It had been over a year since I last went to a movie. For the "day off" on Monday, Memorial Day, we took in an amazing film, "The Most Exotic Marigold Hotel," based on the 2004 novel, "These Foolish Things," written by Deborrah Moggach. The movie...very much enjoyed it. Wonderful cast of British and Indian actors and actresses, plus the sensually intoxicating backdrop of India made for a true treat.

 

I'm not going to divulge the crux of the movie...you'll have to see it or read the book to enjoy for yourself. However, I can share that the British travelers all had one thing in common: they were off to a foreign land to start life anew. Along the way, they encounter both struggles and accomplishments. They experienced tragedy and triumph. New friends were made and goodbyes where shared. Such themes we can all embrace rather easily as we have all experienced these most human of situations.

 

This weekend, we officially and formally welcome, at long last I may add, our dear friends from St. Bede's. Granted, their geographical journey is not as arduous as the characters in the afore mentioned movie who ventured from England to India. However, what is lost in miles is more than made up for in memories and encounters, which I suspect are rather endless in scope and depth.

 

St. Nicholas is not an exotic hotel. We are, however, an historical and unique architecturally designed house of worship that is undergoing a renovation and rebirth, both inwardly and out. New windows will provide us some clarity to the south not to mention cut our energy costs with sound and sealed windows. Repairs to broken patio doors and damaged masonry will, in time, strengthen and reinforce that which has been weakened. There are more things that need attention, time and some well sought out treasure will be needed...but all good things in due time.

 

Yet, the real changes, those that matter most are the changes that will occur within the sacred walls that make up the structure we call St. Nicholas Church. The blessed changes we will experience are new faces with new ideas and gifts to share; more voices to be raised in song and worship, in conversation and prayer.   Our sisters and brothers who come to St. Nicholas along with all of us, who have claimed this place as "our spiritual home" long ago, will work together to build and forge a greater church and a deeper, loving family of faith. Yes, we may well fall just short of claiming the title of 'exotic,' but I'll take who we are and what we are and work with the stuff of which we are made. Shaken together, all of us merged and melded as a single family of faith, we collectively stake our future on one another...this community of St. Nicholas.

 

Welcome Home.

Welcome Back.

Welcome to All.

 

-Manny 

manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org

As we shared earlier this week, Leah Gibbs, mother of David Gibbs and mother-in-law of Ginny Gibbs passed away on Monday.  Funeral arrangements may be found at this link, where you may also write a condolence note or make a donation in Leah's memory. 

Please keep Leah's loved ones in your prayers.

This weekend, June 2/3, we will officially welcome our new members from St. Bede's, Bensenville. 

We are excited for their arrival, and encourage everyone to be present at this weekend's services to welcome them with open arms.

As we celebrate Father's Day in June, let's dedicate the entire month to all our Dads.  Please, consider bringing a framed photo of your Dad to proudly display within our worship space.  In our Memorials, let us give thanks and gratitude to God, our Creator, for all good gifts that have been given to us, God's children. 

Thanks to:

Henry Ryan Murch, the newest grandson of Katie Black and Tim Black, born into the world May 28, 2012

 

Nathile Paul, Vernon Forde's sister.  Ms. Paul is recuperating from surgery.   

Pat James: friend to a generous benefactor of St. Nicholas.  Pat is seriously ill.  Pray for her full recovery.

John Mika: friend of the Martin family

Pamela Joy DeHaven, who is experiencing serious health issues.  For her improved health, healing and full recovery.

Mr. Thomas Black, father to our Tim Black

 

 

The Martin Family: Karen, Tom and Katie 

 

Our sisters and brothers at St. Bede's Church, that they know of our joy at having them join our family.    

Ethel (Corkey) Stratton, the mother of Hal Stratton 

 

   

Carrie Loos

 

Paul Brouillette

  

For those in transition: those searching for work, those who are moving and those encountering changes in life.