The Vicar's Corner

The Good Lord has folded up 2013 into His "album of history."  The memory of the previous year remains.  We saw and savored much "new life" at St. Nicholas:  new gardens were planted and come this spring, we shall all reap the pleasures of our labors.  These gardens are both literal and symbolic of who we are as a community of faith.  Our spiritual roots are deep in Christ and we look toward the Son to provide us Light and Growth.  Babies were baptized, first holy communions were had and new members made their commitment to the Episcopal Church and to this particular community of faith.  We bid farewell to beloved members who went Home to their eternal reward.  We have laughed and cried together.  We have made Christmas wreaths, complete with ornaments and colorful bows which in essence, represents the creation of new relationships and friendships, born and bound together with fondness, love and trust.   Everyone did their share, as we could and how we could.  I thank each and every member of St. Nicholas for the contributions, caring and dedication shown and shared.  Truly, we are blessed, indeed. 

2014 is upon us and we have many events on both the near and distant horizon.  Let's take a look-see at what is coming up soon, shall we:  At the 10am Sunday Liturgy on January 12th, we welcome a new member to the church with the celebration of a baptism.  I couldn't think of a better vehicle than the sacrament of baptism to drive home the message of the importance of building community, fostering faith and basking in the joy of a communal celebration.  On January 26th our Annual St. Nicholas Parish Meeting is all set.  This is a time for us to talk, share and plot out our course of action for the new year.  We hope to have a very full house for this most important gathering.  And of course, it would not be a St. Nicholas meeting without food.  So please plan on coming and bring your questions, concerns, thoughts and a dish to share, too.  On January 31st and February 1st, the Rodriguez Dance Theatre will entertain and dazzle with their gifts of drama and movement as performances are to be held right here at St. Nicholas.  Certainly, these events are bound to bring new faces and hopefully new friends to our church and community.  Before you know it, we're facing the holy season of Lent.  But, before Ash Wednesday which is March 5th, our Annual St. Nicholas Chili Supper is set for Saturday, March 1st. Family, food, fun and don't forget the door prizes and drawings, too, which all makes for a great time.

There are of course our monthly Bishop's Committee and Building Committee Meetings. Also, quarterly report meetings with Bishop and Trustees and Congregation's Commission which assists us in our efforts to both sustain and grow.  There are the Interfaith gatherings each month with clergy from our neighboring Village Houses of Worship as well as meetings with our sister and brother Episcopal Clergy of the Elgin Deanery.  Bible Study, Children's Formation, Adult Book Club, Choir, Altar Guild, Maintenance and Building Upkeep...there is so much for all of us to be part of, activities in which to be engaged.  How will each of us, in our own unique and dynamic manner help to sustain and grow our church, our Community of St. Nicholas? We have a new year which beckons us.  365 days are before us.  2014 has dawned.  How will we make and leave our mark?  Good bye and farewell, old friend 2013.   Hello to our new friend and challenger, 2014.  I, for one am pretty excited.  God willing and with His guidance and grace, we shall all experience a wonderful and successful New Year. 

-Manny

January 1st, there will be no Wednesday Evening Prayer.  We will return to our communal prayer again on Wednesday night, January 8th at 6pm.  All are invited to come, pray and share together.

Bible Study and Children's Formation resume this Sunday, January 5th.  After the 10am Liturgy, our young people will gather in the Vesting Room and those interested in joining the conversation on Islam and Christianity are invited to meet in the Noah's Ark Space, coffee and curiosity in tote.

Prayer Requests

 

Ken Tamaski who underwent recent heart surgery:  that he recover fully, completely and is swift to return to a healthy and active life.  Our prayers for Ken and his family.

 

Skyler, Laura Lampe's niece who has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes:  that Skyler responds to medication, treatment and is able to lead a long, productive life.  

 

For all our St. Nicholas community members who are under the weather and in need of healing and prayers:  may they find peace and be blessed with sound and better health.  Ruth Harber, Joanne Mangiaracina, Taylor Gans, Richard Gans, Eunice Dohra, Corky Stratton, Ken Tamaksi and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.

 

For our military personnel who are overseas and engaged in battle:  that they soon return home safe and secure. 

 

For those who are suffering from the pain of depression:  may their burdens be lightened and may they find healing.

 

 

Shout-Outs

To the entire Community of St. Nicholas:  for each and every member who worships here, attends support meetings here and visits on occasion; all of whom gave so much of themselves to make our church grow and come alive!   You are all a blessing and a joy.

 

To the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago: our Church that has opened wide her doors for all God's people to enter, without question, without reservation and without the need of "leaving our true identity" at the door.  Truly, we are a "Church of the people."  

 

To Choir Members Jessi Lindberg and Hope Quarles who sang at our 9pm Christmas Eve Liturgy, though their names were missing in the program.  Sorry about that ladies, and thank you for your shared gifts.

 

The Community of St. Nicholas for their support as Manny and Douglas legally married last week in Iowa. 

Readings for This Weekend

St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
1072 Ridge Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL  60007
847-439-2067
www.StNicholasEpiscopal.org