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  July 15, 2015
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The Vicar's Corner

Vacations are wonderful.  Vacations are important, too. We all need that time away from the "routines of life" to which we diligently attend daily.  We don't have to go far.  For me, a vacation at home (more commonly referred to as a 'staycation') is perfectly fine.  Don't get me wrong, I love to travel and anytime I have that opportunity, I'd like to take good and full advantage of it.  But, there are the comforts of home that for me are so appealing.

 

However, a church does not really have a vacation period.  St. Nicholas Church certainly is no different.  Truth be told, while I was away to Colorado over the 4th of July holiday, while engaged in family fun as we took in the beauty of the mountains, blue skies and a few amazing late evening electrical thunderstorms, the clock in my mind and heart did chime on the hour as a reminder of the community of faith back in Elk Grove Village that I love so much.  I suppose that is how it should be.  Absence does make the heart grow fonder.  A church does not rest; for there is ministry and the daily activities and responsibilities that need our attention, involvement and participation.  Here we are, mid-July and our parish picnic is this coming Saturday, the 18th.  Rain or shine, we'll gather and have a communal meal, some fun in the sun, laughter and stories, too.  Lastly, we shall gather about another table to share yet another meal; the bread and wine that God blesses to be for us the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus, our Lord.  This meal strengthens both body and soul and is set upon the table of life for all to share.

 

Just when we thought we could relax some...surprise...St. Nick's Knacks Annual Rummage Sale comes calling for "all hands on deck."  This is our major church fundraiser and truly, we do need as many volunteers as possible -- young, old and in between -- to get hands and feet, elbow grease and strong backs involved.  There is truly strength in numbers...you better believe it. The past few years our rummage sale has been rather successful.  While I'm at it, we've had quite a bit of fun, too.  We make a point here at St. Nicholas to make sure and keep the "fun" in a fundraiser.  There is always room for improvement and improvements need and require everyone's involvement and participation.  Stay tuned for more information and the Sign-Up Sheets that will soon be posted.   

 

Yes my sisters and brothers, a church alive and active does not slumber much.  Nor does a church sit quiet for too long a time.  A holy noise is pleasing to God and makes for a community that is engaged, involved and part of the engine that moves and drives us forward and onward.  True, our Choir takes a well deserved and much needed respite during the summer.  Our Children's and Young People's Formation is on break during these few months.  Bible Study is quiet and resting up as well.  However, before we know it, the Choir, Children's and Young People's Formation and Bible Study will all be at it again, humming along.  Just in time, too, because a few weeks down the road is Advent and the Christmas season just itching to be celebrated in true St. Nicholas style.   

 

We need, and we gladly take our much needed vacations.  However, God does not take any time off.  Nor does God's Holy Church.  My friends, take good advantage of any and all opportunities for rest, relaxation and for some quite time to recharge those constantly running batteries of ours. 

 

May these "dog days of summer" be rewarding, refreshing and reinvigorating.  May we all be renewed in body, mind and spirit as we look forward to what is yet to come while we enjoy and give rightful thanks for what we have right here and right now.   

 

Amen. 

 

-Manny  

St. Nick's Parish Picnic is This Saturday, July 18, 12 - 6pm
It's here...our annual St. Nicholas Picnic.  This Saturday, July 18th, from Noon until the end of the 4:30 service.  Food, family, fun and worship, too.  All are welcome. 

St. Nick Picnic Picnic 2014
St. Nick's Knacks Annual Rummage Sale
August 14 - 15, Friday and Saturday
rs 1 As a friendly reminder, our annual rummage sale is just around the corner.  Sign-Up sheets will be posted after the parish picnic.  Set up starts Sunday, August 9th right after the 10am Service.  Tables will be set up in the Hall and all items will be moved into their proper places for pricing.  Prep work starts Monday, August 10th.  All hands on deck for set up, pricing and especially sale days.

