Final Posting as a Ministry Developer

I am now facing my last week as the official Ministry Developer for Region 4.  This is a bitter sweet time for me.  I can recall with fond memories when I first arrived in Carbon County.  It was summer time and I finished school.  Kellie was pregnant with our second child.  The fine people of St. Thomas made the rectory available for us to rent.  We spent the first nigh with the heat on because it was one of those famous nights that it cooled down.   I was attempting to catch my breath from the whirlwind of moving and getting settled down.  While Kellie and I got familiar with our new surroundings we would take walks around Rawlins.  Our neighbor rode up on his motorcycle and pointed out that he noticed that we moved in a couple of houses down.  He wanted to welcome me to Rawlins and as he did so, he leaned into us and asked a direct question, “Are you planning on staying around for awhile?”  My response was yes, until they kick me out.  He smiled stuck his hand out and I took it.  It has been a great journey.  I have drank the water of Little Snake River Valley and the winds of the high desert have driven deep roots.  Carbon County has become a part of my soul and being.  As I look forward to the next chapter in my ministry in the Episcopal Church I want to review what has taken place since my arrival so many years ago.  I hope this letter finds you well.

Great picture of St. Luke

Let start with St. Luke in Medicine Bow.  I was recently ordained as a transitional deacon when the Bishop of Wyoming was making his visit to St. Luke in Medicine Bow.  I arrived to read the Gospel and dismiss the people and we regathered for a picnic following the service.  It was that day when I met the leadership of St. Luke, Arlen, Ida-May (I hope I got that spelling right), Lillian, and Alberta.  I also met the Methodist leadership and had a fine meal.  I was asked to preach and preside at St. Luke every “5th Sunday” by the Bishop and so about three times a year I would head toward that direction.  A couple of years ago St. Luke made an important decision to partner with the Bishop's Office through Mutual Ministry and from that point St. Luke received increased support through having the Holy Eucharist twice a month.  One of my fondest memories was a night that I called Arlen to discuss providing Christmas Eve services.  I when I called I was heading to Encampment and I told Arlen that I am looking at Elk Mountain and I don't see it.  He laughed and said, “Well, Doug it looks like we will not be holding Christmas Eve services this year.”  That is the nature of the beast when it comes to Wyoming.  My hope and dream for St. Luke in Medicine Bow is that they become a symbol of hope and resurrection as they face their unwritten future.  There could be a time of sabbath along with a renewal of vitality.  This is consistent with the Gospel narrative.  I now take my leave from the active participation of the conversation about what will take place in Medicine Bow and my relationship with that congregation will change.  However, I know that I will not go far because of the networks of relationships that are in place throughout the Diocese of Wyoming.  I rest assured that I will be receiving regular up-dates from my friends in that part of the state.

Talking about the future at St. Barnabas

The change in St. Barnabas is wonderful.  For most of my time in Carbon County my relationship with St. Barnabas in Saratoga was one of small distance.  I would pass this charming church on my way to St. James in Encampment and I would find myself praying for an opportunity to present itself to enter a formal relationship with this congregation.  My prayer was answered when I received an e-mail and then a phone call from Ralph.  He wanted to get licensed to preach and it was suggested that he give me a call to assist on making this happen.  That began a wonderful a renewed relationship with St. Barnabas. During our time together we wrestled with a difficult pastoral situation in which we all grew in our strength and trust in our Lord.  I also witnessed the arrival of Susan as she was drawn from one ordained office to another.  The future remains wide open as they learn together with the support of the Rev. Jess Smith what it will mean to have a priest in their midst after a long absence.

What a wonderful view of the "New" church.

St. James is a symbol of what it means to have a community pull together and when given the tools and support of a larger church what can be accomplished will inspire others.  There were many Sundays when I would arrive hoping that I was not alone.  I was always accompanied by a smiling face.  The saying, “When two or more are gathered God would be there,” had real meaning.  We would laugh and talk before the service as a means to catch-up, have announcements in the middle of the service and then off to lunch we would go to continue to the conversation.  One major drawback about St. James was it did not have indoor plumbing.  Please note that was said in the past tense.  St. James with the focus of the entire congregation has now a parish hall with running water and that all important bathroom!  I recently visited the church and as I walked about I was caught up in how different yet familiar the place looked and felt.  St. James is no longer the green church on the side of the hill, but the log church and wonderful gathering place,  It was 107 years ago at Christmas Eve when they held their first service and it looks like history will repeat itself as I will be preaching and presiding this coming Christmas Eve service.  Their future looks bright and this small but mighty community has entered the life of the Diocese in vital and meaningful way.

Yes that bow is on my head.  :0)

As I head down the road of memories I find myself driving over Battle Mountain as I head for St. Paul's in Dixon.  My first trip as a Ministry Developer I took that very road and was a bit puzzled and concerned when I saw the sign that I was entering Colorado.  I pushed on and found about a mile later another sign that said I was entering Wyoming.  Whew that was a close one!  The people of the “Valley” have opened their homes and lives to my family.  When I was talking to the late George Salisbury one Sunday morning I placed my hand on my oldest daughter and said that this is the granddaughter of Ed Snell, my father in-law.  George laughed with delight for he knew Ed Snell from many years ago.  Ed Snell would spend his high school summers working for George and so in a meaningful way, I had connections to this part of the state that were established before my arrival.  During our time together St. Paul had a calling for a priest that concluded with out anybody being identified.  The lesson I learned was that God does respond to prayers in one of three ways … no; yes; wait I have something bigger in mind.  St. Paul did not see the not having a priest as a negative and continued to be the church.  With the arrival of our current Bishop, Linda was prompted to follow the calling to be a priest for St. Paul and since entered the process.  This community of faith has shown this priest what it means to be patience.  I watched this community put in a new floor in the parish hall and new carpet in the church without skipping a beat in worship.  St. Paul is a place of deep spirituality and an indescribable strength that draws people in.  They have a saying around the “Valley” when people drink the water they never leave.  Well I have drank the water.

