 "More than 230,000 visitors from around the world stopped in at Christ Church in Philadelphia last year. Most enjoyed the storied structure just off 2nd Street in Old City while touring the city's historic core. Even more people stop by its burial ground a few blocks away, if only to toss a penny through the fence onto Benjamin Franklin's grave.
And the question that the Rev. Timothy Safford hears most?
Almost everyone who is visiting for the first time, if they aren't from Philadelphia or, actually, even if they are, they ask, 'Is this still a real church?'
They think it's part of the tour, Safford said. We like to say we haven't missed a Sunday in 318 years."
(Taken from Philly.com and shared with me by Thelma Malecek)
318 years and still bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who venture up those stairs and into that sacred place. Imagine that. Granted, people in Europe would shrug their shoulders and reply that some of their houses of worship are well over 318 years old...more like 1300 years old and some older yet! Well, what's in a number? Quite frankly, there's quite a bit in a number!
Here at St. Nicholas we celebrated our 50th Anniversary just about a year ago. We celebrated in style, too. Nothing too fancy. However, we raised a holy noise and announced to all who would hear that we are still alive, active, growing and with plans for a bright future.
We have no historically significant figure buried on our grounds, though we hold the cremains of dearly departed loved ones in our columbarium. Truthfully, there is no place to toss coins and blessedly no one has taken the liberty of doing so in our Baptismal Font. What we do have is a wonderful, subjectively beautiful structure we call St. Nicholas Episcopal Church.
What's in a number? Well, budgets and bills, loans to be repaid and pledges that will help us successfully move into a new calendar year with optimism, and hope while keeping us "in the black." What's in a number? How about a new boiler and reconfiguring our cooling system that will provide us some relief within the worship space come next summer. What's in a number? There are windows that will glow with multiple colors and glorious, sacred images and shading that will free us from wincing because of glare. What's in a number? A new lighting system that is both financially and environmentally accountable that will keep us "in the light."
We are part of the current history of this sacred place. In time, years from now, others will look into the archives and see the amazing things we did in order to ensure a bright future for this place, this church, our spiritual home, this St. Nicholas Church. Together, we can do some mighty things. Please, pray and consider what is at stake. Give serious thought to what we ask in our Stewardship Drive and Capital Campaign. We are stronger when we are united. And all the while, our Lord blesses us.
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Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
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Blessing of the Animals October 4th & 5th
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 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 during services on Saturday, October 4th at 4:30PM and Sunday, October 5th at 10AM. 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. |
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Bible Study Resumes This Sunday
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Following the 10AM service
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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. 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. |
 Attention parents: Children's Formation is open this coming Sunday, October 5th. We invite all our youngsters to come, share and open their hearts and minds to the Good News of Jesus, along with their friends and family. We are sure they will enjoy themselves and take with them good and lasting memories. They will partake in their own special Liturgy of the Word during part of the 10AM service, and then will meet together after the service. |
Ministry Opportunities at St. Nicholas
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How can I make a difference?
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 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 some of 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. |
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Consider helping create our worship programs
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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
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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; there is a sign-up sheet for a carpool that will leave St Nick's after the 4:30 service if anyone is interested. PROST!! |
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. Our delegates are set: Thelma Malecek and Jennifer Brundige have volunteered and will capably represent St. Nicholas. Ray Malecek will serve as an Alternate. Thank you to all who considered attending Convention and representing St. Nicholas. Your kindness and generosity is much appreciated. Remember...there is always the option of being a General Attendee and taking part in the conversation. All are welcome to attend. And, remember...there is always next year...sign up early and avoid missing out! 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. Thank you, one and all. |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For the repose of the soul of our good friend Harry "the Plumber" Jablonski, Jr. After undergoing cancer treatment and several hospital stays, sadly, Harry went into cardiac arrest and passed away on September 26. Pray for his family and friends who grieve and mourn as we take comfort in the belief of the New and Eternal Life he now enjoys in Paradise with our Lord and all the Holy Saints and Angels.
For Dale Rickey who is now in rehab and making some strides toward improvement. Let us pray he continues to recover and ultimately be able to return home.
For those who have experienced loss or property damage due to recent storms and flooding.
For those who ask for prayers...know your thoughts and needs are considered and raised up on prayer.
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, 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 Tom Stopka who needs a heart transplant soon."
(**written prayer requests)
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To Hal Stratton, Steve Raftery and Hank Mandziara who joined Manny at St. John's Episcopal Church last weekend and represented St. Nicholas. Thank you gentlemen for your kindly gesture and spiritual support.
To Val Gruenwald and who proclaimed the Gospel and shared her moving sermon with us...wonderful news and so wonderfully shared.
To the good people of the Order of St. Luke who shared their healing ministry with us last weekend...continued blessings to each and all.
To Bob Kalicki, Jeff Westerheide and Gary Lackey who traversed the roadways and brought back a huge supply of canned goods and food to stock our pantry shelves. Blessings to you!
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Readings for This Weekend
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Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
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Saturday lector: John Bosslet
Sunday lectors: Brandon Garcia, Bill Barlow
Sunday intercessor: Colleen Davy
Sunday chalice bearers: Tameica Williams, 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, October 01, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, October 02, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Friday, October 03, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, October 04, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Blessing of the Animals | 4:30 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, October 05, 2014 |
| | | Blessing of the Animals | 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, October 06, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, October 07, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Building Committee Meeting | 6:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, October 08, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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