News from Kingswood United Methodist Church

Kingswood Connected

November 3, 2011

Greetings!

Thoughts from the Pastor

Spring ahead, fall back

The times they are a changin' .... Bob Dylan was writing about the winds of change back in the early 60's when he penned this song. Today his words remind us to change all the time pieces in our homes over the weekend as we engage in the annual ritual of returning to Central Standard Time. And the direction we change them is back ... giving us an extra hour of sleep and more daylight in the mornings as we head toward the shortest day of the year.

But, literally, the times really are changing and how we change those time pieces is one sign of it. For you won't really have to change every clock or device you have because some cyber wizard has figured out how to have your phone and your computer and your ipad and your TV (and probably some other appliances) automatically shift to the new time.

And yet, I really love the reminder phrase .... spring ahead, fall back ... because I think it speaks of the timeless rhythm of not only adjusting our clocks but of the spiritual journey. There are moments when we spring ahead into newness with energy and hope and delight, pursuing with faith the goal which God has put on our hearts in Christ Jesus. And there are times when we take a step back ... even fall back into the arms of God ... and consider where we are. The Sunday when we sing and celebrate "all the saints" is one of those kinds of days. We lift up and remember those whom we have loved and lost and we take tender care of the hearts which still ache because of the empty places at the family table. The traditional scripture for this day is the portion of the Sermon on the Mount that reminds us that those who mourn are also blessed ... for they will find comfort in God's love and care.

I look forward to sharing this precious time of remembrance in worship this week.

Blessings and thank you,

Rev. Margaret Gramley

Your reflections on these topics ... or any another ... would be happily received at margramley@sbcglobal.net or just "reply" to this email.

Remember to set your clocks back on Sunday morning!

"Kingswood Cares" Packages

for College-aged Young Adults

Assembled and Shipped this Sunday, November 6

Calling all Bakers!

Everyone knows that the best parts of the "Kingswood Cares" Packages are the homemade goodies!" We need bakers to fill approx. 30 care packages! Please bake shippable goodies & package them into sandwich sized ziploc bags. Please bring your baked goods to church no later than 9am on Nov. 6. Thanks for adding a touch of Kingswood love to the care packages! Questions sheribrubeck@comcast.net

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 12, 2012.

Donate School Supplies, Gum and Candy for

College-Aged Young Adult Care Packages

While you're out shopping for treats and 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.

Children's Church

Children age 2 through 6th grade will gather at 9 and 10:30am promptly in the Activity Center for Children's Church this Sunday, November 6. A short lesson, an offering will be collected, music and The Lord's Prayer will be recited in our community circle.

All Saints Day Observance November 6

The All Saints Day service provides an opportunity to recognize and honor those of our loved ones and "saints" of the church who have passed on in the previous year. Again this year the roll will be called and flowers will be placed on the altar for each person.

Thank you!

"Trick or Treat" for UNICEF was a huge success!

On Sunday, October 30 the Sunday School children went trick or treating for UNICEF in the sanctuary. They raised $566.00!!

Remember boxes from home are due back on Sunday, Novermber 6 and November 13.

Briggs trick or treat UNICEF

Susanna Wesley Circle Meeting

Suzanna Wesley Circle The Susanna Wesley Circle will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011 in Room 122 at 10 a.m. Cherilyne Stark will be the hostess, Mary Jo Reid will give the devotions, and Cherilyne Stark will present the lesson. Our lesson will focus on Chapter 12, "Moses: Seeking Justice, Exodus 2:11-25

Questions or need a ride, call Mary Ann Genge, 847-808-8229.

Greasy Gains Made during Rockford Day of Mission!

11 Youth and Adults from Kingswood volunteered Saturday with Rockford New Hope. The Rockford area has long been struggling with economic difficulties and Christian organizations are on the frontline of seeking transformation in Rockford neighborhoods. The day was spent helping clean apartment building that will be used for much needed transitional housing. The cleaning required a lot "elbow grease" to take on the dirt and grease-layered kitchens.





Rev. Betty Mixon, a retired UM clergyperson and an organizer for Rockford New Hope, expressed her gratitude for all the hard work and effort of Kingswood volunteers. Kingswood volunteers did more than expected and helped jump start the process of preparing for new residents. For more information about this particular apartment project go to:

Apartment Rehab Article

The Social Event of the Season

The KIngswood Auction!!!!

