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 Greetings!
A Word from the Pastor
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
Luke 24:15.
Week after week, season after season, at Christmas, at Easter ... in between and all along the way in our lives and our faith journey ... we proclaim that God is with us, that Christ comes to us, that we are not alone. But, like the disciples heading away from Jerusalem on their way to Emmaus after the resurrection, we often fail to recognize God's presence among us. The Lukan version of one of the post Easter appearances of Jesus reports that their eyes were kept from recognizing him, from knowing that the one walking with them is Jesus.
What do you imagine that was (or is) about? It doesn't sound like it was a willful failure to see .... but somehow, something kept them from recognition. What keeps you from recognizing Christ's presence in your life and in the world? Are you distracted by sorrow or suffering? Are you not practiced in focusing on love and grace but find yourself easily consumed with irritation or annoyance? Do you let the jargon of political rhetoric inform your mood and attitudes? Are you reluctant to let a stranger join your conversation and learn from him or her?
In the Easter scripture we heard the angel instruct the women to "come and see" for themselves what had happened before they "go and tell" the others. For the next few Sundays we'll be exploring that invitation through the lens of several of the post-resurrection appearances. This week we'll see how "their eyes were opened" (from Luke). Next week, we'll attend to the doubts of Thomas (in John): unless I see, he said. Then on the 3rd Sunday after Easter, we'll join the disciples who've "gone fishing" (also in John) after the resurrection and who don't at first recognize Jesus standing on the beach offering them guidance ... and finally breakfast..
Thomas Merton speaks eloquently about seeing: We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent, and God is shining through it all the time. This is not just a fable or a nice story. It is true. If we abandon ourselves to God and forget ourselves, we see it sometimes and we see it maybe frequently. God shows Himself everywhere, in everything, in people and in things and in nature and in events. It becomes very obvious that God is everywhere and in everything and we cannot be without God. It is impossible. The only thing is that we don't see it.
Let us use this season to learn to be more attentive to where God is present ... where "Christ is risen" and walking with us along the way.
Happy Easter!!!
Rev. Margaret Gramley
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 | | Prize winning Kingswood Creative Ministries Puppet Team |
THIS SATURDAY!
Glory Fingers Creative Ministry Team presents
17th Annual Spring Musical
The Narrow Brick Road is a story based on the Wizard of OZ. Our message comes from Luke 24:13-32, The Road to Emmaus story which reminds us that Jesus is always with us. There will be blacklight puppets, Hand Mime, Dowel Rods, Interpretive signing and dance, fun new characters, a special surprise and an encore presentation of our Platinum award winning song East to West by Casting Crowns!
We hope you can attend and bring friends on Saturday April 30th at 4pm and 7pm in the sanctuary! Admission is free and non-perishable donations to the food pantry are always welcome. |
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Holy Week Worship
Holy week was very busy at Kingswood. So many of you contributed to the meaningful services and celebration of Easter.
Holy Thursday fellowship remembering
Jesus celebrating the Passover.
Good Friday
Sunrise Service at Lake Arlington
Easter Celebration in the Sanctuary
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Prayer Labyrinth Project at Kingswood
In June, Tommy Gates will lead a group of Scouts in building an outdoor prayer labyrinth on the western edge of the Kingswood property. This is his Eagle project and he has been working for several months making plans, getting approval and learning about prayer labyrinths. In the next few weeks you'll see him in the Fireside Room with a display showing his plan and receiving any encouragement and financial support you may want to offer. |
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Did you get your picture taken on Easter Sunday?
Pick up your pictures in the Fireside Room this Sunday. |
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25th Anniversary Coming Up!!
 Congratulations to Russ and Rebecca Berry who will soon celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Russ and Rebecca were married at Kingswood, on May 3, 1986, after meeting in the Kingswood singles group that was very active at the time. They have two children, Kathryn and Matthew, who grew up at Kingswood, were baptized and confirmed here, and have been recipients of scholarships through Kingswood. We wish Rebecca and Russ best wishes and love on this special weekend as they celebrate their life together.
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Spring Clean Up - This Saturday!
This year's spring cleaning will take place on April 30, from 8:30 to 11am. Please clear your calendar, we need as many volunteers as possible.
Calling All Gardeners!
Weed Folks is a gardening program at Kingswood where families can sponsor a particular area on church property to weed and take care of during spring and summer. If they would like, families can also plant flowers in their area. Spaces are going fast so if your family would like to sign up please come to the Weed Folks table between services.
Questions? Contact Dennis Spaeth at (847)520-5933 or visit the Weed Folks table between services. |
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Don't Forget the Rummage Sale!
The Kingswood Annual Rummage Sale will be held on Saturday, May 14 from 8am - 4pm. For those of you doing spring cleaning, please remember this great opportunity to donate your unwanted clothes, furniture, housewares, etc. to the rummage sale. Please remember donated items need to be in good, working condition.
No large applances will be accepted.
You can drop off your donations anytime after May 8 at the church.
