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For your reading entertainment, enrichment, and a better understanding and appreciation of our sisters and brothers in the Community of St. Nicholas, it is my pleasure to provide you this wonderful "life story" provided us by our Laura Lampe. As a reminder, if you would like to submit your own I Am St. Nick story, simply reply to this email.
"I am St. Nick"
by Laura Lampe
Like several other members of St. Nicholas, I originally came from the Roman Catholic Church. I was baptized in November, 1960 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa, the first child born to my parents, who were lifelong Catholics. My mother had attended Holy Trinity all of her life, and my parents were married at Holy Trinity in 1957. It was not until I was probably a teenager that I learned that my maternal grandmother, who was born in Sweden and who died when I was 3, was raised in the Lutheran church and became a Catholic when she married my grandfather shortly after World War I was over. During my teenage years I also discovered that I had several Lutheran relatives on my father's side of the family. The things you discovered when asking questions about genealogy!
When I was very young, my parents didn't take me to church that often, perhaps once a month until I was about 5 or 6. When I was ready for kindergarten, off I marched three blocks to St. Columbkille's Catholic School which was the parish my parents moved our family to just after my fourth birthday. My first experience with a Roman Catholic nun was not a very good one. Sister Mary Basil was my kindergarten teacher, and she didn't want to be a kindergarten teacher. She wanted to teach art to high school students, but the order of nuns that taught at St. Columbkille's assigned her to teach kindergarten students. Now I am left handed, and to this day, I have a hard time cutting with a scissors for extended periods of time. When I started kindergarten in the fall of 1966, one of the main goals for the kindergarten students was to learn how to cut with scissors. Being left handed, cutting was difficult for me, and Sister Basil was none too happy with my lack of progress in mastering the art of cutting, and she often chastised me for this. But I managed to survive kindergarten, and fortunately most of the other teachers I had at St. Columbkille's were much better, more patient teachers. I still have strong memories from second grade of having to memorize a lot of prayers before I could make my first communion and how impressed I was to get a cake shaped like a lamb for my first communion. Then in when I was in the 6th grade I was confirmed. The rumor was that during the confirmation, the Archbishop would slap each person being confirmed across the face. Actually it was a very light tap on the cheek from the Archbishop, but a slap sounded much more dramatic.
Flash forward to the fall of 1978 - I am now a senior at Wahlert Catholic High School. My senior year religion teacher, Father Ressler, and I would get into some spirited debates - why can't women be priests? Why can't priests get married and have a family? How come it seems like men make all of the decisions in the Catholic Church? It was at this time that I started struggling with these issues, but it would be another 16 or 17 years before these issues became more than an occasional struggle for me. After high school I attended Loyola University in Chicago, which is run by the Jesuit order. On Sunday nights there would be an informal mass for the students celebrated by one of the priests in the main gathering area of the Jesuit residence. Loyola also has a beautiful and quite large chapel, Madonna Della Strada, located right next to the lake. If you ever go to the Loyola's campus in Rogers Park, be sure to check out Madonna Della Strada.
In 1994 my mom started showing signs of dementia which would get progressively worse over the next three years. She was also in renal failure which meant she needed dialysis. When I would go to Dubuque for a weekend or holiday I could see my mom's health deteriorating. By this point in my life I was working full time and attending and singing in the choir of a large Roman Catholic parish in Arlington Heights. It was at this time that I really started to struggle with some of the official teachings of the Catholic Church. How could I sit in the pew (or sit in the choir section) and just agree with all the official church doctrines when I felt so many of the doctrines were wrong? I couldn't just go along with the old saying that a good Catholic "pays, prays and obeys."
Around 1995 I started researching other Christian denominations. The internet was still in its infancy at this point, and I did not have a computer at home, so I hiked over to the Schaumburg Township library to do my research. I asked a few coworkers about the churches they attended. I had been in churches of other denominations before to attend weddings and even a couple of baptisms, but I was nervous about going into another denomination's church to investigate possibly joining that church. Was I "cheating" on the Catholic Church?
