"'Tis Heaven alone that is given away; 'Tis only God may be had for the asking."

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891)

     2012? Remember when all the talk was about what the new millennium would bring and all the problems that would be created for computers, banks and the entire industrial world? Not much happened. In fact, 1999 went out quietly and 2000 was ushered in with little to no problem. That was 12 years ago! Where has the time gone? 2011 was quite the year for us at St. Nicholas. Then again, everyone is saying the same thing for and of themselves...that is was quite a year for them, too. So, we are all in agreement: it was, 2011, quite a year for everyone.

     With the New Year come new and wonderful opportunities for all of us. Ministry is not for just a select few. Ministry is for everyone, plain and simple. We are all 'priestly people,' within the Church. Our baptismal vows declare us as part of God's family but also and perhaps more importantly, equally responsible for the daily ministry and mission of the Church in general and our church, the community of St. Nicholas in particular. This is indeed a sacred duty that should not be taken lightly. In my years of experiences and encounters at St. Nicholas, I have seen first hand, the dedication, love and commitment displayed and demonstrated by our amazing and 'loving to a fault' faith community. What we have is truly a family, no bones about it. We are all united and spiritually tied together, bound by and with the grace and peace of God and Jesus our Most Holy Redeemer as our source of strength, guidance and support.

     "But what can I do?" If we find ourselves saying this, well, let me give you a few ideas, if I may:

Acolyte: Assist the clergy during our weekend Liturgies. This is an ancient role that has a long history within the Christian community.  

Bread Baker: While prayer does have amazing powers, we do have to do some thing for ourselves. Baking the bread we use at the weekend Liturgies is the product and result of the efforts of US. Time, a few baking necessities and an oven: that's all it takes. You can even use the facilities at Holy Innocents Hall if you'd like.

Children's Formation:     What greater resource have we then our

children? Consider being a leader, teacher or reader for our young people. The gift of faith is a treasured commodity...think about sharing it with our youngest of family members.

Cup Bearer:     Sharing the sacred vessels during Liturgy is quite the sacred honor and privilege. A smile, two loving hands to hold the cup, faith in our Lord and the belief that these cups truly hold our Savior is what is desired. Share the Sacred Food with our sisters and brothers as a cup bearer.

Drivers:     Some of our community members may not be able to attend our services for one reason or another. If you have some time and the space in your car, consider picking up a sister or brother who wishes to join us on Saturday and/or Sunday. Friendships are made of just such ministries.

Elected Office:     Bishop Committee Members are chosen from amongst the community for a period of 2 to 3 years at a time. With this office comes the responsibility of moving and shaping the path and direction our parish takes. We meet every 2nd Sunday of each month.

Fund Raising:     With 2 to 4 yearly fund raisers conducted and held at St. Nicholas Church, volunteers are always needed. Organizers, pick-ups, day of event workers, soliciting donations, clean-up...it all takes dedication, time and workers.  

Grounds:     The outside of the buildings need attention, too. Summer months there are lawns to mow, weeds to pull and gardens and flower beds to tend. In the winter comes shoveling snow from the walks and driveway and ice to break up. We have the tools, the machines...now we need a few more willing souls to assist in this important ministry.

Holy Innocents Food Pantry:     "When you saw me hungry, you gave me some thing to eat." This is what we do and do it quite well at our food pantry. We could always, ALWAYS use a few more pair of hands to help sort, shelve and pick up food items.  

Lectors:     The Good News is meant to be shared out loud and for all to hear. Help share sacred scripture at our Liturgies by being a reader. Yes, some times there are a few words that may cause some confusion. But, with a little practice, all will be just fine. The secret is to breathe in deeply and take time when reading...there you have it.

Maintenance:     With any building comes the responsibilities of keeping it clean and functioning. We have such needs as our space is large. Carpets need vacuuming, floors need washing, bathrooms need attending to, windows need washing, pews and chairs need cleaning and dusting...just like at home. After all, St. Nicholas is our spiritual home and it, too, needs our tender loving care.

Music:     Calling all voices...if you can sing in the shower, or in the car along with the radio, you possess the skill to sing in our choir! Young, old, tall, short, bass, tenor and soprano, too; all are welcome to make a holy noise. If you play the piano and/or organ and wish to volunteer your time on Saturday afternoons at our 4:30 Liturgy, you would be most warmly welcomed.

Outreach Committee:     As small as Elk Grove Village is, St. Nicholas is not as well known as one would expect.  We're changing that! Join in and help get the word out that St. Nicholas Episcopal Church is alive, well and open for business and...ALL are welcome, period!

Welcoming Table: First impressions can not be regained. When some one comes to us, it is essential and vital to have some one on hand to greet and welcome each and every one. Consider sharing your time and warmth at our Welcoming Table...it's easy, fun and a very important part of the life and ministry of St. Nicholas.

Wow...that's quite a list and there are more opportunities that were not listed. The bulletin boards in the hallway near the rest rooms is ready for you to visit, sign up and get fully engaged in the ministry, the life and the times of St. Nicholas. We all have an equal voice and equal share of this place. The church does not belong to any one person...as it belongs to all of us. Let's get busy shall we and build, clean, promote and raise up this community and all the while, make sure we welcome every one who enters our doors as part of this family of faith...this community of St. Nicholas.

The Martin Family: Karen, Tom and Katie 

Our sisters and brothers at St. Bede's Church, as they go through the transition of merging with St. Nicholas.  

Hope Smith

Ethel (Corkey) Stratton, the mother of Hal Stratton, as she continues to recover from surgery and a nasty fall. 

Beth Jarvis as she begins the transition of moving away. 

Carrie Loos

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.