These have been some very busy times at St. Nicholas. Personally, there is nothing sadder than a church that is quiet and still, or worse yet, a church that is permanently shuttered and no longer in use. Not so at St. Nicholas, not so at all.
The past few weeks we have been engaged in so many wonderful events and activities within the church and more, so much more is yet to come!
A true feast for the eyes was the dance and graceful movement played out in our church by the gifted young ladies of the Rodriguez Dance Theatre, to the bounteous blessings for the ear of sacred and soulful music as sung by our choir at the recent concert that packed the church with eager and happy folks.
A couple dozen parishioners gathered to give thanks at our Thanksgiving Eve Liturgy, not yielding to the cold of the late autumn evening but rather lifting voices in song and shared reflections of what Thanksgiving means to us. The church was full as were our hearts as we bid our final goodbye to our friend and brother Tim Black at his Memorial Service. The Presentation of the Colors and handing the American flag to Ryan Black was stirring and so moving. How beautiful and how fitting.
Community gatherings to help decorate the church and prepare for the season of Advent to individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to help build and grow our church; while I am not surprised by such care and love, I am always left humbled and proud of this, my community of faith.
We're all engaged in the life of St. Nicholas in one way or another...Rose Gruenwald collecting donations for the victims of the tornado in Washington, Illinois and those who have been left homeless and in despair by the typhoon in the Philippines. Meanwhile Samantha, a friend of Bob DeHaven is baking bread and cleaning the church as her contribution to St. Nicholas. Hank Mandziara is taking note of what needs to be done to secure, beautify and strengthen the church while Bob Kalicki, Eve Gatwood, Gary Lackey, and Greg Kinlock give so much of their time and energy to make our food pantry such a bright and welcoming place to all the guests who make use of this ministry. No effort, no contribution is too small...every gift is a blessing and goes a very long way in sustaining and growing our church and extending our ministry, our prayers and our good cheer far beyond the borders of Elk Grove Village.
The list could well go on and on and on...but you all get the point. God has blessed us all in so many ways as we continue to bless one another and go about building and growing this house of worship. At St. Nicholas, truly, the life of this church is a testament to the care, the dedication and the genuine love we possess.
Advent is a time of waiting and anticipating...I wait, with patience though eager and anxious for what other blessings are bound to come our way.
Amen.
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.
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. 
