Breathe in deeply and we can attest that, yes, spring is in the air. Relatively speaking, 'warmer temps' and the miniature mountains of snow are slowly but steadily dwindling away. March Madness and all that fantastic college basketball is on hand...be still my heart. Hockey is heating up for a photo finish to see who makes the playoffs and who will be watching from the stands. And before you know it, the shouts of "Play ball!" will be heard in ball parks and stadiums across the country. These are certainly signs of spring. However, there are far greater, more important and valuable passages that spring brings about. As a people of faith and members of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, we are also half way through this holy and meditative season of Lent. Hard to believe, as it seems Lent just began.
So, I ask you; how are we doing with our efforts at a "Complaint Free" Lent?
Not as easy as first anticipated? Or, is it easier than we thought?
Me...I'm really enjoying this Lent so much more. Now let me say this, I have always loved Lent. The "externals" of Lent have always fascinated me. The purple and gray vestments, images of our Lord concealed and shrouded in mystery as much as they are in purple fabric, and watching nature evolve from the bitter cold of winter into the early days of spring. I embrace all of Lent in a most youthful manner. The "internals" of Lent are far more wonderful and cherished: the time dedicated to longer periods of meditation, the particular and special prayers that call for silence and a deepening awareness of God speaking to us. As much as I love Lent, I'm glad it's only six weeks long. After all, too much of a good thing only tends to diminish and lessen its importance and significance. Good things in small doses, though God's grace and love are constant and eternal.
As for my efforts at a "Complaint Free" Lent...I have to say, it's been rather successful. In my relative success has blossomed a deeper sense of happiness and bliss. The energy that went into complaining has been diverted into much more constructive conversations and useful activities. I've dedicated more time to prayer, both formal and meditative. When circumstances present themselves for a good complaint, I ponder the situation, breathe in deeply and let it go. Consider the circumstances in any given situation that could lead to complaining. There could be a good reason for that person to have cut me off at the last light. There may well be a logical explanation why I didn't get that call I was promised I would get. Give the benefit of the doubt more life and in turn, life gifts us so much more in return.
We begin the descent portion of our Lenten journey. We're on the downhill side of our trip. As we draw closer and closer to the glorious feast of Easter, let us be ever mindful that our journey really hasn't ended but, in fact, simply continues. Our travels as Christians and God's beloved children do not stop until God says so. Keep on the narrow road and be diligent to God's voice calling out to us. And remember, let go of that complaint and embrace a deeper and more satisfying inner peace.
Amen.
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A Special Presentation at This Sunday's 10AM Service
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Dance and Sacred Scripture
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 "Let them praise His name with dancing and make music with timbrel and harp." -Psalm 143:3 This Sunday's 10am Service we shall do just that; Lisette Rodriguez will bring a number of her students to St. Nicholas who will share a "spiritual side" through movement and dance. Let's make it a point to all be here, in full and lively force to welcome our young neighbors as we hear and see the Gospel come to life. |
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Elk Grove Village Summer June Parade
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Who will head St. Nicholas' team?
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The past two years St. Nicholas has participated in the annual Elk Grove Village Hometown Parade. This year's parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th and starts at 5pm. Those of us who are involved in the 4:30 Saturday Service will be unable to attend. We are seeking some one who will chair this year's team. We don't necessarily need a float...some big-hair wigs, funny hats and lots of beads and candy to toss out to the crowds as we celebrate this year's theme, "Mardi Gras." And of course, we encourage everyone to wear our blue St. Nicholas tee-shirts. If you're interested and are willing to take on this role, please contact Manny as soon as possible. In advance...many thanks. |
6pm Friday Evenings in Lent
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 The church season of Lent invites us all into deeper, more intimate prayer as individuals and as a community. St. Nicholas invites all to come and join in communal prayer on Friday nights at 6pm, as we gather to pray the Stations of the Cross. This time together provides moments of meditation and shared prayers as we recall the path Jesus took to Golgotha. All are invited. |
Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015
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 Soon we will gather to celebrate the great, high feast of Easter; Jesus' victory over death and sin. We celebrate with song, with prayers and of course, we celebrate with flowers. To perhaps commemorate a dearly departed loved one or to give thanks for favors granted, please consider contributing toward our Flower Fund. Traditional Easter plants and flowers will be purchased and placed throughout the worship space. Envelopes for this Flower Fund are found on the Welcoming Table. Remember to add the name(s) of the dearly departed, a prayer of thanksgiving or the commemoration a special occasion in the envelope. Thank you one and all for your thoughtfulness and kindness. |
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The Easter Bunny Needs Our Help...
