 |
|
Upcoming Events
Caroling Practice
Friday, December 16
7:00 p.m.
Holiday Movie Night - The Bishop's Wife
Friday, December 16
7:30 p.m.
Book Discussion Group
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Saturday, December 17
9:30 a.m. - Panera's
90 Biesterfield Road, EGV
Caroling at the Rehabilitation Center of Alexian Brothers Hospital
Meet at 11:45 a.m. at the Rehabilitation Center
Decking the Halls
Come help decorate the church for Christmas on Sunday, December 18 after the 10AM liturgy
Reading of Children's Gospel in Noah's Ark Area
Sunday, December 18
During 10 a.m. Worship Service
Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, December 21
6:45 p.m.
Christmas Eve
4:30 p.m.
A Service for the Young and Young-at-Heart and the Building of the Nativity Creche
9:00 p.m.
A Festival of Lessons and Carols with Eucharist
Christmas Day
10:00 a.m.
Festive Christmas Service
Children Gather at Sharing Table
Sunday, December 25
10:00 a.m.
____________
Ongoing Events:
Worship
Wednesdays - 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays - 4:30 p.m.
Sundays - 10:00 a.m.
Food Pantry
1st, 3rd & 4th Wednesdays
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Choir Practice
Wednesdays, 6:45 p.m.
|
|
Getting Involved
St. Nicholas is not a building, it's a community that belongs to all of us. All are encouraged to participate to the fullest extent. Please visit this link on our website for a list of current ministries and contact persons. There are sign-up sheets on the bulletin boards above the drinking fountain at St. Nicholas. Please take time to sign up.
|
|
Contact Us...
|
|
News From Our Diocese
We encourage you to sign up for our diocese's new email newsletter to keep up with news and events from the larger community. Click here to sign up.
|
News from Nick is published by St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Elk Grove Village, Illinois each Thursday.
Please submit copy to Douglas by clicking here. Deadline is Wednesday at noon.
|
|
|
-News from Nick Archive-
Miss an issue of News from Nick? Need to refer to an earlier issue? No problem--issues are archived and available at any time
at this link.
|
|
|
Almost Here...
We're into the countdown mode of Christmas: the stockings are hanging with care I trust, greetings are in the mail while the halls are decked with holly and free of dust. Rudolph, Frosty, Charlie Brown and crew have all been aired once, maybe twice, beloved, tried and true. "A Christmas Story" and "Christmas Vacation" runs twenty-four seven, for some this is agony for others, sheer heaven! For those of us "aged enough" to fondly remember black and white TV, "The Bells of St. Mary" and "Come to the Stable" are most certainly part of the holiday tradition and are a must to see.
We all have our stories, haven't we? Each of us has our favorite family events that shout out 'MERRY CHRISTMAS.' And amidst all the wrappings of paper and foil, the ribbons and bows, the efforts and labor, the long hours and toil, there, under the tree or atop the table lays the sleeping Jesus, his mother and father all safe in the stable.
Cling to what is of our family, our heritage, the vestiges of what 'our people' brought to the new country...in crates and grips, in heart and mind. Celebrate the feast of Jesus, the Emmanuel, and the King of humankind. Remember, lest we, for too long a time rest, there is much for us to do to pass the season's test. It is near, the Incarnation of which we sing, the Holy Day of which all the world's church bells ring.
Yes, sisters and brothers, we have some things which need our efforts and time... there is still room for all to share voices and energy, to work and to chime...
