Last week, after much anticipation, plenty of patience and prayer, the state of Illinois, at long last passed legislation for legalized marriage of same gender couples. This is a major development and step forward toward full inclusion for all people. The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago led by Bishop Jeff Lee responded with a letter of congratulations and encouragement. This legislation is not just about gays and lesbians in this state finally having the law to support their desire to marry. This law effects us all, gay and straight; because it is about equality...it is about what is just and what is fair. There are legal and financial ramifications to this new law that will affect many, many people. Truly, this is cause for celebration. I realize there are many who are gravely disappointed with this new law, claiming biblical and ethical reasons against such action. Nonetheless and in spite of such reservations, it is about equality for all people... it is about justice for all people...it is about doing what is right. I'd like to share a post with you that Douglas VanHouten shared on Facebook. It is my hope you find it to be as beautiful and heartwarming as I found it. Enjoy and remember my sisters and brothers, it is about what is right, just and equal...but above all, is it about LOVE. "For the record (with marriage equality being in the news, and having now seen some phrases on Facebook that I've listened to my whole life), and speaking from the experiences of my own life:
My sexuality was not a "choice." Believe me, high school--and much of life before I stopped letting others' fears define how I felt about myself--would have been much less painful and much, much easier had I been able to "choose" to be straight. My sexuality is not a "lifestyle" - my lifestyle includes getting up every morning; trying to be a good person; working at a job that I love and in which I use the gifts God has given me; paying taxes; shopping for groceries; going to church; spending time with my family (including the family I was born into, and the family my partner was born into and I was fortunate to gain); and continuing to form a lifelong bond with the person with whom I've now spent 21 years, and with whom I've laughed, cried, ached, watched loved ones die, and watched loved ones come into this world. If I were dying in a hospital, my partner would not legally be able to be at my bedside or make decisions that only he, having spent 21 years knowing me at a deeper level than anyone else, would know how to make. To say nothing of the countless other benefits we are not afforded. Loathe as I am to get political on Facebook, for me it's not about politics. It's about finally being able to fully live the life that so many take for granted and some wish me ill for also wanting. It's about wanting people to get to know me, and others in my shoes, rather than operate under assumptions. It's about more than being "tolerated" - how does merely being tolerated make one feel? It's about more than being "loved" as a sinner, while someone hates my "sin". Finally, I can't put into words the gratitude I feel for the support of my incredible friends and family, all of whom have taken the time to get the know me, and have become an integral part of who I am, even as they've let me in to become a part of them." Written with love, Douglas
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Stewardship at St. Nicholas
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Members and friends of St. Nicholas should have received a letter about our stewardship campaign from our Vicar, one from our Senior Warden, and a pledge card for 2014. These materials are also available here: Commitment Weekend -- the offering of our pledges -- is November 23/24, 2013. Please bring your completed pledge cards to church as they will be blessed on that, and subsequent weekends.
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Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America
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A live webcast this Friday, November 15
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On November 15, the Episcopal Church will host and produce a forum centering on a critical topic for our times: Fifty Years Later: The State of Racism in America. Originating from St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral in Jackson, MS (Diocese of Mississippi), the 90-minute ecumenical forum will be live webcast beginning at 1 pm Central (2 pm Eastern, noon Mountain, 11 am Pacific, 10 am Alaska, 9 am Hawaii).
The forum will be moderated by well-known journalist and former PBS commentator Ray Suarez. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will keynote the event. Two panel discussions will focus on main themes: Racism in America today - why does it persist? And Racism in America's future - where is there hope for change?
"This offers Episcopalians and others an opportunity for continued truth-telling and reconciliation, as we seek a society of justice," noted Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, a keynote speaker for the event. "We say we believe all human beings are made in the image of God. Do we give evidence of it?"
The Antiracism Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago (ARC) will host the viewing and a discussion of the live webcast at St. James Commons, 65 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611, from 12:30 - 3:30 pm. Following the webcast, the Chicago discussion will be moderated by Jesus "Chuy" Garcia.
A light lunch and snacks will be provided. There is no charge for the event, but reservations are requested to ensure we have enough food for all. Please register at this link.
Unable to attend at St. James Commons, but want to watch? The webcast will be available live or on-demand at this link.
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Saturday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 17
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The third weekend of the month St. Nicholas celebrates several events:
Varied Voices: This weekend, our Junior Warden, Jessica Tamaski will proclaim the Gospel and share with us her reflection.
Healing Weekend: Members of the Order of St. Luke will share prayers, healing and blessings with those who wish to take part in this most sacred ministry.
Children's Formation: After the 10am Sunday Liturgy, our young people will gather in the Vesting Room for their program.
Adult Bible Study: After the 10am Sunday Liturgy, all who wish to share, engage in lively conversation are welcome to come to the Noah's Ark space as we continue our conversation on Islam and Christianity.
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New Socks For New Friends
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Support and Aid the Homeless
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With the cold weather once again upon us, we focus our attention on keeping warm and dry. Sadly, so many in our community are exposed to the harsh and bitter elements without proper protection.
At St. Nicholas, we wish to assist and care for our less fortunate sisters and brothers by supplying clean (preferably new) socks. These socks will be shared with the local PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) sites throughout the Village.
Socks will be collected throughout the months of November and December. Your generosity will aid our new friends and will keep them blessedly warmer and more comfortable.
In advance, thank you one and all.
God bless.
Yours in Christ,
-Manny
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Fannie May Fundraiser is Here
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Order your holiday supply today!
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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.
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St. Nicholas Choir to Present Concert
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As part of the St. Nicholas 50th anniversary celebration
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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.
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Memorial Service for Tim Black
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Monday, November 25, 2013 at 4PM
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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.
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Please join us for A Thanksgiving Eve Service on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 6PM All are welcome.
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This Weekend's Worship Leaders
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Saturday Lector (all readings): Bill Barlow
Sunday Lectors: Bob DeHaven, Laura Lampe
Sunday Intercessor: Tameica Williams
Sunday Chalice Bearers: LaWayne Williams, Connie Nicholson
Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s): LaWayne Williams
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What's on the liturgical calendar (click each date for the lessons for that day)
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
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Vivian Scafidi, Michael Scafidi's niece who is to have surgery to insert a pacemaker. Pray the surgery is successful and Vivian recover quickly and completely.
For Jennifer Garcia's co-worker who suffered a stroke and is in critical condition. Pray that he recover to full and lasting good health.
For the repose of the soul of Mrs. Phyllis Vote, a friend of Manny: Phyllis passed away a day after she was removed from the ventilator. Pray and rejoice as she now rests in the full and lasting peace of Christ.
For all the victims of the typhoon that stuck the Philippines: may they be welcomed to Paradise. May all who mourn the lost find peace and comfort and may the world wide community come together and aid the good people of the Philippines at this time of great need.
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.
**For the special intentions of the Community of St. Nicholas.
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)
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Tess Setchell for preparing coffee and dessert on Sunday and hubby Neal who pitched in to help clean jump things up...after all, it is a family thing! Great job, dear friends.
Hal and Steve who prepared our Pledge forms for this year...wonderful work, guys. We are all grateful.
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