|
|
|
|
 A Word from the Pastor
Greetings!
It has been a delight to see the collection of Nativity Sets growing in the library window. This week included the addition of the banners shown above, crafted by Valerie Koppenhaver especially for this display. Others have contributed nativity scenes they've brought home from other places. Nancy Neal is sharing the one she found in Israel to remember our visit to a Bedoin camp last spring. Others come from the wood working shop of Dick Stone ... a cross, the large wooden one with lights, a cut out one, and the two small ones that his grandsons made a few years ago during the craft activity on the night of the Christmas program. By the way, that is the project for this year, too. We are grateful for all who have shared and hope everyone will get to look in the window when they are here on Sunday.
When we think of a nativity, we think of the birth of Jesus. But more generally, nativity refers to the place of birth. One could ask another person about their nativity, or place of birth. How one describes one's nativity might be as revealing as the question counselors often ask in the first session, tell me about your earliest memory. What we remember from our birth depends on what we've been told. What we remember of a first memory is often a mixture of what we've been told and some moment we actually remember ... when we began to know we could hold on to experiences in our mind and bring them back. That is another kind of nativity or birth ... the birth of mind and conscious memory.
As a community of those who follow Jesus, we have a collective memory that involves a mixture of what we've been told ... in scripture, from parents, family, teachers, the media ... and what we've actually experienced of God's being with us, Emmanuel. Many of us, as individuals, may not have had that experience in a church ... but all of us know the intake of breath and sense of awe when we recognize we are not alone in the universe but held and guided by a powerful presence and love. It is always a surprise. And a mystery. And a mercy. And really hard to talk about. And so we have this story of a baby in a manger in a strange place after an arduous journey ... and the presence of God even there. It is a story that expresses our deepest knowing ... and gives us a way to say what we know. God is with us. Emmanuel!!
Blessings on all as we move toward Bethlehem!!!!
Rev. Margaret Gramley
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holiday Services
Sunday, December 18
Christmas Program & Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, December 24 -Christmas Eve
Carols, Candles & Communion
Family worship at 5pm
Traditional service at 10pm
Sunday, December 25 -Christmas morning Worship service 10:30am ONLY
Sunday January 1 - New Year's morning
Worship service 10:30am ONLY Homecoming
. |
|
Christmas Program and Spaghetti Dinner
Sunday, December 18 - The Last Straw
Reserve Sunday, December 18 for an Advent celebration for all ages.
Great food, crafts for the children and holiday spirit will fill our Activity Center and Sanctuary. The afternoon will include children's crafts, spaghetti dinner, special music, caroling, "The Last Straw" performed by Glory Fingers Puppet Team and the children's live nativity re-enactment.
4:30 PM-Children's Crafts
4:30 & 5:15 PM-Spaghetti Dinner Seating
6:00 PM-Caroling
6:30 PM- "The Last Straw" and children's nativity.
Please invite your families and friends to this special Christmas celebration.
|
|
Many Thanks!
THANKS TO ALL who brought Gifts for "All God's Children" last Sunday. Gifts for 240 children ... @ $50 each ... means that in addition to your generous support of Kingswood through the budget and gifts to the Food Pantry, you've provided at least $12,000 worth of gifts to children in our community. THANK YOU especially to the Forsythe family who work together to organize this important ministry ... with Jean offering the vision and energy that makes it happen every year.
|
|
What's Happening with the Youth?
Chirstmas in Chicago
 When: Saturday December 17th
What: Confirmation and Senior High Youth are invited to take the train into the city to enjoy what Chicago at Christmastime has to offer!
When: Saturday December 17th
Meet at Arlington Park Metra at 9:10am (train is scheduled to leave at 9:29am).Return on the 4:30pm train arriving at Arlington Park Metra around 5:20pm
We will take a tour of the Chicago Temple, peruse the German Christmas Market, Windows at Macy's (artist formerly known as Marshall Fields), and possibly ice skate at Millennium Park-weather, interest, and time permitting.
