We've been in the midst of some record-breaking heat and humidity.  Everyone is feeling it.  We need to pay special attention to one another in these difficult times, especially those among us who are elderly, sick and those who live alone.  It is what family does for one another.  We are a family...many children of One God and this is reason enough for us to care and love each other.   Take a moment, please, and check in on those who may need some special attention and do what we can to help.

 

At St. Nicholas, we have shown our faith in action time and time again and we always do so with such grace and spirit.  We give and share and all the while ask for very, very little in return.  We understand and have fully embraced the Judeo - Christian teaching of "do unto others as we would have them do unto us."   And all the while, we draw ourselves closer to the Creator who continues to bless, sustain, strengthen and guide us.   

 

Let me say just one more thing, please:  I am constantly overwhelmed and humbled to see our community of faith in action. Last Saturday's parish picnic was another quality example of just what kind of people we are.  In spite of the heat, water balloons that mysteriously kept disappearing and a near miss from an approaching thunderstorm, we braved all of what nature and unknown sources threw at us and we thrived!  We are, individually and collectively, a remarkable, Christ-centered lot of people and I just know  -- I just feel it  -- that God is pleased with our action.   

 

We still have things to do and tasks that need our attention.  In time, we will accomplish all that we undertake and we will once again brave whatever elements, natural or those brought on by other forces, that come our way.  

 

My sisters and brothers, in the midst of these "dog days" of summer, let's continue to do our best.  In spite of the heat and the "lower energy levels" that come with these extremes in temperatures, know that God empowers us with a most Divine source of grace and strength.  Let's savor it, celebrate it and share it.  There's much expected of us...then again, there is much that has been given us, too.   

 

 -Manny 

manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org

Just a reminder: this Sunday's 10am Liturgy, July 22nd, we will gather and worship in the church. The Support Groups will be using Holy Innocents Hall for their annual picnic and celebration.  We wish our sisters and brothers in all the support groups continued well wishes and a good time.  Remember...dress cool to stay comfortable in what may be a rather hot worship space.

Come one, come all.  In August, we will have three scheduled, community gatherings.  On August 3rd, Friday night, 6:30pm, we will have another Movie Night.  This month's feature film, the 1966 hit, "The Trouble With Angels," starring Rosaline Russell.  Bring along some pop and munchies, your favorite sandwich and pizza will be provided.  The movie is rated "G" for General Audience and is certainly a fun, family feature. 

On August 17 and 18, a Friday and Saturday, we will hold our annual St. Nicholas Rummage Sale.  We will definitely need "all hands on deck" for this event.   Start gathering your unwanted items to bring in.  Ideally, we ask donations to be brought in starting around August 1st.  Holy Innocents Hall will be the site for the sale, which also spills out into the Gathering Space and into the office area.  We will start setting up the Hall on Monday,
August 13th.  Plan ahead to see if you have any time to help set up, assist at the sale and to help clear things out on Saturday afternoon.  4:30 Liturgy follows immediately after.

On August 31st, Friday night, 6:30pm, we will have a Crafts and Games Night.  Bring your favorite craft to work on and perhaps teach others.  Bring your domino set to play "train."  Depending if we have enough material, we can make more Prayer Blankets.  Or, just bring along some munchies to share as we play, chit-chat and enjoy the company of one another.  Coffee and cookies will be available, and if you'd like bring along some pizza, that's fine, too.

Sign-up sheets will be posted to get an idea of how many to expect for the social gatherings and a volunteer sheet will be posted for the rummage sale.  Remember, all are welcome. 

In the process of closing St. Bede's, there was a "silent auction" of sorts.  Donations were accepted for items not brought over to St. Nick's, or otherwise donated.  $196 was collected, and was put in St. Nick's offertory on July 14th.  Thank you to all who contributed.  Those still wishing to give a donation for items they picked up can give their donations directly to St. Nick's. Thank you!

Thanks to:

Members of the former St. Bede's, for donating the proceeds of their "silent auction" to their new home - St. Nicholas.

Bob DeHaven for his diligence and architectural knowledge in helping make the installation of the south-side windows go so well, and making sure we shall eventually have proper air flow, within the church as well.

The Tamaski family for the great job in coordinating the parish picnic. EVERYONE who prepared side dishes, set up tents, tables, chairs, organized games and of course, to EVERYONE who came and had such a wonderful time.

Hal and Steve for braving the heat and barbequing all those hot dogs and hamburgers.

The inventor of ketchup; which really does go well on a hot dog. (yes, so does mustard!)

 

Rachel: the sister of a friend of Donna Tamaski, who died in a head-on accident and Rachel's son who was seriously injured.  May Rachel rest in the full peace of Christ.  

 

Maria Phetkhamphou: that her leg surgery is successful and she fully and quickly recovers. 

 

Hope Smith, whose cancer has reappeared: for strength, peace and guidance. 

 

Bishop James Allan, Nancy Allan's late husband's cousin, who is seriously ill.

  

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

 

Kathy Seghers, sister to our Jennifer Garcia.  Kathy is now home. Pray for her full recovery. 

 

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

 

The Martin Family: Karen, Tom and Katie 

  

Ethel (Corkey) Stratton, the mother of Hal Stratton 

 

 

Paul Brouillette

  

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