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 Summer: the hottest of the four temperate seasons, falling between spring and autumn. At the summer solstice, the days are longest and the nights are shortest, with day-length decreasing as the season progresses after the solstice. The date of the beginning of summer varies according to climate, tradition and culture, but when it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa. (Source: Wikipedia)
We are well into the 2016 summer season. The temps have been, blessedly so, not too terrible. Then again, you know how fickle we humans can be. We beg and pray for warmer temps all throughout the bitter winter days. And bang, summer comes and we're at it again, only now, we "kvetch" about how hot it is. It's just who we are and how we are, though created in God's divine image. Does that mean God also complains about the heat or cold? Oh, please. I suspect not.
So, what with the longer days and shorter nights, I thought I'd have some fun for the next several weeks and provide some interesting material regarding the subject of Christian lore and legend. Ever wonder what certain symbols found in church art really represent? Or what certain images truly mean? Well, I'm going to perhaps answer some of your questions. If you come up with something you'd like an explanation about, let me know and I'll do my best to research and share it with the community.
Here we go. Let's start, as Maria von Trapp sang, "at the very beginning."
A: The Greek letter, 'alpha,' a symbol of the "Trinity" because it is made with three strokes of the pen when written.
Acorn: Symbol of latent strength because it grows into a stout oak.
Almond: A symbol of divine favor, as demonstrated by the flowering of "Aaron's rod," (Num. 17) and a symbol of St. Mary the Virgin, who is depicted enclosed in an almond-shaped "aureole," also called "mandorla, from the Italian, 'almond.'
Anchor: Symbol of hope which is grounded in faith, because God's promise to the faithful is 'as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast,' (Heb. 6) also, because it has the shape of a cross. An anchor is also associated with St. Nicholas of Myra (our church patron, thank you very much) because he is the patron saint of sailors.
Ant: Symbol of industry and thrift because of the proverbial advice, 'Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise,' (Proverb 6:6).
The ant was reputed to be able to distinguish wheat, which it ate, from barley, which it refused, thus, symbolizing the wise person who perceives the truth and rejects false dogma. The ant was also said to increase its store by dividing seeds into two, teaching thereby that a distinction should be made between the letter and the spirit of biblical texts, 'for the letter kills and the Spirit gives life,' (2 Cor. 3: 6)
Apple: The "Forbidden Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge." Seen as an apple of a pun on the Latin "malum," which means both 'apple' and 'evil.' St. Mary the Virgin is sometimes shown holding an apple because she is the "New Eve," through which humankind is redeemed from the "original sin of disobedience." The Christ child may also be depicted holding an apple to symbolize redemption. Of note: in many pieces of art, an apple is also represented by a quince or a pear.
Asp: The most venomous of snakes, often confused with the adder. It breathes out poison and its bite is fatal. In its head is a jewel which may be obtained if the asp is put to sleep by music. Thus the preacher enchants the sinner and wins his soul.
Axe: The attribute of saints and martyrs beheaded or killed by one, notably St. Jude, St. Matthias and St. Thomas of Canterbury. An axe may also symbolize St. John the Baptist who summoned the people to repent, saying, ' the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which does not bring forth good fruit is hewn down and cast in the fire. (Luke 3: 9)
Stay tuned for more in upcoming editions. Again, if there is a symbol or image you wish to have explained, ask me and I'll do my best to explain.
Amen.
-Manny
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Have A Special Prayer Intention?
