 Prayer is a most powerful tool. I tend to pray a lot. I pray while I'm driving, while I'm walking (whether on a trail in the woods or a well-paved sidewalk). I pray while I'm working the gardens or mowing the lawns, while I'm sitting on the deck at home or the patio at church. More importantly than how much I pray is that I enjoy praying. Prayer brings me happiness and hope. Prayer inspires and enlightens me. I feel uplifted and rejuvenated when I pray. And...I feel closer to the Creator when I spend time in "silent conversation" with Him. Many years ago, one of my teachers, Sr. Ann Fredrick, I.H.M., suggested that we ought not pray for "things," but rather pray for strength and guidance, courage and acceptance and the will and desire to attend to those things that need our attention and assistance. I heartily embraced this simple yet powerful notion and keep it close to my heart. Still, there are those occasions when, with all due respect to you Sr. Ann, that I do ask God for some thing, to do some thing for me, to provide me that which I desire and request. Seriously, I've gone beyond asking God to help my Tigers win a World Series or the Lions to even get to the Super Bowl let alone win it! Of course, I used to pray for these and other such aspirations but, and blessedly so, not any longer. These days I am busy praying for guidance and understanding. I seek God's counsel and wisdom and the fortitude to do what is His will and not mine. Yet, this is one such occasion that I reverted to an old habit. I prayed that the Good Lord intervene and help us obtain the grant we request from the Diocese to upgrade, improve and better our worship space and Holy Innocents Hall. My friends, I hoped I was not alone in praying in this manner at this particular time. God understands...God made us and He knows just how we work. My sisters and brothers, God answered our prayers (He always does, in some way, shape and form). The Bishop and Trustee's have agreed to our request. They will provide us a grant of $12,500.00 and an interest-free loan of an additional $12,500.00 that will be repaid in a manner to be discussed later. We received what we asked, though not necessarily in the manner we hoped. Still and blessedly so, the Diocese sees the worth and wisdom of our request and they, like ourselves, have great hope for St. Nicholas and a bright and prosperous future. I wish to share my warmest and most heart-felt gratitude and thanks to the entire Community of St. Nicholas for the prayers and intentions that were sent up to the Good Lord. And God, in God's wondrous manner answered our plea. Now the work begins: We shall figure out some details and financial matters, make the necessary calls and appointments with contractors as we all look forward to the actual "bricks and mortar" work to start. And for all this and so much more we give our humble thanks to Jesus our brother who continues to walk beside us and sees we stumble not but rather assists us as we continue to build God's Kingdom here on earth. -Manny |
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The Launch of Our Capital Campaign
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Please consider donating to help our church grow and flourish
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 On Saturday, July 26, the Bishop and Trustees of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago met. On their heavy docket of Diocesan matters was the proposal presented by the Community of St. Nicholas Church in Elk Grove Village. In kind and with much joy, we are pleased to announce what the B & T has offered us: $12,500.00 Grant $12,500.00 Interest Free Loan to be repaid in a manner yet to be determined The amount of the loan would change depending upon our cutting the cost of some of the planned renovations and improvements. However, the total of the grant WILL NOT be altered. Thus, we delete the title "Boiler Fund" and rename it Capital Campaign. The loan offered by the Diocese will take time to be repaid, but repay it we shall do. It may take us years to do so, but little by little, we shall do what we can, as we can and when we can to offer back to the Diocese that which they now provide us. We are in this together, as a community, as a people of faith and all our efforts are for the greater good and our commitment to St. Nicholas; the church structure itself and the people who call this place home. Certainly, the replacement of the boiler is front and center. However, this drive to redo the church and Hall is multifaceted. A new boiler; new lighting system that will reduce our utility costs and afford us a less expensive means of lighting and replacement bulbs; shades on the west and south side church windows that will also help reduce our utility costs while protecting our soon-to-be-installed stained glass windows while drastically reducing glare; reconfiguration of one of the power units outside that will provide us both additional heat in the winter and cool air during the summer. For additional information or questions one may have, please contact Bob DeHaven, Hank Mandziara, Bob Kalicki or Manny, all members of the Building Committee. It is our pleasure provide information and answer any questions. My dear sisters and brothers, it is my honor and pleasure to announce all this to you. What a wonderful gift we have been given. As good stewards of our church and builders of God's Kingdom here on earth, it is up to each and every one of us to share in this great endeavor. The Capital Campaign will only be as successful as all are generous and caring. If you would like to contribute, please write a check to St. Nicholas with "Capital Campaign" in the memo line. Certainly, I understand not all of us are able to contribute. Please, I ask no one to take on any additional financial responsibilities that could burden or overwhelm. I do ask us all to share as we can, when we can and how we can. Every offering helps. We will keep the community abreast of how we are doing in our efforts. And the whole while, we continue to pray for the guidance and direction the our Lord provides...to lead us onward and ever on the path of righteousness and holiness. Thank you, each and everyone for the amazing efforts all have shared in thus far. There's still work to be done...shall we get to it? You bet! Amen and as always, my blessings, gratitude and love. -Manny Vicar: St.Nicholas Episcopal Church |
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40th Anniversary of the Ordination of the First Female Episcopal Priests
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We give thanks and celebrate
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Yesterday was an anniversary certainly worth celebrating: on July 29, 1974, in Philadelphia, eleven women were "irregularly" ordained as the first female priests in the Episcopal Church. They became known as the "Philadelphia Eleven." 
