The Vicar's Corner

We come to that fork in the road.  We have no GPS and our old-fashioned road maps are outdated, assuming we even carry those in our cars anymore.  We look for some thing, any thing that may spark some sense of familiarity or conjure up an old memory.  Alas, it is just that fork and us and we are unsure which road to take.

I know that for me, when it comes to such situations, I have to trust in my instincts, for better or worse, and hope that I have chosen wisely.  After all, it's a "50 - 50" chance I would choose correctly and had chosen the right road to take.

While I was away on retreat in western Michigan, on a cloudy and dark afternoon, I went for a drive in the country.  I took to the old, dusty roads; no signs or street names, just country roads anonymous to me of where they led or if they were even roads. 

After a few hair-pin turns I came to a spot that appeared odd, strange and yet, welcoming and inviting.  I arrived to an old stone bridge that once spanned a stream or small river, perhaps a flowing body of water that appears in the spring, lingers on through the summer and begins to fade away to hibernate come autumn and winter.  The bridge would not take the weight of my car, any car for that matter.  It was narrow and weather-worn...I fell in love with it immediately. 

I pulled the car over to the slumping shoulder of the road, turned off the engine,left the keys in the car and ventured toward that bridge.  I walked to it, stood upon it and felt a hundred, maybe two hundred years of history tickle the bottom of my feet and pulsate up my legs and settle into the pit of my stomach.  No pain; not at all.  A joyful experience in fact.  I had happened upon an "old friend," that bridge and I.  

And all the while, I was never alone on that old bridge or driving those winding roads.  No, I was accompanied all the while as Jesus was with me.  His presence did abide and comfort me.  I did not fear nor tremble...I knew I would get to where I first set out.  What a friend we do have in Jesus...make sure we keep Him ever close to us.  Then again, He promised He would never leave our side...I for one count on this every day.   

Now enjoy, I do hope, this classic piece of literature from one of America's greatest writers. 

"The Road Not Taken"

 

-Manny

The showers of April indeed have provided us our May flowers; all so beautiful, filled with fragrance and such an array of colors.

Let us all, with much such joy and delight pay homage and honor to our dearly departed Mothers throughout the entire month of May. 

Please bring a framed photo of your Mother and place it on the altar at the Cristo Rex statue at the entrance of the worship space.  All are welcome and invited to share in this May tradition...as we share our love for those most special women in our lives we call our Mom, Grandma, Aunt...dear loved one.

And of course, we honor our heavenly mother, Mary the Mother of Jesus...for this is her month, too.

We are blessed with a diverse community.  What we all have in common is our human condition.  Some of our members are slowed some due to ailments and health conditions.

So, we ask that the curved driveway, especially parking spots closets to the front doors, be reserved for our community members who may need a bit more time and less sidewalk to travel for entry into the church. 

Thank you, one and all.  God bless this community of St. Nicholas Church.

As a courtesy to our friends who attend the AA, GA and Al-Anon meetings here at St. Nicholas, I ask, please afford them their privacy and their anonymity.

If at all possible, try to avoid entering the Hall while they are meeting, or at least limit entry into and out of the Hall.

For my part, when possible, I am going to stay in my office or in the church proper while meetings are going on so as to provide and afford our friends their right to meet anonymously.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.  And, our friends wish to say, once again, THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY OF ST. NICHOLAS FOR ALL WE SHARE WITH THEM, IN PARTICULAR, OPENING OUR DOORS SO WIDE AND WITH SUCH WARMTH. 

Yes...St. Nicholas at its best. God bless us all.

-Fr. Manny

This Week at St. Nicholas

As a reminder, the full master calendar is always available online at this link.  Here is the schedule for the next week:

Prayer Requests

The Community of St. Nicholas is praying

 

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 Rev. Tony Begonja for proclaiming the Gospel, sharing his reflection with us and the fellow members of the Order of St. Luke who shared healing and anointing with us...the Spirit was definitely in our midst!  

To all who shared time, suggestions, ideas and "spiritual energy" at the Liturgy Team Meeting last Sunday.  Truly it is good that the planning of our Liturgy is a  "communal effort" for it is a "community effort" when we gather to worship.   

To Lynette Hamon who created and donated the "Creation" paintings and the frames that currently hang in Holy Innocents Hall.  God bless you and your gift to us all.

To Thelma Malecek who lovingly repaired the St. Patrick banner...Betsy Ross would be very proud...as are we!

To all who contribute to St. Nicholas via the Giving Tree.  Your kindness is so warmly appreciated.

To our Support Group community members who share so much with us...and it is a blessing that St. Nicholas is open and welcoming to all.

Readings for This Weekend

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