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Write it so we can pray it
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 You may have noticed that as you walk down the stairs to enter the church, on the right side is a basket. In that basket are prayer intentions. Just above the basket is a cross that hangs on the wall. There are blank "Please Pray For..." slips that provide us all the opportunity for prayers. Please, if you or a friend, family member or an acquaintance has a prayer request...write it down, fold it and place it in the basket. I will place these prayers, anonymously, into News From Nick so the entire faith community may join in prayer. Also, I personally offer my prayers and blessings for each prayer slip I collect and read. This is another way we can be joined together, as a family of faith and a community that truly cares. Blessings, one and all. -Manny |
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St. Nicholas Family Picnic
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Saturday, July 16, 11-4pm with outdoor service @ 4:30
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 There's nothing like a family picnic to bring out the best in all of us. Such is the case for us here at St. Nicholas Church. On Saturday, July 16, we'll gather on the front lawns, pass around some fabulous foods and cold drinks, play some games, share conversations and stories, laugh and laugh some more and generally have ourselves a good, ol' time of it. A Sign-Up Sheet is posted in the Gathering Space, indicating who plans on attending and if you'd like to bring a dish to share or provide something else for the picnic. Let's make this year's event another classic, shall we.  All are welcome! It's a family thing, remember. Bring the kids, grab those baked beans and salads, throw a bag of ice in the cooler, too and head on over to 1072 Ridge Avenue. Burgers and dogs will be fired up on the grill. Now, that's what I'm talkin' about. |
Let's celebrate the whole month long
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 Throughout the entire month of July, we at St. Nicholas will celebrate The Family. Please bring in a family picture or two: those old black and white ones and the newer, color prints, as well. We shall place the pictures on the back altar for the entire community to enjoy. The more pictures the better! There's plenty of room for all of us. On Saturday July 16th, we'll gather for our annual Family Picnic and, weather permitting, an Outdoor Liturgy at 4:30pm. Sign up sheet is posted in the Gathering Space. Sign up to bring a shared dish, your energy and let's have ourselves a good time. |
Let's look at some pictures!
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 There is a simple joy of looking at old photos from years gone by: recollections that jog our memories and bring warm smiles to our faces and hearts. We've unearthed some photo albums of St. Bede's and we'll have them available for the community to enjoy. Stick around after the weekend Services throughout the month of July, grab some coffee and pastry and relive those wonderful times of family and friends. |
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Planning Our Future Together!
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Church Assessment Tool (CAT)
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 We are inviting you to complete the Church Assessment Tool (CAT), an on-line instrument that will help our Bishops Committee gauge the strength, vitality, and trends in our faith community. The information gained from this assessment will be valuable in helping the leaders of our congregation as they make decisions about the future of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. Hopefully, all members have received an email with a unique link to the CAT. We are asking you to go online by clicking on the link provided in that email and tell us about your experiences in and priorities for our church. Please do not discuss the survey or your answers with others as this may influence their answers. If you need a paper copy, please click here to contact our Bishops Committee Recording Secretary, Hal Stratton, and he will provide one for you - along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to return the completed assessment directly to his attention here at St. Nicholas. Please know that all answers are strictly anonymous. We have no way of matching any assessment to a particular person, so please feel free to candidly share your perceptions, opinions and experiences. Our future together is dependent on your participation and honest answers. If you have questions, please contact Hal Stratton at hstratton@strattery.com or at 847-301-7027. Many thanks, The St. Nicholas Bishops Committee Katie Black, Claudia Boyle, Val Gruenwald, Kristin Jacobs, Pat Kalicki, Laura Lampe, Thelma Malecek, Neal Setchell, Hal Stratton (Recording Secretary), Jessica Tamaski (Sr Warden), Penny Mandziara (Jr Warden), and the Rev. Manuel Borg (Vicar) |
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Start Saving Clean Newspaper
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We'll need these for St. Nick's Knacks Rummage Sale
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 In just over a month from now, Holy Innocent's Hall and the Gathering Space will be converted into a huge, "Blue Light Special" sale, filled with goodies galore. But, we need clean newspaper for wrapping items. Please bring in your clean and dry newspapers. There will be a box near Manny's office where these items can be placed. We're all set with bags, thank you all very much. Let's make this year's sale even better than last year...and we can do it, too. P.S. Please, no television and computer equipment. These items seldom, if ever sell and are quite difficult to get rid of after the sale. Also, be kind and fold clothes and/or hang up dresses, shirts and blouses. This helps us out considerable. Again, a million thanks to one and all. |
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Donating to the Rummage Sale?
