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The Shakers that were and the Trappists that are: two distinct communities that span well over a thousand years and are both very much relevant today.
Our trip to Kentucky afforded us the gift of experiencing Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and the Trappist monks, (also known as Cistercians) of the Monastery of Our Lady of Gethsemani. We stayed at Shaker Village; a lovely, quiet center nestled in the "blue-grass covered" rolling hills. Truly, a most scenic of environs is where Shaker Village rests. One steps back to the early 1800's when this 'village' and the Shaker movement in this country took root and held tight. In those years,the village thrived. At their height of popularity, the community grew to over 400 men, women and children. The village prospered: the simple life, the prayer and worship were at the heart of this Community's existence and purpose for being. The village thrived financially, too, due largely to the sale of their homegrown and hand-made goods. However, as the industrial age dawned and greater opportunities in urban areas increased, the Shaker Community began to fade and, in 1923, ceased to exist in Kentucky. Of course, some mention must be made that the rule of celibacy embraced by this community certainly helped lead to the demise of this movement. With a strong faith in the belief that people would continue to join the Community, in reality and as time would prove, the Community just could not be sustained. Today, there are five Shakers left living in a small community in Maine. They have adjusted to today's fast-paced world, yet they still cling to the ideals and vision of their Shaker ancestors..."all for the greater glory of God."
The Cistercians, a Roman Catholic religious community has its origin in France in the year 1090. The Community has a very long and rich history of a most austere yet joyful life style. All male, and yes, they too, embrace celibacy yet for different reasons and with different results as compared with the Shakers. Founded by St. Bernard of Clarvoix, the Trappists are still very much alive and rather well, living, breathing and ministering in over 20 countries the world over. Thomas Merton, known as Fr. Louis within the Community, the renowned American spiritual and religious writer was a Cistercian and he lived at Gethsemani. Thomas Merton died of accidental electrocution in Thailand on December 10, 1968 while attending a conference of church and spiritual leaders. He is buried in the Community cemetery and like his brothers, a simple cross marks his final resting place. When we arrived at Gethsemani the monks were gathered in prayer; it was 12:15pm time for Sext prayer. Like the Shakers of the 1800's, these monks sustain themselves through the sale of their handmade and home grown goods. And these men who continue to embrace this simple, yet demanding life style their founding father charted over 1000 years ago joyfully, with firm faith do so, all for "the greater glory of God."
Shakers, then and now...
Cistercian monks, then and now...
Radically diverse, yet united ever so intimately in their spiritually-based and fundamental goal: that all is to be done in this world for the greater glory of God.
My dear friends, these are the lessons for us: our efforts, our energies, our ministry is meant not so much for our glorification or satisfaction. Not to begrudge ourselves of happiness and peace of mind, for God certainly wishes us to be happy and enjoy this life. However, our efforts should be and always must be intended for God's greater glory. It is why we worship as community. It is why we raise our voices in prayer and song. It is why we say, "Amen, Yes I Believe," as we receive the precious body and blood of Jesus our Savior and Redeemer. It is why the community of St. Nicholas exists...to build God's Kingdom here and now as we continue to build this living community, this people that IS the church...the church of yesterday, today and tomorrow. And we do so all for the greater glory of God. The Shakers knew this and the Cistercians knew this and we do, too. And that is how it should be.
-Manny |
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Parish Picnic Promises to be a Real Circus!
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 Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Come one, come all to the 2nd annual St. Nicholas parish picnic. Meet us Saturday, July 27th under the big top at noon! It's guaranteed everyone will be having elephant-sized fun. Sign-up sheets for RSVP and the potluck are located on the gathering space bulletin boards. The picnic will conclude with worship at 4:30. |
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Follow Me to St. Nicholas
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Those t-shirts are proving to be a good investment!
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Thanks to all who represented St. Nicholas at the Elk Grove Village Hometown Parade, the Little Boots Rodeo, and the 44th Annual Pride Parade. What a joy to see so many proudly displaying the hospitality which makes us St. Nick's!