Don't forget, Social Event of the Season!

Saturday, November 12th

Silent Auction - 6:00 PM

Live Auction - 7:30 PM

$6.00 Admission for Food Pantry

Child Care Available (Please sign up in advance)

AUCTION SPOTLIGHT ITEMS THIS WEEK!!

Sony BDP-S580 3D Blu-ray Disc player with wi-fi

2-Nights at Timber Ridge Lodge at Grand Geneva

2-BR Suite; 2-bathrooms; Jacuzzi; Full Kitchen; Sleeps six

10 wristbands to Moose Mountain Indoor Water Park in Resort

4 - Chicago Blackhawks Tickets

Center Ice; 3rd level; 7th row

Includes Parking Pass

One Week Stay in San Francisco!!

Floating Week based on Availability

Nob Hill Inn convenient to all area attractions!

Ravinia 10 Punch Lawn Pass

Enjoy the 2012 Ravinia Season with your closest friends for free!

Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera W570

This baby does everything except cook breakfast!

4 - Chicago Wolves Tickets UP AGAINST THE GLASS

Hear every grunt/feel every check

Includes a used, autographed stick from a Wolves player

iPod Touch - 32 GB

Load up with tons of music and apps

Includes $25 iTunes gift card to get you started

Sponsor-a Book!

The Sponsor-a-Book cart is rolling its way into the Fireside Room on Sunday, November 13 during coffee fellowship.

There are adult and childrens books plus childrens DVD's which would like a new home in our Kingswood Library.

Upcoming Youth Happenings!

Highway Clean Up & Ingathering Service-Sunday November 13th Confirmation Youth and High School students are invited to help out with Highway Clean Up beginning at 9am. We will then help with moving donated food for the Ingathering Service from the church to Manna House. This will replace normal Sunday school for confirmation & high school students that day.

Indoor Volleyball & Dodgeball Night-November 13th from 6-8pm Senior High youth will gather for a night of fun, faith, and fellowship including volleyball and dodgeball! You are welcome to bring a friend!

For more info contact Luke Pepper at lpepper@kingswoodumc.com

Save the date!!!!!

Rev. Gramley and Rabbi Lisa Bellows are planning to lead an Interfaith trip to Israel in June, 2012. This journey will continue the relationship the two congregations - Beth Am and Kingswood - have been building over the past several years. This 12 day trip will leave on our about June 10.

Literacy Volunteer Conference

The "Read to Learn" 23rd Annual Literacy/Volunteer Conference is Saturday, November 5 from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 South Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Earn continuing eduation credits for attending. If you would like more information visit the the Peacemakers kiosk or table.

Care for Caregivers

Sunday November 6 & 13 at 9:00 am

Is someone in your family struggling to provide care for another family member or friend? It can be exhausting and confusing when you try to figure it all out on your own. Help is here. Join us at Kingswood on Sundays November 6 & 13 at 9 am, as we welcome the staff of Wisdom Flame who will work with you to indentify the needs of your family and ways to build a "care team." There is no charge. The class will meet in room 122.

In This Issue

Kingswood Cares Packages

Children's Church

All Saints Day Observance

UNICEF Trick or Treat

Susanna Wesley Circle

Greasy Gains

Auction Spotlight

Sponsor-a-Book Cart

Youth Happenings

Save the Date!

Literacy Conference

Care for Caregivers

This Sunday in Worship

21st Sunday after Pentecost

Celebration of All Saints

Scripture:

Psalm 34

Matthew 12:1-10

Message:

O Taste and See

Ministry of Music:

Chancel Choir (10:30)

Allelus

Prayers, Joys & Concerns

Louise Bates (Kathy DeRosa's mother) has gone into hospice care. She is staying with Kathy.

Rita Chandler (Bill's Grandmother) is in the hospital after a fall.

Earl Hanisch (Gail Bosman's father) had surgery on Tuesday.

John Huffaker, son of Paula and Greg Huffaker (Paula was formerly director of Children's Choirs and Bell Choir at Kingswood), is now at the Rehab Institute. He is walking and making other kinds of progress. Many prayers have been answered.
Cards for Greg & Paula Huffaker & John and Kira Huffaker
can be sent to:
7524 W Foster Ave
Chicago, IL 60656

Ministry Quick Links