News from Nick
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June 5, 2013
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"Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." And this particular traveler, yours truly, is quite glad to be back at his humble abode. You see, as much as I enjoy traveling, taking in and absorbing different vistas and encountering new people, I have had far too many "travel dramas." Without going into too much detail, let's just say I could write a book!
This retreat trip was going to be a prime opportunity to place myself in an atmosphere of monastic quiet and serenity. Also, I was to benefit from a guided retreat under the direction of a clergy member who happens to be an old friend and former graduate school professor of mine.
I flew out to Washington D.C., landed safely, and boarded first the "Red Line Train," then the "Yellow Line Train," walked three long, city blocks -- two of which were right through a construction zone where there was no sidewalk, just a dirt path. At long last, the monastery was before me: a structure which, if I may say resembled more of a castle than anything else. I pushed the buttons that activated the door to unlock it. Wearily and tired out, I entered in. I was "home" for the next 5 days. After settling in, I check my phone which I had turned off before the 10a.m. Sunday Liturgy that morning at St. Nicholas and that was over 9 hours earlier. One message awaited me...from my retreat director instructing me to return his 12:01pm call as soon as I possibly could. I did and it was not what I expected to hear.
Fr. Gerry was still in New Jersey and he was not going to get back to D.C. until Saturday afternoon. Problem was; I was leaving Friday afternoon! It was unavoidable. He had taken ill and had to stay put so the doctors could determine what was causing his pain. He felt lousy both physically and emotionally as he felt he was "letting me down." And me...I felt odd being in that huge place with only a few others and not knowing anyone at all. Fortunately, Tuesday afternoon a couple other clergy I did know arrived and the castle had more life and comfort. Also, by Tuesday, I had gotten to know the few who were living there and we had already established a relationship and even a friendship. Nonetheless, what was meant to be a 5-day directed retreat had become a 5-day self-directed and self-guided retreat.
I read the material that was left for me. I joined the small community for daily prayer, the Liturgy and meals. There was ample time for meditation. I went into the chapel, kept the lights off and sat in a corner against the cold marble walls. The constant humming of the central air (the only room in the house that had such an amenity) relaxed me. In fact, it sort of kept me "focused," too. After dinner and private Evening Prayer, I would venture to the basement, the "crypt" and read with only a small little lamp to illuminate the darkness and blackness of that space. I exercised, too, making good use of the time allotted to run on the treadmill and/or jog the neighborhood, especially around the campus of Catholic University of America which was 4 blocks away. Unfortunately, I have come to accept the fact the my knees just can't hold up to running anymore, at least not the way I used to run. Age and two surgically repaired knees have taken their toll.
As much as I enjoyed the opportunity for the retreat, I was quite glad to see Friday come at last. I was missing Douglas, my St. Nicholas community and the comforts of "home, sweet home." Being a "good guest," I laundered the sheets and towels, put fresh linen on the bed, cleaned the bathroom and made sure the room was ready for the next guest, who incidentally was arriving that very Friday afternoon.
There are many forms of retreats and you know what? Oddly, I sort of experienced a few of them in this one particular retreat! Above all, I was afforded time to recharge my "spiritual battery," while physically stepping back a bit and gaining a fresh perspective toward ministry. And, I pray, that the results are to be of a positive nature as I continue to evolve in becoming a better person, a better priest and better friend to all.
Amen.
-Manny
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Mark Your Calendar
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Worship
Saturdays - 4:30 pm
Sundays - 10:00 am
Children's Sharing Table
June 9, 23 and 30
During 10 am Liturgy
Food Pantry
June 5 & 19, 4pm - 6pm
Bishop's Committee Meeting
Sunday, June 9, 2013
8:15am
Healing Liturgy Weekend
June 15 & 16, 2013
Varied Voices Weekend
June 22 & 23, 2013
Steve Raftery will proclaim the Gospel and share his reflection
Elk Grove Village Parade
June 15, 2013
Come and join in the fun and see St. Nicholas' float!
Little Boots Rodeo
June 22 & 23, 2013
12noon to 6pm
Corner of Arlington Heights Road and Devon Avenue on the grounds of Prince of Peace Methodist Church
St. Nicholas Picnic
July 27, 2013
12 noon to 4pm
4:30 Liturgy to follow, outdoors, weather permitting.
