Well, my dear sisters and brothers, we did it. Our annual St. Nick's Knacks Rummage Sale was another wild success. Any time we're able to gather so much amazing goodies, clean it up, display it so as to look nice and appealing, mingle and respect our customers as we did and sell so much, well, I'll always call that a success regardless of how much we raised! And rightly so. Fortunately, we were blessed and we did raise an amazing total of just over $4000.00.
I wish to personally thank each and everyone who did so very, very much to ensure the success of this major fundraiser. People took time off from their places of employment in order to be on hand and help out when assistance was most desperately needed. Long days at the office were followed up with several more hours of volunteering at the church. I don't know why I allow myself to fall prey to the element of surprise and wonderment, because, yet again, the community of St. Nicholas did what it always does...the community came to the fore and did it up right! The community of St. Nicholas stepped to the plate and hit a home run. Not just a home run, mind you, but a grand slam, in the bottom of the ninth, with two outs and the home team trailing by 3 runs. We won! We won!
And, my beloved friends, it's not just the financial gains we've received through this endeavor. As important as a good fundraiser is for a community our size, there are much more important things to consider. It is the continuous building of community, the bonds of friendships that are created and strengthened, the sharing of time and talent and treasures and engaging in ministry that is so essential. In these sort of events, I like to stress the word "fun" that is found in the word "fundraiser." After all, what's wrong with having a good time while we all do a very good thing for our church? There were a few occasions when I would stop what I was doing, look out into the church and see the energy of the volunteers, take in the friendly banter that was sweet music to my tired ears and I would smile and let flow that lovely, warm feeling of bliss and joy overwhelm me.
To everyone, and you all know who you are, THANK YOU for your amazing dedication and care. I can't prove it but I am sure God is equally pleased to see His children work so hard, in order to share the Good News of Jesus, Our Redeemer with the world. That's what it's all about.
Amen. -Manny |
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Some of our Saturday morning volunteers in the few fleeting moments of quiet just before the doors opened.
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With heavy hearts we say our goodbyes to Mark and Mary Kay Sugarman. A wonderful opportunity arose for Mary Kay and Mark and the opportunity was too good not too accept. So, our friends are soon to take up residency in the lovely town of Wausau.
We will miss you. However, we will keep you in our hearts and in our thoughts. And know this, you will always remain part of this community of St. Nicholas. Please do stop and visit with us when you're next in our "neck of the woods." Much happiness and success may you find.
Bon Voyage and many happy days ahead.
God bless.
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The Order of St. Luke the Physician Welcomes Its New Members
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God bless our friends who have embraced the Healing Ministry
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Congratulations and many blessings to the new members of the Order of St. Luke the Physician who were "invested" and "received" into the Order this past weekend.
Thelma and Ray Malecek
Penny and Hank Mandziara
Jennifer Brundige, who was received several months ago
Kent Farbelow, a member of a Lutheran community in Crystal Lake, Illinois
May your ministry flourish and the blessings you share come back to you ten-fold.
God bless. We are all so very proud of you.
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50th Anniversary Celebration
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Be sure to mark your calendar for the celebration of our 50th year of ministry as a community. If you haven't yet responded to your invitation, please do so as soon as possible.
The people of
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
Cordially invite you to join us as we celebrate
Our 50th Anniversary
Saturday, September 28, 2013
3:00 p.m. Liturgy
Reception to follow
R.S.V.P by September 14, 2013
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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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 Beginning this Sunday, August 25, we need volunteers 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 ministry, and a truly wonderful (and painless!) way to serve others. 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 Lector (all readings): Val Gruenwald
Sunday Lectors: Vernon Forde, Connie Nicholson
Sunday Intercessor: Tameica Williams
Chalice Bearers: Mindy Golden, Connie Nicholson
Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s): Volunteers Needed
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
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Marion Kyger, mother of the Rev. Marion Phipps, rector of St. Hugh of Lincoln Episcopal Church in Elgin and a member of our Deanery: Mrs. Kyger is in extreme critical condition and is not expected to live for too much longer. Pray her final days are peaceful and all who love her are comforted and supported with prayers and grace.
Rev. M.E. Eccles, a priest in our Deanery and a friend of St. Nicholas, as well as sister-in-law to our Cyndi DeBock is to have knee replacement surgery. Pray the surgery is a success and M.E. recovers fully, completely and swiftly.
Repose of the soul of Larry Houle, a member of the Support Group who passed away after suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease. May his soul rest in the full and lasting peace of Christ. Please pray for his wife, children and all who will miss and mourn their loss.
Faye, a friend of our Thelma Malecek underwent emergency surgery to remove a lump from her abdomen. Pray for Faye and her full and lasting recovery. 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.
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 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.
**Pray for Ron W.
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 EVERYONE who pitched in to make this year's St. Nick's Knacks Annual rummage sale such a wonderful success! All the hauling in and out from one room to another, the mountain of donations that poured in and the mountain of goodies that were bought, moving this and moving that, unfolding, unpacking, hanging up, pricing, cleaning, selling, cutting wood and making church pews, bringing in sloppy joe sandwiches, hot dogs and amazing sweet treats to share and everyone being so very, very kind to our customers...community of St. Nicholas, you are all amazing! God bless us, each and everyone.
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