It came to us and we conquered it!  The "it" was the rummage sale; that behemoth that descends upon us for its yearly invasion.  Like St. George astride his white stallion with lance in hand, he slew the dragon. We took to the task before us, into the foray we marched with Sharpie pens and price tags in hand.  We went into the battle, undeterred and unafraid.  And we, the Community of St. Nicholas did a number on it...and then some!

You know my friends, I've said it before and I will undoubtedly say it again, so please bear with me, 'we are only as strong as we are united.'  If I am plagiarizing, I am certainly sorry, though, I am unaware of any previous utterance of how I am phrasing my belief.  When I say it, I truly mean it.  I doubt anyone would really disagree with what my statement claims.  After all, it is just common sense.  It is what makes and keeps a church, a family, a business successful, happy and moving ever forward and onward.

We here at St. Nicholas, day in and day out, must put those nine words formulated into a simple, mission statement to practice .  The past few weeks, a barrel of elbow grease, buckets of sweat and a mountain of muscles were all on display.  St. Nick's Knacks Annual Rummage Sale, the behemoth that it is, came on steady and strong.  And true to form, members of this family of faith, this community of believers, collectively rolled up their sleeves, chucked down plenty of water and took to bringing this monster of a sale to bay.  And we did it with joy, with style and with Episcopal grace.

I realize that it's not possible for everyone to physically assist in this major, fund raiser.  Trust me, I understand.  Yet, I am confident that those who could not help with the sale still offered their prayers and intentions for success and safety.  My dear friends, as always,the Good Lord answered your prayers.  We found success in our endeavors and we all came out of it, albeit tired out and in some cases, simply exhausted, no worse for the wear.  Most importantly, we emerged alive and well. 

Sure, it's early to think about next year, but hey, we have to focus on today while yet keeping an eye on the future, too.  But, come next August when the beast is making its way toward us again, it is my hope that more of the community of St. Nicholas comes out in larger numbers and joins in the effort.  All are welcome and yes, all are needed and wanted.  If we are to remain committed to our church; if we want to see this wonderful and unique, house of worship flourish, thrive and succeed, we must all do our part, be engaged, involved and do what we can and as we can.

From the very deepest part of my heart, to each and everyone who helped make this year's sale such a wonderful, wild and whopping success...THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS, KEEP AND SUSTAIN US, NOW AND ALWAYS.

Amen. 

 

-Manny  

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."  Matt. 25: 35

This year, as we did in 2014, St. Nicholas will prepare a meal to be shared with our less fortunate sisters and brothers. 

Friday, September 18th, we will prepare a meal and our friends at Christus Victor Lutheran Church will host the supper. 

We welcome all to come, spend time feeding those who hunger and share this special time with some special people. 

Stay tuned for more information as the date draws nearer.

In advance, thank you for your care, concern and commitment to the Gospel message.

 

As a reminder, the full master calendar is always available online at this link.  Here is the schedule for the next week: