Prayers of the People

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For our Emily D. who has been moved to Tabor Hills in Naperville.  Tabor Hills is located on Crystal Avenue, just off Raymond Drive.  Let us pray for our dear sister Emily as she endures through her illness and pray for those who love and care for her, that they may receive strength, guidance and patience.

For the repose of the soul of Mike C., a good friend of our Sandra and Ron G., and a rather popular musician in the area: pray for his eternal soul as it is welcomed to Paradise and pray for those who mourn his passing.

For our nation:  we remain committed to uplifting and enhancing the lives of those who are in need, those who struggle, those who live on the fringe of society.

For those in our faith community who are coping with personal trials and tribulation:  pray for peace of mind, stability in life and hearts filled with joy and grace.

For all who are traveling: Godspeed and may our journeys be safe, secure and stress-free.

For people in countries where war is the norm and peace so seldom seen or experienced:  pray that violence is overcome once and for all by love, forgiveness and a lasting peace.

For those in our community who are experiencing anxiety, depression, fear or any form of physical, emotional or mental stress: pray for peace and healing to the body, mind and heart.

For those who are lonely, alone and feel alienated:  pray for these sisters and brothers of ours who need our support, encouragement and love.

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:  Holly, Karen, Sharon, Jill, Vernon, Connie Nicholson, Marcia K., Joanne M., Fran B., Kesha, Mary G., Eunice D., K.C., Emily & Dick D., Dale R.,  Stanko B., Phil C., Tim L., Jackie, Chris, Cathy W., Carrie, Tim, Pat, Lenny, Perry, Kathy J. and any one else in need of our continued prayers and well wishes.

 

***   “For James D. and his family.”
***   “Pray that God sees me through these rough patches and leads me to the light.”

(***written prayer requests)

 

Readings In Holy Week

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Maundy Thursday

Exodus 12:1-4, (5-10), 11-14
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Psalm 116:1, 10-17

Good Friday

Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Hebrews 10:16-25 or
Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42
Psalm 22

Holy Saturday

Job 14:1-14 or
Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24
1 Peter 4:1-8
Matthew 27:57-66 or
John 19:38-42
Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16

Easter Vigil

At The Liturgy of the Word

At least two of the following Lessons are read, of which one is always the Lesson from Exodus. After each Lesson, the Psalm or Canticle listed, or some other suitable psalm, canticle, or hymn may be sung. A period of silence may be kept; and a suitable Collect, such as those on pages 288-291 of the Prayer Book, may be said.

Genesis 1:1-2:4a [The Story of Creation]
Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13 [The Flood]
Genesis 22:1-18 [Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac]
Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 [Israel’s deliverance at the Red Sea]
Isaiah 55:1-11 [Salvation offered freely to all]
Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4 or Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6 [Learn wisdom and live]
Ezekiel 36:24-28 [A new heart and a new spirit]
Ezekiel 37:1-14 [The valley of dry bones]
Zephaniah 3:14-20 [The gathering of God’s people]

At The Eucharist

Romans 6:3-11
Psalm 114
Mark 16:1-8

The Biggest Religious Group In Illinois…

… Isn’t religious at all, it’s “unaffiliated.” That’s a challenge!

Is there someone you know who is looking for community, support, or for some greater meaning in their life? Invite a friend to an event, or to a service during Lent. It’s a great time in the church year to make a fresh start or go in a more spiritual direction.

Jesus calls us to care for one another and remember the poor. He makes His lonely way in the wilderness for 40 days. If you follow in His footsteps, don’t you want a friend or two along for company?

Many states in the US, even states with a reputation for relatively high church attendance, show “unaffiliated” in first or second place in terms of religious groups.

What are your friends doing Sunday mornings? Invite them for coffee (and church) and see what happens!

Huffpost: The Largest Religious Groups In America