"The mouth of the wolf is not the end of the world."

Okay, at first glance one would say, "from what and where does this line come?"  Well, again, the play Into the Woods features a wolf, the same "big, bad wolf" that is featured in the classic tale, Little Red Riding Hood.  And we all know what that nasty wolf does with Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother, do we not?   

However the wolf was merely doing what comes natural to a wild animal, correct?  The wolf must eat and will do what it must do.  Sounds terribly cruel and cold but nature is not always neat and tidy.  Nature and her creatures survive through instinct and perseverance.  It is often-times brutal and seemingly excessive.     

Faith and the exercising of our beliefs is not always easy, is it?  We hear horror stories of people who are imprisoned, tortured and even murdered for openly practicing their faith.  The apostles sacrificed their lives, surrendering and abandoning their mortal existence to stand tall, practice and preach all that is of Jesus and the promise of Eternal Life in Paradise. Hundreds of Christians, ordinary women and men and yes, even children have paid the highest of price and have given their lives for their beliefs, for their faith and the right to pray.  Martyrdom is not monopolized by Christians only.  Our Muslim, Jewish and Hindi sisters and brothers also encounter prejudice and disdain; they are viewed as dangerous and subversive by the very people who claim their own religious freedoms are being denied.  So many people crying "foul" at one time...it is amazing anyone can hear one another over the din. This reality has been part of the human experience for as long as religion has existed.  Sadly, I suspect this problem will never go away, at least not completely.  Nonetheless, any degree of intolerance or the slightest hint of non-acceptance is unacceptable...period. This behavior goes against all that is ethical, all that is moral and all that is just and right.  

The mouth of any wolf is not a pleasant place; unless of course you are the wolf's mother.  All mothers love their children, human or otherwise.  However, as threatening and intimating the "wolf's mouth" may be, there is our faith that remains strong and alive, our salvation and our protection, even when facing the dangers, the sharpened teeth and the inevitable pain that presents itself in the form of hatred, bigotry, suppression, racism, denial, homophobia, sexism...the many dark and deviant guises of a "wolf's mouth."      

Lent affords us the time to recharge our faith, to restore our confidence in one another as we draw closer to the Creator who allowed His Son to face the wolf's mouth...and the Son came out victorious.   

-Manny

Those present: Fr. Manny, Steve Raftery, Jessica Tamaski, Penny Mandziara, Bob DeHaven, Mike Golden, Neal Setchell, Kristin Jacobs, Thelma Malecek and Treasurer: Ray Malecek

Excused: Bob Kalicki

Minutes from Annual Meeting -Bob DeHaven moved minutes be accepted, Mike Golden seconded the motion, unanimous approval

Bob DeHaven - "On the Edge" - see printed report (additional copies - see Bob)

 "would have been nicer if more members of St. Nicks had been able to attend"

Fee - $ 300

Building Committee - Jessica Tamaski - much work in progress

Essentials:  1 - Boiler  2 - Windows /doors     3 - other - will be prioritized

New Engineer is being consulted for recommendations

Flooring  - Radiant flooring/radiant slab possible

West wall masonry is not well insulated

Father Manny: Moving items in/around offices, gathering space and HI Hall:  Return all spaces to 'normal'

Chili Supper Update - Saturday, March 1^st - 6 PM - donation slips are out - see table

Email addresses for members of BC - done

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - Mar 4^th precedes Ash Wednesday - March 5th  

Reflecting: While walking and talking in the Hall and pondering better space utilization, it became clear that our Pantry could use more space.  The Pantry space would be better put to use as a private office - and we could relocate the Pantry to the larger area in the Northeast corner of the Hall.

Tim Black Memorial Fund - [Ryan Black (son)] - and focus will be Choir and physical structures. Two checks have arrived per Father Manny

Treasurer - Ray says that pledge income for January is off between 20-25% - weather related?

     Fund for Boiler/Heating Fund

     Quarterly statements                             

Actual number of pledges - Jennifer Brundige

 Year-to-date - post monthly!

Steve - oval table (that folds to 20" wide) is 72" wide x 60" deep x 30" tall & will replace current tables

Will call distributor at Des Plaines & Van Buren in Chicago  - open Monday thru Friday, closed Saturday for religious observances to arrange for purchase.  Weekday Pick-up essential - recommend Friday.

-Thelma S. Malecek, Secretary

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, Marilyn Brown, 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.