m. Word Service with distribution of ashes; and 7:30 p.m. Mass with distribution of ashes. 120 W. Shannon, Elburn, (630) 365-6030.

St. Charles' Episcopal Church: 6:30 a.m., noon and 7:30 p.m. Each service will include Holy Eucharist and the imposition of ashes. 994 N. 5th Ave., St. Charles, (630) 584-2596.

Trinity Vineyard Christian Fellowship: 7 p.m., 16 S. 7th Ave., St. Charles, (630) 587-1414.

Sugar Grove United Methodist: 7 p.m. Leadership will be provided by pastors and lay leaders from nine UMC churches in Aurora, Oswego, Kaneville and Sugar Grove. All will be invited to receive Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes. 176 Main St., (630) 466-4501.

Interfaith Prayer for Peace: The inter-denominational prayer event will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at Calvary Episcopal Church, Route 31 and Main St., Batavia. It is co-sponsored by the Batavia Islamic Center and St. Charles' Episcopal Church. E-mail ekmanning5@aol.com.

Beth Moore Simulcast: St. Pauls Lutheran Church will host a live international simulcast event Feb. 24, 85 S. Constitution Drive, Aurora. Author and Bible teacher Beth Moore will speak to women across the country on her new book, Get Out of That Pit . Tickets are $15 and include lunch. Call (630) 896-3250 or visit www.saintpauls.net.

Mission: Our Lady of Mercy Church will sponsor a mission from Feb. 26 to March 2. Each evening, Rev. Robert Cielow, a Vincentian priest, will celebrate Mass at 7 p.m. and give an extended homily covering the mission theme. Refreshments will follow in the parish hall until 9 p.m. Call (630) 851-3444.

Talking with Children About Violence: The Congregational Church of Batavia will host this presentation at 7 p.m. Feb. 26. The two-hour program will help parents know how to talk to their children about the violence they see in their lives, in play, on television and in the Bible. It will provide information on how to model and create a culture of peace in the home. Fee is $10 per person or $15 per couple. Call (630) 879-1999 to register.

Cross Lutheran Church Ministries: The church has a variety of Care Ministries to care for people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Kendall County Community Bridges exists to serve Kendall County residents who are in need. The primary mission of Community Bridges is to link people in need with social service programs or church ministries that can help them. Anyone in need is free to visit the drop-in center to use the church ministries or social service programs, or to just talk with someone. The center is open from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. The Stephen Ministry reaches out to those going through a difficult time. Cross has trained about 70 volunteers to walk with someone through a crisis. These Stephen ministers receive 50 hours of training to give one-on-one, confidential caring and support. Referrals come through the pastors at Cross or through Kendall County Community Bridges. Comfort Blanket Ministry delivers 400 to 600 fleece blankets each year to 11 different units at area hospitals as far north as Central DuPage Hospital and down to Morris Hospital. The blankets are used for critically or terminally-ill babies as a source of comfort. They are also given to parents of a stillborn or miscarried baby, and are shared with another ministry organization that visits terminally ill children and adults. The Handyman Ministry assists elderly and widowed individuals and single parents with general home repairs. This group also helps people move from one home to another if they are physically unable to do so. Visit www.hiscross.org or contact Karen Hardecopf at karen@crosslutheranyorkville.org or at (630) 553-7335. Cross Lutheran Church is located on the south edge of Yorkville, on Route 47 about 1-1/2 miles south of Route 71.

Christian Teen Summit: A weekly Christian teen summit is held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays on the second floor of the Primerica Building at 60 S. Broadway, Aurora. Call Azeez Jinadu at (630) 820-8323 or e-mail azeez@divineconnectionmusic.com.

'The Five Love Languages of Teenagers': Moms Connected of First Baptist Church of Geneva is hosting a six-week study on Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages of Teenagers , from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Fridays Feb. 2 through March 16 at the East Campus. Cost is $15 for the book. Call (630) 232-7068, Ext. 138 to register.

Men's Bible Study: The Congregational Church of Batavia hosts a Men's Bible Study from 8 to 9 a.m. Saturdays at the church, 21 S. Batavia Ave.Call (630) 879-1999.

Men's Bible Study: Immanuel Lutheran Church will hold a Men's Bible Study from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturdays, alternating between Panera in downtown Batavia and the church's Fellowship Hall, 950 Hart Road, Batavia. Call (630) 879-7163.

Alive: "Alive" youth group at the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist meets at 6:30 p.m. Sunday. All junior and senior high school youth are invited for food, fun, games and worship. The church is located at 5 W. Washington St., Oswego. Call Josh Motley at (630) 742-2996.

