God is present at each and every moment of our lives. Sunday, May 6th, I experienced the Lord's presence in such diverse and sacred means. The morning and early afternoon was spent in worship and celebration at St. Bede's Church. The Liturgy was lively and spirit-filled. The church was packed tight. People commented that such a sight hadn't been seen there on a Sunday in quite some time. Such a sad statement.   But alas, such is the case in many a house of worship on any given weekend where there is more open space than occupied seats. Still, God is present whether there is one person or a hundred and one people. Music filled the rafters with a most holy noise and a multitude of voices were lifted up. I was so proud of the number of St. Nicholas community members who attended. Once again, living proof of just what kind of welcoming and loving community we truly are!  All the while, looking out at the congregation from my seat on the sanctuary, I thought how exciting and blessed are we to be welcomed by the good people of St. Bede's.  And soon, it is my hope, the hope of us all, that many will join us at St. Nicholas where our community of faith will grow together.  After the Liturgy the parish hall was flowing over with hungry souls and a most hearty breakfast was shared.   I heard many conversations and smiles were a plenty.  Isn't this what any family does when it gathers to celebrate faith and a common cause?  

 

Later that day, as Douglas and I were driving home, I received a call from Friendship Village in Schaumburg, that I had better get there as soon as possible as our beloved sister in faith, Billie Matkov's condition had worsened. Getting there as quickly as I could, I walked into her room and joined Billie's family who were all gathered around her bed. As she breathed her last, I took her left hand into mine. I anointed and blessed her. We sat around her bed in prayer and at times in silence. We shared stories, laughed and cried...what any loving family would do, while mourning a dearly departed member.   

 

It is humbling and perhaps appropriate how God is present in the diverse, daily events of our day. I thought to myself as I drove away from Friendship Village, the rain pounding against the windshield, that just a few hours earlier, there was such a festive air of life and excitement as two communities of faith, soon to be one, shared a most sacred and divine meal and hospitality. And here I was, alone, in my car, leaving another scene where I had just shared faith and worship in quite another manner. At both St. Bede's and Friendship Village, God was present and life was celebrated. There was rejoicing in the faith that was shared and held in common by all present. I said goodbye to Billie, a dear, sweet lady and soon, we will say goodbye to St. Bede's Church. And yet, there is new life awaiting both Billie and our sisters and brothers of St. Bede's as we shall continue to celebrate and share our common and sacred faith. Thank you, dear Lord, for being so close and so present.  Thank you, gracious One, for the promise of New Life and the many sacred memories we will hold ever so close and dear to ourselves.     

 

-Manny 

manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org

This weekend, May 12/13, due to our Vicar taking one of his vacation weekends, we will provide the following services, both of which will be presided by Fr. Paul:

Saturday 4:30pm: Evening Prayer

Sunday 10am:      Morning Prayer

We hope you can join the Community of St. Nicholas as we celebrate with joy the installation of Manny as our Vicar on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 7PM.

 

Our diocese is holding a contest to see how many members it can sign up for its email newsletters.  We encourage you to sign up today. It's a great way to stay in touch with what's happening in the larger Episcopal community of which we are part.  Plus, we stand to win a prize!

When you sign up, be sure to enter St. Nicholas, Elk Grove Village as your congregation.


Click here to learn more. 

St. Nicholas will be the site for Life Line Screening to conduct painless ultrasound screenings that can help you avoid a stroke.  The screenings will be offered Saturday, June 30, in conjunction with the Helping Hands program, which will donate $10 to St. Nicholas for every person who signs up at St. Nicholas and attends this screening.  It will be open to the broader community so be sure to tell your friends and neighbors.  We will also be distributing flyers in local churches and businesses.  In addition, each person who signs up at St. Nicholas will receive a $10 discount.  A sign-up sheet is posted in the Gathering Space, along with informational flyers.

Health Screenings by Life Line Screening

Thanks to: