 On a quiet and tranquil Wednesday morning, I took to the streets of Detroit and visited some of the iconic sites that foster memories of my younger years. First stop, the Eastern Market. This is the nation's oldest "open air" market and arguably one of the greatest of all markets anywhere. My dad went to this market most Saturday mornings. He'd wait for me to return from my altar boy duties at church to go and shop. This Saturday ritual is perhaps my fondest and most cherished of memories. My dad and me...nothing can take these reminiscences of mine away. The area is filled with meat vendors, fish mongers, spice shops, little diners, antique shops and miles of fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, livestock, flowers and plants all on display and ready for purchase. A few miles away is Elmwood Cemetery, the oldest, continuously operating non-denominational burial grounds in the state. There are Revolutionary and Civil War markers along with the forebearers of Detroit's settling. One can read the names of the dearly departed and see where many of the names of the city streets and avenues derive. Names like Livernois, Gratiot, Dequinder, Lafayette, Larned and Cass remind us of Detroit's unique French and British history. As a proud Detroiter and a fan of history, I find it fascinating...I suppose as only a native Detroiter could and would. A war was held on these very grounds between the British and Native Americans. The aptly, yet sadly named Bloody Run Creek still runs through the cemetery.
The Detroit River sits just to the south as Windsor, Ontario, Canada lays just beyond the 'straits' that separate the two countries. This is the busiest, free-trade route in the world. The Ambassador Bridge spans across the river while the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel silently sits beneath the blue waters. Another bridge is to be built in the next few years. Progress and commerce that continues to meld and mold America and Canada's friendship.
The Motown Museum, Charles Wright Museum of African-American History, The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Michigan Science Center, Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Modern Arts Studio and Museum, Wayne State University, International Institute of Arts Academy...the arts, culture, music that stirs the imagination and uplifts the human spirit. These institutions are all pretty much in the same area, a neighborhood called Cultural Center and the New Center Area. The GM World Headquarters are here, too, as are several theaters. It is a city within a city...so vibrant and alive.
And there are churches...lots of amazing and utterly gorgeous structures. The Irish, Germans, Poles, Slavs and even the Maltese had their own parishes. On Woodward Avenue is "Piety Row" where numerous cathedrals proudly stand amidst well manicured lawns and gardens. The Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans and Episcopalians are all represented on this "Avenue of the Angels." All of these beautiful houses of worship inspire and send one's spirits soaring. A sense of God's grandeur and power is so very evident. These 19th Century structures present God as distant and removed from us. Yet, we know and we believe God to be so very close by...right beside us in fact and always ready to aid and assist us. Stained glass windows and large staircases the lead up to the entrance of a church were meant to provide an other-worldly effect; that we were entering a place unlike anything else in this mortal world of ours.
There is one particular church, St Josaphat's, that stands out for its amazing and breath-taking beauty. This church is also large. Two of our St. Nicholas Churches could fit quite comfortably in the main body of this church built in 1901.
Yes. Our St. Nicholas Church. It belongs to us all. St. Nicholas may not possess a large tower complete with bells that chime on the hour. We have no soaring spires or "larger than life" statues that hover from swirling pillars of stone or wood. We have no cloister walk that connects the worship space to a monastery or school. No. What we have is a place of worship that is much loved and cherished. What we have is a house of worship that is welcoming to all and inviting to all. We are blessed with a church that sits comfortably on the well cared grounds and most lovely gardens at 1072 Ridge Avenue, in the quaint hamlet of Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
We all love our St. Nicholas Church. We are committed to this place because it is our home...it is where we gather to celebrate our faith; to share in the sacred meal of Christ's body and blood; it is where we spend time with dear friends and family. It is our place and we have much for which to be grateful. With the proper care, concern and generosity of each and every member, our friends and benefactors, we will achieve and reach the desired and necessary goals we have set before us. Let us pray, discern and consider the requests presented by the Stewardship Drive and the Capital Campaign. Together, let us lift high our church to a new and brighter place, securing a prosperous and secure future. Together and with God's guidance, all this and more is possible.
|
 |
Contemporary Issues Group Resumes This Sunday
|
September 28th after the 10AM service
|
 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! |
Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
|
Blessing of the Animals October 4th & 5th, 2014
|
 Francis was both a simple and yet complicated man. He lived in a most troubling time. In his journey of faith and life, Francis came to recognize and cherish the blessed and joyful gifts that God's creatures provide us. He loved all animals, great and small alike. Francis spoke to the birds and his friend the wolf listened attentively to him. To commemorate this holy man and celebrate the wonders and joys our pets provide, we will have our annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday and Sunday, October 4th and 5th. We invite all to bring their pets, big or small, even a favored toy animal to church and allow them to receive God's special blessing. We honor God's handiwork when we care and tend to God's beautiful creatures. Come and join us on this special weekend. Whether two- or four-legged, winged, or crawling within a cage...all are welcome. |
|
Are You Ready For Bible Study?
