The Vicar's Corner

"Qui bene cantat bis orat."  That is, "he who sings, prays twice." 

These famous words have been credited to one of the greatest of the Early Church Fathers, the renowned theologian, philosopher and bishop, St. Augustine of Hippo.  Augustine was born November 13, 354 in Tagaste, which is in Northern Africa.  He died August 28, 430 in Hippo, Algeria. 

There is no questioning the fact that St. Augustine, also called Austin (the men who followed him and joined his religious community were often referred to as 'Austin Friars') was one very intelligent and gifted man.  He understood and appreciated the gift of music and what joy a well sung hymn does indeed provide. 

On this June 1st, a Sunday, at 4 in the afternoon, the Lutheran Choir of Chicago will be with us here at St. Nicholas to preform and share their musical talents.  We have a wonderful opportunity to not just be serenaded with voices that are well trained and harmonize with such adeptness, we have the opportunity to "pray twice," as we surround ourselves with sweet-sounding and soul-touching music. 

Let's all come and fill this sacred space as we welcome new friends to this, our St. Nicholas Church.  St. Augustine would be proud not to mention our very own patron, St. Nicholas, who I would guess appreciated well sung and and faithfully preformed music, too.  

A little bit more of St. Augustine of Hippo...

Augustine was born in the norm of all mortals and certainly not in any "extraordinary saintly manner."  Monica, his mother was a devout Christian,and was later canonized a saint.  His father embraced no faith and had no spiritual beliefs; he was a pagan and a high-ranking Roman official. Quite close to death, Augustine's father received the sacrament of baptism at the request and urgings of his faithful wife. 

Augustine was what some would consider a  "man's man."  He lived life to its fullest; paying little heed to proper conduct and mature behavior.  Rather Augustine engaged in drinking fully at life's fountain with little heed to circumstances that would be of his own making.  He had a concubine and fathered a child out of wedlock.  At age 31, Augustine experienced a conversion and it was at this point in his yet, young life, he fully embraced Christianity, as Jesus became his primary concern and love.  Ultimately, Augustine abandoned his concubine, left Milan where he was residing and studying under the gifted theologian and philosopher St. Ambrose, returned to Africa and moved into a monastery with his mother and son.  Thus began his life of writing, prayer, great periods of meditation and, in time, the creation of a religious order of men and women named after him...the Augustinians.   
  

Throughout the month of June in conjunction with Father's Day on the 15th of the month, we will honor and celebrate our dads, in particular, those who have passed away. 

Please, bring a photo of a dearly departed dad and place it on the altar near the entrance to the worship space.  These photos will remain atop that altar throughout the entire month. 

God bless all our dads, those still with us and those who have inherited their share of Paradise with our Lord.

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.

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 our Connie Nicholson who did a super job leading our bi-monthly Bible Study.  Great job, Connie.  Can't wait until we resume our class come September!

For all who share so much in order to make St. Nicholas succeed.  God bless us, one and all.

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