 Ah yes, Halloween. As you know, this is my favorite of "secular" holidays. Can't really explain why. But as far back as I can remember, I have always been hooked on Halloween. Maybe it's the orange, black and yellow colors? (A side note: the colors black and orange have a definite liturgical history as black was the color of the funeral candle holders and orange the color of pure beeswax candles.) Maybe it's that Halloween sits right smack in autumn which is my favorite season? Whatever the reason, it is what it is and I savor the pleasure this holiday brings. Halloween has a rather rich history. It is steeped in ancient lore and traditions that today, have taken elaborate twists and turns. Americans spend more on Halloween decorations, treats, costumes and such than any other holiday...go figure. Vintage and antique Halloween artifacts are highly sought after and far exceed all other holiday collectibles. Isn't Halloween for the young people? Maybe so...but we adults certainly enjoy ourselves. Below are a couple "explanations" provided for your reading entertainment. Enjoy and remember...Halloween is for the young AND the young-at-heart! "Evolving from the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, modern Halloween has become less about literal ghosts and ghouls and more about costumes and candy. The Celts used the day to mark the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, and also believed that this transition between the seasons was a bridge to the world of the dead. Over the millennia the holiday transitioned from a somber pagan ritual to a day of merriment, costumes, parades and sweet treats for children and adults." (History.com)
"Halloween or Hallowe'en; a contraction of "All Hallows' Eve, also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve, is a yearly celebration observed in a number of countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It initiates the triduum of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed believers. Within Allhallowtide, the traditional focus of All Hallows' Eve revolves around the theme of using "humor and ridicule to confront the power of death." According to many scholars, All Hallows' Eve is a Christianized feast initially influenced by the Celtic harvest festivals, with possible pagan roots, particularly the Gaelic Samhain. Other scholars maintain that it originated independently of Samhain and has solely Christian roots. Typical festive Halloween activities include trick or treating, (or the related "guising"), attending costume parties, decorating, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted house attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories and watching horror films.
In many parts of the world, the Christian religious observances of All Hallows' Eve, including attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead, remain popular, although in other locations, these solemn customs are less pronounced in favor of a more commercialized and secularized celebration. Because Western Christian denominations encourage, although no longer require abstinence from meat on All Hallows' Eve, the tradition of eating certain vegetarian foods for this "vigil day" developed, including the consumption of apples, colcannon, cider, potato pancakes and soul cakes." (Wikipedia.com)
Undoubtedly, where and how Halloween truly came to be will be an argument settled by no one yet. Happy Haunting. - Manny |
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A safe and happy time for all our children
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 "Wherever there are children, there is Halloween, with tricks and with treats." Let's wish our children and all those "young in heart" a night of howling, good fun...but a night that is safe, secure and filled with the makings of some fond memories. Happy Halloween to one and all. |
Holiday Foods to be Collected by Our Children
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Help fill bags with canned goods for our pantry guests
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 The Thanksgiving holiday is approaching. Our pantry guests, like us, all enjoy a traditional gathering with family and friends, complete with the foods that make the holiday so special. Our young people are going to decorate grocery bags and fill them with the canned goods and such that are featured during the Thanksgiving holiday. So, we ask our parishioners to help our young people out: next time at Jewel/Osco, Butera's, Caputo's or your local grocery store, please consider picking up some cans of pineapple, apple sauce, cranberries, pumpkin pie mix, boxes of muffin mix, or any such appropriate item. Bring them with you to St. Nicholas during the week or next weekend and our kids will put them to good use. Let's all make this Thanksgiving truly at time for giving thanks as we share our gifts with others. In advance...thank you and may the Good Lord continue to shower us all with grace and peace. |
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Please Plan to Attend Harvest Fair on November 15 & 16
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Support artisans and the Capital Campaign
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We are hosting Harvest Fair: A Gathering of Artisans on Saturday, November 15, Noon - 6PM and Sunday, November 16, 11AM - 2PM. Come and see Holy Innocents Hall transformed into a pop-up boutique of handmade creations. Please spread the word. We'd LOVE it if you liked the Harvest Fair Facebook page at this link. A flyer for you to download and forward (and even post on your own Facebook page) is available at this link. At this point, we are at vendor capacity, but we are still seeking: - St. Nicholas members who would like to contribute a few handmade items for a shared "The Artisans of St. Nicholas" table
- Baked goods for a bake sale that will be part of the event
- Items for a raffle that will also be part of the event
If you can help with any of these, contact Douglas VanHouten.
