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"This is the garden: colors come and go,
Frail azures fluttering from night's outer wing,
Strong silent greens serenely lingering,
Absolute lights like baths of golden snow.
This is the garden: pursed lips do blow
Upon cool flutes within wide glooms, and sing
Of harps celestial to the quivering string,
Invisible faces hauntingly and slow.
This is the garden. Time shall surely reap
And on Death's blade lie many a flower curled,
In other lands where other songs be sung;
Yet stand They here enraptured, as among
The slow deep trees perpetual of sleep
Some silver-fingered fountain steals the world."
--e.e. cummings 1917
Ah, yes. The beauty, humbling charm and grace of a piece of land that has been painstakingly plowed, cleared and cultivated to bring forth a fusion of color, scent and sight. And all for the entertainment of those who stop, gaze and take it all in.
The gardens at St. Nicholas are taking shape...that is, for this year. Gardens are mirror images, if you will, of a community. A community takes new shape and develops depth one year to the next and so does a garden grow. Not in one season, nor two, but year after year does the garden mature. In those days of searing, summer heat and the coolness of autumn evenings and throughout the bitter cold of winter's hibernation there is something happening. The garden throughout these seasons is giving birth and dying, laying dormant, sleeping and slumbering until come spring when all bursts forth. Does not our community undergo similar circumstances? We celebrate new life, whether a baby is born or a new member comes to the church. And do we not grieve the deaths that come our way; when dear, loved ones pass on to their eternal reward in Paradise? The ebb and tide of a community of faith certainly mimics the growth, death and yet again, the growth and death that a garden experiences. Gardens change from year to the next as new colors and growth change and alternate places. So does our community as from one day to the next, from one month to the next and from one year to the next, we evolve, we grow, we change, new friends come and some stay while merely visit, some move on to other ports and some leave us for ever and go Home to God.
But still, we celebrate and rejoice. For just as the Sign of Peace during the Liturgy is an exchange and an expression of our faith and the love we hold one to another, a garden blesses us with such gifts that dizzy our senses and send us to new heights. Gardens are an expression and an exchange from nature's grandeur to humankind. A garden is an offering both from the Creator and back to God, whose mighty finger first planted the gardens to the east of Eden. And we, in our efforts plant and care, enjoy and savor the gardens that are taking shape here at St. Nicholas. "To cultivate a garden is to walk with God." (Christian Bovee). Let's not think too far ahead of what to expect next season. That will come when the seasons turn and the earth is ready for more planting and tilling and all that has been asleep deep in the dark, rich soil is ready to awaken. Let's just enjoy what is here and now and celebrate the beauty that is gift to us just as we are called to celebrate and be gift to one another.
Amen. -Manny |
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PADS Volunteer Orientation
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Public Action to Deliver Shelter
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The PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) program, providing overnight shelter for the homeless in NW suburban Cook County from 10/1/2013 to 4/30/2014, will be conducting training and orientation for the 2013-2014 season starting the week of September 2. The training/orientation lasts for 2 hours, and it is held at the Journey's the Road Home (the parent organization of the PADS Program) office at 1140 E. Northwest Highway in Palatine. There are quite a few training and orientation sessions available during both daytime and weeknight hours from September through February. There are approximately 23 churches in NW suburban Cook County that participate in providing overnight shelter through the PADS program.
For more information about PADS, the web site is www.journeystheroadhome.org and the phone number is 847-963-9163, Hope Center, Ext. 17.
If anyone has questions about being a PADS volunteer, they can talk to Laura Lampe at church, or send her an e-mail, or call her. She has been a PADS volunteer since 1992, and would be glad to speak about her experiences.
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Cleaning Weekend at St. Nicholas
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Let's get the church ready for our return
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It's September. The leaves are turning and the days are getting shorter. It also means the time to return to the worship space is upon us, too.
Yet, our church needs some cleaning up. The carpets are to be professionally cleaned, which is a good thing, indeed. However, before the carpets are cleaned, the chairs need washing, the sprinkler pipes and ceiling fans need some serious scrubbing and everything could use a good dusting and polishing. After the carpet is cleaned, the slate altar, which used to be outside, will be returned to the church, all refinished and beautified.
So, this weekend, we're inviting any and all to come on down and help clean up the church. On Saturday, Sept. 7, starting around 9:30am, and Sunday, September 8 after the 10am Liturgy, we will get to cleaning and get our place all spruced up! Bring along some tall ladders, (10 feet), extra buckets and scrub brushes, too. Fear not...there will be food and drinks on hand, too.
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Order of St. Luke the Physician
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An evening of friends and faith
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On Friday night, September 6, from 7pm to 9pm, the Order of St. Luke the Physician will gather in Holy Innocents Hall of St. Nicholas Church. All are welcome to come, share and join in the conversation. The topic for this evening's gathering is "The Healing Miracles of Jesus." Again, all are warmly welcome to be part of this gathering. In October and early November the Order will be gathering, again at St. Nicholas, for three consecutive Saturdays. More details will be posted in an upcoming News From Nick edition.
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New address for Nancy Allan
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Drop a note to say "Hello."
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Now that Nancy Allan has settled into her new apartment at Friendship Village, we wish to share her information with the rest of the community. We all enjoy a friendly letter. If time allows, consider dropping a quick note to Nancy and share your well wishes with her. Of course, a visit is always welcomed, too. Nancy Allan Apt. B206 Friendship Village 350 W. Schaumburg Road Schaumburg, IL 60194 |
 Forward Day By Day publishes a daily meditation online. Click the button below and bookmark your browser if you would like to make this a part of your prayer life. |
What's on the calendar (click each date for the lessons for that day)
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September 5: Gregorio Aglipay, Priest and Founder of the Philippino Independent Church, 1940
September 7: Elie Naud, Huguenot, Witness to the Faith, 1722
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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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A wonderful reminder from two of our members
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Our thanks to the Days for sharing these words of encouragement with the community:
Douglas, if this is a well-worn story ignore it. If not, perhaps it will help someone who is in need of help.
Best regards,
-Em and Dick Day
My wife has an amulet in her possession that has a story attached that may help some of us.
"One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very saddest times in his life. That really bothered Him and He questioned the Lord about it: Lord, You said that you'd walk with me all the way. But during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. Why did you leave me when I needed you most?"
The Lord replied: My precious child, I love you and would never leave you during your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."
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This Weekend's Worship Leaders
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Saturday Lector (all readings): Steve Raftery
Sunday Lectors: Laura Lampe, Ellen Whalen
Sunday Intercessor: LaWayne Williams
Chalice Bearers: Tameica Williams, LaWayne Williams
Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s): Pat Kalicki
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
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Ray Malecek who had a minor surgical procedure: that he is up and around in no time at all. Get better soon, Ray.
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 Phil N.
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.
(**written prayer requests collected during Liturgy)
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Hank & Penny Mandziara, Audrey Cannon and Katie Black who fed the workers during the rummage sale...your sweet and savory treats certainly hit the spot!
Connie Nicholson for her "green thumb" in planting, pruning and sprucing things up in our gardens.
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