If someone had just walked in off the streets and wandered into St. Nicholas this past Sunday, they may well have thought we were having some sort of a festival or special gathering. There was such a lively and 'spirit-filled' noise that filled the Hall, Gathering Space and the Church itself. Children's and Young People's Formation was going on in the Vesting Room, while in the Hall, coffee was being sipped, pastry was being sliced and shared and conversations were lively. In the Noah's Ark Space, Bible study was underway, while in the church, Healing and Anointing was graciously being offered and administered. My friends, there was nothing "special" going on. What was being experienced was a church "alive," and God's people engaged in the life and ministry of a house of worship. As Douglas and I drove home, I have to share, and gladly so, my heart soared at what I heard and what I saw at St. Nicholas: people, all sisters and brothers in Christ, sharing and giving, one to another. THIS is what church is, my friends; giving, sharing, praying, rejoicing, offering and receiving and all in Jesus' name.   You all make me so very happy and you fill my life with joy. Let us make sure we offer those same gifts--as Fran preached this past weekend--to one another, as they are made gift to us by our Lord and Savior.

January and February will be two very filled months of parish life and activities at St. Nicholas. Because we have so much going on, I plan on running this portion of the weekly reflection for the next few weeks. So, without further ado...

• January 23rd, we will be meeting Bishop and Trustees at St. Nicholas for our quarterly report. Typically, meetings of this sort have important matters to discuss. Such will be the case at this meeting.   Your prayers and support are requested. There are many good things happening at St. Nicholas and we all want that momentum to keep us moving forward. This is what B&T is also wishing for us. Together, working as one, we will attain our goals as we go about our duties of building the Kingdom of God here on earth as we rebuild and recreate St. Nicholas.  
• January 27th, our Annual Parish Meeting and Pot Luck Luncheon is scheduled. We eagerly and warmly encourage and invite the entire parish family to come and be part of this vital parish activity. We will meet immediately after the 10 am Liturgy. Bring a dish to share--salads, soups, deli trays and such are fine. I promise to keep the meeting 'on point' and not go too terribly long.   
• February 1, Chicagoland Order of Saint Luke and the Celebration of the Vigil of Candlemas will be held at the St. Nicholas.  Pizza, Praise and Healing will begin at 6pm with a shared meal in the Hall with Liturgy to follow in the church.  All are welcome to attend and share in this special event.    
• February 9th, our 3rd Annual St. Nicholas Chili Supper. What a great time we have getting this event up and running, not to mention the great chili and prizes available! Lots of help needed for this event to be successful. This is a great "fun-raiser," for all of us, with laughs, lively conversation and some pretty darn good chili, too. We could use help soliciting gifts for the door prizes and raffles. And of course, mark your calendar for the 9th of February; bring friends and family, too. There's always room for more at our table! Come for the 4:30 service and stay for the chili supper, immediately following the service.  
• February 12, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  At 6:30pm, Holy Innocents Hall at St. Nicholas all are welcomed to join in the fun and Pre-Lenten celebration.  The eve of Ash Wednesday traditionally finds Episcopalians gathering together, as community, preparing for Lent, and sharing in the time-treasured fare of pancakes for supper.  Again, all are warmly invited! 

manny@stnicholasepiscopal.org 

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. 

Ken, the brother of our Mary Beth Jarvis who suffered a stroke on Christmas Eve.  Ken is currently in critical condition, having lost sight in his left eye and motion on his left side.  Pray for Ken, his recovery and his well being and pray for his family and friends for strength and support.

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.

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.

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

 
Click here for the readings appointed for Saturday, January 19 / Sunday, January 20