The Diversity and Social Justice Team is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community that embodies the principles of equity, respect, justice, and compassion for all people. Rooted in the call to Social Holiness articulated by John Wesley, our mission is to engage in actions that promote justice and address systemic inequalities. Wesley emphasized that true holiness extends beyond personal piety; it requires a commitment to the well-being of others and active participation in creating a just society. By embodying these values, our team aims to build bridges across diverse backgrounds, encouraging meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
In our pursuit of social justice, we recognize the importance of acknowledging and addressing the historical and contemporary injustices that affect marginalized communities. Inspired by Wesley's vision, we strive to cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Through education, advocacy, and community outreach, the Diversity and Social Justice Team seeks to address key issues like caring for God’s creation, recycle/reduce to shrink our carbon footprint, to build interfaith relationships and learning, to combat racism and anti-Semitism, to welcome all to the table, and to address other key issues of justice and peace. Together, we aim to reflect the love and justice that Jesus embodied, and Wesley envisioned, creating a more equitable future for all of God’s children.
Contact the chair, Jean Streeter, to become more involved and commit to changing the world.
Select each heading button to jump to the corresponding information on the page.
In our pursuit of social justice, we recognize the importance of acknowledging and addressing the historical and contemporary injustices that affect marginalized communities. Inspired by Wesley's vision, we strive to cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Through education, advocacy, and community outreach, the Diversity and Social Justice Team seeks to address key issues like caring for God’s creation, recycle/reduce to shrink our carbon footprint, to build interfaith relationships and learning, to combat racism and anti-Semitism, to welcome all to the table, and to address other key issues of justice and peace. Together, we aim to reflect the love and justice that Jesus embodied, and Wesley envisioned, creating a more equitable future for all of God’s children.
Contact the chair, Jean Streeter, to become more involved and commit to changing the world.
Select each heading button to jump to the corresponding information on the page.
Are You Ready To Vote?
The Kingswood Diversity and Social Justice Team has made voter advocacy one of its priorities this year. Our aim is to help our community understand the voting process and confidently exercise their right to vote.
A guiding principle of "our Methodist faith calls us to actively engage in the political process as part of our Christian witness. This includes the sacred act of voting. Guided by the Wesleyan Quadrilateral of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience – we are compelled to support laws and policies that safeguard and extend the rights of all citizens to vote and ensure that every vote is counted. We also uphold efforts to eliminate barriers to voting and advocate for fair and transparent elections, believing that such participation aligns with our call to seek justice and love mercy in all aspects of life."
(Sacred Voting Activation: Resources for the 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections by the General Board of Church and Society, September 10, 2026 - Article on the United Methodist Church, Church & Society Website)
(Sacred Voting Activation: Resources for the 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections by the General Board of Church and Society, September 10, 2026 - Article on the United Methodist Church, Church & Society Website)
*Voting resources are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to promote any candidate, political party, or position.
April 29th Voting Rights Decision
In an article published by United Methodist Insights on May 21, 2026 called, "United Methodist Leaders Speak Out on Voting Rights Decision," the United Methodist bishops, social justice leaders and a racial-ethnic caucus share their thoughts about the April 29 U.S. Supreme Court ruling about the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Select the button below to read more.
Caring for God's Creation
Recycle Prescription Pill Bottles
Due to continued interest, the Social Justice/Diversity Team has established a permanent drop off spot at both campuses for anyone wishing to donate pill bottles to be recycled/reused. The collection boxes will be on the mission/ministry table at Deerfield and the missions collection closet/area at Buffalo Grove. Please make sure the bottles are clean and empty (remove all labels). The bottles will be mailed to Matthew 25: Ministries who ships them to hospitals and clinics in developing countries.
Recycling Batteries & Styrofoam Beyond the Curb
Caring for God’s Creation, part of the Kingswood Social Justice team, announces a new recycling campaign at both the Buffalo Grove and Deerfield locations. The team hopes to offer a way to keep two of the most toxic everyday items out of our landfills - household batteries and styrofoam. There will also be information cards available near the bins listing other area drop-off sites that also offer recycling options.
