Gratitude Tree
The St. Nicholas Gratitude Tree
News from Nick
The newsletter of the
Community of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Elk Grove Village, Illinois
www.StNicholasEpiscopal.org
November 14, 2012

A few weeks ago, when we began the Stewardship Drive, we heard the Gospel passage of the rich man who wanted to know what he must do to enter eternal life. Jesus told him to follow the Law. When the man said he'd done that since his youth, Jesus said, "There is one more thing you can do. Sell what you have and come follow me".   The man turned around and left. Then Jesus commented on how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom.

I've always been puzzled by this passage. Jesus just told the man that all he needed to do was follow the law and he would gain eternal life. But then he seems to contradict himself by adding another requirement.

 

I recently read a commentary on this Gospel passage that said Jesus' mission was to invite his followers to experience God's Kingdom on earth. The rich man's attachment to his wealth was keeping him from accepting Jesus' invitation to not just get to heaven, but to experience God's presence before his death. He could not bring himself to do what was necessary to enter the Kingdom in this life.

 

When I first came to St. Nick's, I was only looking for a place where I would be welcomed. I found that, and I found much more.

I found that God's Kingdom is right here, right now, in this church.

 

I found that God's Kingdom is here in the Liturgies we celebrate.

 

I found that God's Kingdom is here in the Sunday-morning Coffee we share.

 

I found that God's Kingdom is in the Food Pantry, in the Chili Suppers, and the Rummage Sale.

 

I found that the more I give of my time, talent, and treasure, the more I experience God's Kingdom on earth.

 

In the Lord's Prayer, we pray, "Thy Kingdom come...on earth". It is up to us to make that happen. We are the tools God uses to build His Kingdom on earth.

 

I want the piece of God's Kingdom that is St. Nicholas Parish to not just continue, but to grow so that others can also find what I found here.

 

This is why I pledge.

 

-John Knepper 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In This Issue
Nick at a Glance: A Few Reminders
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Diocesan Convention This Weekend
Varied Voices This Weekend
Bishop's Committee News
Coffee Hour Help Needed
Pledge Card for 2013
Holiday Flower Fund
Prayer Requests
Shout Outs
Readings for This Weekend's Services
Mark Your Calendar

 

Food Pantry

Wednesdays
November 21, & 28
4:30 - 6:30 pm

 

175th Diocesan Convention

Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard
Friday, November 16
Saturday, November 17

 

Healing Weekend
Saturday, November 17, 4:30 pm
Sunday, November 18, 10:00 am
Jessica Tamaski, Preacher  

 

Children / Youth Formation in the Sacristy (room next to the office)
Sunday, November 18
Following 10 am Worship Service  

 

Meeting for all being Confirmed or Received

Sunday, November 18

following the 10 am Worship Service 

 

Wednesday Evening Liturgy to Celebrate Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 21
6:00 pm

 

Executive Committee Meeting
Wednesday, November 21
6:30 pm

 

Children Gather at Sharing Table 

Sunday, November 25
During 10 am Worship Service

 

Book Discussion - When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner
Saturday, December 1
9:30 am - Panera's
90 Biesterfield Road, EGV

 

Nick at a Glance
A few reminders:
  • We ask that you prayerfully consider making a financial pledge to St. Nicholas for 2013.  So that we may budget according to our resources, we'd be most grateful if you could turn in a pledge form by December 1, 2012.  
  • Healing Liturgy Weekend, Nov. 17 & 18.  The Revs. Tony and Fran Begonja will share their healing ministry with all who wish to receive a blessing and healing prayer.  
  • Children's Formation after 10am Liturgy, November 18, 2012 in the Sacristy, the room adjacent to the office.  Adults are welcome to come, share and learn of our program, too.  
  • Meeting for all who are to be Confirmed or Received into the Church on November 18, 2012 after the 10am Liturgy.  We will gather in the church for what I promise will be a very brief meeting.   
  • Mark your calendar for our Thanksgiving Eve service (details below) 
Thanksgiving Eve Service


We'd love to have you join us on Wednesday, November 21 at 6PM, when we'll celebrate a Thanksgiving Eve Liturgy. 

All are welcome!

 

Diocesan Convention This Week

Diocesan Convention The 175th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Chicago will take place on Friday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center in Lombard.

 

The theme of this year's convention is "Fierce Conversations for the Future Church.

 

St. Nicholas will be represented by Pat Kalicki and Jessica Tamaski as our Delegates, and Christy Ogilvie and Cyndi DeBock as our Alternates. 

 

Click here to read resolutions to be considered by Convention.

 

Click here to read reports to be received by Convention.

 

 

Varied Voices Weekend
Jessica This weekend is Varied Voices Weekend.  The third Sunday of each month features a different preaching voice from the community.

This weekend, we're pleased to welcome Jessica Tamaski to the pulpit, and look forward to what she'll share with us.
 
