News from Kingswood United Methodist Church

Kingswood Connected

candles

September 8, 2011

Greetings!

Thoughts from the Pastor

Do you remember where you were?

I'm sure that most of you reading this can tell about where you were on the morning of September 11, 2011. Perhaps you were traveling ... even in New York or D.C. Maybe you were on a plane and were stranded somewhere for several days. Others were perhaps at home or at school or at work when word came that we were "under attack."

That is what I heard first. My son ... a pilot ... called me. I was working as a psychotherapist in those days and I hadn't left for the city yet. I was actually at home waiting for the appraiser (we were refinancing) when the phone rang ... and then the doorbell ... and it was chaotic. "Turn on the TV, Mom. We're under attack." "Mrs. Gramley, do you have the original plat of survey?" And all I wanted to do was sit in front of the TV.

Even as my son had called me, the next thing I did, after getting the appraiser gone, was call my own mother. (There was an urge in all of us to connect with the beloveds in our lives.) My mom lived in northern Wisconsin and counseled that I should get in the car and come up there in case Chicago was attacked.

It was scary and mesmerizing ... and it was as if time stood still. As we began to watch ... to see the fires, then the towers fall .... the people rushing away ... the people rushing in ... I wanted to know the stories (the details) and the big picture. Of course, it was days before the big picture began to emerge, and it will take even more than a decade for the historical verdict to be given. But quickly we began to see and hear the stories of those who were lost. Shrines were set up .... pictures of the missing ... memorials with flowers and prayers and people gathered. And we soon began to hear the stories of those who went to help.

When an individual or family experiences a trauma, persons respond in different ways. And it is not unusual for people to make it through with grace and courage but to find themselves at odds with each other and the world somewhere down the road. As someone said this summer .... it (the fire, the accident, losing my job ...) took a toll on our family. It seems to me that the toll of 9/11 is being felt still in this nation and that one of the symptoms is the partisan rhetoric we are hearing in the political process. Though we have a long history ... from the birth of our nation ... of bitter and personal and partisan attacks in the the name of the what is best for our country, the intense level of animosity and ineffectiveness in government may be related to the trauma of the attacks 10 years ago ... and the ensuing violence around the world. We've been part of perpetuating that violence, as well as been objects of the violence of others.

And yet, it has not all been violence and despair. New relationships have been made and nurtured as communities have been intentional in reaching beyond themselves to learn of the yearnings and needs of neighbors we hardly realized existed much less knew. The commemorative events in our own area reflect the friendships that have been forged across religious and cultural lines as Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and others work together. And we've learned to celebrate and care for those who run toward instead of away from danger as they offer help. And we continue to seek ways to make sense of what happened ... of who God is and where God is when tragedy comes.

As we come to the end of the first decade of the events of 9/11, we'll all be remembering the emotions and details of those days. Let us worship this week listening for God's word to us as we also share in our prayers and music the hope and promise we know in God's love as people of faith.

Shalom, Shalem, Peace,

Rev. Margaret Gramley

What does work mean to you?

Janet Kyte and several others of the Kingswood folk reflected on this question for worship on Labor Day weekend. If you missed it, you can click on the link below to hear their thoughts in the video that was used that day. Thanks to all ... especially Anne Marie Gerhardt, for doing the interviews and pulling it all together.

Labor Day

9/11 Commemorative Events

candles

Interfaith Worship: Rays of Hope

Join the followers of different religions to commemorate and honor the people of many faiths who died ten years ago.

Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Harper College in Palatine, IL.

Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace

September 11, 2011 at 4 p.m.

North School Park, Arlington Heights Road and Eastman in Arlington Heights.

9/11 Commemorative Event

The Village of Buffalo Grove, The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band and Township High School District 214 are sponsoring a 9/11 Commemorative Event on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at Buffalo Grove High School. Rev. Margaret Gramley will be participating.

.

Recently Retired or Thinking about Retiring?

A one day conference presented by co-authors Jack Hansen and Jerry P. Hass will be held at Kingswood Untied Methodist Church on Friday September 16, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. You may register through the church office.

Cost: $40/single or $50/couple (includes one book and lunch)

Welcome to Rev. Min Woo and the people of the Yang Moon Korean United Methodist Church

We are excited to welcome Yang Moon Korean UMC to the campus of Kingswood UMC. Yang Moon is a United Methodist congregation that has been worshipping at the Salem UMC in Barrington for several years. They are moving to Kingswood to join us in being God's presence through the United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove and to be closer to the Korean-American population in this area. Rev. Min Hyuk Woo is their full time appointed pastor ... and was welcomed as a full member of the Northern Illinois Conference this year as an Elder, transferring from Detroit Conference. He has served at Yang Moon for three years. Rev. Woo and Rev. Gramley are excited and eager to build bridges between the two congregations.

