June 2021: DIRECTIVES FOR COVID-19

June 21, 2021
Because we care.
Because we love.
 
These are the two most basic and precise reasons why we do the things we do. These are the fundamental building blocks of life and that which breathes air into our existence. Here at St. Nicholas Church, these are our corner stones, the very foundation of who we are and what we represent. Without love, “we are a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13: 1). If we did not care, well then, why bother doing anything whatsoever? “And do not forget to do good and share with others or with such sacrifices, God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13: 16)
 
Recently, the State of Illinois moved to Phase Five with regards to Covid-19. This move provides a wider degree of freedom. Likewise, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago announced her plan for each of the 122 parishes and missions. Essentially, each church is to move forward according to their comfort and safety level. Each church is given the “green light” to do as they see fit, though with some overriding rules that are to be upheld.
 
The Bishop’s Committee of St. Nicholas met recently, a rather hastily “put together meeting” at that, to implement our plan of action in response to the Diocese’s and State’s announcements.
 
Because we care.
Because we love.
 
We discussed, discerned and prayed upon the matter at hand and have decided the following:
 

June 2021: DIRECTIVES FOR COVID-19

 
Covid-19 has been our common adversary. The world has united so as to combat this virus that has robbed us of loved one, of time and from living our lives fully and free from fear of contracting this deadly virus. St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, as both a worshiping community and a place that has long since shared our common space with various Support Groups, has been “cautiously creative” in providing both a venue for worship and for meetings. With the added technological assistance of Zoom and Facebook, we have remained connected to one another. Now, as we are once again gathering for weekend “in person worship” and “in person meetings,” we must remain diligent in our efforts at warding off the potential of infection while upholding the safety and protection of all who call St. Nicholas “home,” especially the young, elderly, infirm and those who have not been vaccinated. To achieve our goal of Safety for All, we will recommend the following protocol to be observed throughout the entire St. Nicholas complex:
 
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL:
 
1) Masks are to be worn by ALL who enter our building. Whether one has been vaccinated or not, so as to provide the fullest degree of safety, masks are to be worn. Those fully vaccinated may remove their mask while speaking at both worship and meetings.
 
2) The kitchen will remain closed until further notice. This also means no food is to be brought into the building and consumed inside.
 
3) Cleaning up after ourselves goes a long way at both keeping our facility free of debris, but also lessens the potential of disease. Please spray the sinks, countertops and bathroom doors at the end of the day.
 
WITH REGARDS TO WORSHIP:
 
1) Masks are to be worn throughout the entire building at all times. Fully vaccinated individuals who are reading or presiding at our worship may remove their mask while speaking.
 
2) We will continue to use wafers at Holy Communion and shared without direct contact with the Element.
 
3) Sharing from the chalice will not be allowed until conditions improve significantly.
 
4) Musically, during the summer months, there will be no choir and little, to no communal singing. Our plan and hope are to return to both choir and congregational singing later this year, perhaps by autumn.
 
We understand and appreciate that wearing a mask may not necessarily be favorable. However, wearing a mask will certainly help to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus and may very well save the life of a loved one. We wear a mask because we care. We care because we love, unconditionally and without exception.
 
It is our hope and expectation that all will comply with these rules. Let us work together and help put an end to this pandemic. Each of has the means to make a difference. Let us all do our best, for the greater good and God’s greater glory.
 
Peace and blessings,
 
Fr. Manuel (Manny) Borg
Vicar: St. Nicholas Episcopal Church
1072 Ridge Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL. 60007
847-439-2067

Friday Night Movies – October 13 at 7pm: “Rope” by Alfred Hitchcock

Starting on Friday, October 13th, (how appropriate), we’ll gather in the Hall and take in a classic Alfred Hitchcock thriller.  We’ll start with “Rope,” followed by “North by Northwest,” on the 20th and and lastly “Rebecca” on the 27th.

Movie time is 7pm.  Bring your favorite snacks and pizza will be provided.

All are welcome.  Remember, we start on Friday, October 13th.

Lenten Journeys: Let Us Journey Together

Father Manny in Lenten purple, 2015

Father Manny in Lenten purple, 2015

It is a mere forty days. Jesus ventured in the desert for the same number of days and nights. There, Jesus prayed, meditated and fasted, all in order to prepare Himself for the sacrifice He was to make of Himself, for us.

The desert is a stark, desolate environment. There is life in the desert…but it is hidden, minimal and scarce. This is where Jesus chose to spend time, alone, to commune with God the Creator.

This Lent, our worship space will be plain, bare and simple. The plants have been removed as have most of the images of saints and holy women and men. The intent is to create an environment that, like the desert, is simple.

Baptismal font filled with sand and iron spikes

The small baptismal font is dry and filled with sand and iron spikes instead of blessed water

Let us journey together: To better prepare ourselves for the great Paschal Feast of Easter, let us journey together, in prayer, in silence, in worship and in the faith that Christ Jesus is with us, accompanying us on our venture through Lent.