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So, the latest installment of the Star Wars franchise has been released and every box office attendance record has been smashed. Sadly, or perhaps fortunately, I've never seen a Star Wars movie. Oh sure, I think I may have seen a few minutes here and there of one of the movies...lots of space ships in battle or some such thing is what I recall from the two or three minutes I watched on TV. Yet, I don't have the slightest idea who is who in these movies. Will I watch any or all of these epics? That, my friends remains to be seen.
Downtown Abbey: The Final Season deputed Sunday night. Actually, I have to thank Neal Setchell for reminding me that the series was airing Sunday night, January 3rd, for I was thinking it was to debut at the end of this month. Thanks, Neal. I must admit, I do rather enjoy this PBS presentation. Sure, I'm put off by the pretentious behavior and attitude of these British elites. Yet, the history, the environment and the "High-Brow English of it all" does keep me watching with keen interest.
So many of us get caught up in these cinematic events; for better or worse, they captivate and mesmerize us. Perhaps we envision ourselves in these adventures; living life outside of the life we now lead. It is not a right-wrong thing, either. Whether it's projection or wishful thinking, it's just want so very many of us do. This, my friends, is perfectly fine. For truly, if there is strength in numbers, we are part of a very, mighty army.
What I wonder and wish so often is why can't more people become captured and mesmerized by what Jesus has to offer? In Jesus, there is so much more to gain and absolutely, nothing to lose. This is "preaching to the choir" here; as the good and caring people of St. Nicholas, I say with certainty, are the "blessed victims" of Jesus' love and grace.
Then again, we all have our own, personal story with regards to the relationship we have forged with Our Savior and Lord. Certainly, parallel lines exist between you and me, Yet, we are all different, diverse and thus, unique in our individual contact with Jesus.
I find comfort and immense joy when from my position in church, standing behind the altar, I look out at the community gathered to worship and I see the familiar faces that make me smile. The Community of St. Nicholas captivates and mesmerizes me. I have been captured by the people that make up this house of prayer and worship. Because of and through each member, I have been blessed beyond measure.
It's 5pm, Sunday night, January 3rd. Downtown Abbey starts in a few hours and I guess I'm ready. After all, it's just a television show, right? Then again, I'm still feeling mighty good from a rather joyful and glorious weekend at St. Nicholas. Yep. I've been hooked and this is one captive that is most very grateful and thankful. Blessings to each and every member of this family I so treasure.
Amen. -Manny |
Look What's Coming Our Way
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We hope you'll clear your calendar so as to be at St. Nicholas
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 Saturday, February 6th: Chili Supper and Raffle after the 4:30 pm Service (approx. 6:30pm) Sunday, February 7th: Annual Church Meeting and Potluck Luncheon after the 10am Service Tuesday, February 9th: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 6:30pm Wednesday, February 10th: Ash Wednesday Service at 7pm   |
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The Little Church That Could
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Pledge To Help St. Nicholas Live And Grow
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 Little by little, we inch our way upwards. Like the train "that could" St. Nicholas Church inches forward in a positive direction. Pledging to our church is a sacrifice. Truly, we are cognizant, we recognize and we sincerely appreciate the sacrifices everyone makes. Be assured of my most grateful thanks to each and all. The sacrifices made; the time, talent and treasures offered to our St. Nicholas Church never fails to astonish and humble me. It is an honor that I am called to serve this community of faith. Remember: St. Nicholas is not only where I "work," but it is where I worship and proudly call this place my home, too. My prayers and love are yours. -Manny |
| A tip that doesn't require a special trip... |
Shop Amazon and a contribution is made to St. Nicholas. Talk about a "win-win" deal. However, in order that St. Nicholas is credited with a portion of the sale, you must first go to our webpage, click on the Amazon icon. Then, shop away. Access our webpage through: www.onebreadonebody.org or www.stnicholasepiscopal.org. Or, click here to go directly to Amazon with our code already pre-filled. Every time someone shops Amazon through St. Nicholas' webpage, an angel gets their wings! |
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For the repose of the soul of Lenore Schwartz, mother of our Kim Madrigal: Lenore passed away late last week after a short stay at hospice. Pray that our sister now dwell in the Light Perpetual with Our Lord comforting her and let us pray for Kim and all who will mourn Lenore's passing. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
For the repose of the soul of Mr. Joe Bosslet, father of our John Bosslet: Pray for those who mourn and grieve Joe's passing as we take comfort in the belief that his soul now rests in the full and lasting peace of Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior. May Light Perpetual shine upon him and all who sleep in Christ. Amen.
For John, a friend of St. Nicholas who is undergoing a rather difficult time of it: Pray for John's full recovery and a return to a healthy, happy and hopeful life.
For an end to the senseless violence that our world encounters far too often: that world leaders will, at long last, will unite and defeat this common enemy of peace.
For peace in our hearts. For peace in our homes. For peace in our neighborhoods. For peace in our cities. For peace in our state. For peace in our land. For peace in our world. Let peace reign, now and forever. Amen.
For the people of St. Nicholas Church: pray all experience a new year that is truly filled with peace, happiness, good health and an abundance of spiritual riches.
For all of community members, families and friends who are traveling during the holiday season: pray their destinations are reached in safety and in Gods' speed.
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 the numerous needs of so many of the members of this community of St. Nicholas: pray for the health, well-being and safety of all our family members.
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, Elaine and Barry Malas, Lenny Spirek, Jill, Connie Nicholson, Ron Glos, Marcia Kizior, Joanne Mangiaracina, Fran Baylor, Kesha, Mary Gans, Eunice Dohra, Bertha, Payton, Caleb Roth, Rocco, Ron, Jean FitzPatrick, Deacon Tom Smith, K.C., 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 continued sobriety and in thanksgiving to all who have been praying for me...thank you."
(***written prayer requests)
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To those who continue to make our church a welcoming place for all to come, worship, rejoice and spend time with a family that cares and shares.
To our good friend Captain Lou who made sure our driveway and parking lot was well plowed for our weekend Services. A job very well done, good man.
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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, January 6, 2016 |
| | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, January 7, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Friday, January 8, 2016 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, January 9, 2016 | | The Principled Group | 7:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, January 10, 2016 | | Bishop's Committee Meeting | 8:15 AM | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, January 11, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, January 12, 2016 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, January 13, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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