The Vicar's Corner

"Across the purple sky, all the birds are leaving
But how can they know it's time for them to go?
Before the winter fire, I will still be dreaming
I have no thought of time

For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?

Sad, deserted shore, your fickle friends are leaving
Ah, but then you know it's time for them to go
But I will still be here, I have no thought of leaving
I do not count the time

For who knows where the time goes?
Who knows where the time goes?

And I am not alone while my love is near me
I know it will be so until it's time to go
So come the storms of winter and then the birds in spring again
I do not fear the time

For who knows how my love grows?
And who knows where the time goes?" (Lyrics by Sandy Denny via Wikipedia)

This beautiful piece should be rather familiar to any fan of 1960's folk music.  British singer/song writer Sandy Denny's hauntingly lovely song asks the quintessential question of the passing of time.  Actually, this song, more than asking where time goes, beckons the listener to take good advantage of the time we are afforded.  This song speaks to us of the beauty of those people and things that stay close to us and how important it is and how wise it is to embrace and rejoice in these sacred blessings.

Last week's funeral for a 44-year-old man struck at my heart.  The loss of such a young man with so much life yet to live brought me to consider just how quickly time truly does go by. 

Though we are more often than not bombarded with news of war, violence, hatred, fear and other such negative elements of our society, there is such immense beauty and glory to our world.  We're at the cusp of autumn relenting itself and surrendering to the cold, grasp of winter.  Still, look toward the sky and see the geese in formation as they begin their migration south.  Look to the trees and see the large nests the squirrels are building which will be their safe haven come the bitter cold and chill of January. 

Look around our St. Nicholas Church:  see the generosity of so many who share of their supply to make sure our pantry guests have enough to eat.  See the holiday grocery bags our young people have begun to decorate for Thanksgiving.  See the preparation being done on the south side for installation of the window shades that will provide us some comfort from the glare.  Feel the welcomed heat in our worship space compliments of our new boiler.  Hear the blessed sounds of our choir and musicians on Saturday and Sunday.  Catch the smiles and feel the welcome hugs shared by each member, one to another.  Embrace the Spirit that lives and breathes throughout our entire complex. 

My friends...make good use of the time God gives us.  Make good use of our time, our talents and our treasure in order to keep our church alive and well, healthy and sustained now and for many, many years to come. 

Amen.

-Manny

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.

Please Plan to Attend Harvest Fair on November 15 & 16

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
   
• People to staff the kitchen and sell raffle tickets during the Fair
   
• 6-foot tables (we need two more).  By the way, please check your tables at home.  One marked "VanBorg" has gone missing.

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!

-

Contemporary Issues Discussion Group

The Contemporary Issues Discussion Group is discussing the topic of Marriage, including the subjects of divorce, same gender marriage and sex.  For your planning purposes we next meet this Sunday, November 9th.  We will skip our December meeting.

All are welcome to join us in the Noah's Ark space following the 10AM service.

Boy Scout Troop 159 Craft and Vendor Show

Saturday November 15, 2014

9:00 - 3:00

St. Simon's Church 717 W Kirchhoff Arlington Heights

Homemade craft items

Home based business vendors

Bake Sale and Lunch items available 

Prayer Requests

The Community of St. Nicholas is praying

 

 

Shout-Outs

Readings for This Weekend

Saturday lector: Steve Raftery
Sunday lectors: Douglas VanHouten, Connie Nicholson
Sunday intercessor: Tameica Williams
Sunday chalice bearers: Pat Kalicki, Hank Mandziara

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:

St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
1072 Ridge Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL  60007
847-439-2067
www.StNicholasEpiscopal.org