News from Nick logo
October 30, 2013
The Vicar's Corner
All Saints' Day.  There is a wonder, a mystery to this "church holiday," this ecclesiastical feast day.   A recollection of my younger years, a memory which still provides me a degree of happiness and blessings is the Litany of the Saints.  This ancient chant is still part of the Churches' Liturgy and rightly so.  There is a grace to be received I believe, when we celebrate these holy men and women of God, provided we willingly open ourselves and embrace the grace that is made available.  The celebration of this ancient hymn very much is alive and that, my good friends, in a good thing. 

Growing up across the street from my home parish in Detroit, I am filled beyond capacity with the memories of many, many church stories.  I was the proverbial "church mouse," thank you very much.  I can still hear the church organist and choir director, Mrs. Lillian Mulroy, who also lived across the street from the church, (though many of us who were choir boys believed she actually lived in the choir loft as most of her "personal belongings" were strewn all about the upper quarters of the church!)  Nonetheless, Mrs. Mulroy would open up that huge pipe organ and literally and figuratively, the church would vibrate, move and shake! 

Saint Agatha...Pray for us.
Saints Perpetua and Felicity...Pray for us.
Saint Lucy...Pray for us.
Saint Michael the Archangel...Pray for us.
Saint Joseph...Pray for us.
St. Rita...Pray for us.
St. Nicholas...Pray for us.
All you saints and angels...Pray for us.

The Litany went on and on...it was endless, or at best it felt to be endless. Personally, I didn't mind it at all.  I sort of felt I was in the very company of these heavenly beings while their saintly names were chanted one after another.

Today, I am surrounded by another collection of "earth bound heavenly beings."  Blessedly, I am fortunate enough to share my faith and my energy with my sisters and brothers who make up the community of St. Nicholas. All of us, through our baptism and in our efforts to serve God and one another are called to be "saintly" in our spiritual and ministerial endeavors.  Remember: the saints were ordinary human beings, just like us, who did some extraordinary things.  Their lives were dedicated to serving Jesus, the Redeemer.  And us; we too are ordinary human beings, just like the saints, and we too do some extraordinary things and we do so all for the greater glory of God. 

Yes I do thank the Good Lord for the many blessings that have found their way to me and have filled my heart.  Likewise, I thank the holy men and women who still bring me an oh so delightful degree of happiness and peace.  Certainly, I need not bother with being diverted in my prayers to "speak" with Jesus via any requested intercessions through anyone else - saint or otherwise.  Then again, why not enjoy the company of some saintly friends who make my daily journey just that much more joyful, blessed and sacred.  I enjoy their company and quite frankly, why refuse any divine intervention when it is so readily available.

Happy All Saints' Day to one and all.

-Manny
Thanks from Pat Kalicki

Thank You!

 

I am so thankful to God for my family of St. Nicholas.  Thank you one and all for your prayers, thoughts, visits, gifts, and the food you have prepared during my recent surgery and hospitalization.  It is so awesome to think of how you have extended yourselves to Bob and me.  Also, thank you for stepping up to do my St. Nicholas "chores," whichever task you selected.  It is wonderful to belong to such a supportive, loving community. 

 

-Pat Kalicki

For all the Saints...
Who from their labors rest
Women of Faith Shrine
November 2013 Calendar
The November calendar was emailed on Sunday, October 27.  You will also find it at this link. Please refer to the calendar for upcoming events.
Join Us for Celebration Weekend!
This Saturday and Sunday
This weekend being the first full weekend of the month, it's Celebration Weekend.  All present who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or other milestone events in November will be recognized and prayed for during both the 4:30PM Saturday and 10AM Sunday services.

Also, on Sunday, our young people will read the lessons and serve as chalice bearers.
balloons_celebrate.jpg
Time Change This Weekend!
A reminder that Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 3 at 2AM, so don't forget to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed this Saturday, November 2. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
Daylight Savings Time ends
Fannie May Fundraiser is Here
Order your holiday supply today!
Fannie May candies The holiday season is approaching.  How about some fine chocolates for that special some one?  Fannie May chocolates is a great gift idea. Order forms are available via St. Nicholas with our church receiving a portion of the proceeds.  Also, there is a 10% discount for our purchases.  Please pick up your order forms at church; order forms need to be returned by November 24 so as to have orders received by December 9. 

Thank you, one and all for your support and continued assistance.  Any questions or concerns, please contact Jessica Tamaski our Junior Warden at 630-607-2258.
Memorial Service for Tim Black
Monday, November 25, 2013 at 4PM
Tim Black The date of the memorial for our brother Tim Black has been set for Monday, November 25, 2013 at 4PM at St. Nicholas.

All are welcome to pay tribute to Tim, and pay their respects to his family.
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Join us to give thanks
Thanksgiving gourds Please join us for

A Thanksgiving Eve Service
on
Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 6PM

All are welcome.
Stewardship - Flourish in Faith
Resources for Stewardship at St. Nicholas
We have been sharing resources from the Episcopal Network for Stewardship in our worship bulletins as we look toward our Pledge Drive for the year 2014.

