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Walking about a cemetery has always afforded me an element and degree of peace and solitude. There is a sort of "history" to be experienced, especially if the cemetery has been around for a significant period of time. Out in Denver is the Fairmount Cemetery: a rather beautiful and well established park, complete with rolling hills, winding roads and an enormous, four-story mausoleum made of polished, white marble.
While on vacation out in Colorado recently, I awoke rather early on a Sunday morning. I made my way to the nearby exercise path that opens onto the back entrance of the cemetery. I was "brisk walking," just shy of running while reciting my morning prayers and watching the sun slowly creep up above the eastern horizon.
As I walked and prayed, I silently read the names on the markers that lined the gravel road. I slowed down enough to look more carefully at two rather large, ornate markers, both of which seemingly beckoned for my full attention. The fist marker was for Alex, who passed away at the tender age of 4. Atop his marker etched into the gray slate stone was, "Our Little Angel." His picture was mounted in the center; an adorable, little one with bright, blue eyes and an infectious smile. I stood there somewhat mesmerized and in sadness, asking repeatedly, 'why so young, Lord, why this little one?' Next to Alex's marker was James, an 18 year old. His picture was off centered, hugging the entire right side of the stone. He looked so happy and filled with potential. Again, with grief welling within I questioned, 'why this young man, Lord, why this James at only 18?' Death will come to us all, though just when is not for us to question, for it rests in the hands of our God.
These two boys, these youngsters with so much life that could have been theirs, yet, called home by the Creator for reasons only known to God alone. Alex and James, much loved I am sure by many are now memories to those left behind. And now, those memories are treasures to those who hold them close to their hearts.
Returning home after my long walk, the Gospel stories from St. Luke's writings where Jesus is speaking out against gathering too much here and not focusing on what is most important came to mind. These very passages are what we have heard last week and again, this weekend. The words of Jesus to His followers echoed loud and clear, we are not to be obsessed with storing treasures here on earth, for truly, our treasures awaits us in Paradise. I wondered how much Alex and James had stored up for themselves in their short lives. Alex with his little toys and children's books and James with his CD's, graduation ring and perhaps dreams of his first car? Sadly, both were deprived of a long life here on earth.
It does not matter now. They have their lasting treasures, Alex and James, full and bounteous for they dwell in the presence of the Almighty in Paradise, where their heavenly rewards will never tarnish, nor wear thin and fade.
This, for us is a very sound lesson to be learned, my sisters and brothers: let us not worry ourselves with what we are able to accumulate in the "here and now." Let us focus on what treasures await us in heaven. By no means am I saying we are not be happy with what we have and not to find joy in our possessions. No, not at all. Rather, and what all Christians are to be mindful of is our true and lasting happiness and joy rests in the treasures God has in store for us, not here, but in the glory of eternity life. This brings me an untold level of happiness and joy...to ponder what treasures truly await us, in the company of our sisters and brothers who have gone to sleep in Christ our Lord. Together, we will find full peace in these treasures the Creator has stored for us. This is where our true joy and happiness will be. Let us celebrate the life we have today as we look forward to the Eternal and Glorious Life that awaits us.
Amen.
-Manny
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St. Nick's Knacks Annual Rummage Sale
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Our St. Nick's Knacks Annual Rummage Sale is just around the corner. We need as many of our community members to be involved in this endeavor as possible: to ensure a successful fundraiser and perhaps most importantly, to continue to build a stronger and closer-knit community that worships together, works together and has a good time together. We sure have a lot of great 'stuff' to sell. Now, we need the customers to flock in, buy and go home happy with their new-found treasures. Here's how YOU can help: - We need you to come early to church this Saturday, or stay after church this Sunday to begin setting up the sale.
- We need you to sign up to help any day next week to set up the sale--we need pricers, cleaners, organizers. We also need to you to sign up for a time slot (or several!) during the sale. We simply can't have too many volunteers. We'll need cashiers, floorwalkers, and just general providers of hospitality.
