THIS SUNDAY AT ST. NICK'S
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 10, 2017
Services are at 9 & 10am
HELLO PARISHIONERS - There are lots of exciting things going on at St. Nick's as we head into the Fall. We have several social gatherings, religious classes, and fundraisers happening. Please check out our list of "Upcoming Events" so you don't miss out. You can find more detailed information about these events following this personal note from Mother Leigh...
What a time to be alive. This is a common refrain I read on social media, usually as a response to something outrageous or an ironic comment about something kind of ridiculous or slightly ingenious, depending on your point of view. I mean, Nutella slices...disgusting or brilliant? I just can't tell. What a time to be alive.
Lately though, in light of the two back-to-back hurricanes Harvey and now Irma, I see a lot of people using this saying in reference to these far more serious, life threatening events and natural disasters. And with forecasters calling Irma one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, I can understand that people might seriously start to consider our existence on this planet and God's action and interjection in it. As this piece from NPR will tell you, the theological term for this is "theodicy." These are the moments when you may find yourself asking, "Why, God, Why?"
Many Christians believe that hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, etc. happen because God wants to punish people who have sinned, but I do not believe this. What I do believe is that God's grace is revealed in the actions of people -- Mr. Rogers calls them "helpers" -- during times of crisis and disaster. God never wants us to suffer, and God is present with us in the midst of our own suffering.
Around the time I was applying to become the next rector of St. Nick's, two back-to-back tornadoes struck Albany, GA. These were freak and unexpected weather disasters during the month of January. In both of these events, just 20 days apart, many parishioners at my church and fellow Episcopalians in Albany were affected, some facing a total property loss or even death. As the Episcopal community mobilized to assist storm victims, I always had specific tools I carried and specific clothes I wore, the latter to protect myself from storm debris, fallen trees, shattered glass, and the like. And each time I got ready, the phrase from this week's Romans reading came to mind: "Let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12b). While "armor" may bring up images of war for some, I think of it more as the right tools to get a job done -- like work clothes.
Considering the looming darkness of the hurricanes ahead, how can you put on the armor of light in order to let God's grace shine in a hurting world? If the hurricanes feel too far away for you right now, think about something else in your life that might be a "Category 5." If you are facing it, how can you ask God or someone else for help? If someone you know or love is, how might God be inviting you to be a helper?
In the midst of everything else, we have a busy and exciting fall coming up here at St. Nick's. There have been times during the planning portion of the program year when it feels a little chaotic -- a metaphorical "Category 1," if you will. However, as I watch the pieces of our church life come together, and as I see us forming and re-forming as the Body of Christ, I smile, sit back, and say to myself, "What a time to be alive!" and without a trace of irony.
See you soon.
With gratitude,
Leigh
UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. NICK'S
Youth Sunday School Resumes - September 10
Acolyte & Eucharistic Minister Training - September 10
Read-A-Thon Closing Ceremony - September 17
Parish Picnic at the Freeman's - September 17
Bishop's visit with Confirmations - October 1
Pig Pickin' - October 14
Feast of St. Francis w/ pet blessing - October 15
Rector Installation & Celebration of New Ministry - October 21
St. Nick's Church Fair & Organ Recital - November 18
BACK TO SCHOOL Sunday School is back and will resume this Sunday during the first half of the 10am service. To celebrate, join us during coffee hour for "Sundae Sunday" where the children can enjoy a make-your-own sundae bar.
ACOLYTE & EUCHARISTIC MINISTER (EM) TRAINING will be held this Sunday. This is a great opportunity to learn these roles so you can get involved in future services here at St. Nick's. Already took the course? There is no harm in stopping by for a refresher. Those interested should meet with Liz Pavelka upstairs at 11:30.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES Confirmation classes meet on Sundays. Here is our complete course schedule:
9/10: 12:30p - 2:30p (note time change due to acolyte and Eucharistic Minister training)
9/17: 11:30a - 1:30p
9/24: 11:30a - 1:30p
[9/27: 7p - 9p - make-up date if needed]
10/1: Bishop Glasspool's visitation with Confirmations, 10am service
PARISH PICNIC AT THE FREEMAN'S Our annual welcome back picnic is next Sunday, September 17th. Please plan to join us for an afternoon of church family, friends, good food and lovely views. We will also celebrate the conclusion of the Darbonne Read-a-thon. If you would like to bring a dish you can sign up HERE or on the posted sign-ups in the church. Hope to see you there!
CRAFTERS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are currently looking for people to make crafts and goods for St. Nick's Church Fair. Anyone interested in participating in this fundraiser please see Mary Hornbeck.
