The Vicar's Corner

There's always some thing to do.  At home, there are the "usual suspects" that need attention. You know: laundry, grocery shopping, sweeping, vacuuming, wet mopping, mowing the lawns, weeding the garden, making dinner.  No need to go on because we all have essentially the same itinerary. Blessedly, between the two of us, all the chores are taken care of in due order.

When I'm at St. Nicholas, the chores are somewhat different but nonetheless, agenda items that need attention and doing.

No food pantry, the Nooners AA Group has concluded and all have gone home.  The church is pretty quiet; God's in His heaven and all's well in the world.   

I've answered the phone 5 times in the past hour and have provided all the pertinent and proper responses asked of me.  It's just part of the St. Nicholas service, thank you very much. 

On this particular Wednesday, my office windows are open and a stiff, cool breeze is blowing the curtains rather wildly.  I like the wind and I like it on the cool side when I'm working.  No need to turn on the air conditioning and waste energy or the revenue, especially when nature provides us free and easy cooling.  I've typed up what needs typing, copied what needs copying, sorted, organized and filed what needed sorting, organizing and filing, poured a cup of coffee which I promptly spill on the kitchen counter and just as promptly clean up, jotted down some thoughts for this weekend's sermon, stopped to talk to a neighbor who popped in my office, stapled the News From Nick newsletters and placed them on the Welcoming Table.  Alas, the coffee has gone cold so I place it in the microwave and heat it up...this time I don't spill it.  The sacristy needs some aid, so I clean out some of the drawers, throw away old papers and stuff that is just not necessary, walked around the church watering the plants and flowers and picking up loose paper and such, sit for a moment near the tabernacle and baptismal font to gather my thoughts, offer a prayer of thanksgiving and catch my breath as well. 

Can't believe it's 5:30 already.  Mary is here and preparing for Evening Prayer and choir practice.  I had better get myself ready, too.  I'll close the office window so it's not too cold in here for my 6:30pm meeting tonight after Evening Prayer.  Coffee cup goes into the dishwasher, wipe down the kitchen counters just to make sure they really are clean, a quick look around my office and all appears to be just fine. 

Perhaps not what some may call a "glamorous" day, but a day filled with the stuff that makes a church what it is:  a beehive of activity that gives glory to God not just on the weekends but each day.  You see my friends, when we do our work well and with joy, it is a prayer that we may offer to God as thanksgiving for the graces and blessings He bestows upon us.  This is how I go about my day and with my work; it is all a prayer.  And yes my sisters and brothers, while not perfect, I am at peace with my efforts.

Now, into church for Evening Prayer...
 

New Adult Ed. Group

The new Contemporary Issues Adult Ed. Group had a wonderful first discussion of Justice, Law and the Church in April. We'll next meet in the Noah's Ark Space on May 25th following the 10AM service. All are welcome to join the discussion. Questions? Please contact Steve Gruenwald.

The annual Elk Grove Village Parade is just around the corner.  This year's theme:  "Under the Big Top."  Having been accused of running a 'three-ring circus' here at St. Nicholas, it should come natural for us to to be part of this year's event.

The parade begins at 2pm on Saturday, June 14th.  Participants would meet here at St. Nicholas, gather our forces and make our presence felt!

All are welcome to get their best face on...clown face that is (not essential but fun nonetheless), don our blue "Follow Me to St. Nicholas" t-shirts and have ourselves one heck of a time. 

Questions?  Please click here to contact Penny.

Are you ready to walk?  We hope so.  Memorial Day is the big kick-off for the 14-week summer fundraising program "Walk for your Neighbor."   The Elk Grove Interfaith Council is calling for you and your fundraising abilities to fill up the Elk Grove Housing Fund, which is used to help EGV families in need.   Keep this in mind: as you are being a good steward to your mind and body, you are simultaneously helping your fellow neighbors.  Last year alone, the Elk Grove Housing Fund was able to help 45 families in their times of need.  Can we match this or top it?  If you haven't already begun walking, you are not too late.  So, dust off those walking shoes, grab a pledge sheet and recording sheet (both available at St. Nicholas), and start walking.  Don't miss out on this fun opportunity to help others and improve your overall health.

- Sponsored by the Elk Grove Village Interfaith Council.

From our own Vince Otero:

At HIP Salon, we're committed to helping you feel good about yourself, no matter what stage of cancer you are in. 

Our New Life, New Look Program is how we tell our clients - both longtime and first time visitors - that we're proud of your fight against cancer.

Call for an appointment:  847-882-4474

Hip Salon.  174 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL. 

www.hipsalon.biz

For additional information, please contact Vince Otero, owner of Hip Salon and a member of the Community of St. Nicholas.

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.  

 

 

Shout-Outs

For Kristen Jacobs, who donated a new wall unit baby changing station that will be installed in the large bathroom.  And all the babies send you their thanks, too, Kristen.

For Sarah, a friend of St. Nicholas who continues to clean up around the church during the week...sure wish we can keep you here permanently as you are a delight and a joy!

For those who have stepped up of late to make coffee on Sundays...Pat Kalicki, the Williams family, Jennifer Garcia and Douglas VanHouten...thank you dear friends for sharing.

Readings for This Weekend

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:

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