A Foundation of Memory 

It is never too late to start a worthwhile program.  The same may be said with the creation of a fund.  And this is what we wish to establish at St. Nicholas; a Memorial Fund.

Ideally, years ago, when the parish was first formed and came into being a fund or some form of a foundation would have been a splendid idea, a sensible and financially responsible venture to pursue. However, we can not go back, though we can and must look forward to where we can be, if we plan well and implement programs and foundations properly and wisely.  So, we begin anew, working with where we are today, in the here and now, in this second decade of the 21^st century with the hopes of establishing a firm and sound foundation for the future.  I brought the issue of a Memorial Fund to the Bishop's Committee last Sunday and all were very much in favor.  Our Flower Fund which was created late last year to ensure we have flowers for the worship space during the holiday seasons, has been a wonderful success.  The church looked wonderful and our those we wished to remember were included in our worship and Liturgy.  There is great hope that our Memorial Fund will be just as and perhaps even more successful. 

The practice is common in many parishes, Episcopal or otherwise.  The dividends are rewarding for both the donor and the entire parish family.  The premise is quite simple and every one is invited to participate as and when we are able.  As a way of remembering a dearly departed loved one, a donation is made to the St. Nicholas Memorial Fund.  Their name is placed in a Memorial Book that will be kept available and placed within the worship space and remain there throughout the year.  The funds raised will remain in an account and are not to be used for salary or operating payments.  Rather, the funds are to be used for sacramental, liturgical or other such church-related matters.  Any amount is welcomed; as no donation is too small or too large.  We open the invitation to all who are part of the Community of St. Nicholas, our friends and extended family.  Certainly, donations are always welcomed, but not mandatory.  We all have said a final goodbye to a family member or friend.  This Memorial Fund will help keep their memory alive and continued prayers offered in their memory and honor.  Of course, this is a voluntary practice and no expectation is placed upon any one.

I personally wish to see the foundation flourish and become a living memorial in honor of those who have gone to their eternal reward. I will make the opening and initial donation to our Memorial Fund...and I invite and welcome all my sisters and brothers, the entire Community of St. Nicholas, family and friends to engage in this most worthwhile endeavor.  The names of the dearly departed will be remembered at our Liturgy in silent prayer and during the Prayers of the People as we pray for those who have died. Donations may be made at any time, via checks made out to St. Nicholas with "Memorial Fund" in the memo line (please enclose a note if you wish to honor anyone in particular).  Checks may be mailed to the church or placed in the collection basket at any Saturday or Sunday liturgy.   Any questions, concerns or thoughts, please feel free to contact me and I will provide clarity and answer to any concern or question one may have. 

God bless us all, the family of St. Nicholas, our family and friends and all those we wish to memorialize, all for the greater glory of God our Creator and Provider.

In Jesus' name we pray.

Amen.

-Manny

The For Sale sign is now in front of the vicarage.  It is listed with Baird & Warner (Bill Barlow, real estate agent).  Bill reports that he has already had a few showings. 

Two of the small group discussions have been held with the Search Team and others will continue during the month of July.  Be sure to sign up and give your input.  Remaining dates are:

Fridays, July 15 & 22, 7 - 9 pm

Saturdays, July 16 & 23, 2 - 4 pm

Sundays, July 17 & 24, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

If you have questions for the Search Team, contact either Katie Black, Denise Butera, Cyndi DeBock, Benny Delgado, Jon Kessler, Tess Setchell, or Hal Stratton.

With the warm weather now fully entrenched for the next few months, our weekend Liturgies have moved into Holy Innocents Hall.  So, we extend an invitation to come, lift up our voices and worship in our wonderful and blessedly, air conditioned facility.  All are welcome to come and share in the gifts of God in this community of faith: St. Nicholas Episcopal Church.   The only thing you'll find warm in our hall is our coffee and the WELCOME we extend to every one! 

Thanks to:

Tim Black, who pulled the dead grass from in front of Holy Innocents Hall and repaired a broken faucet in the kitchen.

To the entire Community of St. Nicholas for the continued love and warmth shared with our weekend first-time worshippers!