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Summer Worship Moves into Holy Innocents Hall
|  The warm weather is seemingly with us for the next few months. So, we will move our worship and celebration into air-conditioned Holy Innocents Hall starting this Saturday, June 8.
We will remain in the Hall until early September when we shall once again return to our beloved worship space in the church proper.
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Chicago's Annual LGBTQ Pride Parade
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Chicago's Annual LGBTQ Pride Parade - The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is Marching!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Staging begins around 10 a.m.; Parade steps off at Noon
Click here to join the event on Facebook.
With over 750,000 people attending last year's parade, this is an amazing opportunity to deliver our message of hope in Christ, of complete love and acceptance in God, and of changing the world through the Holy Spirit to a massive audience. While the world hears many stories of religion on the side of exclusion, we mean to show our Church on the affirming side of inclusive love.
This year's parade features a new route that is about 2.5 miles long, beginning at Montrose and Broadway and ending at Diversey and Sheridan. If you've never marched before, it is an amazing experience you'll never forget.
We'll have two giant puppets, signs, streamers, music, and even a truck if you get too tired! All you need to do is show up-- and wear a blue t-shirt!
This year, will you commit to marching with the diocese, and helping to find folks to march with us?
To march with us, please email Matthew Zaradich for more information. Please put "Episcopal Pride" in the subject line. Further information will be provided as it comes available. We need an accurate count of marchers, so please email as soon as possible!
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Book Discussion Group - Bible and Sword |  The Book Discussion Group is currently reading Bible and Sword, by Barbara W. Tuchman. We'll announce the date, time and location of our next meeting soon. Stay tuned. In the meantime, if you're interested in joining the group, or have questions, please contact Steve Gruenwald. |
Mark Your Calendar - St. Nicholas Picnic! | Make plans now to join us for the Annual St. Nicholas Picnic!
Saturday, July 27th, from 12 Noon to 4PM.
Weather permitting, an outdoor liturgy will follow at 4:30PM.
More details to come. For now, please mark your calendar! A good time will be had by all!
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Elk Grove Village Farmer's Market Now Open for Business!
| As a reminder to one and all, the Elk Grove Village Farmer's Market is now officially open and ready for business. Each Saturday morning, opening at 7:30am and closing at 1pm,located at the Village Clock Tower in the parking lot of the library and behind the Village Hall, vendors set up and sell their wares. Breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry, fresh cut flowers, plants ready for your garden, popcorn fresh and hot, sweets and savory delights await our discriminating tastes. Also, as a reminder, proceeds from the Farmer's Market benefit, directly, three food pantries in the Village and St. Nicholas' pantry is one of them. The market officially opened June 1st and will run until October 12, 2013. So, if you're in the Village on a Saturday morning and have a little time...stop by the Farmer's Market, do a little shopping and support the efforts of the pantries of the Village that do so much good for those in need. |
June is For Our Dearly Departed Fathers |
Throughout the month of June, we will honor our dearly departed fathers and pay tribute to them for the care and love they have shown us, their children.
We invite one and all to bring a photo of your Dad and place it on the table at the entrance of the worship space.
What a loving memorial for all to share and enjoy. God bless us our fathers--those still with us and those who have returned home to God.
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A Gentle Reminder | As we gear up for vacation season, and a well-deserved break from our routines, please help us by remembering that the utility company billing departments don't (unfortunately) take vacations. If you could keep your pledge current during the summer months, we would be most grateful.
And, if you haven't submitted a pledge for 2013, it's never too late! You'll find the form at this link.
Thank you!
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Shout-Outs |
To Val Gruenwald for taking such care and sharing her talents and love with our children and young people in religious formation. The young people will miss their time with you and one another...but September will roll around in no time flat.
To Connie Nicholson for sharing her passion and wisdom at our Bible Study Sundays. We're anxious to resume our sessions come September.
To Tony Begonja for 'pinch-hitting' at the last minute and sharing his musical talents with us at the 4:30 Saturday Liturgy while Hal was at an out of town conference.
To Richard Steinbarth and the good people at LaPreferida Mexican Food Industry for another large donation of canned good and other items to our food pantry. Muchas Gracias!
To Jack Groat and the folks at Little Boots Rodeo for yet another wonderful donation of cookies and treats for our food pantry...your generosity will bring lots of sweet smiles with all these goodies.
