Religion calendar

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Updated: October 29, 2011 12:40AM

Featured this Week

• Vendors Needed at Farmer’s Market: Reserve a spot at the Farmer’s Market for Plano and the surrounding communities from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays, July 16 through Sept. 24. The sponsor of the market is the United Methodist Church of Plano and the location will be the parking lot at the church, 201 N. Hale St. Anyone who wishes to sell farm produce, baked items, or crafts is welcome to reserve a space now. Details and applications at the church office, 630-552-3700; Linda, 630-552-3828 or www.umcplano.org.

Coming Up

• Bags Tournament: The Bags Tournament will begin at 3 p.m. July 16 at Trinity UM Church in Yorkville (Corner of Route 47 and Cannonball Trail) 2500 Boomer Lane. There is a $25 entry fee per two-person team with cash prizes for first and second place, and a double elimination with a guaranteed two games. The entry fee includes meal tickets and raffle tickets. Register at the church office, 630-553-7645 or www.trinityum.net.

• Theology-on-Tap: The Summer Speaker Series for couples (married, engaged or dating) in their 20s, 30s and 40s to help couples grow in their own faith. All programs from 5 to 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church—Parish Life Center, 701 S. Eola Road, Aurora. The first program is “From Charity to Justice,” presented by Dr. Lisa Polega, SLW, on July 17. Dinner is pasta, meatballs and salad. Program, dinner and child care are free. Reserve a spot for you and your kids and include their ages with Dave, 630-851-3444 ext.225 or DaveM@olmercy.com.

• Blessing of the Animals: Sugar Grove United Methodist’s “Blessing of the Animals” will be held during the 8 a.m. outdoor worship July 17 at the 40-acre 4S633 Harter Road campus. Pets must be kept on a leash. This is an old tradition observed by many churches to recognize God’s creatures who have become important parts of our lives. Water for pets will be provided. After the service, pets and owners can explore the 40 acres together. Contact the Rev. Steve Good at 630-466-4501 or sugargroveumc@sbcglobal.net.

• Meeting for Special Needs Religious Education: A small group of directors of religious education and parents from the Aurora Deanery will meet at 7:30 p.m. July 18 at Panera Bread on Orchard Road to develop material, techniques and opportunities for persons with special needs to learn about their Catholic faith and participate more fully in all its aspects. Any interested persons are invited. More info at the Aurora Deanery Center for Religious Education, 630-859-3922 or auroraareacenter@sbcglobal.net.

• Folk Fair and Concert: The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva will host a folk fair and concert at 6 p.m. July 23 at the church, 110 S. Second St., Geneva. All proceeds benefit the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles. Lawn activities start at 6 p.m. and will include food, crafts, raffle, best folksy get-up contest, music by Steve Keefe, and more. Local vendors may participate for a $10 table rental fee — Katie Phillips, 630-232-2350 or office@uusg.org. Phil Cooper and Susan Urban of the folk group February Sky will present new/old folk music at 8 p.m. Tickets available at the door.

Vacation Bible School

• Island Odyssey: Sugar Grove United Methodist Church invites all kids, age 3 and up through fifth grade, to Island Odyssey Vacation Bible School. From 6:15 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday at the church, 176 Main St. Each island visited includes a Bible story, music, art projects, games and a snack. 630-466-4501 or www.sgumc.net.

• Wonderful Water Nature Camp: Covenant of Grace Church and Union Congregational Church present a Bible/Nature Camp for kids 5 to 11 years old from 9 a.m. to noon July 18 to 22 at the church, 405 W. State St., North Aurora. $10/child. Register at Covenant of Grace Church, 630-906-9661.

Summer Sunday School

• Let’s Get Cookin’: “Shake It Up” at Summer Sunday School at the United Methodist Church of Plano, 219 N. Hale St. from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Sunday through Aug. 14 as children learn to carry out God’s recipe. The café theme specializes with religious holydays. Note the time change. Church office, 630-552-3700 or Linda, 630-552-3828.

Mission News

• A Course in Miracles: From 7:30 to 9 p.m. every Thursday evening, Fox Valley Unity Church, 230 Webster St., Batavia, facilitates a discussion of “A Course in Miracles” from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays at the church. Each week a new topic is discussed. 630-879-1115 or www.foxvalleyunity.org.

• Friday Noon Concerts: Free noontime concerts every Friday this summer, through Aug. 26, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, Main Street. and Fourth Avenue, St. Charles. The performances coincide with the weekly Farmers’ Market on Fourth Avenue from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday through the end of October. 630-584-6680. Donations accepted.

• Hatha Yoga Class: Fox Valley Presbyterian Church, 227 East Side Drive, Geneva, is hosting a yoga class from 7 to 8 p.m. for 10 weeks. Yoga instructor Amy Massat, 847-951-1239 or amy@dynamicact.com.

• Loving What Is: Unity of Fox Valley Church, 230 Webster St., Batavia, is offering a class based on the work of Byron Katie and facilitated by Marge Orchard, Loving What Is, is offered at either 11 a.m. to 1 p.m or 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, ends July 19.

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