Religion Notes

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Updated: October 24, 2011 12:17AM

Grayslake

Summit: A Hinduism Summit (Hindu Dharmajagruti Sabha) will be held Aug. 27 from 2:30 to 4:45 p.m. at Cultural Hall, Hindu Temple of Lake County, 20444 W. Peterson Road. This unique event will commence in a traditional Hindu way, with Vedic recitations, lighting of an auspicious oil lamp and blowing of a conch. The event is being organized by Hindu Temple of Lake County and Forum for Hindu Awakening. The Hinduism Summit will feature presentations by supporters of Hinduism from all walks of life, as they share their firsthand account about Hinduism or Hindu issues. Maya Jairam will speak on “Growing up in America and embracing Hindu spirituality,” Kristen Mandziuk on “Spiritual dimension underlying Hindu concepts and issues,” Dr. Richard Benkin on “Human rights violations against Bangladeshi Hindus” and Bhavna Shinde Hurley on “Understanding, living and preserving Hinduism.” The exhibition of posters and books at the Hinduism Summit will showcase Hindu spirituality and the spiritual science that is unique to Hinduism. This would help dispel misconceptions surrounding concepts, such as Hinduism’s ritualistic worship protocols, deities, and spiritual class system. The Hinduism Summit organizers welcome everyone interested in understanding, living or preserving Hinduism to this free event. Details or to register, visit www.hinduawakening.org/events/virginiasummit or call (877) 303-3342.

Lake Villa

Stand with Israel: Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church has organized an event that has blossomed into a rally along the same lines as the Stand with Israel phenomenon that has spread all over the globe. “Why Israel Matters” and how the foundation of America is intricately connected to Israel is the underlying theme will be explained by Dr. Michael Rydelnik and Dr. Geo. Sweeting Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the church, 43 W. Grass Lake Road. Music will be provided by a special group from Moody. Omer Eshel, the new Ambassador to the Jewish Consulate in Chicago, will be in attendance and it will be his first engagement in that capacity since arriving from Israel. Congressman Joe Walsh and his wife also will be there along with other local leaders. Leaders and citizens will stand together in understanding why Israel matters to America. For more information, call (847) 838-0103 or (847) 707-5885.

Millburn

Blessing: The annual Milburn Congregational Church Blessing of the Pets will be held Aug. 28 at 4 p.m. Owners and their pets will gather on the back lawn of the church, Route 45 and Grass Lake Road. Everyone is invited to participate in a brief nondenominational service celebrating the unique bond between humans and their companion animals. All socialized, vaccinated, suitably controlled or confined pets are welcome. Details, visit www.millburnchurch.org or call (847) 356-5237.

Mundelein

Food Drive: Community Protestant Church, UCC will hold a communitywide food drive Aug. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at 418 N. Prairie Ave. The event will benefit local food pantries. Local food pantries are experiencing increases in demand and always need replenishing. Drop off non-perishable food items, paper products or household cleaning items in the Prairie Street entrance. Volunteers will assist and donors can drive exit on Hawley Street. Details, (847) 566-4000.

Zion

Workshop: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Zion, with United Protestant Church of Grayslake and neighboring Christian leaders, will host its second workshop in a series of dialogues designed to better understand and appreciate the diverse understandings found within the two faith communities Aug. 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Zion Mission House, 2103 Gabriel Ave. Topics will include: Extremism in Islam and Christianity; the Role of Women in Religion; Misconceptions and Commonalities; and others. Representatives from area churches and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community will lead the workshops that will include presentations, small group discussions and opportunities for further dialogue. Though non Muslims are always welcome, Christians are specifically invited to come to the mosque for Friday Worship Service on the day before the gathering which will be Aug. 26 from 1 to 2 p.m. as a prelude to the next days event. Guests will be welcomed and assisted. Details, (847) 746-5585 or (847) 404-9334.