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 Things are going to get really busy around here. There are few things sadder than a church that is shuttered and lifeless. I have seen and experienced too many houses of worship where the only pulse distinguishable is on a Sunday morning for Service, followed by coffee hour and that is it. The rest of the week, nothing else is going on. Blessedly, such is not the case here at St. Nicholas.
October marks the start of our "school year" programs. Children's Formation and Bible Study are revved up and ready to go. Connie Nicholson is so excited to delve into the Old Testament and begin our conversation on women of the Bible starting with, of course, Eve. Val Gruenwald will bring her immeasurable talents and again instruct and guide our young people in the teachings and lessons of the Church. Both Bible Study and Children's Formation are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. Children's Formation will meet during the 10am Service and Bible Study will meet after our Sunday Service. We had our first Contemporary Conversation earlier in September, discussing the "hot button topic" of religion and politics. Steve Gruenwald facilitated this gathering with his usual flair and style. Those of us who gathered were caught up in the conversation. We'll gather again at the end of the month, October 25th to be exact, right after the 10am Sunday Liturgy. All are invited.
Speaking of invitations; it is my hope and desire that all of the community of St. Nicholas Episcopal understands and knows that all our programs are created for the engagement, betterment and enjoyment of the entire church family. Perhaps you have a desire to teach the children? Well then, we'd love to have you share your faith with our youngest of members. How about leading or joining in a conversation during our Bible Study Program? The more voices shared the greater the depth of our understanding and appreciation of Sacred Scripture.
Fear not, there are other ministry opportunities that await our participation and involvement. Our supply of bread used for our weekend services is running low. Certainly, a call to our bread bakers is being sent out. There is always room for more lectors to read the Lessons we use on weekends, too. And Varied Voices would warmly welcome others who wish to both proclaim the Gospel and preach and share their sermon (homily). So you like cleaning and keeping things neat and tidy? Well, we have a large church and Hall that always needs a little T.L.C. Supplies are plentiful. What we could use are a few more laborers in the field to take care of our house of worship.
St. Nicholas is many things: it is our church. It is our spiritual home. It is a safe harbor for our sisters and brothers who struggle with the disease of addiction. It is where we gather to spend time with our family and friends. It is where we listen and expose ourselves to the gifts of the Spirit and God's unwavering grace made gift to us through Jesus Christ, His Son and our Lord. St. Nicholas is far more that some mid-20th Century structure situated on a lot of land at 1072 Ridge Avenue. It is our church. Let's keep it alive, loud and joyful; for it truly is a good, right and holy thing to do.
Amen.
-Manny
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Here's a little story; a tale of the Humble Man of Assisi.
Father Francis and his companions were making a trip through the Spoleto Valley near the town of Bevagna. Suddenly, Francis spotted a great number of birds of all varieties. There were doves, crows and all sorts of birds. Swept up in the moment, Francis left his friends in the road and ran after the birds, who patiently waited for him. He greeted them in his usual way, expecting them to scurry off into the air as he spoke. But they moved not.
Filled with awe, he asked them if they would stay awhile and listen to the Word of God. He said to them: "My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God's guidance and protection."
At this the birds began to spread their wings, stretch their necks and gaze at Francis, rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature. Francis then walked right through the middle of them, turned around and came back, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic.
Then he gave them his blessing, making the sign of the cross over them. At that they flew off and Francis, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, went on his way.
Later, Francis wondered aloud to his companions why he had never preached to birds before. And from that day on, Francis made it his habit to solicitously invoke all birds, all animals and reptiles to praise and love their Creator. And many times during Francis' life there were remarkable events of Francis speaking to the animals. There was even a time when St. Francis quieted a flock of noisy birds that were interrupting a religious ceremony! Much to the wonder of all present, the birds remained quiet until Francis' sermon was complete.
(Courtesy of St. Anthony Messenger)
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Backpack & Animal Blessing at St. Nicholas This Weekend
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The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi is upon us and what better way to honor this man of such deep love and compassion than to do as he would do and bless our beloved pets.
And, we don't need any patron saint to bless backpacks, carrying bags, briefcases and purses but that's exactly what we're going to do as well.
This weekend folks...bring them all in, the big and the small, the four-legged and the winged, the fully-loaded or barely-used backpacks and all other carrying bags. We shall bless each and all, asking God to protect and care for the animals we bring and bless the work and study represented by the bags we carry.