Would I be struck down by lightening if I entered another denomination's church to worship there? I checked out a Lutheran church in Schaumburg -- not bad. I checked out a Methodist church in Schaumburg - a definite contender. No lightning bolts came from the sky to smite me when I visited either of those churches.
During my "church shopping" time, I remember one of my coworkers suggesting that I check out the Episcopal Church, as the liturgy of the Episcopal Church was pretty similar to the Roman Catholic liturgy. So I looked in the yellow pages for Episcopal churches near Schaumburg. For those of you reading this who are under the age of 35, the yellow pages or telephone directory were those large paper books that had listings of residential and business telephone numbers. There was no using Google in 1996 to look up phone numbers. In the yellow pages I saw an advertisement for St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Elk Grove Village. The ad said "Where the spirit of Christmas lives year round." That sounded good to me. So one Sunday in the late spring of 1996 I entered the doors of St. Nicholas for the first time.
St. Nicholas was configured quite differently in 1996 than it is today. There was no Holy Innocents Hall, and there were still pews in the worship space. In 1996 the altar was located where the baptismal font is now located. And St. Nicholas was definitely the smallest church I had ever worshiped in. Everyone was very welcoming that first Sunday I attended. I especially remember Bonnie Liess and Gloria Hansen being so friendly and helpful. I attended St. Nicholas a couple of more Sundays after that. Then I went back to the Methodist Church in Schaumburg and attended their services for a couple of weeks. The Methodist Church in Schaumburg that I visited was quite a bit larger than St. Nicholas, and I liked this Methodist Church, but something kept telling me to go back to St. Nicholas, and I did. I became a member of St. Nicholas in the summer of 1996. I was officially received into the Episcopal Church later that year when Bishop Frank Griswold visited St. Nicholas.
Now I don't want my story to sound like I am bashing the Catholic Church. I have many members of my family who still are Catholic. My dad attends Mass every morning at 7:30 a.m at his home parish, which is the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque. There are many things I like about the Catholic Church, even though I have joined another denomination. I often think of this passage from Scripture: "In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2). All Christians are in the Father's house, but we (the different Christian denominations) are just in different dwelling places. That is my interpretation of that passage from Scripture.
I cannot say I am an expert in Episcopal Church news or even follow it diligently. I was so happy when President Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori chose to celebrate Sunday liturgy at St. Nicholas in 2008 when Bishop Lee was installed at Bishop of the Chicago diocese. And I was very happy that I could be a part of St. Nicholas' 50th anniversary celebration last year. In a few weeks Bishop Katherine will step down as Presiding Bishop, and Bishop Michael Curry will become the Presiding Bishop. I am happy to worship with a faith community where "all are welcome." Not every faith community can say that or even wants to welcome all of God's children.
Now that I have been a member of St. Nicholas for 19 years, I guess I am an "old timer." It has been a privilege to sing with the St. Nicholas choir these past several years. I feel lucky and blessed to have discovered the little church on Ridge Avenue. The little church that has chugged along for 51 years!
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Teen Movie Night at St. Nicholas
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This Friday, October 23rd at 7pm
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 It's Friday night, do you know where your kids are? They may well be at St. Nicholas for a movie with friends, along with pizza, pop and fun. Sweet!
We will be showing the movie, Napoleon Dynamite. We warmly invite our youth, their friends and those of us who may well be past teenage years to come and enjoy this wry comedy that is, interestingly enough, filled with some Biblical teachings.
Movie starts at 7pm...bring some munchies along, too. Dang. Don't miss it!
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2015 Pledge Fulfillment Running Below Expectation
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A request to consider how we can all help
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 We all have responsibilities that require of us our time, our talents and our treasures. Our church is no different. Currently, our 2015 pledge actuals figure is below where we need to be. Certainly, we understand all too well that circumstances change, finances are not always available and we may not be as able to share as we desire. Please, we understand, truly we do. However, do not hesitate in talking with us. We are here to help and assist. We are a people of faith and we believe that God always provides. Please contact either of our wardens, Jessica Tamaski and Penny Mandziara; our Finance Team of Ray Malecek and Bob Kalicki; or our vicar Manny for guidance and assistance. Thank you, one and all, for the sacrifices made to St. Nicholas which allow us to continue to provide ministry, the Sacraments and service to so many. God bless us, one and all. |
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Consent Needed from the Community
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Video and audio taping of our worship and celebrations
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We have a wonderful choir. We have engaging and lively worship. On occasion, we would like to videotape and audio record particular events.