We could use some more tables, clean newspaper for wrapping purchased items and plastic or paper bags, too.  Drop off at Manny's office until set up and sale dates.

And of course...we needs stuff to sell.  Lot of goodies have arrived, more is on the way...bring it on in.  See something you like? Talk to Manny.

Let's make this sale even better than last year's.  Friday 9am - 7pm.  Saturday 9am - 3pm.  4:30 Service follows in church.  Ready, set....
Elk Grove Village Farmer's Market
Saturdays, 7:30am - 1pm
Elk Grove Village Farmers Market
Fresh fruits, veggies, home-made jams, breads and other wonderful things await.  Come and join in the "country fun" at our Village Farmer's Market.

The market is at the Clock Tower at Wellington and Biesterfield on the municipal parking grounds in Elk Grove Village.
Prayer Requests
The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
For our Deacon Tom Smith who is to have surgery this week:  Pray, Lord, he recover fully, completely and swiftly, too.

For the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina who commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the peace agreement and the Memorial of the more than 10,000 who were killed:  Pray that peace reigns forever and always.

For those across our country who are affected by storms, droughts and other natural disasters:  pray for the safety and well being of all.

We pray that as a country and a nation of diversity, we all embrace the flag of peace.

In thanksgiving for prayers answered and for Jason Mandziara's success in passing his tests and new employment career.  Much luck and happiness to you, Jason. 

For our pets; pray they are cared for and no harm come to them.

For those in our community who are experiencing anxiety, depression, fear or any form of physical, emotional or mental stress: Pray for peace and healing to the body, mind and heart.

For those who are lonely, alone and feel alienated:  pray for these sisters and brothers of ours who need our support, encouragement and love.

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:  Holly, Karen, Sharon, Jill, Vernon, Connie Nicholson, Marcia Kizior, Joanne Mangiaracina, Fran Baylor, Kesha, Mary Gans, Eunice Dohra, K.C., Emily & Dick Day, Dale Rickey,  Stanko Begonja, Phil Cooper, Tim Laughlin, Jackie, Chris, Cathy Walters, Carrie, Tim, Pat, Lenny, Perry, Kathy J. and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.

 

*** "For Tom Fisher and Bree Fisher...prayers requested."       
 

(***written prayer requests)  

Shout-Outs
To Pat Kalicki who did such a marvelous job organizing, filing and creating our new parish directory.  You are such a blessing to us, Pat.  

To Penny Mandziara and Neal Setchell who shared their faith and lead our community in Evening and Morning Prayer.  Thank you for your care and commitment to Our Church.

To Jack Groat who dropped off another large donation of canned goods, crackers and cookies to help stock our pantry shelves.  Your kindness and generosity are always so much appreciated, Jack.

To those who share their time, treasure and talent in making our faith community grow.
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:
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
AA Meeting12:00 PM  
Food Pantry4:00 PM  
Al-Anon Meeting7:30 PM  

Thursday, July 16, 2015
AA Meeting12:00 PM  
GA Meeting7:30 PM  

Friday, July 17, 2015
Vicar's Day Off 
AA Meeting12:00 PM  

Saturday, July 18, 2015
The Principled Group7:30 AM  
St. Nicholas Parish Picnic12:00 PM  
AA Meeting1:00 PM  
Healing Weekend4:30 PM  
Varied Voices4:30 PM  
Worship Service4:30 PM  
AA Meeting7:00 PM  
GSR - AA Meeting7:30 PM  

Sunday, July 19, 2015
Healing Weekend10:00 AM  
Varied Voices10:00 AM  
Worship Service10:00 AM  
AA Meeting7:30 PM  

Monday, July 20, 2015
AA Meeting12:00 PM  
AA Meeting7:00 PM  

Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Vicar's Day Off 
AA Meeting12:00 PM  
AA Meeting7:00 PM  

Wednesday, July 22, 2015
AA Meeting12:00 PM  
Al-Anon Meeting7:30 PM