 As a nation, we have the distinct honor of paying tribute to one of our greatest citizens, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
It has been 47 years since his most untimely death and nearly 52 years since he gave, arguably, his most famous "I Have a Dream," speech during the March on Washington, D.C. in 1963.
Dr. King has been a hero of mine throughout my entire adult life. A man of principle; a man of deep and devout convictions; a man of faith; a man blessed with the Holy Spirit. Truly, Dr. King embodied the teachings of Christ. He lived out these principles to the best of his human abilities. In the end, he surrendered his life to the cowardice act of an assassin. Yet, he left us all a path to follow; taking the lead of Jesus whom Dr. King loved so, we are encouraged and challenged to be peace-makers, too.
I'd like to share with you several of Dr. King's most notable of quotes. Perhaps posting these sayings on our fridge or on our Facebook timelines may serve us well. Whether we post or simply read them here, please do take them to heart as much as he took to heart the need for equality, justice and unity amongst all of God's children.
1. "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
2. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
3. "Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude."
4. "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." 5. "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." 6. "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" 7. "Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness." 8. "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." 9. "We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now."  10. "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." 11. "Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle." 12. "Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend." 13. "There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right." 14. "Let no man pull you so low as to hate him." 15. "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." (Special thank you to Ms. Vi-An Nguyen for her sharing of this material and to the Getty Institute for Dr. King's picture) |
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Annual Meeting & Pot Luck Luncheon on January 25
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 Our annual meeting is coming up, scheduled for Sunday, January 25th immediately after our 10am Service. No St. Nicholas meeting is complete without food and this year's annual meeting is no different. In the Gathering Space a Sign-Up Sheet has been posted. Please consider bringing a covered dish, a salad, something sweet or savory to share. There's never such a thing as "too much food." The more the merrier. The same can be said with regards to attendance at this meeting...the more of the community to be present...the merrier. Please, put aside the afternoon of Sunday, January 25th and be part of this very important parish meeting. And, we will do all we can to have us all home before dark! In advance, thank you one and all. |
5th Annual St. Nick's Chili Supper and Raffle
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Saturday, February 14th, 2015
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 Hard to believe but this year will be our 5th Chili Supper and Raffle event. And, we're hoping this is our best one yet! Miss Jessica is hard at work making this year's event better than ever! Mark your calendars and make sure to get your seats at this year's event scheduled for Saturday night, February 14th at 6PM. Consider attending the 4:30 Saturday service and then, mosey on over to Holy Innocents Hall and join in the fun and a chance at some super-duper prizes. Just follow your nose to the tantalizing aroma of chili simmering away atop the stove, pick up some raffle tickets, grab a seat and enjoy. Bring the whole family and round up the neighbors and friends...all are welcome. |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For Connie Nicholson who is to undergo surgery this week and next. Pray she heals and recovers quickly and completely and is able to be with us very soon.
For the homeless, those who live on the fringe of society: pray they find shelter, warmth and protection from the harshness of the winter's bitterness.
For all pets and all God's creatures: pray they are always cared for and loved.
For continued blessings and grace upon this community of faith, this St. Nicholas Church and all her people.
For those who are to have surgery or are recovering from surgery: pray they are cared for and good and sound health is theirs.
For the members of our Support Groups here at St. Nicholas: may this year continue to be year of healing, recovery and support.
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: Pat Beahr, Joanne Mangiaracina, Kesha, Vernon Forde, Dick and Mary Gans, Eunice Dohra, Bob DeHaven, Dick Day, Dale Rickey, Paula O' Conner, Jim Laughlin, Jackie, Chris, Cathy Walters, Carrie and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.
*** "Pray for Drew Burnette"
(***written prayer requests)
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To all who stuck around after Sunday's 10am service to help take down the Christmas tree, re-box all the creche figures and prepare the church with green banners and such. What a great job, one and all. The place looks wonderful.
To our Bishop's Committee and the amazing work they do on behalf of our St. Nicholas Church. Individually and collectively, you do great work my friends.
To our wonderful String Trio of Maeve Terranova, Jillian and Shannon Setchell who played their best last Sunday. Ladies, it was just lovely.
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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, January 14, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, January 15, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Friday, January 16, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, January 17, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Healing Weekend | 4:30 PM | | Varied Voices | 4:30 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | GSR - AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Sunday, January 18, 2015 | | Healing Weekend | 10:00 AM | | Varied Voices | 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, January 19, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, January 20, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, January 21, 2015 | | 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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