Faithlink: Wesley United Methodist Church offers a study for adults and mature youth who want to apply their beliefs to current faith issues and world events, at 9 a.m. every Sunday, Galena Blvd. and May St., Aurora. Call (630) 896-1033.

Coffee House: Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist hosts a Coffee House from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. every Sunday, 5 W. Washington St., Oswego. Call (630) 554-3269.

Community Prayer Group: A House of Prayer has been established at Praise Ministries Church and Ministry Training Center, 329 Stevens St., Geneva. Individual and community needs will be prayed for at 6 p.m. Sundays. Anyone in need of physical, emotional or spiritual healing is welcome. Prayer needs may also be called in to the church office at (630) 208-7818.

Praying for Peace: Fourth Street United Methodist Church holds weekly 30-minute peace vigils at 6 p.m. Sundays at a peace pole, 551 S. Fourth St., Aurora. The public is invited. The vigils are non-denominational and include prayers, hymns, scripture readings and a meditation for peace in the world. Call (630) 897-5257.

Theological Presentations: The monks of Marmion Abbey offer a monthly series of presentations on themes of theological interest at 3:30 p.m. every third Sunday in the Koch Theater of Marmion Academy, 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora. Anyone interested in deepening their spiritual life is welcome to attend. All those who take part are invited to attend Sunday Vespers and Benediction with the monastic community in the Abbey Church at 5 p.m. Call (630) 897-6936, Ext. 218 or e-mail jrippinger@marmion.org.

Fusion: New Life Church offers Fusion, a Life Group for those in college, or starting a career, married or single. Fusion is designed to meet the needs of today's emerging culture to journey with God through a rapidly changing society. Meet at 7 p.m. every Monday at the church, 3205 Cannonball Trail, Yorkville. Call Dan Becker at (630) 553-0200.

Hearts of Hope, The Mom Squad Prayer Hour: Hearts of Hope invite the public to join them for prayer from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays at 13 S. 7th St., lower level, Geneva. Use back door. Concerned moms and dads pray for children who have been involved in drugs. Call Ruby at (630) 232-9210.

Prayer Services: Everlasting Word Church invites the public to join them in prayer from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays at the church, 22 N. Highland Ave., Aurora. They will pray for government, city, churches, schools, homes and people, as well as participate in worship and Scripture reading. Call (630) 906-1392.

Speaking Circle: Fox Valley Unity's Speak Circle meets from 7 to 9 p.m. every Monday at the church, 230 Webster St., Batavia. The Speaking Circle is a safe place for people to learn to overcome fears associated with public speaking. The feedback in these sessions is concise and positive. The class is open to all. Call (630) 879-1115.

Time Together and for the Hearts of Moms: Batavia United Methodist Church hosts a play group-book discussion group for pre-K children and their parents from 9:30 to 11 a.m. every Monday at the church, 8 N. Batavia Ave. Call (630) 879-7060.

Women's Bible Study: Women in the community are invited to Batavia United Methodist Church, 8 N. Batavia Ave., at 10 a.m. Mondays for Christian fellowship and learning. Child care is provided. Call (630) 879-7060.

Peanut Butter and JESUS (PB&J) Bible Study: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the 2nd and 4th Monday at the United Methodist Church of Plano. This is a simple devotional time. Participants are parents of small children and anyone who is willing to meet surrounded by small children. There are PB&J sandwiches plus other delicious finger foods. Bring a favorite snack. Call (630) 552-3700.

Prayer Ministry: The Jehovah Jireh Prayer Ministry of Everlasting Word Church will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month for an evening of Holy Ghost Power at 22 N. Highland Ave., Aurora. Call (630) 906-1392.

Women's Bible Study: The Women's Ministry of Fox Valley Christian Church offers a Bible study on Daniel, Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy by Beth Moore at 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays or 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Call (630) 208-8484.

Women's Bible Study: Women in the community are invited to a Bible study at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at the church, 307 Banbury Road, North Aurora. Child care is provided. Call (630) 896-8010.

Coffeebreak: This Ladies Bible Study meets from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays at Harvest Baptist Church in Oswego through May 2007. The book is Breaking Free by Beth Moore. Call (630) 554-3858 to register. Cost is $20 for materials. The church is located at Plainfield and Douglas roads.

Prayer for Revival: Agape Mission will sponsor a Prayer for Revival at 7 p.m. every Tuesday on the third floor of the Arcada Building in St. Charles, 12 S. 1st Ave. All are welcome. Call (630) 485-0292.

Prayer Group: Life Connections Community Church holds an inter-denominational prayer group from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday at McDole Elementary School, 2901 Foxmoor Drive, Montgomery, the church's meeting site. The prayer group prays for the community and the time slot allows for working women on the their lunch hour as well as mothers caring for young children. Children are welcome to play with other children during the hour. Prayer requests can be submitted through www.LifeConnection.info. Call (630) 544-7751.

