The Vicar's Corner

The elections have come and blessedly gone.  No more
political commercials, instant messages and emails over our cell phones and computers from candidates pleading for our vote, no more cold calls seeking contributions.  Whether our candidates won or lost...personally, I'm just happy it's all done, that is, until 2016.  But, let's not worry about that just yet, shall we.

Elections are one of the more entertaining and confusing of events.  So many promises, pledges and all those accusations thrown from one candidate against the other.  Reminds me of when we were kids and used to play "dodge ball" and did our best to avoid getting smacked with that large, rubbery ball.  I was quick and could hit the ground when needed or jump away in a split second.

Church and a community of faith does not "dodge" the issues of our time.  Church and a community of faith engages in the lives of others as the congregation works at building a better, safer and more beautiful world.
Church and the life of a community of faith does not take "time off."  We are doing what comes natural to a church...we worship, we celebrate our faith, we go about the business of being a member of this Episcopal Diocese of Chicago...this Elgin Deanery...this Village of Elk Grove.  Our church is a vital and significant part of the lives of many, many people.  Conversely, everyone who is part of this church, like wise, are very vital and significant. All are equal in the eyes of God and in the eyes of the Church.  We all have a share of this place.  We all claim a share of this church.  St. Nicholas belongs to all of us and no one person can claim the place as their own and only theirs.

So now, we go about doing the work of the Lord as we continue to rebuild, strengthen and fortify this church of ours; this church that belongs to no one person but is the sacred possession of us all.  We are the "elect."  We are the people who have been chosen and selected to secure this house of God, to make it accessible to all and to ensure that all who come inside are welcomed, wanted and warmly received, always and in all ways.

Amen.

-Manny

 St. Nicholas' Bishop Committee (our "parish council," if you will) is calling out to the congregation:  it is that time for new members to be elected.

We are in need of four (4) candidates to be elected at our Annual Church Meeting in very early 2015.

If you feel the calling, the desire to serve on this committee, we wish you to step forward and submit your name.  Please see our wardens (parish council president and vice-president) Steve Raftery and Jessica Tamaski or Manny for additional information and/or to place your name on the ballot.

In advance, thank you, one and all.  We are only collectively as strong as our individual commitments are to our church.

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 decorating grocery bags and filling them with canned goods to help make a Thanksgiving meal.

So, we ask you to help our young people out:  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 this 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 Our Harvest Fair This Weekend - November 15 & 16

We are hosting Harvest Fair: A Gathering of Artisans this Saturday, November 15, Noon - 6PM and Sunday, November 16, 11AM - 2PM.  Come and see our space 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: 

• Baked goods for a bake sale that will be part of the event
   
• People to staff the kitchen and sell raffle tickets during the Fair
   
• 6-foot tables (we need one 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!

-

Prayer Requests

The Community of St. Nicholas is praying

 

 

Shout-Outs

Readings for This Weekend

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