NEXT VESTRY MEETING will be next Wednesday, September 13th at 7:30pm and will meet in the undefcroft.
SIGN-UP FOR ALTAR FLOWERS Did you know you can sign-up to have the altar guild buy flowers in memory of or in thanksgiving for a loved one? Just sign-up on the poster on the Sacristy door and we will make sure your memorial or thanksgiving is observed on the appropriate day. Suggested donation is $25, to be put in the plate (memo line "flower memorial/thanksgiving").
PASTORAL MINISTRY If you have concern for yourself, a family member or friend, please contact Mother Leigh Hall at 706-296-2759 or email [email protected]
COFFEE HOUR Interested in hosting coffee hour? It can be simple: Cookies, carrot sticks, crackers and cheese - whatever you can pick up at the store. The coffee is already made for you by the altar guild. Click HERE for instructions, ideas, and to sign up. Thank you!
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Thank you to everyone who continues to give to St. Nick's capital campaign. It is because of your generosity and time that has been dedicated to this project that we have been able to make a more firm foundation for our worship space. Anyone who would like to check their pledge status can contact Dana at [email protected]. Those of you who would like to make a payment towards your campaign pledge here are two easy ways to make a payment:
1. Put your payment into the big box in the back of the church which is marked "Capital Campaign". Please write "Capital Campaign" on all checks, this will help keep Sunday donations distinct from campaign donations.
2. Mail your payment to the St. Nick's at 37 Point St., New Hamburg NY. Once again please write "Capital Campaign" on all checks.
2016-17 ONLINE STEWARDSHIP DIRECTORY Click here for the online version of the directory.
THE NEW "ROTA" THROUGH JANUARY IS HERE Please take note of your assignments. If cannot honor your commitment to serve, the list of available readers and servers is located at the beginning of the posted ROTA so you can find a replacement.
WHO'S ON THIS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10th
9 am
Reader - Cheryl Lange
Server - Leeann Haubrich
10 am
Reader - Dale Cunningham
Reader - Derek Reis-Larson
Server - Alex Reese
Acolyte - Evelyn Reis-Larson
Altar Guild - Polly Myhrum
Alms Counters - Sue B. & Janine G.
Sunday School - First day back!
Coffee Hour - Jennifer Klein
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 10, 2017
Services are at 9 & 10am
HELLO PARISHIONERS - There are lots of exciting things going on at St. Nick's as we head into the Fall. We have several social gatherings, religious classes, and fundraisers happening. Please check out our list of "Upcoming Events" so you don't miss out. You can find more detailed information about these events following this personal note from Mother Leigh...
What a time to be alive. This is a common refrain I read on social media, usually as a response to something outrageous or an ironic comment about something kind of ridiculous or slightly ingenious, depending on your point of view. I mean, Nutella slices...disgusting or brilliant? I just can't tell. What a time to be alive.
Lately though, in light of the two back-to-back hurricanes Harvey and now Irma, I see a lot of people using this saying in reference to these far more serious, life threatening events and natural disasters. And with forecasters calling Irma one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, I can understand that people might seriously start to consider our existence on this planet and God's action and interjection in it. As this piece from NPR will tell you, the theological term for this is "theodicy." These are the moments when you may find yourself asking, "Why, God, Why?"
Many Christians believe that hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, etc. happen because God wants to punish people who have sinned, but I do not believe this. What I do believe is that God's grace is revealed in the actions of people -- Mr. Rogers calls them "helpers" -- during times of crisis and disaster. God never wants us to suffer, and God is present with us in the midst of our own suffering.
Around the time I was applying to become the next rector of St. Nick's, two back-to-back tornadoes struck Albany, GA. These were freak and unexpected weather disasters during the month of January. In both of these events, just 20 days apart, many parishioners at my church and fellow Episcopalians in Albany were affected, some facing a total property loss or even death. As the Episcopal community mobilized to assist storm victims, I always had specific tools I carried and specific clothes I wore, the latter to protect myself from storm debris, fallen trees, shattered glass, and the like. And each time I got ready, the phrase from this week's Romans reading came to mind: "Let us lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12b). While "armor" may bring up images of war for some, I think of it more as the right tools to get a job done -- like work clothes.
Considering the looming darkness of the hurricanes ahead, how can you put on the armor of light in order to let God's grace shine in a hurting world? If the hurricanes feel too far away for you right now, think about something else in your life that might be a "Category 5." If you are facing it, how can you ask God or someone else for help? If someone you know or love is, how might God be inviting you to be a helper?