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Oktoberfest in Mt. Prospect
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Friday and Saturday, October 9th and 10th
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 Looking for some autumn fun? How about hanging out with family and friends at the Mt. Prospect Oktoberfest? Get a group together from St. Nicholas and enjoy the music, the food, the family and the fun. And for those who so wish, there is a beer tent, too. The schedule is as follows: Friday, Oct. 9: 4pm to 11pm Saturday, Oct. 10: Kid's Fall Festival: 1 to 4pm; 4pm to 11pm More information is available at: http://mpdowntown.com/Find the festival on Facebook at this link. For a "wunderbar time," let's pull out the sweatshirts and hoodies and get our German on! Auf Wiedersehen! |
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Centering Prayer Workshop This Saturday
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There is still room for more to come, pray and share
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 We've been hearing and reading much about the Contemplative Outreach-Chicago's Annual One-Day Workshop on Centering Prayer.
The time has come...this Saturday, October 3rd at St. John of the Cross Church in Western Springs.
There's still time to be part of this very special event. Please refer to the website and make your inquires or registration:
http://centeringprayerchicago.org/events/annual-fall-one-day-workshop/
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For the Malas Family: for Elaine who continues to struggle and deteriorate because of Alzheimer's disease and for Barry who has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer: pray for strength and peace in their lives and that their family will find the courage and faith to endure.
For all those who are to attend the Contemplative Workshop of Centering Prayer this weekend: pray the Spirit fill and uplift one and all and that this "new energy" is brought back to all churches and shared, with love, with others.
For the message of hope, peace and justice for all as proclaimed by Pope Francis during his visit to the U.S.: pray leaders and people in positions of power and authority will humble themselves, do what is "good, right and holy" and care for all God's people as well as protect this natural world of ours.
For Bertha, aunt to our Saul Vazquez, who has been diagnosed with terminal Leukemia: pray for Bertha that she receive peace of mind to cope and for Saul and the entire family that they receive the strength, guidance and faith to accept and endure.
For 4 year old Caleb Roth who has been diagnosed with a severe case of brain cancer: pray for this little one that Our Lord bless, strengthen and restores Caleb to sound and happy health and pray for his family who must cope with this but certainly could use our support and blessings.
For Rocco who has been diagnosed with tumors on his lungs and kidneys and Ron Theile who is suffering from pancreas and bladder illnesses, both of who are friends of our Ron Malecek: pray for Rocco and Ron that they receive our Lord's blessings and find strength and grace to endure and bless their families and friends who are concerned as to their well-being.
For our Jason Holliman who is to travel to Germany for the next few weeks: pray for his safety, success and a blessed return home to family and friends.
For our Jean FitzPatrick and Tom Smith who are to leave on a lengthy road trip: pray for Gods' speed and safety be theirs, they enjoy the time with family and friends and they return home rejuvenated and energized.
For our Eric Still who, sadly, because of work obligations, will be leaving us for the winter and venturing to Florida. Until your return come spring, all the best to you and know you have our blessings, friendship and well wishes.
Through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi, pray that the animals of this world, those domesticated and those that live in the wild are cared for and protected and that we appreciate the joys these beloved creatures provide.
For the Syrian refugee crisis which continues to unfold in Europe: pray that government leaders around the world open their boarders and the doors of their homes to welcome these victims of violence and oppression no longer as strangers but as friends.
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: Joan DeBock, Courtney Adams, Art Lorenze, Karen, Sharon, Vernon and Erlene Forde, Lenny Spirek, Jill, Connie Nicholson, Ron Glos, Marcia Kizior, Joanne Mangiaracina, Fran Baylor, Kesha, Mary Gans, Eunice Dohra, Tony Begonja, K.C., Dick Day, Dale Rickey, 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.
*** "Prayers for Linda and Marvin."
(***written prayer requests)
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To our Connie Nicholson, Thelma Malecek and Marilyn Brown who have shared considerable time, talent and treasure in making sure our St. Nicholas Gardens look their best. Ladies...three cheers to the lot of you!
To our Cyndi DeBock who has stepped to the plate and taken over preparing our weekend Worship Programs. Two thumbs up for such wonderful and dedicated work and for even vacuuming the Hall carpets, too!
To the Cubs who have made the play-offs for the first time in seven years. Congratulations on a winning and successful season.
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Elk Grove Village Farmer's Market
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 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.
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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, September 30, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, October 1, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Friday, October 2, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, October 3, 2015 | | The Principled Group | 7:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Blessing of the Animals & Backpacks | 4:30 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, October 4, 2015 | | Blessing of the Animals & Backpacks | 10:00 AM | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | Adult Bible Study | 11:30 AM | | Children's / Youth Formation | 11:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, October 5, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, October 6, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Building Committee Meeting | 6:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, October 7, 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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