The Woman With The Alabaster Jar
And a woman in the city,
who was a sinner,
having learned
that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment.She stood behind him at his feet,
weeping,
and began to bathe his feet
with her tears
and to dry them
with her hair.
Then she continued kissing his feet
and anointing them with the ointment.
— from the Gospel of Luke
Signs & Wonders
This Week’s News
Can you help prepare some meals?
Kelly Klotz and her son Odin were with us for the first time this past Sunday, and a few days later while at the church, Kelly fell and tore a bunch of ligaments in one of her ankles.
She is in a lot of pain, and is also a single mom. Steve is coordinating some dinners for her and Odin while she (literally) gets back on her feet. If you can help, let him know.
Survey will help us decide Fall worship schedule
With the debut of our Saturday liturgy set for September 18, we will soon have to decide whether to continue our Sunday schedule of worship at 9 and 11 a.m. or bring together those liturgies into a single 10 a.m. worship experience.
This is a big decision and one we won’t make without your input.
We’ll have a survey available at church the next two Sundays, and we’ll add an online survey later in the month to make sure everyone has had a chance to weigh in.
Combining our two existing liturgies into one is a change we would prefer not to make and certainly will not make lightly, as we do not want to disrupt your Sunday routine.
At the same time, if a goodly number of our present Sunday worshippers are likely to become Saturday worshippers, we probably will combine the two Sunday liturgies. That’s because one larger liturgy will make for a much more vibrant experience than two small liturgies.
Before we make a big decision such as this, we want to hear from everyone who will be affected by it. So look for the survey, complete it, and make sure your voice is heard. Thanks!
New Bishop’s Committee members
During the very brief business session we held at last week’s parish potluck — we were having so much fun, leaders decided all the other business could wait — Steve Raftery and Jessica Tamaski were elected to the bishop’s committee. The congregation also ratified the earlier selection of Paul Swanson Jr.
Celebrating fathers
Now that our May celebration of mothers has ended, Manny is inviting us to celebrate fathers during June.
If you’d like, bring a photo of your father — or of anyone who has been like a father to you — and place it on the table set aside for photos.
WHAT A GREAT DAY
Toward the end of this past Sunday’s potluck, I was in the sacristy saying goodbye to Manny 
as he prepared to head to Detroit to spend time with his family.
I commented that the spirit and energy of the day had taken my breath away. “Sometimes,” I said, “I become so caught up in the day-to-day activities here that I lose sight of what an incredible place this really is. Then we have a day like today and I just want to pinch myself so I never again forget how amazing this church really is.”
“I know,” said Manny. “I try to describe what St. Nick’s is like to other people, but it is something you have to experience. It’s unlike any other congregation I’ve known. I just really love everyone here.”
The journalist in me wishes I could remember word-for-word what Manny said next. I don’t want to get the quote wrong, so I will just say the gist of it was that St. Nicholas elicits in him some of the same feelings his family does.
Given the depth of his affection for his family, that is high praise for St. Nicholas.
Indeed, it is hard to describe what makes this congregation as special as it is. None of us can exactly put our finger on it. But most of us can feel it. This past Sunday, it was palpable, and it was amazing. Joy seemed to be floating among us.
I share all of this to make sure you know how loved and appreciated you are. And to thank you for being who and what you are.
— Steve
PS — As always I welcome your thoughts.