A good portion of the day includes walking outside so make sure to check the forecast and dress appropriately.
The main costs will include a round trip Metra ticket, lunch, and skate rentals if we choose that option. We will know better next week concerning weather and whether or not ice skating can be an option for part of our day.
Cost Breakdown:
1) Metra Round-trip- $9 (Although the Arlington Park Metra ticket office is supposed to be open that morning I would bring cash just in case an agent is not on duty)
2) Lunch: $12 estimate (we will eat at a cafe/fast food place)
3) Snacks and Shopping: $ at your discretion- at the Christkindlmarket and other locations there will be opportunities to buy snacks, hot drinks, small gifts etc so plan according
Skate Rental at Millennium: $10 and admission is free
Interested in more info on youth events? Contact Luke Pepper at lpepper@kingswoodumc.com **Anyone in need of financial assistance to attend this event can contact me and we will make it happen |
|
Christmas Poinsettias
For the Christmas season the sanctuary of Kingswood Church will be decorated with poinsettia plants. Members and friends are invited to contribute toward the cost of the display as a way of sharing Christmas joy and to honor or remember family, loved ones and friends.
A list of all who contribute to the poinsettia display will be in the bulletin. If you would like to contribute please complete the form and return it with your check to the church office no later than Sunday, December 18.
A $20 minimum donation is requested.
|
Companions on the Journey
December Meeting
Companions on the Journey Women's Group will be having their December meeting on Monday, December 19 at 7pm. It will be a Christmas theme with Christmas Carols, Study of Silent Night and a grab bag book exchange. Bring a wrapped book, one that you enjoyed and would like to pass on. It can be new or used.
All women are invited - please come and bring a friend.
|
|
Glory Fingers NEEDS YOU!
. 
Glory Fingers Creative Ministry Team is seeking new members for January - April, 2012. Everyone in 7th grade and older, (yes adults too!), is welcome to join the team. The commitment is every Tuesday night from 6:30-8:30pm and at our weekend rehearsals and presentations from January through April 2012. Come try us out, you may really love us! Glory Fingers presents our interpretation of Christian songs and skits through puppetry, sign language, interpretive movement with banners and dowels rods, and any other fun ways we dream up! No experience required, just a desire to share God's love through the creative arts. We will train you based on your gifts, talents and desire to learn.
Email sheribrubeck@comcast.net for our 2012 calendar and any questions. We hope that you'll love our ministry so much that you'll want to come back in the fall! Please RSVP to Sheri by Jan. 1, 2012. |
|
Welcome to Kingswood's Newest Members!
On Sunday, December 4, Kingswood welcomed three new families into our Kingswood congregation. When you see them around the church welcome them and introduce yourself.
 | | Heather and Kenny Benoit |
 | |
Carrie and Billy Sparks
Courtney and Ryan |
 | | Todd and Carrie Collins Mallory and Max |
|
|
Thanks to All...
Who baked the delicious Christmas cookies for the cookie walk last Sunday! Also thanks to all who supported the cookie walk with your purchases! Special thanks to those who set up on Saturday and cleaned up afterwards on Sunday.
|
|
UBY's Christmas Luncheon
The UBY'S (Usta Be Younger) group and friends will have a holiday luncheon on Wednesday, December 28 at the Continental Restaurant in Buffalo Grove next to the Dominicks Grocery Store. We will dine at 12:30 in Pete's new banquet facility adjacent to his present restaurant. Join us for fellowship, maybe some games and a sing-a-long. Meet at the restaurant. Please sign-up in the Fireside Room so that we can make our reservations. Questions: call Connie @ 847-537-9114
|
|
Fair Trade Items Make Wonderful Holiday Gifts!
Don't forget to stop by the Fair Trade Cart on Sunday to make your purchases!
Each item you buy benefits the farmer who grew the ingredients, the person who receives the gift and a small portion of each gift goes to the UMCOR Coffee Project to continue the work. |
|
Winterfest 2012
Winterfest Begins Friday, January 6, 2012.