In the midst of everything else, we have a busy and exciting fall coming up here at St. Nick's. There have been times during the planning portion of the program year when it feels a little chaotic -- a metaphorical "Category 1," if you will. However, as I watch the pieces of our church life come together, and as I see us forming and re-forming as the Body of Christ, I smile, sit back, and say to myself, "What a time to be alive!" and without a trace of irony.
See you soon.
With gratitude,
Leigh
UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. NICK'S
Youth Sunday School Resumes - September 10
Acolyte & Eucharistic Minister Training - September 10
Read-A-Thon Closing Ceremony - September 17
Parish Picnic at the Freeman's - September 17
Bishop's visit with Confirmations - October 1
Pig Pickin' - October 14
Feast of St. Francis w/ pet blessing - October 15
Rector Installation & Celebration of New Ministry - October 21
St. Nick's Church Fair & Organ Recital - November 18
BACK TO SCHOOL Sunday School is back and will resume this Sunday during the first half of the 10am service. To celebrate, join us during coffee hour for "Sundae Sunday" where the children can enjoy a make-your-own sundae bar.
ACOLYTE & EUCHARISTIC MINISTER (EM) TRAINING will be held this Sunday. This is a great opportunity to learn these roles so you can get involved in future services here at St. Nick's. Already took the course? There is no harm in stopping by for a refresher. Those interested should meet with Liz Pavelka upstairs at 11:30.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES Confirmation classes meet on Sundays. Here is our complete course schedule:
9/10: 12:30p - 2:30p (note time change due to acolyte and Eucharistic Minister training)
9/17: 11:30a - 1:30p
9/24: 11:30a - 1:30p
[9/27: 7p - 9p - make-up date if needed]
10/1: Bishop Glasspool's visitation with Confirmations, 10am service
PARISH PICNIC AT THE FREEMAN'S Our annual welcome back picnic is next Sunday, September 17th. Please plan to join us for an afternoon of church family, friends, good food and lovely views. We will also celebrate the conclusion of the Darbonne Read-a-thon. If you would like to bring a dish you can sign up HERE or on the posted sign-ups in the church. Hope to see you there!
CRAFTERS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED We are currently looking for people to make crafts and goods for St. Nick's Church Fair. Anyone interested in participating in this fundraiser please see Mary Hornbeck.
NEXT VESTRY MEETING will be next Wednesday, September 13th at 7:30pm and will meet in the undefcroft.
SIGN-UP FOR ALTAR FLOWERS Did you know you can sign-up to have the altar guild buy flowers in memory of or in thanksgiving for a loved one? Just sign-up on the poster on the Sacristy door and we will make sure your memorial or thanksgiving is observed on the appropriate day. Suggested donation is $25, to be put in the plate (memo line "flower memorial/thanksgiving").
PASTORAL MINISTRY If you have concern for yourself, a family member or friend, please contact Mother Leigh Hall at 706-296-2759 or email [email protected]
COFFEE HOUR Interested in hosting coffee hour? It can be simple: Cookies, carrot sticks, crackers and cheese - whatever you can pick up at the store. The coffee is already made for you by the altar guild. Click HERE for instructions, ideas, and to sign up. Thank you!
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Thank you to everyone who continues to give to St. Nick's capital campaign. It is because of your generosity and time that has been dedicated to this project that we have been able to make a more firm foundation for our worship space. Anyone who would like to check their pledge status can contact Dana at [email protected]. Those of you who would like to make a payment towards your campaign pledge here are two easy ways to make a payment:
1. Put your payment into the big box in the back of the church which is marked "Capital Campaign". Please write "Capital Campaign" on all checks, this will help keep Sunday donations distinct from campaign donations.
2. Mail your payment to the St. Nick's at 37 Point St., New Hamburg NY. Once again please write "Capital Campaign" on all checks.
2016-17 ONLINE STEWARDSHIP DIRECTORY Click here for the online version of the directory.
THE NEW "ROTA" THROUGH JANUARY IS HERE Please take note of your assignments. If cannot honor your commitment to serve, the list of available readers and servers is located at the beginning of the posted ROTA so you can find a replacement.
WHO'S ON THIS SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10th
9 am
Reader - Cheryl Lange
Server - Leeann Haubrich
10 am
Reader - Dale Cunningham
Reader - Derek Reis-Larson
Server - Alex Reese
Acolyte - Evelyn Reis-Larson
Altar Guild - Polly Myhrum
Alms Counters - Sue B. & Janine G.
Sunday School - First day back!
Coffee Hour - Jennifer Klein