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Can you spare some candy to share?
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 We all know how it easy it is to over-extend ourselves. Well, the Easter Bunny fears he may have done so, too. He's asking us to please pick up a few bags of sweet treats to surprise our youngsters come Easter Sunday. Wrapped chocolates, hard candies and such would be great. Bring your donations in and leave them near Manny's office...we can trust him to put them away for safe keeping until the Easter Bunny arrives in a few weeks. In advance, thank you one and all. Blessings. |
The Healing Journey Chapter of OSL will be hosting a dinner and movie night at St. Nicholas Church on March 27th. We will be showing the movie Romero in memory of Archbishop Oscar Romero who was murdered because he spoke out against poverty, social injustice, assassinations and torture. Dinner will begin at 6 pm, followed by a brief liturgy at 7 pm. The movie will start at 7:45 and end with discussion at 9:30.
The dinner will be a simple soup and bread meal If you are interested in attending, please contact Thelma Malecek @ 630.766.2724 or Jennifer Brundige @ 847.347.5425. RSVP by March 23.
All are cordially invited!
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Children's Clothing Drive
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A request to help those with special needs
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 A request has been made of the community of St. Nicholas to assist in providing much needed clothing items for the children with whom Val Gruenwald ministers during the week. Needed are undergarments, new and unused. Sizes in the range of 3T - 6 would be most useful. Needed also are clothing items in the same size range. Spare clothing can certainly be gently used, but please, should be clean. This drive will be on-going. Drop off donated items in the basket that will be located in the church near the sacristy door. Thank you one and all. Abundant blessings upon this house of worship. "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and
blessed them, laying his hands on them."
-Mark 10:13-16 |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For the repose of the soul of Jordan Ross who was killed in a car accident: pray for those who grieve his tragic death and may his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
For the repose of the soul of Nick Garza: pray for those who grieve his passing and rejoice in the knowledge that Nick rests in the full and lasting peace of Christ.
For the repose of the soul of Margie Broderick, a high school classmate of our Sandra Glos: pray for Margie's family and all who mourn and weep her passing as we celebrate her entry into God's eternal Kingdom of peace and joy.
For the repose of the soul of Julie Peache who succumbed to cancer: pray for her family and all who will sorely miss her and pray for her eternal soul that now rests with our Lord.
For the family who lost all their possessions in a house fire: may they find the kindness of friends and strangers alike helping and reaching out to aid them at this time of great distress.
For those preparing for Baptism, Confirmation or Reception into the Church: pray their journey in faith leads them to abundant blessings, joy and grace.
For all Christians around the world as we celebrate our Lenten observance: pray we all journey to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God the Creator, Jesus our Redeemer and filled with the blessings of the Holy Spirit.
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, Marica Kizior, Phil Cooper, Pat Beahr, Joanne Mangiaracina, Kesha, Vernon Forde, Dick and Mary Gans, Eunice Dohra, Bob DeHaven, K.C., Dick Day, Dale Rickey, Paula O' Conner, Tim Laughlin, Jackie, Chris, Cathy Walters, Carrie Tim, Pat and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.
(***written prayer requests)
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To Maeve Terranova, Jillian and Shannon Setchell who graced us with their lovely music at last Sunday's Service. Young ladies, you are all just wonderful.
To Tony Begonja who proclaimed the Gospel and shared his sermon with us...thank you, good brother.
To the Order of St. Luke who shared their healing ministry with us...we are all the better because of your care and prayers.
To our fearless and selfless Food Pantry Team; Bob Kalicki, Jeff Westerheide and Gary Lackey, who were, as always, at the ready to assist all the guests who visited our pantry last week. Great work, gentlemen.
To Eve Gatwood, another member of our Pantry Team who picked-up and delivered two large loads of pop and snacks. Eve, you are something else!
To all who continue to put shoulder to the wheel, pitch-in and give their all to make our house of worship grow and grow.
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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, March 11, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, March 12, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Friday, March 13, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Stations of the Cross | 6:00 PM |
Saturday, March 14, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, March 15, 2015 | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | Adult Bible Study | 11:30 AM | | Children's / Youth Formation | 11:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, March 16, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, March 17, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, March 18, 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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