The Vicar's Corner

We've seen our fair share of 'green' all about the church.  From the alter cloth to hanging banners as well as the vestments I wear.  It's all part and parcel to the particular season of the Church year.  You see, way back on June 8 when we celebrated Pentecost, from the Sunday that followed, that is, June 15 to last week's feast of Christ the King, we have been in what is called "Sundays after Pentecost."  Some refer to this extended period as "Ordinary Time."  Both are acceptable.  Now, however, we start anew.  

While the calendar still has a full month to go before we usher in a new year, the Church year starts anew on the first weekend of Advent.  This is what we are to about to celebrate this weekend.  Down comes the green and up goes the royal blues and purples.  The Advent Wreath is to be built by our very selves, as we place evergreen boughs into the wreath.  Each week we shall light a candle:  Weeks one and two we light beautiful, blue candles.  Week three we light the radiant rose candle as we commemorate that Sunday we call Gaudete, taken from the Latin for "rejoice."  The forth and last Sunday of Advent we light the last of the blue candles.  In a few days time, we ring the bells and raise our voices in song and prayer for Jesus is born to us!

But, just what is Advent?  Well, let's see, shall we: Advent is a "Church Season" which refers to a time of waiting and preparation for the great and miraculous feast of the Nativity of Jesus, born to the young, virgin Mary and her soon to be husband Joseph.  Advent, in its most purest of forms comes from the Latin word, "coming."  The Latin word "adventus" from which comes the term Advent, is roughly translated from the Greek word "parousia," which means "official visit, royal presence," yet liturgically speaking, (Church talk) refers to the Second Coming of Jesus. 

So, wait a minute...we're celebrating the birth of Christ.  Yet, from ancient times and the translations of both the Greek and Latin and from a theological point of view, we're anticipating and preparing for Jesus' return to earth?  His second coming?  That is right.  That is so.  It may not be very "Christmas-like," but that is what Advent truly and historically signifies and represents. 

You see my friends, the Feast of Christmas is our commemoration of Jesus' birth for which we rejoice and celebrate.  It's our Savior's birthday and we give thanks for His coming into our world as one of us; a human being.  What Advent reminds us of is that Jesus is to come again and we are to be prepared for His arrival.  I admit, that's an awful lot of technical terminology but certainly material we understand and about which we need to be reminded.  Simply put: Jesus is coming again. Are we ready for His return?

So, my sisters and brothers, we begin this four-week journey with anxious and eager hearts at the ready to announce that Jesus is born!  While we rejoice, let us be ever-vigilant and ready for, as Sacred Scripture reminds us, "You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night...to the time when we must give up our account, we know it not, nor is it needful that we should.  The coming of Christ will be a great surprise."  (1Thessalonian 5:2.)  In spite of this rather alarming message, there is a great deal for which we are to celebrate these four weeks.  It is my prayer and my hope that as we prepare our homes with festive decor and seasonal ornamentation, more importantly, we are preparing our hearts and souls for Jesus' return.  This is the true message and meaning of Advent.  The Blessed Mary said yes to the angel...what is our response to Jesus?
 
Amen.

-Manny

All are welcome and invited to come and celebrate the remarkable life of Anna Hall, mother of our Pat Kalicki. 

Anna was 99 years young when Jesus called our dear sister home to Him.  Now, we shall gather and rejoice in her achievements and celebrate her entry into Paradise.  The Holy Eucharist will be celebrated to commemorate Anna's life on Sunday, November 30th at 2pm.  A light reception will follow in Holy Innocents Hall. 

Again, all are warmly and cordially invited.

The New CD by the Choir of St. Nicholas Has Arrived!

The new CD by the St. Nicholas Choir has arrived.  This CD is entitled, "Noel: Christmas at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church" and features many beloved Christmas songs. 

The choir has decided that after expenses, all proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to the Capital Campaign. 

CDs are $10 each and are available for purchase after both weekend services.

We greatly appreciate your support!

 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.

Our friends at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit cordially invite one and all to attend and be part of their two outdoor Living Nativity performances.

Mark your calendar for December 6th.  Performance times are 4:00pm and 5:30pm.  Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit is located at 150 Lions Drive and Elk Grove Boulevard right here in the Village.

Let's start off our holiday season celebrations in style.  Again, all are welcome.  Bring the entire family...Jesus welcomes all.

Prayer Requests

The Community of St. Nicholas is praying

 

To the Church of England, birthplace of Anglicanism and our Mother Church, which recently and overwhelmingly voted to allow women to be elected to the role of bishop.  Congratulations and blessings!

To Thelma Malecek and Jennifer Brundige who represented St. Nicholas so admirably and faithfully at this year's Annual Diocesan Convention.  Way to go; your company was warmly welcomed.
 
To all the dedicated volunteers who give of their time and serve the needy this Thanksgiving and those who care for the homeless -- your service is truly a gift from the heart.

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