Time: 6:15-8:30pm
Theme: "Let Snow"
Snow Crafts, Snow Games
Come for dinner at 6:15
Mac & cheese, salad, Italian bread
The Children's activities and Adult Studies start at 7:00pm.
Sign-up for this popular Friday Night Family Fellowship on Sunday in the Fireside Room.
Mark your calendars for additional Winterfest dates!
Friday, January 20
Friday, February 3
Friday, February 17
Friday, March 2
|
|
Youth Ski Trip
The Youth Ski Trip is scheduled for February 10 - 12, 2012 at Alpine Valley and Wesley Woods. There is a $25 deposit due on December 11, if you are planning to go. Anyone interested in attending should email Luke Pepper at lpepper@kingswoodumc.com |
|
Work Camp 2012 is in the Works!
The Interest Meeting for the 2012 Youth Work Camp will be Sunday January 22 at 11:45am.
Those interested should attend and bring their summer calendars with them so we can finalize a date. The trip is open to graduating 8th graders through graduating high school seniors. The work camp will either be scheduled for the last week in July or first week in August. We are asking that at least one parent or guardian attend the meeting as well.
For more information you can contact either Sheri Brubeck at sheribrubeck@comcast.net or Luke Pepper at lpepper@kingswoodumc.com
|
|
Website Improvements
Over the next couple weeks our website will be changing. The "old" website will be replaced by a temporary site while our new site is under construction. John Gates is heading the team of Debbi Dickinson, Margaret Gramley, Elizabeth Hicks, Jay Jayapalan and Charlene Vanderhulst to make the improvements. Please contact the church, visit our Facebook page, or use email if you need information. Thank you for your patience during construction!
|
|
KUMC Book Club
January Meeting
The next meeting of the KUMC book club will be on Friday, January 20 at 7 pm at Panera Bread, Strathmore Center, 1228 West Dundee Road, Buffalo Grove. The book club will discuss "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkenson.
In this epic, beautifully written masterwork, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life. From 1915 to 1970, this exodus of almost six million people changed the face of America. Wilkerson compares this epic migration to the migrations of other peoples in history. She interviewed more than a thousand people, and gained access to new data and official records, to write this definitive and vividly dramatic account of how these American journeys unfolded, altering our cities, our country, and ourselves.
For more information contact Karen Wernette, 224-677-5277 or kmwernet@umich.edu. |
|
|
|
This Sunday in Worship
4th Sunday of Advent
Scripture:
Luke 1: 26-38, 46b-55
Message:
Advent 4:
Mystery and Mercy
Ministry of Music:
Chancel Choir (10:30)
King's Men
|
|
Prayers, Joys & Concerns
Ron Manso (Betty Lou's husband) had a stroke
Continued prayers for Norma Smith.
Jean Borger who had hip replacement surgery last week and is in rehab at the Lutheran Home.
Nancy Redifer's sister, Addie Ford is in Evanston Hospital after a anuerism.
Duane Tompkins, Sr. is hoping to be accepted at the Cleveland Clinic for treatment. |
|
Ministry Quick Links
|
|
|
 Email Addresses and NEW contact info for pastor Rev. Gramley: margramley@sbcglobal.net Luke Pepper: lpepper@kingswoodumc.com In addition, for emergency, contact Rev. Gramley at 847-477-2223 and Luke at 202-957-0350 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 |
Saturday, December 17
Youth Event - Chicago at Christmastime
Sunday, December 18
Christmas Program and Spaghetti Dinner
Monday, December 19
Companions on the Journey - Women's Meeting 7pm
Wednesday, December 28
UBY Holiday Luncheon
Wednesday, January 4
Weekly Confirmation Classes begin
Friday, January 6
Winter Fest
|
| Contact Information | |
Rev. Margaret GramleySenior Pastor, Kingswood UMC 847-398-0770
Click on this link to forward to a friend not the one below:
|
|
|
|
|