If you have questions please contact Chris Spaeth at (847)520-5933 |
 Senior High Mission Trip
The Senior High Work Camp has been announced! The trip is to Galveston, Texas from July 31 to August 6, to work on homes devastated by Hurricane Ike in 2008. They will be working with One Mission Initiative. The youth will be chaperoned by Ruth Anderson, Norm Belew, Jeff Johnson, Krist Neumann, Harry Brubeck and Sheri Brubeck. You can sponsor a youth using the donation link in the right hand column. Select "Youth Mission Trip", and please add the youth participant's name where designated.
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Walk for Cystic Fibrosis
Debbi Bobbitt will be walking in the Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis in honor of her granddaughter, Julia Flesor and in memory of Elizabeth Weaver on Sunday, May 15 at Citizens Park in Barrington. If anyone would like to join in the walk or donate to the walk contact Debbi at (847) 362-0044. You can also donate or join the walk on line at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Website type in "Debbi Bobbit"or sign up under Julia Flesor's Fighters. |
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Holocaust Remembrance Day
On Sunday May 1 at 7pm, there will be a service to remember the Holocaust at Congregation Beth Judea, on route 83 and Hilltop Road in Long Grove. The speaker is Joe Koek. Joe was born in Holland and was one of the Hidden Children who survived the Holocaust. He came to the U.S. in 1956. Everyone is welcome. |
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KUMC Book Club
The Book Club will meet on Friday, April 29 at 7pm. They will meet at Panera Bread in Strathmore Center, 1228 West Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. The group will discuss "Little Bees" by Chris Cleave.
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Scholarship Applications Available
Applications for the Dwight Hall and Judy Larkins Davis Memorial Scholarships are now available. Completed applications are due to the church office on May 9.
Please use the links below for more information and the application.
Dwight Hall
Judy Larkins Davis Memorial |
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Summer Babysitter Available
Denise Parmar, a college student and KUMC member is available this summer, beginning in May, for babysitting. Please contact her at dparma3@uic.edu or call her cell phone (847) 305-9664. |
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Kingswood Preschool to offer Summer Camp
This 6 week summer program will be offered 3 days a week (Tues.-Thurs.) June 14th -July 21st from 9:00am-12:00pm.
Our program is designed to offer your preschool child
the perfect summer camp experience. All children 3-5 years of age are welcome.
Crafts, recreational activities, music, and plenty of outdoor fun will help create a positive experience for your child. Fun and educational themes will be highlighted as well as weekly special events.
For more information please contact Laura Kopka, Director of Kingswood Preschool @ 847-666-4092. Or email preschool@kingswoodumc.com |
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This Sunday in Worship
2nd Sunday of Easter
Scripture:
Luke 24:13-35
Message:
Seeing with Easter Eyes
Music:
Allelus
Chancel Choir (10:30)
9am Sunday School starts with Children's Church in Room 135.
10:30am Sunday School Go directly to Classroom
Senior High Sunday School
10:30 at Manna House
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Prayers, Joys & Concerns
Kathy Iverson's mother, who was hit by a car in a parking lot on the day before Easter.
Laura Boshart's aunt, who died last week after a long illness.
Sue Christiansen's friend, who lost her teenage son last week.
John O'Donnell (friend of Lori Chandler) who had a stroke last week.
Bridgitte Dubois' family here and in France sent their thanks to everyone for their kind messages and prayers following the passing of her Dad.
Mark Rohde who underwent successful knee surgery this week and is recovering at home.
The Brunnette family (friends of Wendy Avner) who live in a town in Alabama that was hit by one of the many tornadoes, where 37 people are confirmed dead.
Congratulations to the family of Isaiah Charles Neumann, son of Eric & Elise, grandson of June and Paul, nephew of Krist,
who was born on April 5 in New York.
Ann Metzel (Sheri Brubeck's mom) who is recovering from surgery to help eliminate her pain. |
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Ministry Quick Links
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 New Email Addresses
***Please save these new emails to your address book. The old comcast addresses are no longer working.******
Margaret: mgramley@kingswoodumc.com Sang Hun: shhan@kingswoodumc.com Charlene: cvanderhulst@kingswoodumc.com Lynn: lschreiner@kingswoodumc.com Barb: bsymonds@kingswoodumc.com Anita: atasher@kingswoodumc.com Elizabeth: ehicks@kingswoodumc.com Office: office@kingswoodumc.com Preschool: preschool@kingswoodumc.com |
Upcoming Events |
Thursday April 28 - SPRC Meeting Friday April 29 - Book Club 7pm at Panera Bread
Saturday April 30 -
Spring Cleanup 8:30-11am
Puppet Musical at 4 & 7pm in the Sanctuary
Sunday May 1 - Confirmation Class Special Olympics Holocaust Remembrance Day - Congregation Beth Judea |
| Contact Information | |
Rev. Margaret Gramley
Senior Pastor, Kingswood UMC
847-398-0770
Click on this link to forward to a friend not the one below:
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