MISSIONS

There are a variety of ways we SERVE OTHERS at Kingswood.  
We are deeply passionate about being the hands and feet of Christ to meet tangible needs.

How We Serve Others

Food Pantry
Thursdays 9:30 am- 12 pm
Our Food Pantry provides food on an emergency basis to families and individuals from Wheeling Township and surrounding suburbs.  Through the generous donations of food items from Kingswood and other community members, we are able to serve 40-60 families each week.  Learn how you can support the Food Pantry.
PADS Homeless Shelter
PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) is our ministry to homeless brothers and sisters in the area. We serve individuals and families by offering meals and shelter.  Learn more about PADS.
Gifts For All God's Children
Gifts For All God's Children is a ministry that provides Christmas gifts for local children in need.  Sponsor one or more children and brighten their Christmas season with a gift.  Contact Elizabeth Hicks to sponsor a child at Christmas time.
UMCOR
United Methodist Committee on Relief
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) provides relief, response and long-term recovery grants to those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters.  Learn more about UMCOR here.
Thrift Store
New Beginnings Thrift Store is an on-site shop next door to Kingswood at Manna House.  The store offers low-cost items to community members in need.  The store is open 9:30 am to noon on Thursdays.  Contact Cheri Stark for information.
Feed My Starving Children
 Feed My Starving Children is called to feed God’s starving children hungry in body and spirit. Kingswood participates in a meal packing event each year.  Contact Pastor Clayton to learn more.
Meals on Wheels
Kingswood provides volunteers in February and July for meal deliveries to those who are elderly or disabled.  Prepared meals are picked up at Lutheran Home in Arlington Heights .  Contact Wendy Avner for further information.
Care Packages
Twice a year, we provide care packages to help us stay connected with our college-aged young adults and those in the military.  Contact Sheri Brubeck if you would like to sponsor or request a care package.
Harvest Fest
Harvest Fest is an annual community and church event with free admission that offers seasonal fun for the whole family. It is generously supported by many Kingswood groups and includes free outdoor activities like games, entertainment and pumpkin decorating.  Contact Jenn Sawyer to get involved.
Paint-A-Thon
Paint-A-Thon is an annual event that serves older or disabled homeowners of single-family residences who are financially disadvantaged and physically unable to paint their homes themselves.  Reach out to Mark Rohde for details.
Medical Lending Closet
The Medical Lending Closet Vernon Township has medical equipment to lend including walkers, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, toilet risers, shower chairs and more. Donations of clean, gently used equipment are also appreciated upon approval. Contact Beth Messina to learn more. 
We have fully functioning library with many newly-released books for all ages and a wide variety of genres. This is a free resource made available to the church community by generous donors. If you're interested in checking out a book from the library, you can do so on Sundays from 10-10:30am.  Reach out to Cheri Stark, our librarian, to learn more.

Interfaith Council
Kingswood is part of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, a group that gives people an opportunity to share our commonalities and, at the same time, honor our religious differences.  The council holds an annual interfaith Thanksgiving service, in addition to other events that address community-wide issues.  Visit the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council to learn more.
Summer Youth Trip
Senior High work camp is usually held the last week of July. We do a variety of projects including construction, painting, working in the soup kitchen and food pantry. These trips are open to 8th grade graduates through recent high school graduates. Our middle schoolers participate in mission projects as well.  Contact Clayton Edwards to learn more.
Kingswood Cares for Kilmer
Kingswood is committed to serving the community by helping the students at Kilmer, our local elementary school.  In August we hold a school supplies collection drive and in December we accept additional donations for school supplies, as well as hats and mittens.  Reach out to Clayton Edwards for further information.
Adopt-A-Highway
Kingswood participates in the Illinois Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program.  We demonstrate our commitment to the community and the environment by picking up trash for a mile-long stretch on Dundee Road.  Contact Clayton Edwards to participate.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Sacred Threads is a ministry of the United Methodist Women at Kingswood. This group knits prayer shawls for members and friends in need of comfort, and makes lap robes for nursing home residents.  Contact Susan Kenski-Sroka if you're interested in this ministry.

Special Olympics
Kingswood Youth supports Northwest Suburban Special Olympics every year by providing workers and athlete care during the spring meet each year. Held at Prospect High School, hundreds of athletes from around the northwest suburbs participate. Kingswood youth and adults provide direction, support, and care for the event.  Contact Pastor Clayton Edwards to learn more.
Buffalo Grove Days Parade
Kingswood participates in the annual Buffalo Grove Days parade over Labor Day weekend.  The parade allows us to be visible and welcoming in the community.  Contact Pastor James if you wish to be part of this fun event.