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 When we gather on Saturdays and Sundays, we do so to give thanks and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, our Most Holy Redeemer. However, we also gather to celebrate the wonderful gifts of friendship and camaraderie we share, one with another. It is a true blessing we so freely share such loving bonds with each other. The gift of friendship is not to be taken lightly. From my vantage point, I see and hear quite clearly how much love there is in this community of faith. Our Sign of Peace is unlike any other church I've been part of or have visited. Yes; St. Nicholas Church is unique, rare and a joy of which to be part. I count my blessings daily.
This weekend, we will give thanks and praise as we traditionally do. However, we will also take time to recognize and honor, in prayer and blessings all who are engaged in the numerous ministries and activities that make our church the wonderful place it is. We will celebrate Commissioning Weekend: a time to call forth those who serve God and God's church in loving and dedicated ministry.
My friends, we are ALL entrusted with caring and providing for the church. And, it is joyful for me to proclaim that we ALL do a remarkable job at this. Each of us -- in our own way, in our own style care -- provide and help build this church we hold sacred and special. Consequently, I am pleased to say that everyone should and will be blessed during Commissioning Weekend because all of us, again, respond to the call to serve as we are able.
There is no such things as "just." I'm not "just" someone who comes to church on Saturday or "just" someone who comes on Sunday. You, me, all of us are important, vital and valuable to this place. We all have an equal share in the grace, blessings and joy that God provides, made manifest in the breaking of the bread and the drinking from the cup; the Body and Blood of Christ Jesus our Lord. It is of this glorious meal we all partake. So you see, it is in the blessings and prayers of Commissioning Weekend we all receive -- equally and without hesitation -- additional grace made present.
We will raise a holy noise unto the the Lord as we give thanks and praise for all that is done here at St. Nicholas, all in God's Holy Name. We shall let sweet incense loft upwards toward the heavens and fill the space with fragrance and blessings. Let us rejoice and give thanks. You bet...for that's exactly what we shall do. To all of my cherished sisters and brothers, my beloved friends, your vicar shares his humblest thanks, blessings and benediction upon you all. May our Savior overwhelm us with unfathomable and infinite love and peace. To God's greater glory, and to our good and holy patron, St.Nicholas of Myra, we give glory, thanks and praise. Amen.
-Manny
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Bread pans...where are you?
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 It's no big thing, but I've forgotten who has borrowed the bread bans used to bake communion bread. Please, do your vicar a favor and let me know who has them...I would be so grateful. God bless and happy baking. |
Movable Feast Is Soon To Start...
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Family, friends, food and conversation...be a part!
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 Tick-tock...it's getting closer and closer to begin this year's version of Movable Feast. We gather as friends and church family, to enjoy time together as we share a common meal. It is also business, as we will discuss matters that are relevant to our church, discuss particular questions that pertain to our current condition and our hopes for the future.
We've added a new twist: the host will provide the entree while the others will bring a side dish to share. This makes the whole affair even easier! If you are unable to host at your home...fear not! The kitchen and Hall at St. Nicholas are always available on Friday nights.
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An Invitation to St. Nicholas from our Friends at the Shinnyo-En Temple of Chicago
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Hawaii Lantern Floating Open House, April 24 at 12noon
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 Our good friends of the Shinnyo-En Temple - Chicago have invited us as well as members of the other local houses of worship to come and share an afternoon of family, food and fun. Guests and friends will have the opportunity to fill out paper requests in memory of loved ones. These prayers will then be affixed to the lanterns that will be floated on Memorial Day. On Sunday April 24th at 12noon, the Temple will host an Hawaii Lantern Floating Open House. The festivities begin, again, at 12noon with lunch, Lantern Floating Highlights, Meditation, Japanese Taiko Drum Performance and an Open House and a Family Service Event at 2pm. The Shinnyo-En Temple is located at 120 E. Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village and is literally, just down the street from St. Nicholas. You can contact the Temple at 847-956-9066. All are welcome. Mahalo! |
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Remember St. Nicholas before you click...
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For Alex and Amanda, niece and nephew to our Connie Weldon, both of whom are experiencing serious medical issues: Pray that both receive the best of medical attention, recover quickly and have no serious complications.
For Clark Reid, father our of our Sandra Glos who has recently been placed in hospice care: Pray for Clark as his health fails that he find comfort and peace and for his family that they find strength through faith and acceptance.
For Ruth, Colleen Davy's Mom who is recovering from recent surgery: Pray the surgery is a success, no complications arise and Ruth regains full and lasting good health.
For Virginia, sister to our Fran Begonja who is seriously ill and may well be facing lung cancer: Pray for Virginia that her health improves greatly and that her prognosis proves to be favorable.
For Phyllis Whitmer, an old friend from St. Bede's and Order of St. Luke alumnus: Pray for Phyllis' well being and she regain good and sound long lasting health.
For Leon N. Stiles, 96 years young of Penn Yan, N.Y., and kin to our Thelma Malecek. Leon has been having some fainting spells and needs our prayers and well wishes: Pray Leon regains sound health and the remainder of his years on earth are happy and healthy.
For Elizabeth Swanson, a friend and former member of St.Nicholas who had recent surgery: Pray Elizabeth recover fully and completely and no complications arise.
For those who are looking for gainful employment, a career that will afford them both happiness and security.
For the homeless, those who are without adequate food and sufficient necessities: Pray that all receive that which they need and require to live happy, healthy and productive lives.
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: Cora Lopez, Rosario de Vazquez, Rosarini Vazquez, Nora Pun, Carolyn Drolen, Mindy Golden, Tess Setchell, Julie Suess, Katie, Elaine and Barry Malas, Susan Lackey, Marcia Kizior, Kesha, Eunice Dohra, Bernie, Ron, Dale Rickey, Grant MacDonald, and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.
*** "Pray for Nancy Allan's 88th birthday...Happy Day to you, dear friend."
Please let Fr. Manny know the current condition of those for whom we are praying and if we wish to keep their names on the prayer list. Thank you.
(***written prayer requests)
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To Pastor Curt Hanson of the E.G.V. Baptist Church who donated two cases of Matzos bread to be used at our Liturgy. How wonderfully kind of our brother in faith to share bread with us.
To those who visit the Giving Tree and contribute toward the needs of the church and the Food Pantry. Your generosity is so warmly appreciated.
To the Good Lord who continues to nourish the earth with spring rain and snow which will support the growth of the flowers and plants that are yet to come. Heavenly Father...thank you.
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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, April 13, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, April 14, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Friday, April 15, 2016 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, April 16, 2016 | | The Principled Group | 7:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Healing Weekend | 4:30 PM | | Varied Voices | 4:30 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM | | GSR - AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Sunday, April 17, 2016 | | Children's / Youth Formation (during the Liturgy of the Word portion of the 10AM service) | 10:00 AM | | Healing Weekend | 10:00 AM | | Varied Voices | 10:00 AM | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | Adult Bible Study | 11:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, April 18, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, April 19, 2016 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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