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 "Grant that we may not so much seek to be understood as to understand."
-St. Francis of Assisi
"Good, the more communicated, more abundant grows."
-John Milton
"The first ingredient in conversation is truth: the next good sense; the third, good humor; and the forth wit."
-Sir William Temple
Were it to be that simple; to be able to communicate with one another without the constraints we place upon ourselves. No one has ever claimed that here at St. Nicholas we are a lot of perfected beings; head and shoulders above the rest; a sterling example of how other churches are to go about their ministry and duties via our manner and style. Certainly, I have never made that claim nor would I venture to even hint of such a thing. Perfection is not possible for we are people, human beings, folks doing what we can, as we can, as best we can. Perfection comes when we are united with our Creator in the world that awaits us; after our earthly experience has come to its conclusion.
What I will say and as I have said many other times: we at St. Nicholas are a most dedicated and determined lot of people; a group, a family united with Christ as our head and shepherd, that works hard, celebrates with boldness and grace and a community that stumbles on occasion, has been known to trip over its own feet and yet, still moves forward and onward with faith, hope and always with love. We get things done.
We have seen significant progress made in a relatively short period of time. Are we done yet? No; for there is work yet to be completed. How long will it take to do all that things we want to get done? Well, that's not so easy to answer. You see, there are things about our church that have needed attention for a long time. There is the matter of the windows above the baptismal font which are in sad shape, have some leaking issues and are a funnel for cold air that seeps into our worship space. The extremely expensive lighting system in Holy Innocents Hall and in the Gathering Space main entrance needs to be redone with much more effective, lower energy, brighter and blessedly less expensive bulbs. (Did you know that a dozen of the bulbs used in Holy Innocents Hall costs more than $250.00?)
However, we have successfully addressed other issues that have long been neglected, namely, a new back door in the church that is air tight, secure and much more attractive than what we had in the past. The exterior of our church has been lovingly painted. Often times I will stand on the sidewalk nearest Ridge Avenue and just gaze at our church...she is a beautiful sight to behold. A new boiler and cooling system has been installed and is operational. We are in the process of repairing the south side windows (those windows behind the altar) with new caulking, better fitting glass and uniformity in style and color. Some of the stunning stained glass windows have been installed in the church and more will be put up very soon throughout the Gathering Space and Hall.
First of all, these and all the endeavors we take on are done so with conversation and dialogue. We do not always agree and on occasion we have had our differences and some arguing has been born. This is only natural. We all want what's best for our church. We are all different and we all have our views and opinions. Consequently, we're not always going to agree and thus, a consensus must be drawn. We pray, we talk and we talk some more, we drink coffee and tea and in time, we do come to a conclusion that is best fitting for St. Nicholas and her community of faith.
Conversation is complicated...but then again, it really isn't nor should it be. It starts with open hearts and open minds. It is rooted in our faith as people of God who have taken upon ourselves the yolk of ministry and we carry the blessed burden that has been mandated of us. Conversation becomes complicated when we stop listening and all start talking at once. No one is heard and the din gets louder. Again...we're not perfect but darn it, we try so hard and we've come so far. Our work is not done. There is a church that is beckoning out to us all to be loved, to be filled with song, with prayer and with fellowship. Our church is not asking us to be perfect...heck, that's never going to happen, remember, we're only human. But, remember this, too...we are God's people, chosen and commissioned. Let us all work together. Let us all listen to what the other has to say. Let us continue to open our hearts, our minds and keep our eyes on the prize that awaits us...when we are perfect in that perfect Kingdom that awaits.
Amen.
-Manny |
National Prayer Day is Thursday, May 7
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Join the Village in Prayer
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 Each year, the houses of worship throughout the Village gather to pray and rejoice in the diversity of our faith traditions as we celebrate National Prayer Day. May 7th, Thursday morning, we shall gather at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit located at 150 Lions Drive. Breakfast is at 7am followed by Prayer in the sanctuary at 7:40am. All are welcome to come, share, pray and enjoy the company of friends and neighbors. Tickets are $10.00 per person. If you are interested in attending, please see Manny for tickets and/or additional information. |
Celebrate our moms with their pictures in church
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 Each year throughout the month of May, we pay homage to our Mothers. Whether our Moms are with us here and now or in their heavenly domain, we honor and show our love for them. We give thanks for our moms, along with our Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, for their sacrifices, their care for us and their enduring love. Please bring a framed photo to church and we shall place it upon the altar at the west side of the church where these pictures will stand until the end of the month. |
We "knead" some communion bread, please
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 Hey, you...would you like to help out with some bread baking? Our supply is getting low and we could certainly use a few volunteers to help out with baking bread for use at our services. Pans and recipe are in the sacristy and ready to be put to good use. In advance, thank you to all who have baked bread in the past and to those who graciously will share their time and talent for this sacred ministry. Blessings to all. |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For the repose of the soul of Diane Floyd, sister of our Fran Begonja who passed away rather suddenly at her home in Texas: pray for all who mourn and grieve as we pray for Diane's final journey to Paradise.
For Kenneth, an uncle of our Carol Payne who is dying of cancer: pray that Kenneth's pain is at long last relieved and he find comfort and lasting peace.
For Vernon Forde who is to travel back to Madison, WI for more medical tests and exams this week: pray for favorable results, swift and lasting healing and for safety on the road for Vernon and Erlene.
For the nation of Nepal: let us pray for those who have died, those still missing, for all who have been displaced and swift assistance from the world-wide community.
For those who have died crossing the Mediterranean Sea in their efforts to find a better life elsewhere: pray for their souls and the safety of all others who continue to seek freedom.
For Vivian, sister to our Thelma Malecek, whose health is deteriorating rapidly: pray for God's mercy and grace for Vivian and strength and acceptance for her family and all who love her.
For all our parishioners who are traveling for business and pleasure: pray their destinations are reached in Gods' speed and safety and their time away is restful and successful.
For those in our world who suffer because of their faith: pray all are allowed to worship God freely and without fear.
For our pets and all God's creatures who bring us so much joy: pray they are cared for and protected against harm.
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, Joanne Mangiaracina, Kesha, Ron Glos, Mary Gans, Eunice Dohra, K.C., Dick Day, Dale Rickey, Paula O' Conner, Phil Cooper, Tim Laughlin, Jackie, Chris, Cathy Walters, Carrie, Tim, Pat and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.
*** "Pray for prayers for my family and especially for my wife."
(***written prayer requests)
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To our friends at LaPreferida Mexican Food Industry who donated a large pallet of food to our pantry...and many will find much happiness in this kind gesture.
To Thelma who has begun the happy chore of transplanting the Easter lilies throughout the west side gardens...the more green thumbs the better!
To our friends at St. Simon's Episcopal Church who delivered several bags of donated food items for our pantry...again, you bring much blessings to those in need.
To Eve Gatwood, a dear friend of St. Nicholas who hauled in a huge donation of pop and snacks to our food pantry...sweet treats from such a sweet and caring person!
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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: |
| Thursday, April 30, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Friday, May 01, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Saturday, May 02, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Sunday, May 03, 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, May 04, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Tuesday, May 05, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Building Committee Meeting | 6:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Wednesday, May 06, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM | | Thursday, May 07, 2015 | | National Prayer Day | 7:00 AM | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
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