Family reunions are bitter-sweet. I love being with my family; spending time with bo th my nuclear and extended kin. The many stories, memories and recollections of by-gone times certainly pull at the strings of my heart. Even more bitter...recalling the members of my family who are no longer here; those who have gone to their eternal reward and rest in the full and lasting peace of Jesus Christ, our Most Holy Redeemer. This painful, yet most mortal of realities was made all the more evident at our family reunion held a few weeks past in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Prior to the reunion, my cousin Therese had asked all of us to forward family photos to her. She was going to provide us all a big surprise. One of my second cousins, Ryan, put these pictures together and let me tell you, there were a lot of pictures, he added some lovely music and shared with us a most wonderful show of "Our Family," in a CD presentation. To be honest, there were some photos of people that I really did not know too well; second and third cousins who prior to the reunion were just faces and names. By the end of the evening, these people and I were "connected," we knew each other...we "retied" our family line that time and distance had temporarily severed. Then there were those pictured that brought me to tears: my Mom and Dad so lovingly and tenderly holding their first two babies, my eldest sister and brother. I saw uncles and aunts whose loving, smiling faces flooded me with so many memories. It was, as I said earlier, bitter-sweet. The oldest photos were those of my family in Malta from the early 1900's. Some of these faces were very familiar and some I regret to say I did not recognize. Of course, there were pictures that drew laughter and cheers, pictures of us wearing "hip clothing" from the 60's and 70's...the second and third cousins loved these photos in particular. I heard more than once, "Oh my God, did you actually go out wearing those clothes?" Yes, my dears, we did and we looked great!
We talked, we laughed, we danced, we ate, and we ate some more. It wouldn't be an event without food and certainly not a Maltese gathering without far too much food on hand. My Uncle Ralph, 82 years young sang, Y.M.C.A. and Why Must I Be a Teenager In Love? He didn't skip a beat and we loved it. He is a true entertainer. My mom used to tell me stories of him: Back in Malta, he would play his accordion and sing to keep the family engaged and happy. They had no TV. Their house was small and crowded. Yet, they didn't need television or any other such "distractions," as they provided themselves their own entertainment: they spent time together. It was a simple life yet it was a life filled with love, trust and care. It all sounded so romantic and joyful, yet I know they endured much, suffered greatly and survived some very harsh times, especially during World War II, as Malta withstood the constant bombing by both the Germans and the very near-by Italian armies. And still, Malta endured. Malta survived.
I have another family; the family that is this Community of St. Nicholas. We have good times and we have moments of sadness and pain. We enjoy our social gatherings with just as much gusto as when we roll up our sleeves and get to the work at hand that keeps St. Nicholas alive and well. We take pictures to remind us of these times; pictures that in the future will warm our hearts and take us back to the past. After all, we are a people of yesterday, a people of today and a people of tomorrow. This is the story of our Church...this is a story about a people...this is a story of a very large and loving family. Let us pray our family remains close, ever faithful and, God willing, always growing. And we shall endure. And we shall survive.
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It was our pleasure to baptize Violet Jane Gabor last Sunday, and to welcome her family and loved ones to St. Nicholas!
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Are You Ready For Bible Study?
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The fun starts up again on October 5!