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Need a Donation Form for Tax Purposes?
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 The spirit of giving is alive and well at St. Nicholas. If you've seen the Noah's Ark Room, you'll notice the place is pretty filled with items for our August rummage sale. Manny's office is also chock-full of Boutique/Antique goodies, too. Donation forms for tax purposes are available. Outside of Manny's office there will be a stand with the forms placed upon it. Accordingly, it is the donor's responsibility to categorize and evaluate the worth of the items donated. We, St. Nicholas, as receiver of the gifts can not place a value. Certainly, if you need help with this, Manny will gladly assist. Thank you to everyone who has already brought in some wonderful pieces. Let's make 2016's St. Nick's Knacks Rummage Sale the best yet! God bless us, one and all. |
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Remember St. Nicholas before you click...
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To our wonderful Lawayan and Earl Williams who, quietly and quite effectively as they always do, cleaned and spiffed up the bathrooms, kitchen and Gathering Space. The whole place looks and smells wonderful. Awesome job!
To our Connie Nicholson who braved high humidity and soaring temps just to make sure our gardens were properly tended to. You are the fairest of the flowers that grow in our church!
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The Community of St. Nicholas is praying
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For those who were killed in the terrorist attack in Bangladesh last week. Let us pray for an end to the senseless and horrific attacks against innocent people and a restoration of peace and trust among the nation's people.
For our Jason Holliman: in thanksgiving for prayers answered. Our God always listens and cares for us in His divine time and manner.
For our Benny Delgado that his health continue to improve, any and all pain disappears completely and no complications arise.
For our children attending Diocesan Camp, Music and Theatrical Camps and any other such summer activity. Pray they enjoy their time, are safe, secure and grow and learn tremendously.
For the members of all the Support Groups that are part of the Community of St. Nicholas. Pray they find the strength to endure and persevere in order to live a full, sober and happy life.
For all our church family and friends who are traveling on holiday and business: Pray good times are had, business is good and destinations are all reached in God's speed and safety.
For Melissa, stepdaughter to our Cyndi DeBock. Melissa is fighting metastatic cancer which has returned at the age of 27. Her sister-in-law has set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses. Click here if you'd like to donate. 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: Pastor Tim Manwell, Jessica Tamaski, Paul Hallman, Patrick Hogan, Danny, Melissa and Dan, Anna Marie, Melissa Beck, Michelle Miller, Eloy Madrigal, Courtney Marsh, Amanda and Alex, Ruth, Grandma Shirley, Phyllis Whitmer, Leon Stiles, Cora Lopez, Eddie and Pat Albers, Dick McQuade, Rosario de Vazquez, Rosarini Vazquez, Nora Pun, Carolyn Drolen, Cathy, Mindy Golden, Elaine and Barry Malas, Susan Lackey, Marcia Kizior, Kesha, Eunice Dohra, Bernie, Ron, Dale Rickey, Grant MacDonald, Larry McQuade, and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.
*** "Pray for Marvin."
*** "Pray for my sobriety and that I remain strong."
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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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, July 6, 2016
| AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Food Pantry | 4:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Thursday, July 7, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | GA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Friday, July 8, 2016 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM |
Saturday, July 9, 2016 | | The Principled Group | 7:30 AM | | AA Meeting | 1:00 PM | | Worship Service | 4:30 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Sunday, July 10, 2016 | | Bishop's Committee Meeting | 8:15 AM | | Worship Service | 10:00 AM | | AA Meeting | 7:30 PM |
Monday, July 11, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 | | Vicar's Day Off | | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | AA Meeting | 7:00 PM |
Wednesday, July 13, 2016 | | AA Meeting | 12:00 PM | | Al-Anon Meeting | 7:30 PM |
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