News from Kingswood United Methodist Church

Kingswood Connected

Picture of the church

September 15, 2011

Greetings!

Thoughts from the Pastor

We're working on it .....

Things filter back to me slowly.

Toward the end of the summer someone reported that after the farewells for Sang Hun and Choi they overheard a comment about how the church seemed to be contracting instead of expanding. The person suggested that we should be publicizing more about Luke's arrival and the move of Yang Moon Korean to be in our building.

Then yesterday I heard about grumbling at a meeting about the website not being up to date. I think the website hasn't been up to date for many months .... and finally the word came through.

My response to these situations is twofold:

First ... if you notice something that could/should be fixed/changed/considered/engaged ..... please let us know. Perhaps there is information you don't have that would allay your fears or concerns and that might help us communicate in a better way.

Second ... we're working on it. We're often working on "it" and can use ideas, input, resources, responses. And this is true especially regarding the website. Here's the deal. We're having trouble accessing it to put in updates .... and for a long time have not found the "host" and owner of the domain name (who is providing us server space for free) responsive. The goal is a new website ... but that requires buying back our domain name which is hard to do since we don't get responses from the current owner. So ... we're working on it but right now we're using Facebook more ... and will soon have a group Facebook page.

We're working on it could also be a way to describe the spiritual journey. This week we will begin a series of sermons in worship, and an adult class at 9am on Sundays, that engage Paul's letter to the Christians in Philippi. Paul is facing hardships .... time in prison ... and he hears of struggles in the community at Philippi. His response is to remind them and us that faith is always a "work in progress." He begins with confidence that "the One who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." It reminds me of that poster saying of a few years ago that still pertains: Be patient, God isn't finished with me yet.

So, as we move into the full fall schedule, let us be aware of the "work in progress" that we all are and that the church is, even as we are blessed with this journey together. And remember ...

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable --- if anything is excellent or praise-worthy --- think about such things ... and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)

Shalom, Shalem, Peace,

Rev. Margaret Gramley

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.

Paul wrote his letter, paradoxically focused on JOY and HOPE,from a Roman prison to a congregation in more pleasant circumstance, much like ours in Buffalo Grove. We will read and discuss his letter to the church in Phillipi as addressed also to us, moving between his Roman circumstance and our present mode of life. The four chapters that will be the basis for our discussion from Sept 18 through October 9 may be focused with the following themes:

9/18 Chap.1-- A Prayerful Letter from a Former Pastor

9/25 Chap. 2-- How to Seek Personal Salvation

10/2 Chap. 3--Freed from Even a Good Past to Live Life Forward

10/9 Chap. 4--Rejoicing Always through a Disciplined Mind

Labor Day Parade

Labor Day Parade

Jeremy Koppenhaver and Boy Scout Troop 401 created the motorized canoe and marched in the Buffalo Grove Labor Day Parade. They were joined by members of the Kingswood Family; The Spaeth Family, Luke Pepper and Alex Dungan, representing the Puppet Team. They handed out cookbooks, candy and Kingswood bags along the route.

Marching in Labor day parade

UBY's September Activity

On Wednesday, September 28 we will be carpooling to the Red Oaks Farm in Harvard, Ill. We will have lunch in their café , browse through the gift shop and you may purchase apples and apple products. Our group will car pool from the church leaving at 11:45 and should be back by 5 pm.

Members and friends of Kingswood who "Usta Be Younger" are welcome to join us. Please signup on the clipboard in the Fireside room. There will be a small charge for gas expenses. We do need drivers. Questions call: Connie @ 847-537-9114.

First Friday Feast is Moving

Maybe we should call this monthly Friday night gathering a "moveable feast!" In any case, we're moving to the end of the month ... the Fourth or Fifth Friday nights of each month. We'll start on September 30 at 6:30pm and there will be a calendar for the year available at that first get together.

So this "Moveable Feast" is a do-it-yourself potluck and time for learning and discussion. Bring your own table service (including beverage) and food to share with others (a potluck dish). We'll gather in Room 122 this year ... the "glass block room." And besides sharing good food and fellowship, we'll be using a resource featuring John Bell called "Singing the Unsung." This is a video based resource that will lead us through discussions of why we sing, what we sing, congregation as choir, why we worship ... and other topics. We'll also get a chance to sing.

