My Dad came to the United States when he was but 9 years young, bringing only a small suitcase and a knapsack loaded with whatever he could squeeze in from the home he was leaving in Malta to his new home in Michigan.  Little did he know that in just a few years, he would be packing his bags again.  Only this time, his move was not to start a new life, but to help preserve a life style, a democracy and to prevent the spread of hatred, violence and murder...World War II came calling.

He was sent to the Philippines where he lived for over a year.  He saw combat; he knew what loneliness and fear were and he saw the horrors of war all too closely and far too often.  In the many years since his wartime experiences, he did not talk of his military ventures, choosing rather to keep things to himself, in the secrecy of his heart.  Years after his passing away in December of 1985, I was told of a battle in which my Dad was engaged.  He was confronted by a Japanese soldier while on transport through the jungles.  They fought, my Dad and this other young soldier, hand to hand combat.  My Dad emerged from the jungle, scared, bruised but blessedly very much alive.  The tragedy of war...a young man lay dead in the jungle.  My Dad took the Japanese rifle with its large bayonet attached to it.  He also found a flag, a Rising Sun, that the soldier had tucked into his jacket...the spoils of war go to the victor.  I remember seeing that rifle and flag when I was a youngster.  We, my sisters and brothers, were told to never touch these items...I know I never did, out of respect for my parent's wishes and fearing my Dad's reprimand!  My eldest brother Joe, now has possession of these two war remnants, these personal pieces of history.

So many such stories are told in homes across our country:  how millions of young men and women went off to war, to secure a better world and to ensure our freedom.  Because of the courage and dedication of those who were amongst "the greatest generation," and veterans of other military actions, we have our freedom and the right to pray as we desire; we have a voice in choosing our elected officials; we are blessed with the right to speak openly and express our feelings, to name but a few of the "gifts" secured by our armed forces...freedom...an honor that some other countries can only dream about.

Admittedly and unabashedly, I am a pacifist.  I understand that war is deemed as "necessary" in certain circumstances.  Sadly, war tends to be the norm in our fractioned and fragile world, while peace, so often desired and sought is the rare exception.  As we pay homage, rightly and deservedly to all those who paid the highest price for our freedom, let us also pray for all those men and women whose memory we honor.  Let us also pray for all our current military men and women: for their safety, well being and thank them for their service and courage and pray they all come home safely and soon.  Lastly, as we pray, let us be earnest in our daily efforts in building peace and unity amongst our neighbors while foregoing violence and hatred at all costs.  Love conquers all and always will. Amen.   

-Manny       

Due to recent illnesses in the congregation and the need to recuperate, the rummage sale will not be held June 10-11.  The rummage sale date will be determined at the next Bishop's Committee meeting on Sunday, June 12.  We are looking at dates in late August.  Please do not bring items for the rummage sale to church until August 1.  We have nowhere to store the items at this time.   

Pat Kalicki

pat@stnicholasepiscopal.org

This will be the last weekend for Children's Formation that takes place during the Liturgy.  During the summer months, we hope to gather ideas, material and the people necessary to have the program all set for the fall. We will still have the Children's Liturgy the first, full weekend of each month, at both the Saturday 4:30pm and Sunday 10am Liturgy.  Thanks to all who have helped provide our young people the spiritual guidance they so deserve.  A meeting for all who help and who wish to assist with Children's Formation will be held later this summer to prepare for the fall.  Stay tuned to News from Nick for additional information.  God bless and let's all enjoy the summer respite.   

We are blessed with some very good contacts that help stock our food pantry shelves.  Occasionally, we receive too much to use quick enough.  When this happens, I call on other pantries to come and take what they'd like to help their own pantry patrons.  Salvation Army headquartered in Elk Grove Village came by the other day and received a large supply of food. In exchange, they provided us with a very large supply of coffee, both regular and decaf.  God provides to those who provide to others!  The good people of St. Nicholas are a shining example of charity in action.  Thank you, Salvation Army and thank you to all who do so much to help our sisters and brothers in need.

In the Redeemer,

-Manny 

Thanks to:

The St. Nicholas Moving Company...Lawayne, Earl and Eason Williams, Jay O' Reilly, Paul Swanson and Bob Kalicki who helped transport things in and out of the vicarage.

All our bread bakers: who mix flour, water, sugar, salt and lots of love in preparing the Communion bread we all share and savor.