Many ask, “How much does it cost to be a member of the Church?” The answer is everything, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23-24)
Nothing could be greater than membership in Christ’s church, which begins at Holy Baptism. “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Gal 3:27)
The Church is not a club, i.e. a place where people who have a common social interest gather together for activities and pay dues. The Church is the Body of Christ, alive and vibrant, continuing the work of Christ into the world.
Generally speaking a member of St Nicholas is one who attends the parish regularly and strives to live the Orthodox life. Members of St Nicholas attend to the norms of the Orthodox Christian life; they are regular communicants, go to confession on a regular basis, keep the fasts, pray, study scripture, help with ministry, and are faithful stewards of their time, talent, and treasure.
A VISION OF OUR COMMON LIFE AT ST NICHOLAS
PREAMBLE:
As a community of faith, our doctrine, discipline, and worship are those of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church as taught by the Holy Scriptures, Holy Tradition, the Ecumenical and Provincial Councils, and the Holy Fathers and Mothers.
OUR VISION:
At St Nicholas, we feel God's love so deeply and hear God's word so clearly, that we will be inspired and equipped to become the disciples and apostles God calls us to be.
OUR MISSION:
We are committed to actively reaching out to the people of Kenosha, Racine, and Northern Lake Counties who are seeking God in their lives. We will accomplish this by providing a genuinely caring community, beautiful liturgical worship, faithful preaching and teaching, opportunities for outreach and service, and a spiritually nurturing and supportive Orthodox Christian environment.
OUR ROOTS:
A community of true faith and deep devotion, St Nicholas Orthodox Church was founded in 1912 by Slavic immigrants from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. The formation of a strong brotherhood began the process of building a strong Orthodox Christian community in Kenosha. A building program followed, creating the beautiful Temple which one encounters at present. We are indebted to the blood, sweat, and financial sacrifices of our fore-bearers resulting in the soul-uplifting legacy of faith and architecture we have inherited. We are now a more diverse and growing community that aspires to the true worship of God and loving service to the local community. We are also a genuinely hospitable and warm group representing all generations and who desire to make all guests feel welcome.