Household Battery Recycling
A new law in IL now makes it illegal to dispose of household batteries in the trash (including recycling bins). Batteries leak unhealthy contaminants into landfills, which can also make their way into our water supply. To raise awareness about the new regulation and to help comply with this new law, a battery recycling option is now available at both campuses.
Battery drop-off at Buffalo Grove is next to the pill bottle recycle bin; at Deerfield, look for the box near the red table in the main hallway. Please dispose of only small household batteries (including AA, AAA, 9-volt, button/coin, and C and D sizes).
A new law in IL now makes it illegal to dispose of household batteries in the trash (including recycling bins). Batteries leak unhealthy contaminants into landfills, which can also make their way into our water supply. To raise awareness about the new regulation and to help comply with this new law, a battery recycling option is now available at both campuses.
Battery drop-off at Buffalo Grove is next to the pill bottle recycle bin; at Deerfield, look for the box near the red table in the main hallway. Please dispose of only small household batteries (including AA, AAA, 9-volt, button/coin, and C and D sizes).
Styrofoam Recycling
All styrofoam is non-biodegradable and represents as much of a third of all materials dumped into landfills. Even worse - styrofoam can take 500 years to decompose! Because of the volume produced and dumped, it has the potential to affect the entire ecological system of our planet. Because of this and the fact that it also leaches styrene into food and drinks, which can cause respiratory issues, it is banned in many communities. To help keep as much styrofoam out of landfills as possible, both campuses now have collection boxes for clean styrofoam.
Styrofoam drop-off at BG is the large box near the Food Pantry bin; at Deerfield, look for the box near the red table in the main hallway. Acceptable items include clean styrofoam packing materials from appliances and furniture, foam coolers, food service foam such as clamshells, plates, cups, egg cartons, and meat trays. (Unfortunately, we are not collecting styrofoam peanuts.)
All styrofoam is non-biodegradable and represents as much of a third of all materials dumped into landfills. Even worse - styrofoam can take 500 years to decompose! Because of the volume produced and dumped, it has the potential to affect the entire ecological system of our planet. Because of this and the fact that it also leaches styrene into food and drinks, which can cause respiratory issues, it is banned in many communities. To help keep as much styrofoam out of landfills as possible, both campuses now have collection boxes for clean styrofoam.
Styrofoam drop-off at BG is the large box near the Food Pantry bin; at Deerfield, look for the box near the red table in the main hallway. Acceptable items include clean styrofoam packing materials from appliances and furniture, foam coolers, food service foam such as clamshells, plates, cups, egg cartons, and meat trays. (Unfortunately, we are not collecting styrofoam peanuts.)
Immigration Information
Welcoming the Stranger: A Methodist Call to Action
"Welcoming the Stranger: A Methodist Call to Action" was an event held on June 29, 2025 sponsored by the Kingswood Social Justice/Diversity committee; a joint presentation with the Northern Illinois Conference Advocacy Partners Immigration committee to clarify the facts surrounding immigration and a theological grounding of our call to action as Methodists.
Watch the full video and review the attached documents for more information.
Watch the full video and review the attached documents for more information.
Event Recording Time Stamps
- 0:04:00= Opening Prayer — Pastor James Preston, Kingswood United Methodist Church
- 0:07:20= Introduction — Lisa Rogers, Chair, Advocacy Partners of Northern IL Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR)
- 0:07:20= Catherine Inserra, United Women in Faith
- 0:24:00= Tim Alexander, Co-Chair CCORR
- 0:40:00= Amy Jo Albanik, The Young Center
- 1:01:00= Claudia Marchon, Executive Director, Justice for our Neighbors (JFON)
- 1:23:00= Personal Testimony — Nadia Kanhai, Co-Chair CCORR
- 1:37:00= Panel Discussion
- 2:00:00= Question & Answer
LGBTQ+ Information
The Q Fellowship Group at Kingswood is a vibrant community dedicated to fostering full inclusion and celebrating the diversity of God's creation. We aim to create a sacred space where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can come together in faith, share their stories, and support one another on their spiritual journeys as followers of Jesus. Committed to a faithful witness of God’s wide welcome, we engage in meaningful discussions, inclusive worship, area Pride Parades, advocacy, and outreach initiatives that affirm love, acceptance, and justice for all. Contact Muff Johnson to join or learn more.