Rev. John Bell is an ordained minister in the Church of Scotland and has produced many collections of original hymns, songs and liturgies. He lectures throughout the world and is primarily concerned with the renewal of congregational worship at the grass roots level.

"Kingswood Cares" Packages

for College-aged Young Adults

Youth Ministries wants to keep our young adults connected to their Kingswood family after they graduate from High School. Congregants are encouraged to sponsor a young adult and send them a care package filled with homemade goodies, school supplies and a personal note from the sponsor. Care packages will be $20 each, and assembled and shipped on Nov. 6, 2011 and February 5, 2012.

SIGN UP: Parents, sign up your young adult and they will also receive a birthday note with a gift card on their birthday from their Kingswood family. If your young adult has a birthday prior to Nov. 6 please send sheribrubeck@comcast.net an email with their name, current address, birth date and store preference, (Wal-Mart, Walgreen's, CVS, McDonalds, or Starbucks.) Forms for the November care packages will be available starting in October in the Welcome Center Kiosk.

Donate School Supplies, Gum and Candy for College-Aged

Young Adult Care Packages

While you're out shopping for school supplies pick up extras and donate them to the "Kingswood Cares" Packages. Donations may be left in the small kitchen, please label them "Care packages." Donations must be small enough to fit into a 7 inch square box. Suggestions are highlighters, pens, mechanical pencils, post its, gum, candy, etc. Thank you for your support of the important connectional ministry.

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

Companions on the Journey - Women's Group

The Companions on the Journey - Women's Group is starting up their meetings after summer break. Please join us on Monday, September 19 from 7:00pm - 8:30pm in room 114. Each meeting has an Everyday Living topic and time devoted to Spiritual Deepening along with a recipe of the month and fellowship. If you've attended before or would be coming for the first time, please join us. If you have questions contact Elizabeth Hicks ( ehicks@kingswoodumc.com).

International Day of Prayer for Peace

On Wednesday, September 21, International Day of Prayer for Peace, music will be playing in the Sanctuary from 8AM to 6PM. Weather permitting, the Labyrinth is another location on which we could pray. Wherever we are on this special Day of Prayer, God will hear our prayers for help in restoring peace and order to the world. Our loving God is everywhere and for everyone. Prayer sheets will be available, starting September 11, on the table outside the Sanctuary. Please take one with you. This observance is the World Council of Churches' effort to coordinate with the International Day for Peace established in 1981 by the United Nations. The United Methodist Church is a part of the World Council of Churches and its members are encouraged to join in this observance.

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.

Congratulations!

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.

Kingswood Krafters Card Sale

The Kingswood Krafters will be selling cards in the Fireside Room on Sunday, September 25th between church services. The beautiful handcrafted cards are still only $1.00 each. Visit us and see some of the new designs. Yes, we do have "get well", "thinking of you" and "Happy Birthday" available for you to include your own message.

In This Issue

Adult Studies

Welcome Rev. Woo

Retiree Conference

9/11 Events

Labor Day Video

UMW School Kits

Wanted: Music Lovers

Prayers & Joys

New Emails

This Sunday in Worship

14th Sunday after Pentecost

Scripture:

Philippians 1:21-30

Psalm 113

Matthew 20:1-16

Ministry of Music:

Chancel Choir (10:30)

King's Men

Message:

A Manner Worthy

Presentation of Third Grade Bibles

Prayers, Joys & Concerns

Charlie Shepherd is in Hospice Care at Highland Park Hospital.

Norma Smith continues her journey with cancer ... is tired, but alert and conversant. We grieve with her and her family at the loss of her sister this week.

Lee Frederick (mother of Beth Barber) fell and broke her nose. She continues in care in Urbana.

Robert Kenski (Susan's father) has been in the hospital.

Eleanor Morgan (mother of Roberta Cadieux) is in her last days and her family is around her.

Ministry Quick Links