1) Holiday Movie Night. On Friday, December 16th, at 7:30pm, we will once again roll out the big TV, pop some corn, munch on some pizza and snacks and sip some pop, all while comfortably watching a favorite, holiday movie. This time, we'll feature the black and white classic, "The Bishop's Wife," starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven and Elsa Lanchester. Bring your own goodies along to savor and share. There is a sign up sheet in the gathering space at church, just to get an idea how many wish to come. Bring the family and friends...we have plenty of room for all! 2) Christmas Caroling. On December 17th, we will venture to the Rehabilitation Center of Alexian Brothers Hospital and sing carols and holiday songs to the patients. All are welcome. We will meet at the Rehabilitation Center, which is located across the street from the hospital on Biesterfield Road at 11:45 a.m. See article below for additional information. 3) Decorating the Halls. Time to decorate the worship space for Christmas. After the 10am Liturgy on Sunday, December 18th, we will remove all that is Advent and decorate with all that is Christmas. We have lots to do, so we'll need lots of active hands. What a wonderful family opportunity...bring the kids and some extra adult strength, too. We'll have plenty of coffee and sweets to keep us motivated and energized. FA LA LA LA, LA, LA, LA, LA, LA! 4) Let's Build our Creche. If you plan on attending the 4:30pm December 24th Christmas Eve Liturgy, then you'll certainly want to be part of the festive action of building the nativity creche. As part of the procession, members will carry in the figures that will create our beautiful nativity scene, which will be placed atop our baptismal font. Families, couples, young and old, individuals and threesomes, too...all are invited to carry in and carry on with this holiday tradition. A sign up sheet is in the gathering space. It's a long walk back into history but a short walk to the baptismal font...come along for this wonderful and loving journey. This is what 'church' is all about: getting involved and active, being part of what's happening, being a voice and then some, a pair of hands engaged in ministry. It's a very real way of being true stewards of our church and for our church, this wonderful place, this St. Nicholas Church. God bless us all and to all, a good night. -Manny manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org |
|
Christmas at St. Nicholas
 Please plan to join us on Christmas Eve and / or Christmas Day. All are welcome! Here is the service schedule: Christmas Eve4:30 P.M. A Service for the Young and Young-at-Heart and the Building of the Nativity Creche 9:00 P.M. A Festival of Lessons and Carols with Eucharist Christmas Day10:00 A.M. Festive Christmas Service Where better to spend Christmas than at St. Nick's? |
|
Bishop's Committee News
The Bishop's Committee met Sunday, December 11
A vote was taken to join the EGV Chamber of Commerce and we will reevaluate our membership after one year.
Manny advised us that the Food Pantry Team has decided to keep their focus on providing food to our Food Pantry guests, rather than trying to collect toys for them. The toys that were collected in the past and left over will be donated to another worthy cause such as Toys for Tots. It is expected that the Food Pantry will be receiving turkeys this week to distribute to the guests and help make their Christmas joyful and filling.
Manny has become active in the Chicago Diocesan Elgin Deanery and has agreed to host their Wednesday, January 4, meeting at St. Nicholas, to be held in the Worship Space. In addition, Manny has joined the EGV Interfaith Community, making connections with other churches in our area.
Pat
pat@stnicholasepiscopal.org
|
|
Dominick's Rebate Program
November 1st was the last date to renew your membership in the Dominick's Rebate program. I just received an update stating that there are still 29 members who did not renew their membership in this program, which will result in St. Nick's missing out on $1,450 in contributions annually. Even though the November 1st deadline has passed, your membership can be renewed ANYTIME and your contributions will resume immediately. If you are one of the 29, please log on to the escrip website, www.escrip.com, and click on the "Yes" button with the checkmark in the lower left part of the screen. On the next page, go to the bottom and choose "Dominick's" for the type of card and enter your card number. If you had trouble renewing or registering, please see me and I will get those issues resolved, or with your permission, I can do it for you. This is a very easy, no-work fundraiser, so let's not lose out on this opportunity to make money for St. Nick's.
If you haven't previously participated in this rebate program, please see me and I can get you registered.
-Pat Kalicki
pat@stnicholasepiscopal.org
|
|
A-Caroling We Will Go: This Saturday!
 Please join us in a St. Nicholas Caroling Event on Saturday, December 17th. We will be raising our voices in song and praise, as we help make this holiday season a little brighter for patients of Alexian Brothers Rehabilitation Hospital (955 Beisner Road, Elk Grove Village--directly across from the hospital). Let's demonstrate to the community that St. Nicholas is alive and well within our hearts, as we show kindness and service to others. You do not have to have a fantastic singing voice to join in on the fun. Click here for are all the details from last week's issue of News from Nick. Please note that we'll rehearse this Friday at 7pm in the church. Also, please arrive at the Rehabilitation Center by 11:45 a.m. on Saturday. Please call Jan Tossman (847-259-2679)to let her know if you will be joining us for caroling. |
|
Holiday Movie Night - This Friday
 Please join us this Friday, December 16th, at 7:30pm in Holy Innocents Hall for the classic movie, "The Bishop's Wife" More details in Manny's article above. All are welcome!