- We need more tables. The Support Groups use several of the long tables and that limits what we are able to use. Any folding table would work.
- We need newspaper. Instead of recycling, (which is always the thing to do with old paper), please bring it to church this weekend and all next week. We will use that paper to wrap glass and fragile items purchased at the rummage sale.
- We need plastic bags. After you've done your shopping at Jewel, Dominicks, Butera or wherever, please bring your used plastic and/or paper bags.
- We need your stuff! If you have items to donate, please bring them in as soon as possible. If you have large items and no way to get them there, contact Manny and we'll try and get some assistance for you.
- Remember to join the event on Facebook, then invite friends to help spread the news and information regarding the rummage sale and the good name of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. The more the news gets out, the bigger the crowd, the greater the prospects of a successful weekend fundraiser and more people who will come to know who we are and what a wonderful place St. Nicholas truly is!
That's it for now. Thank you, one and all,for the amazing things accomplished on behalf of this, our Community of St. Nicholas.
God bless.
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| Lots of opportunities to be part of the action |
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There is a lot going on at St. Nicholas. With all this activity, it is vital that we have as many members involved, engaged and active, as all are able.
So, we're seeking some assistance for a few things in particular:
A) Our St. Nicholas gardens are becoming a reality. We'd like to plant some perennials, tall grasses and some annuals in time for our 50th Anniversary Celebration this Sept. 28th. If you have some plants that need dividing in your garden, bring them to church and we'll find new homes for them. If you'd like to make a financial donation to cover our portion of the outdoor renovations, be assured any and all generosities would be most graciously appreciated. Perhaps a donation for plants in our Memorial Garden would be in order, to honor and pay homage to our dearly departed loved ones.
B) Attention Bread Bakers: If you feel you're able and willing to bake bread for our weekend liturgies, we could use your help. The baking is fun, and the rewards are divine! Baking pans are in the sacristy as are baking directions. We would like to fill out the rest of the calendar year so we have all weekends covered. Sign up sheets are posted in the Gathering Space on the bulletin boards.
C) Attention Coffee Hour Hosts: Making coffee is so much easier now that we have two new urns. Cookies and supplies are always on hand at the church. And, yes, if you're ambitious, we would always welcome homemade treats! Sign up sheets are posted in the Gathering Space on the bulletin boards.
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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 Fr. Bill Kruse, former pastor of St. Bede's and member of the Order of St. Luke Chapter of St. Charles: Fr. Bill recently underwent hip replacement surgery. Pray for his full and lasting recovery.
For those in mourning: that they will be comforted and find a comforting light 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.
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.
Bernie, Eunice's youngest son who continues to recover from his serious health battles.
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.
Victims of violence, war, oppression, discrimination and poverty.
**Prayers are requested for Lou.
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.
In thanksgiving for Peter Barlow's safe return home from Afghanistan. Peter is the son of Bill and Kathy Barlow. Welcome home, Peter, and thank you for your service! Continued prayers for the safety of all our military men and women.
(**written prayer requests collected during Liturgy)
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To all who took time after the weekend Liturgies to move items out of the office spaces and clean out the garage of rummage sale material. Looking good!
To all who take time from their busy schedules and visit our homebound parishioners.
For prayers answered...God always hears what we ask and knows our hearts.
To Jarosch Bakery who donated a double portion of goodies this month...more sweets to the sweet and we are all very grateful.
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Readings and Lectors/Intercessors for This Weekend
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The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - August 10/11
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Isaiah 1:1, 10-20
Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Luke 12:32-40
Saturday Lector (all readings): Cyndi DeBock
Sunday Lectors: Penny Mandziara, Bob DeHaven
Sunday Intercessor: Eason Williams
Chalice Bearers: LaWayne 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 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, IL 60007 847-439-2067 www.StNicholasEpiscopal.org Copyright © 2013. All Rights Reserved.
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