Sunday School Schedule

All children and youth will move up to their new grade level this Sunday, September 11 at both 9am and 10:30am

Senior High Youth

It has been a tradition to have "Breakfast and a Movie" every once in a while for the Senior High Sunday school class and we are keeping that tradition alive this Sunday! For our Senior High Sunday School Kick Off we will be meeting at 9am for Breakfast and a Movie. We will start in the kitchen and then move to Manna House. On non-Breakfast & Movie Sundays normal SH Sunday School will be held at 10:30am.

NEW Adult Studies Classes Starting

"Thursday Morning Bible Study" begins September 22 at 10am.

Gospel of Mark

Bring a cup of coffee, tea, or just an open mind and heart ready for spiritual growth! Beginning September 22 at 10am come and join us in our weekly Thursday morning bible study and discussion group this fall. Through conversation, education, & prayer we will be delving into the Gospel of Mark. This is a great opportunity for both "veteran" bible study participants and new comers to explore the bible, ask questions, and talk with others. Luke Pepper, Minister of Adult and Youth Formation, will facilitate the study. Come join us! For more information contact Luke Pepper @ lpepper@kingswoodumc.com

A Work in Progress

Adult Study and Discussion on Philippians begins

September 18 at 9am

Our faith is always "a work in progress." The message of Philippians is one of patience and hope and invites those who engage these letters to be patient with themselves and yet, to persevere. Dr. James Will, retired professor of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, will facilitate a 4-week study and discussion of Paul's letter to the Christians at Philippi on Sunday mornings during the first service starting September 18. This will coincide with the preaching themes during that time which will focus on several readings from Philippians. The class will meet at 9am. The only prerequisite is an open heart and mind. You might also want to read the book ... it is only 4 short chapters ... as a way to prepare for the discussion.

Wanted: People Who Love Music

We know that most of you in the congregation enjoy the many choirs that we have at Kingswood. How about joining one of them and sharing with others your love of music?

Chancel choir, which sings at the 10:30 services practices on Wednesdays at 7:30. The Kingsmen rehearse at 8:30 right after that. The Adult Bell Choir (which doesn't require singing, just counting!) practices on Wednesday evenings at 6:30.
The Allelus rehearse on Thursday mornings at 9:00, but if you cannot make that we also practice the Wednesday evening before we sing at 8:30 after choir.
Any of these groups would welcome new members with open arms. If you have questions please contact Tim Semanik (tsemanik@hotmail.com) or Bev Modlin (bevmodlin@sbcglobal.net).

Calling all interested 3rd through 5th grade children. An Acolyte Training class will be held on Thursday, September 22 from 7:00 until 8:30pm. Parents please bring your children on time to class. Thank you. Questions contact Barb Symonds @ bsymonds@kingswoodumc.com or 847-666-4091.

Crafters for HarvestFest Craft Fair

HarvestFest will be here in no time. It's time to start thinking about the Craft Fair during HarvestFest on October 15. Applications for HAND MADE items may be made to Arleen Messina at (847) 537-1441.

"Thank you" from The United Methodist Women

UMW says "tank you"to all of you who donated items or money toward the preparation and distribution of School Kits. This particular batch will be going to Church World Service for distribution. They have a bus ready to go and we can save the shipping costs to the distribution. Thanks again for your support!

In This Issue

Labor Day Video

9/11 Events

Retiree Conference

Welcome Rev. Woo

Sunday School

Adult Studies

Wanted: Music Lovers

Acolyte Training

HarvestFest Crafters

UMW School Kits

This Sunday in Worship

13th Sunday after Pentecost

10th Anniversary of 9/11 Events

Scripture:

Exodus 14:19-31

Ministry of Music:

Chancel Choir

Allelus

Message:

Is There Any Word From the Lord?

Prayers, Joys & Concerns

Norma Smith continues her journey with cancer ... is tired, but alert and conversant.

Opal Schreiner (Lynn's mother) is weaker and less responsive. She has been in hospice care since early July.

Rebecca Berry is home and appreciates our prayers.

Beth Weeden, who has been undergoing tests.

Louise Bates (mother of Kathy DeRosa) who had surgery last week and continues in serious condidtion.

Congratualtions! Tom and Dawn Karis are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Nicole, to Chris Reams of columbia, MO. They are planning a fall 2012 wedding.

Ministry Quick Links