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A guide to hosting coffee hour at St. Nick's, and a call for volunteers!
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 We are asking that people please sign up to host coffee hour. If you have been holding off because you find it a bit intimidating, fear not: there is now a guide for that! Click here to learn what's involved in hosting coffee hour. We promise it's not too difficult, and you don't need to supply anything. This is a wonderful way to show hospitality to your fellow parishioners. Please sign up for a slot on Sunday! A sign-up sheet is in the alcove in the gathering space. |
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Book Discussion Group to Meet July 5
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 The Book Discussion Group is currently reading Bible and Sword, by Barbara W. Tuchman. We'll next meet on Friday, July 5, at 6:30PM at St. Nicholas. If you're interested in joining the group, or have questions, please contact Steve Gruenwald. |
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Continuing the Conversation
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 The Outreach Committee recently met to talk about the mission statement and 5-year plan for St. Nicholas. They will be presenting a mission statement and hopefully some core values to the congregation in our next series of church discussions on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21. Both discussions will take place after the services. |
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In air-conditioned comfort
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 Saturdays at 4:30PM Sundays at 10AM |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
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In thanksgiving for the safe return home to all who had
been traveling of late.
In thanksgiving for Lynette's release from the hospital and return back home and to us. Stay well and stay healthy.
In thanksgiving for Audrey's successful hand surgery.
4 month old Rocco Joseph Ribarits, whose mother Samantha, is a friend to our Bob DeHaven. Rocco took a terrible tumble: that he remains healthy, happy and live a long, blessed life.
With sadness and with our well wishes, we bid farewell to Christy, Kraig and Jack McCreary: they recently moved to 'far away' Skokie. They made the difficult decision to attend a church closer to their new home and thus, leaving St. Nicholas. We sent them off with our blessings, peace and thanks for their gifts they shared with us.
Miguel Martinez, the son of a friend of St. Nicholas: Miguel, an innocent bystander, was shot 5 times by gangs who were engaged in a street fight. Pray that Miguel continues to recover from his injuries and he returns to full and lasting good health.
Cathy Walters, sister of Mindy Golden: that she continue her remarkable recovery and savor each and every day as gift from God.
For all who have donated organs and other vital, bodily parts in order to save and secure the life of others: may their sacrifices be honored and remembered.
For our St. Nicholas community members who are under the weather and unable to join us for weekend Liturgy: they may all regain full strength and healing.
Nancy Allan whose poor health will keep her from joining us at worship for the next few weeks. Pray for her well being and full recovery.
Ethel 'Corkey' Stratton, Hal's Mom, she has suffered mini-strokes and is battling dementia and Alzheimers: that she regain
some strength and mobility and her loved ones are blessed with patience and acceptance. 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.
**Jim D. who has asked for our prayers.
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, 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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To those who helped create and preserve our nation as we celebrate our independence and freedom! God bless America...God bless the whole world which God created.
To all who represented both St. Nicholas and the Episcopal Church and marched in the 44th Annual Gay Pride Parade. True to our Church and what we stand for...all are welcome! To Jessica Tamaski and Pat Kalicki who led our community in Evening and Morning Prayer last weekend. To Teri Masino, a friend of Manny who donated to our food pantry...your kindness is greatly appreciated. To Bob DeHaven for repairing the sacristy door. |
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Readings and Lectors/Intercessors for This Weekend
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The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - July 6/7
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Saturday Lector (all readings): Bill Barlow
Sunday Lectors: Bob DeHaven, Lynette Hamon
Sunday Intercessor: LaWayne Williams
Chalice Bearers: Tameica Williams, Colleen Davy
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Miss an issue of
News from Nick? Issues are archived and available at any time at this link.
News from Nickis 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, IL 60007 847-439-2067 www.StNicholasEpiscopal.org Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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