To all who do such a wonderful job of 'pitching in' and making St. Nicholas work: LaWayne who took to washing the windows on Sunday and Joan and Kirsten who made coffee and prepared for our after-Liturgy refreshments.
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Readings & Lectors / Intercessors for This Weekend |
 June 8 & 9, 2013 - The Third Sunday after Pentecost
Saturday, June 8
All Readings: Steve Raftery
Sunday, June 9
First Reading: Laura Lampe
Second Reading: Val Gruenwald
Intercessions: Tameica Williams
Chalice Bearers: Hank Mandziara, Sandra Glos
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1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24)
The word of the LORD came to Elijah, saying, "Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have commanded a widow there to feed you." So he set out and went to Zarephath. When he came to the gate of the town, a widow was there gathering sticks; he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, so that I may drink." As she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a jug; I am now gathering a couple of sticks, so that I may go home and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die." Elijah said to her, "Do not be afraid; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterwards make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the LORD the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the LORD sends rain on the earth." She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.
[After this, the son of the woman, the mistress of the house at Zarephath, became ill; his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. She then said to Elijah, "What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to cause the death of my son!" But he said to her, "Give me your son." He took him from her bosom, carried him up into the upper chamber where he was lodging, and laid him on his own bed. He cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I am staying, by killing her son?" Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried out to the LORD, "O LORD my God, let this child's life come into him again." The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah; the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. Elijah took the child, brought him down from the upper chamber into the house, and gave him to his mother; then Elijah said, "See, your son is alive." So the woman said to Elijah, "Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth."]
Psalm 146 Page 803, BCP
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Hallelujah!
Praise the LORD, O my soul! *
I will praise the LORD as long as I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.
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Put not your trust in rulers, nor in any child of earth, *
for there is no help in them.
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When they breathe their last, they return to earth, *
and in that day their thoughts perish.
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Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help!*
whose hope is in the LORD their God;
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Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *
who keeps his promise for ever;
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Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *
and food to those who hunger.
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The LORD sets the prisoners free;
the LORD opens the eyes of the blind; *
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down;
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The LORD loves the righteous;
the LORD cares for the stranger; *
he sustains the orphan and widow,
but frustrates the way of the wicked.
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The LORD shall reign for ever, *
your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.
Hallelujah!
Galatians 1:11-24
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me.
Luke 7:11-17
Soon after healing the centurion's slave, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on his people!" This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.
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Prayer Requests |

Ethel 'Corkey' Stratton, Hal's Mom who is in the hospital: that she regain full health and is able to return home very soon.
All who are suffering from the severe weather and have lost loved ones, homes and possessions.
Tony and Fran Begonja who venture to Texas to be part of the Order of St. Luke Convention: that their travels be safe and their time with confreres is successful and enjoyable.
Mary B., the wife of a good friend of our Ellen Whalen. Mary has been diagnosed with leukemia: pray for Mary's well being and her family's endurance.
Cathy Walters, sister of Mindy Golden: that Cathy receive news that is encouraging and promising and she regain strength and healing.
Members of our community who are burdened with health matters, employment difficulties and are feeling overwhelmed that our gracious and loving Lord bless and sustain us all.
Victims of violence, war, oppression, discrimination and poverty.
Bernie, Eunice's youngest son who has taken a serious turn and is back in the hospital. Pray for his recovery and for the well being of his family.
**Barb Liss who passed away from cancer
**Pernell Rion and his continued recovery from stem cell transplant
Quenten Fabiano, a friend of St. Nicholas was in a serious car accident and has suffered severe brain damage: pray for his full and complete recovery and for the strength and perseverance of his family and friends.
For Eunice Dohra, Marcia Kizior, Pamela Joy DeHaven, Ethel "Corkey" Stratton, Richard and Mary Gans: members and family of our community of St. Nicholas who continue to experience health concerns: for the full restoration of sound health and a productive life.
Peter Barlow, son of Bill and Kathy Barlow: for his safety and the safety of all our military men and women overseas.
(**written prayer requests collected during Liturgy)
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ALL are Welcome to Worship With Us |
Saturdays - 4:30 pm
Sundays - 10:00 am
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-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.
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St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
1072 Ridge Avenue
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 847-439-2067
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When we say, 'All are welcome,' we mean it! Come, see for yourself!
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