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 After a summer break, Bible Study will resume on October 5, 2014 after the 10AM service. Please consider joining in the scriptural and spiritual conversation. Last season's Islam and Christianity study was fascinating and certainly inspired lively conversation. We will begin our program on Sunday, October 5th after the 10am Liturgy. Join us as we delve into Sacred Scripture, engage in our relationship with Jesus and study how we understand and interpret the Bible. All are welcome. |
A day of prayer and peace
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 September 11, 2001 is a day many of us will not soon forget. The horrors of that day remain very fresh in the collective minds and hearts of most Americans. We wish to commemorate this day...with prayer and in peace. All are invited to come and share in this most memorable of days at the Bensenville Library as we gather to remember, to pray and to celebrate peace. The Commemorative Service begins at 6:30pm, Thursday, September 11, 2014 in the Library Garden of Knowledge (weather permitting). All are encouraged to come, share in this event and bring family and friends along. The Bensenville Library is located at 200 S. Church Road, Bensenville, Illinois. For additional information, please contact the library directly at: 630-766-4642. |
Walk For Your Neighbor Wraps Up
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Closing Ceremony to be held September 21 at 1:30pm
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 Many have walked and in so doing, badly-needed funds to help replenish the Housing Fund account will be gained. A hearty Thank You to one and all who took the time to walk, get some exercise and gather monies that will go toward aiding those neighbors who are in need. On Sunday, September 21st at 1:30 pm, a Closing Ceremony will be held for all who walked and supported this effort. The event will take place on "The Green," which is located between the Elk Grove Library and Village Hall. I ask that all funds collected please be turned in to Manny and he will present the collection to Linda Blair who is director of the Social Services office here in E.G.V. Checks are to be made out to "E.G.V. Housing Fund" and all cash is to be put in an envelope with your name and "E.G.V. Housing Fund" printed. Again, thank you to all walkers, all contributors and those who helped make this spring/summer walk-a-thon so successful. |
National Pet Memorial Day
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Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 2pm
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 Please join us for a Memorial Service to remember our pets who have gone to the "Rainbow Bridge." The event will feature a Memorial Service followed by a ceremonial Blessing of the Animals to honor all our furry friends. Create a custom memorial frame for your pet's picture. Purchase a luminary that can be lighted to honor and commemorate our pets that have passed on. Heartland Animal Shelter will be on hand with adoptable pets, too. There is no charge for this event though donations are warmly accepted. The event will take place at the Paw Prints Grooming and Spa, Inc. located at 1133 Nerge Road in Elk Grove Village beginning at 2pm. For additional information, call 847-923-7000. |
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 served at Christus Victor Evangelical Lutheran Church. The menu: mostaccioli with sausage or meat balls, green salad, dinner roles and/or French bread, cookies and/or brownies, chips and lemonade. St. Nicholas will supply the green salad while Vince and Jeff will bring the chips. Who is ready for some baking and cooking? 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! The sign-up sheet is in the gathering space at church. All are welcome to come and be part of this village-wide gathering. God bless us, one and all. |
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St. Nick's Adult Conversation Resumes September 28
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 So, what do you think? Why not come and join us on Sunday, September 28th after the 10am service and share your thoughts, views and ideas. And what will we discuss? Well...come, see and hear. Last time we met we were involved in the serious topic of Justice, Law and the Church. Bring your coffee and an open mind and engaging curiosity. We will meet in the Noah's Ark space. There's plenty of room for you! |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For the repose of the soul of Jane Block, sister of our Audrey Cannon and aunt to our Katie Black: Let us pray for the dearly departed and ask the Lord to welcome her to Paradise and provide comfort and solace to those who mourn Jane's passing.
For the repose of the soul of Marty Walsh, cousin to our Cyndi DeBock: Pray for Marty's soul; that he now rests in lasting peace and that those who mourn Marty's passing are graced with strength, peace and comfort.
For Clarence, cousin to our Ray Malecek: Clarence is back in the hospital with pneumonia. Pray for Clarence's swift and full return to sound and good health and is able to return home very soon.
For Lucija Begonja, mother of our Tony: Lucija's health is declining and she is having retinal issues. Please pray for Lucija's well-being, improved health and strength to her family and friends who worry about her.
For Harry, a dear friend of St. Nicholas: Harry was induced into a coma and placed on a ventilator to assist him with his breathing. Pray for Harry's quick and full recovery and that he is home very soon.
For the people of Iraq, Syria and South Sudan where war is the norm and peace the exception.
Four sisters and brothers at St. John's Episcopal Church in Mt. Prospect: This is their last month to worship at their present church. Let us pray for their well being and may the Good Lord provide them guidance and peace in this difficult transition.
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 in thanksgiving for Eason finding employment"
(**written prayer requests)
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To the parish family of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Evanston who graciously switched their Bishop's Visit date with us. We are all so very grateful for your kind gesture toward us.
To the parish family of Holy Apostles in Wauconda who also volunteered to switch their bishop's visitation date with us. Their call came after St. Matthew's generous response. Still, we are most grateful and appreciate your thoughtfulness.
To the good people of St. Simon's Episcopal Church and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew who provided us additional food for our Pantry. Your continued kindness is much appreciated.
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Readings for This Weekend
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Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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Saturday lector: Ellen Whalen
Sunday lectors: Randy Drolen, Jennifer Garcia
Sunday intercessor: Laura Lampe
Sunday 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: |
| Wednesday, September 10, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM | | Thursday, September 11, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Friday, September 12, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Saturday, September 13, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Sunday, September 14, 2014 | | Bishop's Committee Meeting | 8:15 AM | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM | | Monday, September 15, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Tuesday, September 16, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Wednesday, September 17, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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