You may access these materials here as well (click each date for that narrative) to help you pray about your giving to St. Nicholas:
Bishop's Committee Report
October Meeting Minutes

The Bishop's Committee met on October 13 prior to the Sunday morning liturgy.

 

The parish applied for a grant from the diocese to cover the cost of removing the stained glass panels from the south windows. Some of the panels were removed during repair work while other stain glass panels remained.   

 

Currently, material gathered and put together by Hank Mandziara is being reviewed via a proposal submitted by a particular company for the placement of the St. Bede's stained glass windows in the worship space and possible other locations.  We are taking our time in this matter so as to make sure the work is done correctly and safely. 

 

Part of the money received from a generous benefactor is being set aside to start a boiler fund to help cover the cost of replacing the boiler.

 

The Stewardship campaign started Oct 6 and runs through Nov 24, Christ the King Sunday. The inserts for the campaign will be in the weekly bulletins through Nov 11. Stewardship Commitment Cards for 2014 are being reviewed by the Bishop's Committee. Once approved and printed, they will be on the Welcome Table for you to pick up.

 

-Steve Raftery

Senior Warden

St. Nicholas Choir to Present Concert
As part of the St. Nicholas 50th anniversary celebration
Two by Two Choir Concert Please make plans to join us at St. Nicholas on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 4PM for a concert by our choir. 

You'll hear everything from Mendelssohn to Bobby McFerrin to selections from Godspell

Admission is free.
Irish Heritage Singers Upcoming Concerts
Irish Heritage Singers

Our own Cyndi DeBock sings with the Irish Heritage Singers of the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago. The Irish Heritage Singers is one of the very few Irish/Irish American Choral ensembles in the United States, performing traditional Irish and Irish American music, including music by contemporary Irish choral composers. Under the direction of Paul Matijevic, the group has appeared at the Irish American Heritage Festival, Celtic Fest Chicago, Milwaukee Irish Fest, Long Grove Irish Fest, Chicago's Cultural Center, and at the Sligo International Choral Festival in Sligo, Ireland.

 

They have two upcoming concerts:

 

This Friday, November 1, 2013, they will be performing at the Schaumburg Prairie Arts Center at 8:00pm The address is 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, IL  60193-1899 - Phone 847-895-3600 and Tickets are $12 (adults) / $10 (students & seniors).  Click here to purchase tickets online.

 

Their second concert this season F�ile Cheoil, A Music Festival will be performed on Sunday November 17, 2013 at 3:00 pm at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL in the Erin Room (4th Floor). Tickets are $15 if purchased by October 31 and $20 thereafter and at the door. Children 5-12 are $5. IAHC members are $15 in advance and at the door, with an IAHC Membership card. Feel free to call Cyndi De Bock @ 847-533-3944, for tickets.

This Weekend's Worship Leaders
November 2/3

Lectionary Saturday Lector (all readings): John Bosslet 

 

Sunday Lectors: Brandon Garcia, Rose Gruenwald 

Sunday Intercessor:  LaWayne Williams 

Sunday Chalice Bearers: Hank Mandziara, Jillian Setchell 

Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s):  Volunteer(s) needed 

The Week in our Church
What's on the calendar (click each date for the lessons for that day)
October 31:   Vigil of All Saints'

November 1:  All Saints' Day (to be celebrated at St. Nicholas on November 2 & 3)

November 2:  Commemoration of All Faithful Departed
Prayer Requests
The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
little-boy-praying.jpg In thanksgiving for the return home after hospital stays for both Pat Kalicki and Taylor Gans.  We are so happy knowing you're both better and mending to sound and full health.

Charles Borg, one of Manny's brothers who is being supervised in the hospital because of heart ailments:  pray all tests prove to be in his favor and Charlie is home soon.

For the members of the Support Groups at St. Nicholas who endure, "one day at at time," in their daily battles against addiction.

For all who give so much of themselves to make St. Nicholas a vibrant and alive house of worship.

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.
   
  **Nancy Lueptke for requested prayers.    

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)  

Shout-Outs
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Hal Stratton & Steve Raftery and Douglas VanHouten & Manny Borg who generously donated a brand new computer to the church...thanks, guys.  This new computer will help in all facets of our church ministry.

Hank & Penny Mandziara, Donna Tamaski, and George & Colleen Davy who prepared meals for Bob Kalicki while Pat was in the hospital. Such generosity and kindness. God bless you all.

For all who shared a good time at Trunk or Treat last Sunday, decorated cars and provided happy memories for all those who stopped by and visited with us.  Way to go!

Hal Stratton and Bob DeHaven for so beautifully handling the publicity for the November 24th choir concert.
Readings for This Weekend
All Saints' Day (transferred) - November 2/3

Daniel 7:1-3,15-18
Psalm 149
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-31

We worship together:

Saturdays at 4:30PM
&
Sundays at 10AM
St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
1072 Ridge Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL  60007
847-439-2067
www.StNicholasEpiscopal.org
Copyright � 2013. All Rights Reserved.