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"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages..." And so these are the words of the Ring Master who, for generations has ushered in the opening of the circus that has wheeled itself into town. I've never been to the circus, as un-American and unimaginable as that may seem. As a youngster, I sure did want to go. Yet, with such a large family and plenty of necessities and obligations, trips to the circus and other such events really were not affordable. Nonetheless, and more often than not, we invented our own form of entertainment because we used our imagination! As I've grown older, the desire to go to the circus has somewhat waned. Also, other interests and the day-to-day obligations of adulthood have taken precedence. And now, past the proverbial, "half way point in life," the circus remains but a mystery, an unknown yet, familiar adventure.
So, if I can't go to the circus, why not bring the circus to me, to us, to St. Nicholas? Well, that's what we hope to do, um, sort of.
Our annual Parish Picnic is this Saturday, July 27, from noon to 4pm. There'll be no big top tent, nor trapeze artists soaring overhead. No, we will not have dancing dogs or prancing elephants and certainly, no one, least of all your vicar, (though some would hope) is going to be shot out of any canon onto some distant net! The circus is the theme and this allows us to use our vivid, Episcopalian imagination! What we will have is plenty of food and good times. What we wish to underscore is "community, camaraderie, family, food and fun." In order for our circus to become reality; we encourage and entice as many of the community of St. Nicholas as well extended family and assorted friends to come, to be part, to share, to play, to laugh and to eat. When the festivities are completed, we stop to give thanks as we celebrate our faith in the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup. We will celebrate the Holy Eucharist, another meal that gives strength to both soul and body. Weather permitting, we hope to celebrate our Liturgy outdoors. And of course, all are warmly welcomed and invited to stay and pray.
So, one and all, boys and girls of all ages, come on over, spend this July 27th at St. Nicholas Church. Let's enjoy one another's company as a people of faith and a people that knows a good time and a people that can throw a pretty good party, at that!
-Manny
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The Aftermath of a Court Case Decided
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The George Zimmerman case has concluded. Yet, the verdict continues to resonate, loudly, across our country. Where each of us stood in this case, what our personal feelings were must not overshadow what is fundamental and foremost: that we are called to be a people of peace, forgiveness and acceptance. I pray for all who struggle and are perplexed to such a degree that violence and vengeance is sought to alleviate deep-seated feelings. Again, peace must always, ALWAYS be our first and final choice. Let us remember the families affected by this tragedy and for all victims of violence and oppression and pray, all the more, we find ways that are sensible, logical and effective so as not to have such tragedies happen again. God bless us, each and every one, for we are all God's children.
Amen.
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Hauling Time in the Garage
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All hands on deck July 27 & 28 after the weekend liturgies.
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Our annual St. Nick's Knacks Rummage Sale is just around the corner.
This weekend, July 27 & 28, after the 4:30PM and 10AM liturgies, we'd like to pull out items we will sell that are currently in the new garage. There are bags of clothes and boxes of "this and that." Also, there are quite a few pews that used to be in the church many years ago. The pews had been taken apart and stored away at the old vicarage, then moved to the new garage when the vicarage was sold by the Diocese.
We hope to put the pews together and sell them at the rummage sale. If you're interested in a pew, here's your chance to purchase one!
We could use help hauling the wood out of the garage and into the church and lastly, putting the pews together. Your help would be greatly appreciated and welcomed.
And...don't forget to clean out those closets and basements, crawl spaces and attics...if it's sell-able, let's give it a try at our rummage sale.
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A village-wide activity for St. Nicholas to be part of...
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Throughout the month of July, the houses of worship throughout the Village will be collecting new and gently-used children's books. These books will be gathered and placed in new back packs and distributed to the children. Your contributions will be greatly and warmly appreciated. A collection box is placed in the Gathering Space at St. Nicholas. Let's see how full we can get this box, shall we? God bless, one and all.
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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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For our Tim Black who suffered a massive stroke. Tim's situation is very critical. Pray for Tim and his family: for peace and guidance.
For the repose of the soul of LeWayne Williams' grandmother, Fannie Cooper, who passed away at the youthful age of 96. May she rest in the full and lasting peace of Jesus our Savior.
For our Nancy Allan who, after spending time at Alexian Hospital is now residing at Friendship Village in Schaumburg for continued "after care." Pray for Nancy that she remain optimistic to the potential of sound health and that she return to St. Nicholas very soon.
For Fran Begonja's sister, Virginia, who has been diagnosed with cancer: that she receive all the medical attention needed and our support with prayers and spiritual support.
For the repose of the soul of Mr. Richard Nordberg, father to our Penny Mandziara: may Richard rest in the full and lasting peace of Jesus, our Most Holy Redeemer and may all who mourn and grieve his passing find comfort, solace and peace.
For those who suffer from addictions and vices: they may find the support they need and know the community continues to keep all in prayer.
All who are traveling that their destinations be reached in God's speed and safety and a hearty, "Welcome Home" to all who have been away.
Cathy Walters and her continued recovery and return to a full and active life with her new heart!
Ethel 'Corkey' Stratton, Hal's Mom, she has suffered mini-strokes and is battling dementia and Alzheimer's: 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.
**Jennifer May who asks for our prayers and support.
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 Fran and Tony Begonja and Jennifer Brundige for sharing their Healing Ministry with St. Nicholas and with Tim Black this past weekend. Prayer and anointing of the sick is a most blessed and joyful expression of our faith.
To Fran for Proclaiming the Gospel and sharing her reflection with us this past weekend.
To our sisters and brothers in the Support Groups, who continue to provide and share their resources, their time and their talents with St. Nicholas Church. To our dedicated community members who give so much of themselves without much fanfare or notice...God does see all and I am sure, God, like us, are all so grateful and appreciative. |
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Readings and Lectors/Intercessors for This Weekend
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The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - July 27/28
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Hosea 1:2-10
Psalm 85
Colossians 1:15-28
Luke 11:1-13
Saturday Lector (all readings): Barb Bosslet
Sunday Lectors: Lynette Hamon, Vernon Forde
Sunday Intercessor: LaWayne Williams
Chalice Bearers: LaWayne Williams, Earl Williams
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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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