Senior Bible Study: Immanuel Lutheran Church offers a Senior Bible Study at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 950 Hart Road, Batavia. Call (630) 879-7163.

Women's Bible Study: Join the women at First Baptist Church of Geneva for Bible study from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at 2300 South, Geneva. Six different study topics are available at various levels of difficulty. The Tuesday morning sessions will have nursery and preschool child care available for a fee. Call Pat at (630) 584-3855.

Adult Christian Aerobics Classes: Rejoice Lutheran Church welcomes adults of all fitness levels to its Christian aerobics classes from 9:20 to 10:20 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at 0N377 N. Mill Creek Drive, Geneva. An AFAA-certified instructor leads the class, which is set to Christian music and is preceded by devotions. The fee is $20 per month or $3 per class. Childcare is available for $16 per month for the first child and $8 for each additional child. Call (630) 262-0596 or visit www.rejoiceinthemission.org.

All-Stars for Jesus: New Life Church offers a hands-on, rewards-based program for children 2 years old through grade 3 at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 3205 Cannonball Trail, Yorkville. Nursery is available for babies up to 24 months old. There are also ministries available for grades 4 to 12. Call (630) 553-0200.

Awana Youth Clubs: Harvest Baptist Church offers Awana "Truth and Training" clubs for children in grades 3 to 6 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Awana "Trek" ministry is available for children in grades 7 and 8, and Awana "Cubbies" and "Sparks" meet from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Sundays, which is for 3 and 4-year-olds and kindergartners respectively. Weekly activities include game time, a Bible lesson and handbook time. Call (630) 554-3858 or visit www.harvestbaptist.net. The church is located at Plainfield and Douglas roads in Oswego.

Catholic Bible Study: Fox Valley Bible Group invites area women to a Catholic Bible Study from 9:15 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays Feb. 7 through March 28 at St. John Neumann Church, Kirk Road and Route 64, St. Charles. The group will study 2Corinthians. Child care is available for a fee. Call Ann Reilly at (630) 879-0489.

Early Risers Bible Class: Immanuel Lutheran Church offers a Bible Study for early riders at 6:30 a.m. Wednesdays, 950 Hart Road, Batavia. Call (630) 879-7163.

Prayer Group: Join Conley Outreach for a Community Prayer Time from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at 106 Pierce St., Elburn. The public is invited to come and experience peace. Call (630) 365-2880.

Religious Education Classes: St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sandwich is offering religious education classes for children on Wednesdays at the Parish Center, 340 W. Arnold. Class time for kindergarten through grade 4 is 3:45 to 5 p.m., and for students in grade 5 to 8, class time is 7 to 8 p.m. Call (815) 786-2004.

Women's Bible Study: The Congregational Church of Batavia hosts a Women's Bible Study from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at the church, 21 S. Batavia Ave. Call (630) 879-1999.

Women's Bible Study: Immanuel Lutheran Church offers a Women's Bible Study at 8:45 a.m. Wednesdays in Fellowship Hall, 950 Hart Road, Batavia. The group will study Beth Moore's new book, The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob . Call (630) 879-7163.

Book Club: Cross Lutheran Church's North Campus Book Club will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third Wednesday, 7481 Mill Road, Oswego. Call (630) 385-8182.

Aurora Prayer Breakfast Group: Interdenominational group (men and women) meets at 7 a.m. Thursdays in the Buckley Room, lower level, at Provena Mercy Center, 1325 N. Highland Ave., Aurora. All are welcome. Breakfast may be purchased from 6:30 to 7 a.m. and taken into the meeting. Call (630) 859-0305.

Active Adult Social Hour: An Active Adult Social Hour, through the Senior Services Association of Kendall County and Keith Bielma, is held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. every Thursday at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 5 Washington St., Oswego. There is light refreshments, coffee, topics, games and social time. Call (630) 554-3269.

Drop-In Thursdays: Neighborhood Outreach Ministry offers a ministry of fellowship, love and care from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at Grand Boulevard Center, Grand Boulevard and Sumner Avenue, Aurora. Refreshments are free.

Social Time for Adults: Church of the Good Shepherd, United Methodist, will hold a social time for adults over 55 at 12:30 p.m. Thursdays in Fellowship Hall at the church, Washington and Madison streets, Oswego. Activities will include information sessions, refreshments and conversation. No RSVP is necessary. Call (630) 554-3269.

Yahweh: A prayer group called Yahweh will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday at Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist. Call (630) 554-3269.