Last Wednesday morning as I was sitting at the computer keyboard in my office I heard some one come into the building. No worry. I knew the doors were open. It was a Food Pantry day and the guests would be arriving throughout the afternoon. About 10 minutes later, I needed to stretch my legs. So, I walked into the Gathering Space and visited with several of the folks who had arrived for the pantry. I brought out a tray of cookies and crackers for all to enjoy as they waited. They asked how our rummage sale went. I shared with them the good news of our success. They were generally pleased for us. Spending time with our pantry guests is always comforting: I see the face of Jesus in these people...the Jesus who hungered and experienced human loneliness. What better gift, aside from Jesus of course, could we provide these dear souls than nourishment and company?
Next I walked into the church proper where I found an elderly gentleman gazing about the space with a look and sense of wonder. Calling out to him, he looked around and waved to me as if we were long-time friends. We approached one another and began to talk. Introducing myself, he shook my hand, though there was a listlessness to the handshake. I looked at him and felt my heart sort of drop and ache. Why ache? Well, his eyes could not deny the degree of sadness they held. He said his name to me...a name that sounded vaguely familiar. He then shared that he and his wife were original founding members of St. Nicholas Church. Can you imagine that?
He said in a rather loud and strong voice that he loves the church; that the place looks cared for and comfortable. He talked...I listened. He talked some more...I listened some more. 90 minutes later, after sharing story after story, he informed me that he had to leave to pick up his wife who was undergoing treatment at Alexian Brothers Medical Center just down the street. We shook hands though this time, with a more familiar and friendlier tone and with far more life and resolve then our initial handshake. As I walked him to the door, he looked at me and said, "You know father, I haven't been to church in many years. My wife and I had a falling out with the pastor here and, well, we just didn't get back into the habit of attending Mass anymore." Remember the sadness I felt when I looked into his eyes? This time he saw the disappointment in my eyes. I suspect the pain was fairly visible. No judgement on my part, certainly not. Though I did share this with him: 'My friend, please know, our doors are always open to everyone and with an emphasis on those who helped put these walls up and hoisted that roof atop those pillars over 50 years ago. Why not join us one of these weekends...4:30 on Saturday and 10am on Sunday. We are a very diverse, welcoming and certainly friendly community. And, you can always talk with me about anything. I'm here for all my sisters and brothers at St. Nicholas Church.' He took a step back, looked me up and down and said, "I bet you get a work out around here." My response, 'How can you tell?' He said, "You look like you really love this place. If you love some thing you give it your all and it should show." Quite honestly, I wasn't sure how to take that last part...that 'it should show.' Thinking about it for a moment or two, I accepted it as a compliment and I'll keep it at that.
My friends, he is right. I do give St. Nicholas my unconditional love and full attention. But so does everyone else; all in our own way...in our own fashion...in our own manner and style. We are only as strong as we are united, committed and possessive of a desire for longevity and success. I see Jesus in all the warm and beautiful faces that, together, create the diverse and faithful face of the Community of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church.
This is our home. We all own it. We are all invested in it. This is where we celebrate our faith, embrace one another in friendship and where Jesus is shared at the Table of Life.
I hope to see that gentleman and his wife at worship with us sometime in the very near future. Nothing like an "old-new friend" to add to the mix.
Blessings and peace to one and all and to all my best and love.
-Manny |
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Children's Formation Volunteers Needed
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Asking for some help, please!
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 Children's and Young People's Formation begins next week, Sunday, September 7th after the 10am Liturgy. We are only as successful as we are willing to share our time, talent and treasures. We are all treasured beings; gifts from God to one another. However our children and young people...they are even more precious. Consider taking one Sunday to teach and engage our children. Talk about Jesus and the Gospel Story for the day; write letters to our home-bound parishioners; prepare a simple meal for our parishioners who have been ill of late; bake cookies for the food pantry; create "care packages" for a serviceman and women serving our country overseas; tour the autumn gardens and begin an "indoor garden" for the winter season; study a recipe and bake bread for use at our weekend Liturgy...there are so many options and ideas. There is a lesson for each Sunday, too...so fear not. Val Gruenwald will graciously lead the class on the 1st Sunday of the month. However, we need help on that 3rd Sunday of the month. We are grateful to those who have stepped up and will help provide some assistance. Who's next? There's plenty of room and certainly plenty of opportunities. The more the better and the merrier. So, please pray and give serious consideration to being a leader, a teacher and a disciple and teach our children well. Contact Val Gruenwald or Manny and in advance, a heart-felt thank you. |
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Community Meal Sponsored by St. Nicholas.
