The entire world seemed to take notice of the recent papal visit to Cuba and the U.S.  It is only natural, after all, to make such a fuss.  The unquestionable fascination of a religious leader venturing out of their "small corner of the world," to other larger ports and onto the world stage is certainly newsworthy.  What will the pope say?  With whom will he visit?  It is this second question that has created quite a firestorm of controversy.   The result has been an old fashioned "he said - she said"  scenario.

So, did the Holy Father meet with Kim Davis or not?  Depending upon what article and news source we read, one says that Mrs. Davis was in a group of several dozen "invited guests" with whom the pope shook hands, greeted and moved on.  Another source says Mrs. Davis had a private audience with the pontiff, he gave her a blessing and encouraged her to "stay strong" in her beliefs and conviction. 

Personally, my feeling is we should all sit back, take a deep breath and relax.  Really, if they met, so be it.  We can't change that.  If they did not have a private meeting, well then, someone's nose is getting longer, what with the fibs being told!  The truth is, whether or not they met privately does not really have much of a bearing on us nor does it affect us, our way of life and our ministry here at St. Nicholas.  What this situation teaches us is the truth is always our best and only course of action.  It teaches that we are called to treat all others with love and respect and ultimately, we are truly accountable to God alone.

What we must concern ourselves with here at St. Nicholas is our call and commission to always welcome the stranger with warmth and love.  We are called and commissioned to give rightful praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for the bountiful gifts God bestows upon us.  We are called and commissioned to sing a joyful song unto the Lord and to do all we can to help build and strengthen this wonderful house of worship we love and treasure...our St. Nicholas Church. 

There was no controversy, no 'he said - she said' scenario this past weekend at church, now was there?  We had dogs and cats, back packs and purses, all of which received a special blessing.  We celebrated the feast of a most beloved, holy man, Francis of Assisi.  We gave thanks for his great love of all God's creatures as we showed our affection to our cherished pets.  We recognized how our lives are 'carried' in the bags we tote along.  Blessing these bags is a holy and rightful way of providing us that extra special grace to keep us safe and secure.  Our children began their formation program and Bible study began in earnest, too.  Plenty of good coffee and some wonderfully sweet treats were laid out for all to share.   Everything was above board, on the table and nothing was concealed or hushed.  Right there, out in the open for all to see, hear and be part of.  We brought forth our talents and shortcomings, we flawed, frail, fabulous and faithful people of God that we are.  Now THAT is what church is all about!  Being alive, aloud and alluring.  Not pretending to be anything other than who we are and as we are.  No secrets, no hidden agenda and no private audiences.  Besides, for me, I'd rather celebrate and worship with the entire parish family for this is where and how my soul is refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated.  And for this, I am most truly grateful...no fibbing, just the truth.

Amen.

-Manny

All are welcome to St. Nicholas Church.  Period.

This weekend, we welcome Courtney Reid who will proclaim the Gospel and preach her message of hope and peace for all.

Courtney is our representative and member of the Congregations Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.

Welcome, Courtney, to our house of worship. Enjoy your time with us as we will enjoy your company.

While we're still fine for the next few weeks, nonetheless our Communion bread supply is getting to that point of needing replenishing.

Bread pans are in the sacristy for your use.  Or using your own small, bread pans is fine, too.  If you need a recipe, we can get that for you, too.

In advance, thank you for the kindness and generosity you share with the entire church family.

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!

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, Elaine and Barry Malas, Lenny Spirek, Jill, Connie Nicholson, Ron Glos, Marcia Kizior, Joanne Mangiaracina, Fran Baylor, Kesha, Mary Gans, Eunice Dohra, Bertha, Caleb Roth, Rocco, Ron, 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.

PUBLIC ACTION TO DELIVER SHELTER is the full name for P.A.D.S.  No matter how we say it, there is a need for emergency overnight shelter for the thousands of homeless throughout Chicagoland. 

In our area, a number of churches open wide their doors to shelter men, women and children with a warm, safe place to sleep, a shower, food and clean clothes, too.

Christus Victor Evangelical Lutheran Church, our neighbor right on Arlington Heights Road hosts P.A.D.S. and is always ready and willing to invite more volunteers.  They open their doors on Tuesday nights.

If there is an interest, please contact Christus Victor directly at: 847-437-2666, or see Laura Lampe, Jeff Westerheide, Vince Otero or Manny for additional information. 

God bless us all.

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