|
The community of St. Nicholas welcomes its newest member at the 50th Anniversary Celebration on September 28, 2013
|
It is certainly safe to say that it will be some time before all of us "come down" from the euphoric high we all experienced on Saturday, September 28, 2013!
Our 50th Anniversary Celebration was an absolutely glorious success...and even with these superlatives, I'm not sure I'm close to truly expressing just how great an occasion we had.
Nature cooperated, thankfully, with swift breezes that bellowed through the west-side curtains that mimicked the movement of the Spirit which was very much felt throughout the sacred space and within us all. The church was filled with old and new friends, visitors from near and far. Music and song, voices young and old soared to the rafters and the building seemed to move in time and rhythm. And from my vantage point on the sanctuary I saw nothing but smile after smile after smile...my heart was ready to burst with joy and pride.
The Baptism of Taylor Gans and First Holy Communion of Yazmeen Narang, complete with beautiful white dress and veil were such lovely and graceful additions to our Liturgy. How fitting and such a good, right and holy thing to have the two sacraments that Jesus Himself instituted as part of this golden event. I have to tell you, I lost the battle of fighting back the tears. But then again, such happiness perhaps should not be held back, but rather expressed and shared.
Trustee James Petri's Proclamation on behalf of the Village mayor added to the occasion, as September 28, 2013 was dedicated "St. Nicholas Episcopal Church Day" in Elk Grove Village. Could it have gotten any better? My friends...it did.
The Gathering Space and Holy Innocents Hall were overflowing with busy and loud conversations and stories of "I remember when St. Nicholas was...," and "Do you remember when..." I could scarcely take it all in. There was Val and Tess buzzing around getting food on the tables while Penny and Hank were joyfully staffing the wine station. Colleen took to cutting the beautiful cake while LeWayne, Tameica and Eason were busy keeping things clean and orderly. Earl, Bob K. and Neal kept the traffic flowing both inside and out. Team work was performed 'St. Nicholas style.'
I sat with two of the Village Trustees for some time and they could not believe the friendly and welcoming nature of St. Nicholas Church. Could have knocked me over with a feather as I was just that proud and honored. I found out that Mrs. Patty Petri, wife of Trustee James Petri was born and raised in Michigan, in a small town north of Detroit. Needless to say, she and I became very fast friends and allies. Trustee Nancy Czarnik and I conversed on many subjects and topics including Polish food. We committed to one another an evening out for a good, old fashioned Polish dinner some time soon.
Building bridges with the wider community is what St. Nicholas does well and must continue to do in order to grow stronger and widen its horizon and scope. I've spoken so often to this very important point that while we are a 'church,' the true church is not the building but the people that fill that structure day after day; who live out our individual and collective faith as Christ's disciples and proclaimers of the Word. Bishop Lee shared with us on Saturday that church is a place that is meant to be joyful and cheerful; that we have enough "houses of horror" in our society, what with Halloween just around the corner. Blessedly, St. Nicholas is a warm, welcoming and inviting place where all God's children are received as we are and for who we are. I'm excited about the prospects for the future. Here's to the next 50 years and all that God has in store for us. But, for now, let's focus on what comes to us tomorrow, shall we?
God bless everyone for making our 50th Anniversary Celebration such a wonderful, loving and tremendous success. Hats off to one and all!
-Manny |
|
Formation for Children and Adults
|
|
Children's Formation and Adult Bible Study resume October 6
|
|
Starting this Sunday, October 6th, Children's Formation will kick off another exciting season. Our young people are warmly invited to come and share faith and stories after the 10am Liturgy. These classes will be held each first (1st) and third (3rd) Sunday. Classes will be held in the Vesting Room, next to the parish office.
Also, all are encouraged to come and participate in our Adult Bible Study Program. These sessions will coincide with our Children's Formation -- we will meet each first (1st) and third (3rd) Sunday in the Noah's Ark Space, again, beginning this Sunday, October 6 after the 10am Liturgy. We begin this season with a 6-part DVD and discussion series on Islam and Christianity. In preparation, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Qur'an.
|
|
Pet Blessing October 5 / 6
|
|
Bring your pets to church!
|
|
Join us for our Annual Pet Blessing this Saturday and Sunday. Don't have a pet? How about a favorite toy stuffed animal! The blessing of animals will take place at both the 4:30PM service on October 5, and the 10AM service on October 6. All creatures great and small are welcome.
|
|
Join us on Sunday, October 27 as we provide children a safe and fun trick-or-treating atmosphere
|
|
We hope you'll plan to decorate the trunk of your vehicle and join us as we welcome children to a fun and safe Trunk-or-Treating.
