Thanksgiving...a time, "an event," and anniversary for we Americans that provides us the opportunity to slow down, just enough, and give our
rightful and due thanks to the Lord for His bounteous and generous blessings.
Thanksgiving...my favorite holiday, by far and wide.
Thanksgiving...to my beloved Community of
St. Nicholas, my family near and far and all those who have blessed and gifted my life with their friendship and love, may I extend to each and all my warmest and most heart-felt blessings and well wishes.
Be assured my prayers are with you and in your name and honor.
Whatever your plans and with whom you are to spend this special day, make it a joyful and glad day. Be mindful of those who go without and ask God to sustain and give guidance and blessings. May we all be truly grateful and thankful for all we have and know, deep in our hearts and minds, that God truly loves us; for we are His children and He never waivers in His merciful care for us.
 We Gather Together We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
He chastens and hastens his will to make known;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sing praises to his name: He forgets not his own.
Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, wast at our side, All glory be thine!
We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
And pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
Amen. --Traditional Thanksgiving Hymn
(A translation by Theodore Baker: 1851-1934) Amen. |
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Thanksgiving Eve Service November 27th
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Join us this evening at 6PM to give thanks
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 We say goodbye to the Sundays after Pentecost, (Ordinary Time) and welcome to the holy season of Advent. In order to celebrate this time of year properly, we have to get the church in order. So, this Friday night, Nov. 29th, we invite one and all to come on by and help with the decorating. We will gather around 6pm and get all the green banners down and put up the blue banners and curtains; drain the baptismal font, set up the St. Nicholas Table and put up a few decorations in Holy Innocents Hall for our Support Groups to enjoy. Pizza will be provided and if you'd like to bring some beverage of "cheer," feel free to do so! All are welcome. Thanks in advance and God bless one and all. |
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Stewardship at St. Nicholas
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 Our sincere thanks to all who have turned in 2014 pledge cards thus far. Please know that pledge cards may still be turned in. All cards, along with the bread and wine will be processed in at the weekend Liturgies as a sign of thanksgiving and appreciation. We are mindful and most considerate that not all are able to financially support our church and we appreciate the sacrifices that are made by so many. There are others ways to support St. Nicholas: the Giving Tree, helping out by hosting Coffee Hour on Sundays, baking communion bread for our weekend Liturgies; pitching in to help keep the church/hall clean and orderly, helping with Children's Formation, preaching, lecturing , joining the choir, sharing in Bible Study, joining the Book Club, helping with the Food Pantry on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month...so many opportunities to help grow our church. And know how grateful and sincerely thankful I am for the kindness, generosity and faithfulness shared by so many on behalf of this, our Community of St. Nicholas. God bless, one and all. -Manny |
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New Socks For New Friends
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Support and aid the homeless
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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 in the gathering space at church. Your generosity will aid our new friends and will keep them blessedly warmer and more comfortable.
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Help the people of the Philippines
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 Rose Gruenwald (granddaughter of Val & Steve) and some of her friends at school are collecting financial contributions that will be sent to aid the good people of the Philippines who have suffered greatly from a recent typhoon.
Please consider sharing what you are able...any contribution will be warmly received. Rose has set up a box in the gathering space for contributions to be received.
In advance...thank you and God bless the loving and generous community of St. Nicholas Church.
Peace,
-Manny
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Bible Study During Advent
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We'll meet each Sunday in Advent
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 At our last gathering this past Sunday, the Adult Bible Study group decided that we'll take a pause in our study of Islam for the season of Advent and will meet each Sunday during Advent instead of our usual 1st and 3rd Sunday schedule to discuss the Bible and faith, hope, love and peace. All are most welcome to join us as we'll be looking to the Bible for the following topics: - Faith on December 1st
- Hope on December 8th
- Love on December 15th
- Peace on December 22nd
As usual, we'll meet in the Noah's Ark space following the 10AM service. On the two Sundays when Children's / Youth Formation won't meet (Dec. 8 and 22) we'll have a movie or other activity for the children during Bible Study. |
| Let's Make a Christmas Wreath! |
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Join us for a fun night for all!
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This Weekend's Worship Leaders
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 Saturday Lector (all readings): Cyndi DeBock
Sunday Lectors: Brandon Garcia, Jillian Setchell
Sunday Intercessor: Eason Williams
Sunday Chalice Bearers:
Mindy Golden, Rose Gruenwald
Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s): Volunteer(s) needed
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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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 For Ruth Harber who has been ill of late: that Ruth recover fully and swiftly so as to rejoin us for worship and fellowship.
For Pat Kalicki's continued recovery from surgery.
For Joanne Mangiaracina and she continues to recover for a series of health issues.
For Bernie, Eunice's youngest son who is again battling very serious health issues: pray for strength, healing and acceptance.
For all the homeless, alienated and marginalized: that they find comfort and shelter, peace and direction.
For our military personal who are overseas and engaged in battle: that they soon return home safe and secure.
For members of the Community of St. Nicholas who are undergoing difficult times, whether emotionally, financially or spiritually: that God bless and strengthen one and all.
For Richard Gans who is in rather poor health: that God bless and strengthen and sustain him and provide faith and patience to his family and loved ones.
For all who are traveling this holiday weekend: that their destinations are reached in God's speed and safety.
For the success of the Capital Campaign of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago: may the goal be reached and thus, aid and assist our sisters and brothers in need.
For those who are suffering from the pain of depression: may their burdens be lightened and may they find healing.
For all more than 10,000 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.
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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To our amazing choir and organist/choirmaster, Mary Fletcher-Gomez for the beautiful music they create. To one and all, THANK YOU for the blessed sounds you shared at the wonderful concert that we all enjoyed so much. And, of course, a shout-out of thanks to all who came, listened and loved it!
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First half of concert - photo by David Gibbs, Falling Rock Photography
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Second half of concert - photo by David Gibbs, Falling Rock Photography
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To Lisette, The Rodriguez Dance Theatre and those graceful and beautiful young ladies who brought such spirit and movement to our Sunday Liturgy. I know I speak for the entire community when I say we can't wait for your next performance at St. Nicholas!
To Penny and Hank for preparing the refreshments for the concert. Good coffee and good company!
To Thelma and Ray Malecek for acolyting and preparing the refreshments for the Memorial Service for Tim Black. God bless you for your care and kindly consideration.
To Bob DeHaven for preparing the program for the choir concert.
To Douglas VanHouten for preparing the worship bulletin for Tim's memorial service.
To the Williams family for sponsoring the Coffee Hour after 10am Liturgy last Sunday...you are nothing short of beautiful!
To Hal and Steve for serving as Greeters at the concert and helping to return the worship space back to its proper setting...talk about "spot on service!" Thanks, guys.
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