Lastly, we ask that every member of the Community of St. Nicholas make every effort to attend the fair. You'll be supporting local artisans and the St. Nicholas Capital Campaign! And think of the lovely, handmade Christmas gifts you can procure! Not to mention something to adorn your Thanksgiving table. Thanks! -  |
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St. Nicholas Choir Records New CD
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Noel: Christmas at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
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The choir of St. Nicholas recorded its second CD, Noel: Christmas at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, last Sunday. The release is scheduled for late-November. We would be honored if you would support this endeavor and purchase one or more copies. The choir has decided to donate a portion of the revenue to the Capital Campaign Fund. To help us in planning, you may pre-order your CDs at this link. No payment is due until the CDs are in hand. |
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Contemporary Issues Discussion Group
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 The Contemporary Issues Discussion Group is discussing the topic of Marriage. For your planning purposes we next meet on the second Sunday of November (the 9th) and will skip our December meeting. All are welcome to join us in the Noah's Ark space following the 10AM service. |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For the repose of the soul of Christopher Kvasnicka, 44, first cousin-once removed to Ray Malecek. Christopher died suddenly, leaving his family grieving and heartbroken. Pray for the Kvasnicka family in this time of mourning and may Christopher's soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
For Connie Nicholson who is to undergo a simple medical test this week. Pray for good results and a return to full and sound health.
For Nicky, a niece of Eunice's who was brutally attacked while in her car at a stop sign. She suffered broken bones to her face, jaw and hands. Pray for her full and complete recovery.
For a parishioner who is having some health issues and seeking full time employment. Pray this parishioner is strengthened and sustained with our well wishes and support.
For the Rev. Cerna Castro Rand, pastor of Prince of Peace Methodist Church. She is undergoing some serious medical treatment. Let us pray for our friend and companion, her husband and little son, that all will be provided the strength and healing they so need.
For Brandon and all high school seniors who have or will take their college exams soon...much success and high marks to all.
For Dale Rickey whose recovery from surgery months ago has been difficult and marred with numerous setbacks Pray for strength and endurance for Dale and he regain full and lasting sound health.
For a parishioner whose nephew is suffering the effects of alcoholism. Pray for this young man; that he find the path to recovery and his legal matters are resolved.
For our Tony Begonja who is undergoing his second cataract surgery. Pray the second procedure is as successful as the first and Tony's vision is crystal clear and he's up and around in no time at all.
For all children and young people who will be out celebrating Halloween: may their evening ventures be safe, secure and a time for happiness.
For prayers answered and blessings received.
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, 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.
*** "For all our Support Group Members and their continued recovery"
(**written prayer requests)
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To the Maleceks; Thelma and Ray for their generous purchase of the plaque
that was presented to Richard Franzen who was awarded an Eagle Scout Badge. Your kindness is overwhelming.
To Maeve Terranova and Jillian Setchell and the beautiful sounds they share with their violins...the angels are smiling just as we are. Thanks for your gifts you share.
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Readings for This Weekend
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Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
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Saturday lector: TBA
Sunday lectors: TBA
Sunday intercessor: TBA
Sunday chalice bearers: TBA
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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 29, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, October 30, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Friday, October 31, 2014 |
| | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, November 01, 2014 |
| | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, November 02, 2014 |
| | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | Adult Bible Study | 11:30 AM | | Children's / Youth Formation | 11:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, November 03, 2014 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, November 04, 2014 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Building Committee Meeting | 6:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, November 05, 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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