In ages past, the local church was the "gathering place," the structure situated -- figuratively and literally -- at the very center of the community.  It was where people came to have meetings, discuss matters that were pressing and where social outings were hosted.  Of course, the local church was, and still is where one's faith is exercised and celebrated, both individually and as a community of the faithful.  The local church continues to be where the sacraments are provided, in particular, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, that is, the reception of the body and blood of Christ.  There was a time when the local church was open all day and all night.  If we desired to make a visit to church and light a candle or pray before the altar -- be it 2pm or 2am -- our local church was open.  Sadly, it is nearly impossible to find any local church today that provides its members the opportunity to visit at any time of the day or night.  Churches, like many businesses, are open 9 to 5, keeping regular, "business hours."  Thank goodness our God loves and cares for us every minute of every day of our life! 

We here at St. Nicholas understand and appreciate first hand the fragile and temporal nature of a church.  We have become who we are as an unfortunate result of the closure of the Church of the Holy Innocents and St. Bede's Church; two communities of faith that ended their ministerial service and in turn, brought a "newer life" to St. Nicholas.

This church is blessed in many ways.  We are a joyful and embracing community of faith.  We warmly welcome those who are visitors, those who are searching for a house of worship and we value and cherish our sisters and brothers in faith, who just happen to be our cherished friends and neighbors. 

One of our endearing qualities is in our manner of sharing the Peace of Christ during our weekend Liturgies.  No simple, reaching across the aisle and half-heartedly shaking hands.  That just will not do.  We get up, we move all about the worship space and we take hold of our friends, sincerely and as Christ, we share our peace and love, willingly and graciously.  My friends, I would not change one aspect of this uniquely blessed tradition.  It is, "who we are."

Speaking of traditions, we are hoping to create a new and spiritually rewarding tradition.  Beginning in September, we are encouraging and inviting our community to observe a few moments of silence, in the worship space proper, before we begin our Saturday and Sunday Service. 

By no means am I saying we are to become a cloistered community that embraces a vow of silence.  Absolutely not.  Rather, five to ten minutes before we begin our weekend worship, I invite and encourage one and all to observe silence; allowing ourselves to meditate on the sacrament we are to celebrate.  Each week a prayer of mediation will be included and provided in our Worship Programs.  You may wish to use this prayer to help guide and direct.  Or, simply close your eyes, focus on the glorious presence of Christ and open your heart to His voice.

My friends, this invitation to embrace communal silence before our Worship Service is one way for us to grow deeper in our faith and closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Redeemer.  Silent meditation draws us closer to one another, too.  Faith is a gift that is meant to be shared.  In silence and in communal prayer, we receive much and we have the chance to share much in return.  My hope is we all find the gift, the joy and the grace that is present in these rare moments of communal silence.  Listen to our Lord.  He wishes to be with us in deeper, more meaningful and loving ways.  Let us all savor the richness silence provides...we are all the richer for it. 

The family of Dick Day invites the community of St. Nicholas to gather, as a family of faith and celebrate the life of Emily Day.

We will come together to pray and worship at St. Nicholas Church on Saturday morning, September 5th at 10am and celebrate the Holy Eucharist as we give thanks to our Heavenly Father.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
(Isaiah 43: 2)

"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

St. Nicholas will prepare a meal to be shared with our less fortunate sisters and brothers.  Last year's efforts were so warmly welcomed and appreciated. 

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

All are to meet at Christus Victor Church by 5:30pm with their donated food items.  Christus Victor is located at 1045 S. Arlington Heights Road, just south of Biesterfield and north of Devon.

We welcome all to come and share this sacred time with our friends and neighbors. 

A sign-up sheet has been posted in the Gathering Space outside the church proper.  Please, volunteer to provide a main dish, a side salad, a desserts and bread.  St. Nicholas will supply all the pop and some chocolate treats for all the dinner guests.

 

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