If you did not already sign up, please click here to let us know you're coming. Please state how many adults and children.
|
|
Episcopal Church 101
 The final scheduled session of this forum will take place this Sunday, December 18 after the 10am Liturgy. We'll gather in one of the breakout rooms off of Holy Innocents Hall. Join us as we delve deeper into a better and more enlightened understanding of our Church and our role in this community of faith. All are welcome, regardless of whether you were able to attend the first three sessions! |
|
2012 Pledge Update
Thanks to all who have submitted a pledge for 2012; this makes our treasurer's job much easier! As of today, 51% of you have pledged, with a number of you increasing your pledge from what you pledged in 2011, which is very encouraging and uplifting. The total of pledges received thus far is $47,764.
Our goal is a pledge from every household at St. Nicholas, especially given that it takes the talents and gifts of everyone--regardless of the size of the gift--to keep our church alive and growing.
Pledge forms are at this link and on the shelf just outside the worship space.
Thank you again for your consideration and generosity! And, thank you for the many ways you all support St. Nicholas!
|
|
Poinsettias for Christmas
Reminder: If you would like to donate in memory or thanksgiving to the Christmas Floral Fund, thus enabling us to purchase the flowers that will decorate our worship space at Christmas, please write a check to St. Nicholas and write 'floral fund' on the memo line. You may also give a cash contribution in an envelope marked 'floral fund.' If you would like an acknowledgment card in the poinsettias, please enclose a note listing your names and how you'd like to card to read. If you have any questions please email s.raftery@comcast.net.
|
|
New Socks for New Friends
As the weather gets colder, our need to keep warm and dry  increases. We go to our dresser and get a clean pair of socks, slip them on and we're set. However, the sad news is so many of our sisters and brothers are not so fortunate. The community of St. Nicholas, in cooperation with the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago will collect new socks throughout this winter season. Donations can be placed in the basket in the church or by the Giving Tree. The collected socks will be distributed to the needy to help make their winter a bit warmer, dryer and safer. Your generosity and assistance are deeply appreciated. God bless us the good people of St. Nicholas, who, as always give from the heart. |
|
|
Shout Outs
 Thanks to: Jim and Marv for moving all of the paint from the garage to an inside closet so it won't freeze. Mary, Hal and our choir: for the wonderful work they do in leading us in song, as we lift our voices in praise and prayer. The Outreach Committee which continues to work so very hard at putting St. Nicholas front and center and in the news! Those who have brought donations of socks for the needy, food for the pantry and votive candles for the luminaries that light up our driveway on Wednesday and Saturday nights ...how truly generous a people we are. The Search Committee for their dedicated efforts in leading our community as we call forth our next Vicar. |
 Upcoming Scripture Readings
|
|
Prayer Requests
Paul Widem, a long-time friend of Nancy Allen, who has been hospitalized for several months; for his recovery and well being.
For the homeless, the marginalized, the needy and the ostracized; that God provide them strength, peace and security.
Eileen Maher, sister of Mary Beth Jarvis, as she recovers from a stroke.
The Martin Family: Karen, Tom and Katie
Melissa Coolidge
Our sisters and brothers at St. Bede's Church, as they go through the transition of merging with St. Nicholas.
Monica Nave
Hope Smith
Ethel (Corkey) Stratton, the mother of Hal Stratton, as she continues to recover from surgery and a nasty fall.
Eunice Dohra
Audrey Cannon
Godfrey James Catanus, Paul Swanson's friend who is out of coma and in recovery.
Beth Jarvis as she begins the transition of moving away.
Carrie Loos
Richard and Mary Gans
Paul Brouillette
For those in transition: those searching for work, those who are moving and those encountering changes in life.
For success and blessings during this time of discernment and search for our next vicar.
|
|
|
News from Nick:
A big thank you to everyone who sold and purchased 