"Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers met together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become 'unity' conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship."
-A.W. Tozer, "The Pursuit of God."
And there you have it. Complex and at the same time so very simple and concise. Aiden Wilson Tozer touched many hearts with his preaching and grassroots ministry. As an Evangelical minister, preacher and writer, Tozer knew how to communicate with his congregations. He spoke to them and listened to them and worshiped with them. Together, they formed community that was strong, faithful and unified.
Unity, as defined by the Free Dictionary is: "1. The state or quality of being one; singleness. 2. The state or quality of being in accord; harmony. 3. The combination or arrangement of parts into a whole."
St. Nicholas is many things: we are diverse, we are multicultural, we are openly and demonstratively welcoming and inviting. We are young, old and many ages in between. We are black and white and various shades as well. We are urbanites and suburbanites; our roots and heritages are found in other countries far away and as close as a mile from our church. We are also imperfect and flawed. We are frail and finite; we are mortal and at times become victims to sin. But still and most importantly we are united. Our unity is forged through our friendships and our commonality as believers in a loving and benevolent God. We are sisters and brothers and heirs of the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father and Jesus, His son. We worship as a community. We celebrate and grieve as a community. We succeed and yes, on occasion, we shall fail as a community. We try and when needed, we will try even harder. This is what a family does...it works hard at staying together...at being connected...at being in harmony...at being unified.
The next few months, we will be receiving mail from the Bishop's Committee, the Senior Warden and myself. These letters concern both our annual Stewardship Drive and Capital Campaign. This is a rare and unique time in the history of our church. The Stewardship Drive is a yearly event. We are all familiar with this. Every Episcopal church in this country encounters this. However, our Capital Campaign is quite new to us and we certainly hope and pray, an event we will not have to revisit for many, many years to come.
We are asking much of our community because much is needed to help rebuild and strengthen our church for now and the long-term future. With the kindness extended to us by the Diocese and the funds already on hand, we are well on our way toward our goals. Yet, there is still help needed as well as much work to be done. Much of the work we are undertaking is long overdue. With this in mind, it is up to us, here and now to do what is "good, right and just." Please know this; I am very conscience of the generosity of this amazing community -- this loving family. No one will be pressured nor will we come "a-knocking at your door." We ask each member to share as we are able, as we are willing.
Let us see our unity, our harmony and our singleness in action. Let us build our house of worship stronger, better and more beautiful. "For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building."
1 Corinthians 3:9.
And let's make a joyful noise...a resounding sound so others know that some thing good is happening at St. Nicholas...and we shall all rejoice at the efforts we put forth.
Thank you again and yet again. You are all in my prayers and always in my heart. Unity is a wonderful thing...
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177th Annual Diocesan Convention.
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 Each year, the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago gathers to talk, to pray and to chart out the future of our Church. St. Nicholas Church does not sit on the side-lines...not at all. We get involved. We are engaged in the sessions and the action. This is where we need you. We ask and invite four (4) of our community members who are able to attend this two-day event and two (2) alternates to come forward and represent our church. If you feel called and are able to make this special gathering, please submit your name to Manny or Steve, our Senior Warden or Jessica, our Junior Warden. The convention is scheduled for November 21-22 and once again will be held at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center. St. Nicholas will cover the cost of registration. Please, consider being a delegate or an alternate and represent St. Nicholas and all the while, learn more about our Church and meet some amazing people, too. Thank you, one and all. |
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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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. |
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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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. |
Oktoberfest in Mt. Prospect on October 11th.
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Let's get our lederhosen on and celebrate!
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 OKTOBERFEST!!! Mark your calendars for Saturday October 11th- it's time for some St. Nicholas Family Fun! Mt. Prospect's Fall Festival/Oktoberfest is a wonderful annual event with activities for children from 1pm to 4pm and a BIG Oktoberfest party from 4pm to 11pm. Let's get together for brats, schnitzel, German beer, strudel, polkas, sing-along, chicken dancing and some good old "Gemutlichkeit" : ) We'll have balloons and/or banners to help you find our "Stammtisch" (special table) and we'll invite our friends from St. John's to join us there. We can meet up at the fest around 6:00pm and we'll have Sign-Up Sheet for a carpool that will leave St Nick's after the 4:00 mass if anyone is interested. PROST!! |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For our Dale Rickey whose health has not improved. Please pray for Dale; that his body is healed and his spirits are raised and that he is able to go home very soon.
For Nicholas, nephew to our George Davy: Nicholas was involved in a boating accident and suffered some injuries. Pray, please, that Nicholas regains full and lasting health and is home with his family soon.
For continued prayers for our friend Harry; he is making great strides and improving daily. Yet, he is not out of the woods. Continued prayers are much appreciated by his family and friends.
For those who experience pain and suffering whether in body, mind or spirit and are without proper medical care or sufficient funding for medication.
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.
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 our pets who bring us such happiness and comfort...pray they are always cared for and protected.
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, 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 Emily Augustus...may she rest in peace."
(**written prayer requests)
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To Bob DeHaven, who admirably filled in and provided us music for our Sunday worship last week. Thanks, Bob!
To our Bishop's Committee and the energy and drive shown at our meeting last Sunday...blessings to all for the amazing work.
To all who give so much of themselves in order to make St. Nicholas grow and thrive.
To those who share their treasures with us. God knows of your kindness and we are all most grateful.
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Readings for This Weekend
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Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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Saturday lector: Hank Mandziara
Sunday lectors: Bob DeHaven, Connie Nicholson
Sunday intercessor: Tameica Williams
Sunday chalice bearers: Mindy Golden, LaWayne Williams
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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 17, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM | | Thursday, September 18, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Friday, September 19, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Saturday, September 20, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Healing Weekend | 4:30 PM | | Varied Voices | 4:30 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | GSR - AA Meeting | 7:30 PM | | Sunday, September 21, 2014 | | Healing Weekend | 10:00 AM | | Varied Voices | 10:00 AM | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | Adult Bible Study | 11:30 AM | | Children's / Youth Formation | 11:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM | | Monday, September 22, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Tuesday, September 23, 2014 |
| | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Wednesday, September 24, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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