 "No knot unties itself."
We are all so very, very busy these days. Seems like we get one of our many assignments -- a task, a chore -- completed and there is yet some thing else staring us straight in the face. We pray for patience and endurance. We ask God to bless and sustain us. And God, who is ever-merciful and kind, "slow to anger and rich in compassion" does provide us that which we ask of Him.
Still, even with God's continual and enduring assistance, the work set before us must be done and done well and when needed to be completed. This is our job; it is our responsibility. At the risk of generalizing, I know when I set myself to a task and see it through to its completion, I feel mighty good about what I have accomplished, if for no other reason than knowing I am following through with what is asked of me. I am being 'responsible.' The generalization is that I suspect -- no, I know -- we all feel the same way! There is great joy in getting a job done; and not just done, but done well, right and in a timely manner.
As Christians, Lent is a time for us to go about "untying" the knot that is the mountain of things we have to do so as to better savor the grace and the blessings Lent affords us and dwelling within the mystery that Lent is.
Just as no knot is unable to untie itself, so the work set before us will not be completed if we do not get to it. Work is a joy if we set about it as we do to prayer...a gift we offer in thanksgiving to God.
Lent provides us these 40 days to untie the knots that keep us bound and chained; those knots that tie us tightly and limits our access to prayer and to better seek His presence. Untie the knot, work well and when finished with the tasks at hand, know the Lord has been by our side the whole while.
"And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) -Manny |
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Prayer, Pizza, Conversation, and Romero
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 All are welcome to come join the festivities this Friday night, March 28th at 6:30pm. Fran and Tony Begonja will host the event featuring the movie, "Romero."
The Church celebrates the feast of this martyr and we wish to commemorate his life as well.
Bring a friend along for an evening of shared prayer, conversation, pizza and a most powerful movie.
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Stations of the Cross at 6pm Thursdays in Lent
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We gather on Thursday evenings at 6PM throughout the season of Lent. Our last such prayer session will be April 10th.
Come, pray and feel the Lord's presence...He is waiting of us.
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Honor a dearly departed loved one with flowers
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 Easter is all about new life...and Jesus is our provider of the fullest of New Life. Our tradition of decorating the worship space with seasonal flowers is attributed and possible through the generosity of our parish family. Please consider sharing in this storied tradition while honoring and memorializing a loved one with beautiful Easter plants and flowers. Mark the memo line of your check with "Easter Flower Fund" and/or place cash in a separate envelope and drop it off at the parish office or in the offering plate at Liturgy. Lastly, please provide us the name(s) of those you wish to remember and we will have a name plate placed in each plant. In advance, thank you one and all and may your generosity be returned ten fold and forever. |
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Here comes Peter Cottontail...
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We could use some candy for that bunny trail
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 Easter is many things, though as Christians most certainly it is the highest and greatest of all feasts as we rejoice in Jesus' glorious resurrection. Yet, for our younger members, Easter is also about sweets and treats. What better way to share in their joy and happiness than by providing goodies for them to find at our Easter Egg Hunt? Please consider donating a bag or two of jelly beans, wrapped chocolates and such. Donations may be placed in the parish office or brought in during the weekend Liturgies. On behalf of the Easter Bunny and all our youngsters and those who are "young at heart," thank you. |
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This Week at St. Nicholas
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Wednesday, March 26, 2014
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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Evening Prayer
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6:00 PM
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Choir Rehearsal
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6:45 PM
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Al-Anon Meeting
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7:30 PM
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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Stations of the Cross
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6:00 PM
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GA Meeting
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7:00 PM
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Friday, March 28, 2014
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Vicar's Day Off
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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Movie Night: Romero
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6:30 PM
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Saturday, March 29, 2014
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Worship Service - Evening Prayer (5th Saturday)
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4:30 PM
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AA Meeting
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7:00 PM
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Sunday, March 30, 2014
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Worship Service - Morning Prayer (5th Sunday)
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10:00 AM
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Book Group Discussion (preceded by a brief discussion on the new Contemporary Issues Group, to convene April 27)
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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, March 31, 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, April 01, 2014
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Vicar's Day Off
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AA Meeting
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12:00 PM
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Building Committee Meeting
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6:30 PM
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AA Meeting
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7:00 PM
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Wednesday, April 02, 2014
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Elgin Deanery Meeting
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11:00 AM
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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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Evening Prayer
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6:00 PM
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Choir Rehearsal
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6:45 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, March 29 / Sunday, March 30
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 Please note that this weekend is the 5th weekend of the month; we'll celebrate Evening and Morning Prayer rather than the Eucharist.
Saturday Lector (all readings): Cyndi DeBock
Sunday Lectors: LaWayne Williams, Katie Black
Sunday Intercessor: Tameica Williams
Sunday Chalice Bearers: N/A (Morning Prayer) |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For Patti, Penny Mandziara's sister-in-law: Patti passed away on Monday. Please keep Penny, Hank, and all Patti's loved ones in your prayers.
For the repose of the soul of Mr. Robert "Bob" O'Reilly, father of Jay: pray for Jay and his family as they mourn Bob's passing and pray Bob's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
For the people of the Ukraine: that peaceful resolutions are found to quell the political unrest.
For the people of South Sudan who are in peril due to civil strife and violence: pray for peace and an end to the violence.
For the people of Syria: an end to the civil war is brought about now so peace and justice may reign.
For Alice, Eileen and Mary, Mike Golden's sisters all of whom have taken serious falls and suffered arm injuries: that all three heal quickly and return to good and lasting health.
For Lucy, Mindy Golden's sister who is having medical treatment on her leg: that she is soon healed and is up and around without any trouble.
and...
For Joan a co-worker of Mindy who is undergoing chemo treatment for Lymphoma: Pray Joan is free from any trace of cancer and is home with her loved ones in sound health.
For Vernon Forde who is at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison: Pray that Vernon recover from this current ailment and is home with us very soon
and...
For Charles Lee, Erlene's Dad who is also hospitalized in New York: Pray Charles gains good health and is able to return home to his loved ones.
For Jean Fitzpatrick, Tom Smith's fiancée, who is having some medical tests regarding her heart: Pray that Jean receives favorable news and regains sound health. For Tom Smith who had minor surgery earlier in the week: pray he is back to his lively self in no time at all.
For Emily Valleho, Vince Ortero's sister: Emily was hospitalized recently. Let us pray for Emily's swift and full recovery and she regain her strength and stamina once again.
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. 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.
***Pray for the health and well being our family.
(**written prayer requests)
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To Jim M., a friend and member of the St. Nicholas family who has been an absolute "giant mover" helping to get the Hall and rooms reorganized. Great job, Jim!
To the volunteers of the food pantry who give so much of their time and energy in making sure our less fortunate sisters and brothers are cared for. Kindness is contagious...let's spread it around.
To all those who work so hard at keeping St. Nicholas up and running; your efforts will be repaid tenfold.
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Readings for This Weekend
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The Fourth Sunday in Lent - March 29/30
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What's on the Episcopal Church calendar
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