Bishop's Committee News

canterbury crossThe Bishop's Committee met Sunday, November 11:

  • Fr. Jim Bouillon will be the supply priest December
    15/16
    while Manny and Douglas are on vacation.
  • Logistics and timing of several fundraising possibilities were discussed, such as Market Day, an arts and crafts fair, and Tastefully Simple.
  • Congregational pledge to the diocese - We received a letter from the diocese thanking us for not only meeting, but for exceeding, our annual Common Mission Share pledge to the diocese last year. It also asked that we consider increasing our pledge for next year. In light of our current financial challenges and reduced grant income, we need to determine the amount we can realistically commit to.
  • Diocesan Convention - Lay delegates - Jessica and Pat and alternate delegates - Cyndi and Christy will be attending the convention Friday and Saturday, November 16/17.
  • Bishop's visit on December 2 - Manny was in communication with Bishop Epting about details of the confirmation/reception liturgy to be held December 2.
  • Financials - Monthly financial statement was reviewed and approved.
Coffee Help Needed!

coffee hour signMaybe your ministry/talent is making coffee!?  We would like to start a rotation of congregants to make the coffee for the Sunday coffee hour, set up, and clean up after.  It is very easy - be at St. Nicholas between 9 and 9:30 am, make coffee, set out the cups, etc., set out the snacks provided by Jarosch, and then clean up after the coffee hour. If it is preferred, we could have one person set up and another clean up. If you are willing to help with this task, please notify Pat or Manny.  If enough of you sign up, this task would only be required once every two or three months. Please let us know your thoughts.

Stewardship - Annual Pledge Drive 2013
We are in the midst of our Annual Pledge Campaign, and ask that you consider making a financial pledge to St. Nicholas for 2013. 

The pledge form is at this link

Hard copies are available at church as well.

Thank you for your support!
 
Holiday Flower Fund
poinsettia We have turned the calendar to November.  Before you know it, we enter the season of Advent and yes, Christmas is here.  In order to celebrate the holiday with full cheer, we wish to make sure the church is decorated with seasonal flowers and greenery.  Please consider donating to our Flower Fund.  With your donation, we will purchase poinsettias, ivy and greenery which will accentuate our worship space with holiday color and beauty.  Your donation can be in memory of a dearly departed loved one.  We will honor their memory with prayers and appropriate name markers in the plants.  Checks may be made out to St. Nicholas with Flower Fund in the memo line and/or cash donations made in an envelope marked, "Flower Fund."  Please enclose a notation listing who the details, e.g., "Given by Mary & John Smith in memory of Jane Smith."  Any remaining funds will go toward the purchase of Easter flowers.  In advance, thank you to the good people of St. Nicholas for your continued support, generosity and love.    

Prayer Requests

Audrey Cannon

 

Manny Borg 

 

John Laveen, dear and long time friend of Ruth who passed away.  May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen. 

 

Sue Lackey, wife of Gary who is a volunteer at our food pantry: Sue is undergoing serious medical testing and procedures.  We pray for her recovery and improved health.

 

Lucy Begonja, mother of our Tony Begonja: Lucy is in the hospital suffering from dehydration.  That she may regain full and sound health.

 

Carey, daughter-in-law to our Pat and Bob Kalicki who underwent recent surgery:  that she regain full and sound health.

 

Lou, a friend of St. Nicholas and member of the Nooners Group: Lou is undergoing a very serious kidney surgery to remove tumors.  Pray for his full and swift recovery.

    

Connie Davidson, a friend of Nancy Allan who is has been diagnosed with cancer: for her well being and recovery.   

 

Bishop James Allan, our Nancy Allan's relation: he has taken a turn for the worse and his health is in rapid decline; pray for his peace and comfort and strength and acceptance for his family. 

 

Shirley Martinez, a friend of our Scott Cummings: she is battling cancer; pray for her health and well being.   

 

Vivian, sister to our Thelma Malacek, who is battling ovarian cancer: for successful surgery and a full and complete recovery.  Also, Vivian's friend, Peggy, who has been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer: for strength and peace for Peggy and family. 

 

Linda Buzard, choral director of St. John the Divine in Urbana and a friend of Bob DeHaven, is battling breast cancer: pray for full recovery and sound health.

   

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

 

Bernie, the youngest son of our Eunice Dohra has finally returned home!  Yet, his condition remains serious.

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

 

Marcia Kizior, sister of Bob DeHaven, who is in poor health.

 

Pamela Joy DeHaven, in thanksgiving for recovery and continued remission.   

 

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

 

Ethel (Corkey) Stratton, the mother of Hal Stratton

 

Eunice Dohra

 

Richard and Mary Gans

Carrie Loos

 

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

 

Shout Outs

Our thanks to:

Jarosch Bakery and their generous monthly donation of baked goods to St. Nicholas.

All who sold Fannie May candy for our fundraiser.

Our sisters and brothers at St. Simon's Episcopal Church in Arlington Heights for their donation of food to our pantry.

The Outreach Team, Stewardship Team, Bishop's Committee, Youth Ministry, Music Ministry, Food Pantry Crew...for putting so much time, energy and love into their ministry, as we continue to build the Kingdom of God and build up the Community of St. Nicholas.
Readings for This Weekend's Liturgies
Lectionary
Click here for the readings appointed for Saturday, November 17/ Sunday, November 18.

 

1 Samuel 1:4-20

1 Samuel 2:1-10

Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25

Mark 13:1-8 

 

Worship With Us

 

Saturdays - 4:30PM

 

Sundays - 10:00AM   

 

Wednesdays - 6:00PM  

 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

-News from Nick Archive-

Miss an issue of News from Nick?  Need to refer to an earlier issue?  No problem--issues are archived and available at any time at this link

 

News from Nick is published by St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, Elk Grove Village, Illinois each Wednesday.

 

Please submit copy to Douglas by clicking here.   

 

Deadline is Tuesday at noon.


St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
1072 Ridge Avenue
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
847-439-2067
When we say, "All are welcome,"
we mean it! Come, see for yourself!