The other day, as I was driving on Northwest Highway (Route 14) headed toward St. Nicholas; a mini van was to my left, being driven by a young lady. She was texting while driving, using her left arm to steer the car while her hands were busy typing out a message. I did a double take, shook my head in disbelief and then, I honked my car horn. The noise startled her, causing her to drop her phone onto her lap. She shot me a look and then, she slowed down. The reason I honked my car horn was to get her attention back to driving her car and not "playing" with her cell phone. Apparently, it worked. We both arrived to a stop light at Rt. 68 and Northwest Highway. She rolled down her passenger window and waved for me to roll down my window. I did, fearing she was going to give me an ear-full.   To my pleasant surprise, she thanked me for honking my horn and getting her mind back to driving and not texting. She also said she would never text and drive at the same time again. I smiled, thanked her for making that promise and drove on. I wonder if she has kept the promise...I certainly hope so.  

 

It continues to amaze me how often people will multi-task at such inappropriate times. Driving is not the time to take up another activity. Drive and that's it, nothing else. Yet, we're all busy people and our intentions are to get as much done while we can and as best we can. Sometimes, this means doing two things at once. Granted, while I'm typing up this reflection, I have a load of laundry in both the washer and dryer. There is no danger to that. No one is in any potential jeopardy, right? But, other times, well, we need to focus on just one thing and nothing else. When I pray, I do not busy myself with anything else. Rather, it is just God and me...in silence and peace. Though, when I jog, I pray, too. Again, no one is in danger, except if I fall over my own feet because I wasn't watching the path carefully enough.

 

Time is precious, we all agree on that. When we direct our attention to one task, that one task must be what we focus upon and nothing else. When behind the wheel of a two-ton machine, controlling that machine is the only "focus subject" that should occupy our mind. I'd hate to think an airline pilot is doing anything but flying the jet that is filled with trusting passengers. The same focus and attention is needed when we come to church to worship. We are there to celebrate our faith in two distinct forms: in the Liturgy where the Word is proclaimed, preached and the sharing of a sacred meal. And secondly, when after we have worshiped together, we take time to socialize, settle down and relax with our parish family. These moments of time used wisely help build our relationship with both God the Creator and with one another. We have here a divine and human win-win situation! This is what Christianity in action is all about. The time we spend together, focusing our attention while exercising our faith, we build a stronger and healthier community of believers; a people dedicated to preserving and sharing our religious heritage and all the while building loving relationships with one another.

 

When I look out at the congregation from my seat near the altar, I look at the faces of my parish family and I smile. I know, in my heart of hearts that when I am with you, I am spending time in the best way possible. And, in all honesty, I wouldn't want to be doing anything else....just being with you, celebrating our faith in worship and hospitality is truly time so very, very well spent. No desire to multi-task here!  

 

-Manny 

manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org 

 

Wednesday, September 26

6:00 pm

September 26

6:45 pm

Saturday, September 29,

10:00 am

Sunday, September 30

During 10 am Worship Service

An Evening with Gene Robinson
Thursday, October 4
Elmhurst College
7:30 pm -NOTE NEW TIME

Saturday, Oct. 13, 4:30 pm

• Choir Rehearsal Resumes this Wednesday, September 26 at 6:45 pm
   
• Reminder that we'll have Evening and Morning Prayer this weekend instead of Holy Eucharist.  
   
• The time of the lecture by Bishop Gene Robinson has been changed to 7:30 pm on October 4.  We look forward to a group outing for what promises to be a great evening!   
   
• On Saturday, October 13, Bob Kalicki will begin the Stewardship Drive in a conversation with the congregation after the 4:30 Liturgy. Please plan to stay after the service and take part in this most important conversation.   
   
• We join us at our Semi-Annual Meeting and Potluck Luncheon on Sunday, October 14 after the 10am Liturgy. Even if you don't bring a dish, please bring yourself!  Your voice matters! 

 

Richard Nordberg, Penny Mandziara's father who is in hospice: for his health, well being and God's mercy be with Richard.

Thelma Malecek: for swift and complete recovery from her most recent hospital visit

Bernie, the youngest son of our Eunice Dohra.  Bernie underwent pancreatic surgery: for support, healing and full recovery for Bernie and strength and guidance for Eunice.

Peter Barlow, son of Bill and Kathy Barlow: for his safety and the safety of all our military men and women overseas.

Ethel (Corkey) Stratton, the mother of Hal Stratton

Our thanks:

St. Viator High School for their wonderful donation to us of fruits, vegetables and bagels.

All who "took the walk" and passed out grocery bags to our neighbors to gather food for our pantry.

Our New Stewardship Team, whose members are hard at work helping to lead St. Nicholas forward and onward.

All who continue to support St. Nicholas via the Giving Tree, pledging, food pantry, baking bread, cleaning the facility and in joyful praise.