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Talk about ironic. The past few weeks, we've been hearing a rather direct and forceful message as recorded in St. Luke's Gospel. The message that Jesus is providing to the people of His time and to us is that our true treasures await us in Paradise and that we ought not be obsessed with gaining and gathering material goods here on earth. Couldn't be any more direct than that. And if that's not enough, Jesus is also reminding all who choose to listen that we are to be prepared for the day when the Son of Man returns to earth. We need to be prepared, on the ready, for we do not know when God will send Jesus back. So, because we don't know when this is to be, we need to live our lives as if today is our last day; that our lives are in order and we have straightened our homes and our souls are clean and pure. My goodness, that's quite a message but certainly a message we are all to take to heart. It is at the core of who we are as Christians: that Jesus will come back and we are encouraged to be ready for His triumphant return.
With all this being said, we've also been hearing, reading and seeing an awful lot about our annual St. Nick's Knacks Rummage Sale. Hard to balance the message from the Gospel about our abandoning earthly possessions and focusing on our rewards in heaven while preparing for our parish rummage sale. Yet, this is the paradox we face...working at creating a successful rummage sale and all the while embracing the message of simplicity and a life free from material possessions.
I suggest we view this situation in the light in which it presents itself: we certainly embrace the message of Jesus and realize that our true treasures await us in the next life. And, all the while, being fully engaged in the many facets of ministry the community of St. Nicholas requires of us in order to help our church not just grow, but flourish. Sharing time and energy at our annual rummage sale is just as important as baking bread for our weekend Liturgies, singing in the choir, hosting coffee hour on Sunday, participating in the Giving Tree drive, pledging and contributing as we can and when we can. All these ministries are equally important and all are vital for the current success and future endeavors of this community St. Nicholas.
So, my dear friends, this weekend, as we work at simplifying our own lives, let's make a valiant and determined effort at making this year's rummage sale a smashing success. And remember; what we sell to others may well bring unexpected joy and this, my sisters and brothers is certainly an effort well worth our energy and our time.
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 here! 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:
- Even if you have not signed up, we still could use your help. The more people involved, the greater the community effort will be. Come on down and help out. Friday and Saturday, PLEASE be here by 8:30am, wear your blue St. Nicholas tee-shirts, your running shoes and a broad smile. Remember, we're open till 7pm on Friday and 3pm on Saturday.
- 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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Bishop's Committee Report
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The Bishop's Committee met on August 11 prior to the Sunday morning liturgy.
After an Opening Prayer and before we delved into the actual agenda, Manny shared a letter of appreciation sent (anonymously) by an individual he had visited in the hospital. Along with the letter was a most generous donation in the amount of $8,000 to help with needed repairs and assist in our "good works."
Certainly, we will offer prayers of thanksgiving and pray for all who share their treasures with others. And, we will do as our
anonymous donor intended and use these funds to further the efforts of rebuilding and strengthening our St. Nicholas.
A proposal to have the Holy Innocents altar re-furbished and moved into the worship space was approved. It should be in place by the 50th Anniversary celebration where it will be re-consecrated.
We received word from our Bishop and Trustees representative Michael Ruehle that the diocese has approved a grant request to help pay a portion of the cost to replace the windows in the Noah's Ark area, complete fixes needed on the south windows in the worship space and cover costs to evaluate the HVAC issues.
The landscaping project being done by Richard Franzen and his family will be completed in the next few weeks. The project is Richard's Eagle Scout project.
50th Anniversary celebration is coming along. The evites and mailed invitations have been sent out. If you have not responded to your evite, please do so soon. You do not want to miss a wonderful celebration. Reception details are in progress.
-Steve Raftery
Senior Warden
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Varied Voices and Healing This Weekend
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Come and Celebrate with us
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 This weekend, we are blessed to have Penny Mandziara proclaim the Gospel and share her sermon. Also, the Revs. Tony and Fran Begonja will share with us their healing and anointing ministry. All are welcome and invited to receive this extraordinary sacrament. |
St. Nicholas Choir CD Now Available!
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50th anniversary recording
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We're pleased to announce that the CD recorded by the St. Nicholas Choir, under the direction of Mary Fletcher-Gomez is now available. Click the video below for a sample.
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How Can I Keep From Singing?
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CDs are available on a complimentary basis with a free-will donation of at least $5 to St. Nicholas, which will be used for new choir robes. Be sure to get your copy (or copies!) today.
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Got Caffeine? Only if You Make the Coffee on Sunday
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Let's all pitch in and share in this ministry!
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 We'd like to ask people to volunteer to make coffee each Sunday after the 10AM service. Please choose one date and sign yourself up at the link below. Spending a few moments of your time showing hospitality to the community before and after the service is a truly wonderful (and painless!) way to serve others. So, folks, beginning this Sunday, if we want our caffeine (and we do!), someone needs to volunteer each week to help with this ministry. Afraid you won't know what to do? No worries, detailed instructions are at this link. Bless you in advance for taking a turn! |
"Jesus took the bread, broke it, said the blessings gave it to His disciples... "
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The heart of the Liturgy is the breaking of the bread, the pouring of the cup and the sharing of this most holy and sacred meal. At St. Nicholas the bread we use at our Liturgy has been lovingly prepared and baked by members of our community. We need your help to keep this tradition alive and well.
We are asking for bread bakers, experienced and novices to please help and share your skills with the entire church. The actual preparation is not too difficult and the rewards are heavenly.
Sign up sheets are posted in the Gathering Space. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity and kindness.
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This Weekend's Worship Leaders
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Saturday & Sunday Preacher: Penny Mandziara
Saturday Lector (all readings): Tony Begonja
Sunday Lectors: Colleen Davy, Hank Mandziara
Sunday Intercessor: LaWayne Williams
Chalice Bearers: Sandra Glos, Earl Williams
Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s): Volunteers Needed
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
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Rest in Peace Eternal Mr. Edmond J. Whalen, beloved father of our Ellen Whalen. Edmond rests in the full and eternal peace of Christ. Pray for Ellen and all who loved and will miss Edmond.
Jim, a member of the support group and a very active participant in our many ministries underwent angioplasty surgery. Please pray he recovers fully. He will soon undergo shoulder surgery.
Bob, a member of the support group and a good friend to St. Nicholas is to undergo back surgery on August 27. Pray for his full recovery and return to a full and active life.
Fran Begonja's cousin who is courageously battling cancer: that he recovers completely and lives a full productive life.
For our Leonard Spirek who is undergoing surgery to repair his badly injured arm. Pray for his full recovery and his return to work and an active, healthy life.
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 those who grace us with amazing generosity and kindness...all of St. Nicholas offers a most hearty and blessed Thank You.
To the many sponsors of our food pantry and the continual donation of much needed foods and staples.
To the Support Group who mow and care for the lawns...looks wonderful, guys. God bless.
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Readings for This Weekend
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The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - August 17/18
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Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-18
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56
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We worship together:
Saturdays at 4:30PM
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Sundays at 10AM
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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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