A video of the sermon given by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on July 26, 2014 at the service celebrating the anniversary appears below. The service was held at Church of the Advocate, the North Philadelphia church where the ordinations were held on July 29, 1974. Jefferts Schori is the first woman to lead a national branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion. | |
40 Years Ordained celebration - Katharine Jefferts Schori sermon
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You'll find an interactive timeline of the history of women's ordination at this link.
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Children's and Young People's Formation
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Asking for some help, please!
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 While we are enjoying the comforts of summer-time fun, it is never too soon to start thinking about our Children's and Young People's Formation Program at St. Nicholas which starts up again in September. Val Gruenwald will lead the class on the 1st Sunday of the month. However, we are seeking some assistance for the 3rd Sunday of the month. Consider taking one or two Sundays to teach our children how to bake the bread we use at our Liturgy; take them out to the gardens and show how to plant seed and bulbs and explain the miracles of nature and how God blesses us with these gifts; create cards and letters for our sisters and brothers who are unable to join us at church on the weekends...there are so many options and ideas. So, please pray and give serious consideration to being a leader, a teacher and disciple and teach our children well. Contact Val Gruenwald or Manny and in advance, a heart-felt thank you. |
Lawn Care at St. Nicholas
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A little help with mowing, please!
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At St. Nicholas, we have been blessed with a myriad of volunteers who pitch in and make sure things are taken care of. The lawns, for a very long time have been cared for by a few members of the Support Groups. Sadly, one of our dear friends, Ed Zemola passed away. Ed was a mainstay and dedicated mower of the lawns at our church. He would care for the riding mower, make sure it was oiled, gassed and ready for its next use. Now, we need some help with the caring of the lawns. While Jim M. continues to mow the lawns along with keeping the hall ready for meetings, helping with our Food Pantry along with a number of other "duties," it is perhaps time we, too, stepped up and helped. So, if there is anyone out there who can spare a few hours, on occasion, and when needed, to pitch in and help care for the lawns, your service, dedication and kindness are needed. Please see Manny for additional information. Again, thank you to the entire Community of St. Nicholas for everything we do to keep our church alive and well. |
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St. Nick's Knacks Rummage Sale
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August 15 & 16, Friday and Saturday
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Our annual parish rummage sale, our biggest fund raiser of the year is quickly approaching.
We need the assistance of as many of our community members as possible. This is an "all hands on deck" shout out. The more volunteers, the better for us all.
We will need help after both services this weekend, pulling items out of the garage, etc., so please plan to stay after church if you are able!
Also, we need:
1) Clean newspaper for wrapping glass and fragile items
2) Clean plastic and/or paper bags
3) More folding tables
These items can be brought in any time. Place these items near Manny's office. Please remember to mark your tables with your name.
Finally, we need everyone to pitch in to set up the week of the sale and work shifts during the sale. A sign-up sheet will be posted soon in the Gathering Space.
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For our Tony Begonja: pray that his eye ailment is corrected and his vision is crisp, clear and without complications.
For the victims of all the recent airline disasters: pray for those who mourn their dearly, departed loved ones and that those who perished, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
For peace in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians.
For the people of South Sudan: pray that the violence cease once for all.
For the people of Syria: pray for the people who suffer from the violence.
For the people of the Ukraine: that peace be upon their land.
For the members of the Diocese's Bishop and Trustees Committee which meets to discuss our request for funding to our building renovations and improvements: pray our efforts bear much fruit and we are approved for the requested amount.
For those who struggle with depression, anxiety, loneliness and despair: pray for peace in their hearts and souls.
For the homeless throughout the region who struggle to find housing now that the PADS sites are closed for the season: pray all our troubled sisters and brothers find security, safety and shelter.
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: Joanne Mangiaracina, Vernon Forde, Richard Gans, Eunice Dohra, Anna Hall, Paula O' Conner, Dale Rickey, John Knepper, Cathy Walters, Jim Laughlin, Jackie, Chris, Silas Pociask 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 the members of the Support Groups at St. Nicholas who endure, "one day at at time," in their daily battles against addiction.
(**written prayer requests)
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For those who generously give of their time, talent and treasure to make St. Nicholas move ever forward and onward.
To the Building Committee and Bishop's Committee for the hard work done on our behalf for our church and hall.
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Readings for This Weekend
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The Feast of the Transfiguration
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Exodus 34:29-35
2 Peter 1:13-21
Luke 9:28-36
Psalm 99 or 99:5-9
Saturday Lector: Hank Mandziara
Sunday Lectors: Val Gruenwald, Bob DeHaven
Sunday Intercessor: Bill Barlow
Saturday Chalice Bearers: Pat Kalicki, Sandra Glos
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This Week at St. Nicholas
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As a reminder, the full master calendar is always available online at this link. Here is the schedule for the next week: |
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Wednesday, July 30, 2014
| | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, July 31, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Friday, August 01, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, August 02, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, August 03, 2014 | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, August 04, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, August 05, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Building Committee Meeting | 6:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, August 06, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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