 Today, priesthood is a rather complex vocation. Presiding at the Liturgy and celebrating the Sacraments is certainly first and foremost. For me, I find incredible joy and happiness when I share time and company with the community members of St. Nicholas; whether at the altar sharing in the blessed sacrament of the Holy Eucharist or sharing a cup of coffee in the Hall, at Bible Study or stirring a pot of chili, pricing items for St. Nick's Knacks Rummage Sale or in conversation with support group members. These are the times I can truly feel Jesus' presence in such intimate and loving fashion. However, more and more, my vocation takes me out of the church and into the wider community. Interfaith Meetings and Deanery Gatherings to name but a few such ventures that draw me away from St. Nicholas and out in the surrounding area to interact with other clergy members, church people and other social group gatherings. Now, I can add one more "external exercise" to add to my growing list of ventures. Granted, this is one such venture I willingly and gladly requested. Let me explain: at the last Interfaith Meeting at the Village City Hall earlier this month, Officer Ed Thomas of the Elk Grove Village Police Department spoke to us about the Citizens Police Academy. This program encourages and invites residents of the Village to participate in an eight (8) week course which delves into the activities and responsibilities of our dedicated police personnel. Officer Thomas spoke directly to the clergy and expressed how important it is that we, as spiritual leaders within the Village understand and comprehend what the police department deals with; that is, the "interaction with the citizens," many of whom are spiritually nurtured by the clergy within the Village. I have always had a keen interest in the workings of the police department. In fact, when I first began college, my courses were primarily in the field of forensics and criminology. Of course, God had much to do with the change in my major and vocational choice...the short end of it is that I left behind those studies because God brought me to some thing much better...His calling and His ministry. So, starting January 29th and each Wednesday evening until March 19th, I will be spending time at the Police Headquarters, riding in squad cars, attending seminars and lectures. I'm excited and anxious. What a gift it is to be afforded such an opportunity to broaden my horizons and understanding of the workings of our local police department. Knowledge is power and shared power and understanding is a gift we must all be willing to receive and share in equal measure. As for Wednesday Night Evening Prayer...we will still gather, though I will rely upon the lay leadership of this St. Nicholas Community to take charge and, well, "lead" the prayers until I am "back to my home base" come late March. Lastly, I ask for your prayers for all who will take part in this course; pray that all are safe and secure. Pray our minds and hearts are open to the Spirit and we, in turn, bring back to our communities what we have been given. In advance, thank you all for your continued support, prayers, encouragement, your enduring and endearing love. You make me a better person because you are in my life! Thank you my dear sisters and brothers... thank you. - Manny |
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Annual Meeting & Potluck Luncheon
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Sunday, January 26, 2014 after the 10AM service
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It's here! Our St. Nicholas Annual Parish Meeting. We have this event but once a year. Thus, we can all realize the importance of having a very good turn out. This is not a fund-raiser. No, it is much more important: this is our opportunity for all of us to talk openly and honestly about the "course," the "direction" we wish to chart for this new calendar year.
Blessedly, we are off to a good start. Let's keep the momentum and let's maintain the current desire and positive energy, shall we.
Please make plans to join us this Sunday, January 26 following the 10AM service. Please bring your questions, concerns, and a dish to share. We'll celebrate our faith, our ambitions and our efforts to direct St. Nicholas in the most positive of directions...and we shall do this as a community.
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New Online Calendar Now Available
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Our calendar is now online! Not only will you be able to see what's on the horizon, you'll also be able to request email reminders for events and subscribe to a live feed of the calendar with any product supporting the iCal format. Check it out at this link! You'll also always find it on our website. Simply click Calendar. |
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This Week at St. Nicholas
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Wednesday, January 15, 2014
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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Food Pantry
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4:00 PM
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Al-Anon Meeting
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7:30 PM
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Thursday, January 16, 2014
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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GA Meeting
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7:00 PM
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Friday, January 17, 2014
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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Saturday, January 18, 2014
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Healing Weekend
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4:30 PM
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Varied Voices
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4:30 PM
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Worship Service
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4:30 PM
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AA Meeting
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7:00 PM
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GSR - AA Meeting
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7:30 PM
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Sunday, January 19, 2014
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Healing Weekend
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10:00 AM
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Varied Voices
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10:00 AM
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Worship Service
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10:00 AM
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Adult Bible Study
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11:30 AM
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Children's / Youth Formation
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11:30 AM
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AA Meeting
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7:30 PM
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Monday, January 20, 2014
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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AA Meeting
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7:00 PM
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Tuesday, January 21, 2014
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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AA Meeting
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7:00 PM
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Wednesday, January 22, 2014
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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Al-Anon Meeting
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7:30 PM
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This Weekend's Worship Participants
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Saturday, January 25 / Sunday, January 26
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 Saturday Lector (all readings): Steve Raftery Sunday Lectors: Penny Mandziara, Connie Nicholson Sunday Intercessor: Tameica Williams Sunday Chalice Bearers: Earl Williams, Colleen Davy Sunday Coffee Hour Host(s): Volunteer(s) needed |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying for:
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For Annie Brown, sister-in-law to Marilyn Brown who is in hospital with pneumonia and for some medical observation. Pray Annie recover from her illness and is home soon.
In thanksgiving for those who recently had surgery or were hospitalized and are now home, recuperating and doing so much better...thank you.
For victims of racism, sexism, homophobia and elitism...let us all treat one another equally and fairly.
For those who have been affected by the recent severe weather: for safety and security for all.
For members of our community who are unemployed, over and under employed: that all may find peace in a chosen and desired vocation that sustains and affords a comfortable 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 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. For the members of the Support Groups at St. Nicholas who endure, "one day at at time," in their daily battles against addiction.
(**written prayer requests)
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George and Colleen Davy who donated 3 large bags of sidewalk salt. Your kindness and warmth will certainly melt that ice and snow away!
To Steve, a friend of St. Nicholas who worked on our boiler. Your kindness is so warmly appreciated.
To Ed, another friend of St. Nicholas who purchased a mini carpet cleaner for quick clean-ups in the Hall...again Ed, you are one amazingly kind man.
To Marta and Rosa who, while waiting for their turn in the food pantry took it upon themselves to spotlessly clean our kitchen. Muchas gracias mis hermanas!
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This Week on the Episcopal Church calendar
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Here is what we are celebrating
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