|
|
The fun starts up again on October 5!
|
 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. |
Ministry Opportunities at St. Nicholas
|
How can I make a difference?
|
 Let's say a count between churches that are either "large or small," were to be made, we could well fall some place in between, though leaning toward the latter of the two choices. We are "smallish" but we are mighty in worship, voice and dedication. As a church, there are opportunities aplenty for all of us in which to be engaged and active. I ask that we all take time to look over and consider the Ministry Opportunities available at St. Nicholas. To name a few: A) Children's Formation on the 1st and 3rd Sundays from September through May. B) Bread Bakers to provide the bread used at our weekend Liturgies. C) Coffee Hour Hosts who prepare, set-up and clean-up on Sundays. Remember...all the supplies are provided for. D) Lectors/Chalice Bearers/Choir Members/Musicians/Acolytes -- all of whom help enhance our Saturday and Sunday Liturgies. E) Lawn/Grounds Crews who make sure the lawns are mowed and the gardens are tended to. F) Church Cleaning is a necessity. As we care for our homes, we must also care for our house of worship. Bathrooms need tending to; the kitchen needs attention; carpets need vacuuming and floors need washing; wood to be dusted and windows to be cleaned...of which are labors of love and service for the greater glory of God. Please consider how we can all be part of the church. There are plenty of opportunities. Pray and discern how God may be calling you. Thank you, one and all. |
|
Consider helping create our worship programs
|
|
Our weekend Liturgies would not be complete without our worship programs. These programs do not just appear. They are compiled, prepared, set-up, printed and folded with much care and dedication. Hal Stratton and Brandon Garcia have been front and center, both serving our church so well and with little fan-fare or recognition. We are immensely grateful and indebted to them for their time and efforts.
Currently Brandon is carrying the torch as our program creator. He is one busy guy...full time student, athlete and choir member. Eventually, Brandon will move on to his next phase, that is, college, in due time. Before that time comes, it is a very good thing we have others who are willing to step up and take on this vital ministry of preparing our Worship Programs.
If you are computer savvy enough and have the time and desire, we are calling out for your help. Use the parish computer or have the programs downloaded onto your home computer. The work is not too terribly time consuming but some patience and organization is required.
The work is plentiful and laborers are much in demand. Feel called to this service? Please contact Manny, Hal Stratton or Brandon Garcia to be enlisted in this most special of ministries. The rewards are truly heavenly.
In advance...a most heart-felt thank you.
-Manny
|
|
Oktoberfest in Mt. Prospect on October 11th
|
Let's get our lederhosen on and celebrate!
|
 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!! |
177th Annual Diocesan Convention
|
Seeking one more delegate and two alternates
|
 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. Thelma is on board as one of our delegates. We ask and invite one more of our community members who are able to attend this two-day event and two (2) alternates to come forward and represent our church. We need to submit names to the diocese next week, so please let us hear from you by this Sunday. 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. |
|
|
The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
|
For this war-torn world of ours which continues to escalate into darker and more deadly conflicts: Let us pray that peace takes hold of the hearts of all humankind and we turn away from hatred and we turn toward one another with a peaceful embrace.
For sisters and brothers at St. John's Episcopal Church in Mt. Prospect: This is their last weekend of worship together. 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, Jim Laughlin, Jackie, Chris, 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 Marilyn and Tom Stopka."
(**written prayer requests)
|
|
To all who prepared a meal, shared food, served and cleaned things up at Christus Victor last week. The kindness shown to others is repaid with God's grace and blessings.
To the Order of St. Luke and a successful weekend conference...may you continue to share healing, anointing and blessings to those in need.
To our wardens Steve Raftery and Jessica Tamaski for leading the community in Evening and Morning Prayer last weekend. Leadership takes many forms and we are ever grateful for your sharing in a most spiritual manner.
|
|
Readings for This Weekend
|
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
|
|
Saturday lector: Barb Bosslet
Sunday lectors: Pat Kalicki, Douglas VanHouten
Sunday intercessor: LaWayne Williams
Sunday chalice bearers: Colleen Davy, Joanne Mangiarcina
|
|
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: |
| Wednesday, September 24, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, September 25, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Friday, September 26, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, September 27, 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 |
Sunday, September 28, 2014 | | Meeting of Children's Formation Leaders | 9:00 AM | | Healing Weekend | 10:00 AM | | Varied Voices | 10:00 AM | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | Contemporary Issues Adult Education Group | 11:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, September 29, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, September 30, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, October 01, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
|
|