Donations of bags of candy are warmly welcomed (there is a collection box in the gathering space).
|
|
Seeking Coffee Hour Hosts
|
|
Sign up today to serve the community in this ministry
|
 We'd love for every member of the community to take a turn hosting coffee hour. The ministry entails making coffee, setting up the coffee urns, cups, sugar and creamer, setting out the pastry, and cleaning up afterward. Click below to add your name to the schedule. Thank you in advance! |
|
Answers to Last Week's 50th Anniversary Trivia
|
1. Which former Vicar of St. Nicholas wrote a fine dining column?
Answer: Fr. Joseph Peoples wrote a fine dining and wine column for a major Chicago newspaper (we can't remember if it was the Sun Times, Tribune or the Chicago American. Anyone out there know?)
2. Which two members of St. Nicholas once belonged to the same youth group while one was a member of the former St. Bede's?
Answer: Bob DeHaven and Penny Mandziara both belonged (a couple of years apart) to a youth ministry that occasionally met jointly, led by Fr. Matthews from St. Nicholas and Fr. Burke from St. Bede's.
3. Who was a Vicar at both St. Bede's and Holy Innocents?
Answer: No one. However, Fr. Theodore Gracia was the founding Vicar of both St. Nicholas and Holy Innocents and Fr. Steve Martz was also a Vicar at both places. (Bob DeHaven apologizes for the trick question which was actually a typo ;-) )
4. How many clergy have come from St. Nicholas?
Answer: Tom Smith, Deb Seles, Sanford Hampton and Ethan Jewett
5. Which of those clergy in 4 above became a Bishop?
Answer: The Rt. Rev. Sanford Hampton.
6. Which longtime St. Nicholas family will add to the joy of our anniversary celebration liturgy with the baptism of one of its members?
Answer: The Gans family. Taylor Gans, granddaughter of Dick and Mary Gans, daughter of Ken and Cathy Gans, and sister of Ella Gans was baptized by Bishop Lee at the Anniversary Liturgy.
7. When was the first worship service held in the completed church building?
Answer: Christmas 1962
|
What's on the calendar (click each date for the lessons for that day)
|
|
This Weekend's Worship Leaders
|
Saturday Lector (all readings): Bill Barlow
Sunday Lectors: Jillian Setchell, Brandon Garcia
Sunday Intercessor: Tameica Williams
Sunday Chalice Bearers: LaWayne Williams, Jillian Setchell
Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s): Tess Setchell
|
|
The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
|
 Mary Ann Urban-Danno and her mother Theresa Danno: both were brutally murdered. Mary Ann is a classmate and friend of Hal.
Pat Kalicki: for her full and complete recovery.
Brandon Garcia: for his full and complete recovery.
Doug VanHouten, Sr. who is having the first of two knee replacement surgeries this week: for his full, complete and swift recovery.
For all who give so much of themselves to make St. Nicholas a vibrant and alive house of worship.
For victims of crime and violence: may they know they are in our thoughts and prayers. Victims of oppression, discrimination and poverty. 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.
**Jennifer May and twins.
For Eunice Dohra, Marcia Kizior, Nancy Allan, 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)
|
Our ever-vigilant Verger Hal Stratton who prepared the 50th Anniversary Liturgy program and kept us all "in line" throughout...a job most blessedly, well done!
Steve Raftery who chaired the 50th Anniversary Committee and all the committee members who did such an amazing job: Cyndi DeBock, Bob DeHaven, Mary Fletcher-Gomez, Val & Steve Gruenwald, Lynette Hamon, Laura Lampe, Penny & Hank Mandziara, Tess & Neal Setchell, Tom Smith and Hal Stratton...your grace and gifts certainly shone through very brightly!
St. Nicholas Choir, under the capable and gifted guidance of our Mary Fletcher-Gomez and the beautiful music shared with us and all for the greater glory of God: Katie Black, Bob DeHaven, Brandon Garcia, Ginny Gibbs, Nicolina Krebasch, Sherri Lambton, Laura Lampe, Michael Scafidi, Kayla Sproule, Douglas VanHouten and on guitar, Tony Begonja. Thanks, also, to Hal Stratton for serving as cantor for the psalm. I bet even the angels paused, listened and were most pleased!
For all who shared their ministry gifts during the 50th Anniversary Liturgy...you are all so graciously and warmly cherished!
Lectors: Penny Mandziara and Neal Setchell
Leaders of Prayers: John Boslett
Acolytes: Steve Raftery, Eason Williams, Jessica Tamaski and Paul Tamaski
Chalice Bearers: Val Gruenwald, Connie Nicholson and LaWayne Williams
Gift Bearers: Ella Gans, Yazmeen Narang, Ruth Davy, Molly Gruenwald, Rose Gruenwald, Jadyn Narang, Shannon Setchell
Ushers: Bill Barlow, Bob Kalicki, Hank Mandziara and Earl Williams
|
|