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Come help feed the needy and hungry on Sept. 19th
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 "Providing Advocacy, Dignity and Shelter," more commonly known as P.A.D.S. not only serves the area's poor and homeless with safe and clean overnight shelter, P.A.D.S. also provides fun and filling meals. On September 19th, St. Nicholas will be part of this ministry for the first time. We will provide the meal which will be prepared and served at Christus Victor Evangelical Lutheran Church. Our own Vince Ortero and Jeff Westerheide will coordinate this event. Jeff, Vince and our Laura Lampe have long been involved in this very important and necessary ministry. There is always room for more helping hands... More information regarding the September 19th meal will be forthcoming. Stay tuned. Mark your calendar and plan on helping out. God bless us, one and all. |
The Order of St. Luke Proudly Presents
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A Healing Weekend Workshop and Conference
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 Non-Confrontational Deliverance & Inner-Healing ("Unbound") Missioners: Neal and Janet Lozano Friday, September 19 - Sunday, September 21, 2014 The University of St. Mary of the Lake Conference Center 1000 East Maple Avenue Mundelein, IL 60060 Jesus is the truth, is our doorway to freedom. Yet all of us find areas of resistance to Jesus or areas of bondage that limit our free response to His love as we seek to follow Him--areas where we might feel spiritually "struck." If you are looking for practical help to move yourself or others out of bondage to any sin or any limiting life pattern (such as ongoing anger, anxiety, sadness and depression), this Healing Mission may be of help. In addition to the teaching being presented, there will be opportunities to receive safe and loving ministry from trained teams. For more information and to register online: http://www.thehealingjourneyosl.org/unbound.shtmlOr contact: Thelma Malececk randtmalecek@att.net 630-766-2724 Jennifer Brundige thehealingjourneyosl@gmail.com 847-347-5425 Rev. Tony Begonja tbegonja@earthlink.net 847-463-0146 Rev. Fran Begonja fbegonja@earthlink.net 847-494-9060 |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For Maureen Puleo, more affectionately known as "Daisy;" a long time ECW board member and a parishioner of Christ Church in River Forest. Daisy was struck by a garbage truck on Tuesday, August 19th. She is in critical condition at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood with many broken bones and internal injuries. Pray for her recovery and for those who are personally effected by her injury.
For all who are returning back to school: may the new academic year fill both mind and heart with wonder, intellect and a growing awareness for the greater need for peace, compassion and unity among all God's people.
For all God's creatures especially those we care for as pets; they may always be protected, loved and cherished.
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: Connie Nicholson, Joanne Mangiaracina, Vernon Forde, Richard and Mary Gans, Eunice Dohra, Anna Hall, Paula O' Conner, Dale Rickey, John Knepper, Jim Laughlin, Jackie, Chris, Silas Pociask, Cathy Walters, Ed Baehr, Carrie, June, Harry and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.
For the members of the Support Groups at St. Nicholas who endure, "one day at at time," in their daily battles against addiction.
*** "Prayers for my Mom who is losing her drive to live life both mentally and physically."
(**written prayer requests)
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To the "Golden Williams Mowing Team," that is Mike Golden, Earl and Eason Williams who, just barely, beat out the heavy rains and lighting last Saturday and made our lawns look so wonderful. Great job, guys!
To all who do so much to make our church succeed and grow.
To the Support Group members, our "extended family members" who share their time, talent and treasures with us.
To our Cracker Jack pantry team who did a grand job this past week serving our sisters and brothers in need. And, thanks for pitching in on your day off, Colleen...way to go!
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Readings for This Weekend
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Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost
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Saturday Lector: Steve Raftery
Sunday Lectors: Brandon Garcia, LaWayne Williams
Sunday Intercessor: Earl Williams
Sunday Chalice Bearers: N/A (Morning Prayer)
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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, August 27, 2014
| | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, August 28, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Friday, August 29, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, August 30, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service - Evening Prayer (5th Saturday) | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, August 31, 2014 | | Worship Service - Morning Prayer (5th Sunday) | 10:00 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, September 01, 2014 |
| | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, September 02, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Building Committee Meeting | 6:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, September 03, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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