However, we also need the consent and approval of the Community of St. Nicholas. The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Diocese has instituted a program called "Keeping God's People Safe," which requires of us to be mindful of what we record, where and when we place such recordings and the necessity of the community's consent.
Thus, we will have a consent form present at the weekend Worship Services for the next few weeks. The form will ask each of us if we agree to have occasional video and audio recordings done at St. Nicholas for the purpose of placing said recordings on our webpage and a few other sites that feature churches offering their programs for others to see and hear. We ask everyone to please take a moment, read the form and, if you are in agreement, provide your consent by signing the form.
Your cooperation is requested and appreciated. In advance, thank you one and all.
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Family Movie Night at St. Nicholas
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Next Friday, October 30th at 7pm
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 How about a classic, black and white thriller to set the tone for Halloween? Friday night, October 30, at 7pm, we'll be airing the movie "The Haunting." A 1963 gem of a horror film and sure to set your spine to tingling. Nothing like a good, old fashioned "spooky movie." This is it. Pizza, pop, thrills and chills will be served and you're invited to bring along some munchies, too. |
Don't Have a St. Nicholas T-shirt? Want to Purchase One?
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 There's no better to way to tell others what church you call "your home," than with a classic and original Follow Me to St. Nicholas Episcopal Church t-shirt! If you would like to purchase one, we will be taking orders soon. Give us your size and we'll get you that shirt. Cost of each shirt is very reasonable. And, we all look so good in blue, true! |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For the repose of the soul of Rudy Wiatr, brother to our Paul Wiatr. Pray for those who grieve and mourn his passing and for the soul of Rudy and all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, may they rest in peace. Amen.
For the repose of the soul of Fr. Kevin Fraher, C.Ss.R., a Roman Catholic priest and former confrere of Manny: pray for those who mourn his passing and that his soul enjoy the glories of Paradise. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
For the success of our Stewardship Campaign: pray that each member is able to share a portion of their "time, talent and treasure" with St. Nicholas, to help us grow stronger and more spiritual prosperous.
For an end to the senseless gun violence that seems to be so casually dismissed by some of our elected officials: pray for peace in our country and the legislation of sensible gun restrictions and banning of assault weapons.
For all who are traveling for work and pleasure: that their ventures be secure and God's speed be with them. Much success in your work, enjoy your vacation and come home safely.
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, Vernon and Erlene Forde, Courtney Adams, Art Lorenze, Karen, Sharon, 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.
*** "Pray for my sister and her children."
(***written prayer requests)
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To Colleen Davy who, for the first time, shared her reflections in a truly inspiring and touching sermon. Congratulations, and what a blessing you are.
To the Order of St. Luke who shared their Healing Ministry with us once again. The grace of our Lord is a gift and we are all the better for it.
To Hal Stratton, Steve Raftery and Jessica Tamaski who took the time and energy in getting all the Stewardship material printed up, folded and ready for mailing. Two thumbs up, good and gracious people!
To Tess Setchell, Jennifer Brundige, Ray Malecek and Bob Kalicki who take care of all the church financial matters. With all the numbers you deal with, they'd never add up to how much we appreciate your service and kindness.
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Consider volunteering at caring for the homeless
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 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. |
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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, October 21, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, October 22, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Friday, October 23, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | OSL Meeting | 7:00 PM | | Youth & Teen Movie Night - Napolean Dynamite | 7:00 PM |
Saturday, October 24, 2015 | | The Principled Group | 7:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, October 25, 2015 |
| | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | Contemporary Issues Discussion Group | 11:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, October 26, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, October 27, 2015 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, October 28, 2015 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Choir Rehearsal | 6:45 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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