 There I was, sitting at my home computer sending out emails to fellow clergy in our Deanery when I heard this odd, faint tapping. For a moment, I stopped typing and listened and of course the tapping stopped. So, I assumed it must have been the sound of my fingers buzzing across the keyboard. So, back I went to work and again...that tapping sound came back, only this time it was significantly louder. Again, I stopped typing, rose up from my chair and began to "hear out" where the tapping was coming from. As I walked toward the French doors that lead out to the patio, the tapping was louder and even louder still. I slowly began to pull back the blinds, a little at a time. Surprise and believe it or not...there was the source of that tapping: a squirrel with a piece of decorative stone in its little paws tapping it against the patio door window! If I hadn't seen it live and in real time, I would have never believed it.
Perhaps it's just me, but I sort of like squirrels. Yes, I know that essentially they are rodents and cause untold damage to attics, crawlspaces or anywhere they are able to climb onto or into. We have a beautiful Black Walnut tree in our front yard. Each spring, the tree is full and rich with hundreds of walnuts, seemingly suspended in midair with only a little stem securing them to the branch. Honestly, it seems as if every squirrel in the county has found our tree and assault, assail and attack that poor, defenseless tree. By the time they are done, there are branches strewn everywhere, half eaten nuts litter the lawn, driveway and our gardens. Of course, the walnuts that have been planted soon begin to sprout up and in no time at all, long stems begin to grow. That means more stuff for us to have to pull out, as we don't really want an entire front yard of Black Walnut trees regardless how much we enjoy the way they look and the beauty they provide.
Nature is amazing, isn't it? I retain a very innocent awe and fascination with the wonders of nature. It doesn't matter that, intellectually speaking, I do have adequate understanding and knowledge of what is happening. It's just that from a mere seed comes forth such amazing beauty, immense color and scents that send my senses to new heights...it is, to be quite honest almost too much to truly comprehend and fully take in.
God is just like that, too. God sends my spirit soaring. God gives flight to my fears while comforting me in times of sorrow and disappointment. And wonderfully so, God is not seasonal. God is eternal. God is present at all times regardless how distant we may think He is. For you see my dear and beloved friends, God is never far away from us. Close our eyes for just a moment and listen to God. Breath in deeply and know that it is God who fills our being with life. It is no mystery...God is alive in nature for it is His handiwork that provides us such joy, happiness and peace.
I'm looking out the patio door window as I finish this reflection and there is that squirrel again, and believe it or not, it's still carrying that decorative stone! Nature...God...how blessed we are to be surrounded by it all, squirrels, stones, Black Walnut trees and our Ever-Present and Ever-Loving God.
-Manny
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Diocesan Convention Time is Near
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Alternates are still needed
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Our Diocesan Convention is drawing near. November 22nd and 23rd, Friday and Saturday, the weekend before Thanksgiving are the scheduled dates with the convention once again being held at the Westin hotel in Lombard. We are asking two more members of the community to step forward to represent St. Nicholas. We need two alternates to be available in case one of our delegates is unable to attend. If you possess the desire to be part of this wonderful event and are able to secure the time to attend, well then, we need you! Please submit your name to our wardens, Steve Raftery and Jessica Tamaski as soon as possible. We will announce our representatives once all has been finalized. In advance, thank you for your consideration, your assistance and your commitment to St. Nicholas and our Episcopal Diocese. P.S. You need not be a delegate to attend Convention. If you would like to experience this event, consider registering to attend as a general participant. More information is at this link. |
The Order of Saint Luke will be presenting a "Spiritual Bootcamp" immersion bible study deeply exploring the 26 Healing Miracles of Jesus on Saturdays November 2nd, 9th and 16th at St. Nicholas in Holy Innocents Hall (3 all-day sessions).
Early bird registration (until Sunday Oct. 20th) for one person is $100, and $165 for a couple. Continental breakfast, lunch and snacks are included. (A limited number of partial scholarships are available.)
Participants will also receive a workbook, a one-year subscription of the Order of St. Luke's inspirational magazine, "Sharing", and a complimentary one-year membership in the Order of St. Luke (you don't have to make any use of that membership, or make any commitment to the Order, if you don't feel so called).
For more information, to print out a brochure, or to register/pay online, visit http://thehealingjourneyosl.org/bootcamp.shtml
or contact Jennifer Brundige (847.347.5425 thehealingjourneyosl@gmail.com) or Fr. Tony Begonja (847.463.0146 tbegonja@earthlink.net).
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Join us on Sunday, October 27 as we provide children a safe and fun trick-or-treating atmosphere
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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).
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Seeking Coffee Hour Hosts
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Sign up today to serve the community in this ministry
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 No one has signed up as of yet for hosting coffee hour this Sunday. 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 for the schedule; simply type your name in the desired date. Thank you in advance! |
What's on the calendar (click each date for the lessons for that day)
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This Weekend's Worship Leaders
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Saturday Lector (all readings): Steve Raftery
Sunday Lectors: Douglas VanHouten, Katie Black
Sunday Intercessor: LaWayne Williams
Sunday Chalice Bearers: Colleen Davy, Connie Nicholson
Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s): Volunteer(s) needed
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
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 For the safety of all who are traveling: that their destinations are reached in God's safety and surety.
For Doug VanHouten, Sr. as he recuperates from surgery. For his well being, safety and comfort and a speedy and full recovery.
Repose of the soul of Mrs. Doris Blachut, a resident of Friendship Village Manny visited recently: Doris passed away early Saturday morning, Oct. 5th with her family all around her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
For all who are affected by the government shutdown: that their lives are not disrupted too severely and all workers return back to their gainful employment.
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.
**James Dolan.
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)
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Connie Nicholson, Marilyn Brown, Bob Kalicki and Dan Papentony who dug, planted, pruned and created the beautiful gardens at both the front and backside of the church. How beautiful does our garden grow. Can't wait until spring to see all those blooms come back to life!
Penny and Hank Mandziara, and Marilyn Brown who tackled the kitchen and organized the shelves and counter tops. It looks so much better and cleaner!
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