A picture of what happens behind the scene at St. Thomas

As I round my trip in Carbon County roads I am now heading to Rawlins and now I turn to St. Thomas.  We are familiar with the doubting Thomas.  In someways people of St. Thomas had doubts about Mutual Ministry.  They didn't enter this relationship easily, yet when they responded to the call from God, they jumped in with both feet.  They struggled with the decision of the General Convention of 2003 and found themselves strengthened because of it.  St. Thomas stretched my leadership style to become firm in what I believe and showed me the power of grace.  Recently they made a decision that would have an impact on the flow of the liturgy.  I was concerned about the outcome and was prepared to walk them through the decision making process.  I have to admit was I a bit concerned about how that conversation would turn out.  To my surprise and great delight they had the conversation themselves and everybody had their say.  St. Thomas also built a lift and handicap accessible bathrooms, called and equipped a priest, and taught me about leadership in the church.  It was also the location that my middle child was baptized and I was ordained as a priest in the same service.  So, when you hear doubting Thomas, you can smile knowing that St. Thomas in Rawlins has reinvented what it is means to doubt.  No doubt about it; it will get done!


I could add much more, but that is what this blog was about.  When you have time take a moment or two and review the postings and add your own thoughts and memories.  I now take my leave as a Ministry Developer in Region 4.  I arrived fresh out of seminary great on ideas but little experience on what it means to be a leader.  I know look forward to the next chapter of my life with the peace and comfort in knowing that I ran a great race.  Along the way I made great friends and learned many powerful lessons that will serve me well in the future.  As I arrive in Buffalo Wyoming at the first of the year I know that I am still a neighbor of Carbon County and I am proud to call you my friends.

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

Happy Thanksgiving!  I read a posting on facebook something to the effect of – With the completion of Thanksgiving Meal it is time now to look forward to Advent”  Yes this is the season for anticipation. Anticipation could mean one of two things – something bad is coming or something great is about to happen.  For the past two weeks I have poured myself in moving from one location in which has gathered six and half years of memories and other various items to another location that was by the good fortune only about four houses away.  During that move I experienced a snow storm and a couple of church events and services cancellations which provided me more time to keep on with the move.  I have come to realize that the move itself took more out of me than I anticipated.  During that period of time a trusted friend pointed out that this is a great time to “reinvent” myself as I move from one ministry to another.  Good people of Carbon County and for those who have connections beyond this part of Wyoming, welcome to a transformative period of my life.  I am “reinventing” myself as I draw close my time in Carbon County and become open to the next chapter of my life in Buffalo Wyoming.  I hope this letter finds you well.

A view that is changing with the renovation of the church

What has happened for the past couple of weeks?  Well let me provide an up-date starting with St.
James (Encampment): A couple of the members of St. James played a powerful role in making the move from my old house to the new location a reality.  They arrived on Friday (Nov 11th) and for the next two days provided the vehicles and energy to pack our house.  They combined their efforts along with one member of St. Thomas and together we got it done.  During the move I was shown an article in a local newspaper that featured the building of the parish hall.  Everybody from St. James was mentioned in the article.  Because of the snowstorm that weekend I was called and given a pass not come and preach and preside that weekend (Nov 13th) and so I plowed on with the move.  I am looking forward to seeing how much is complete (perhaps it will be all done) on Christmas Eve.

Visiting taking place at the church

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): Keep the Rounds in your prayers.  They are working through a medical emergency and by the grace of God everything is working out.  Needless to say they will not be in Medicine Bow on this coming Sunday and I will carry on in their absence.  I trust that God continue to be present for the Rounds.

Laughter and water? Baptism ;-)

St. Barnabas (Saratoga): They are working hard for the grand event of the ordination of the Rev. Susan Dyer on December 3, 2011 @ 1pm.  I have been in communication with Susan for the preparation of the service and for additional formation around the Liturgy of the Table.  Two weeks ago St. Barnabas also called me an informed me that they would not be coming out for the 7pm service and so I took that time to continue with the move.

Visiting before church starts

St. Thomas (Rawlins): For the past couple of weeks I attended the men's breakfast that was hosted at Square Shooters at the Best Western.  It was amazing how other men from the restaurant sat down with us and enjoyed the fellowship.  I also met with the vestry to review licensing requirements for Eucharistic Ministers (those who serve around the Altar/Table); Eucharistic Visitors (those who visit the shut-ins and take communication to them) and Worship Leaders (those who lead a service – Morning and or Evening Prayer, Ministry of the Word and funerals).  I also hosted another training a couple of weeks ago and now I am wrapping up preaching.  I continue to host office hours at Kraft Hall and because I have moved the new location does not have an office so you will find me using Kraft Hall more for the month of December.

A great view of sunlight

St. Paul (Dixon): I have been busy with this group for the past couple of weeks.  Last Sunday I baptized two children Kaylee and Kash who are cousins.  I presided at Kaylee's parents wedding and so it was fitting (and they requested it) that I baptize their baby.  I also have been working with Linda Fleming as she prepares to take another step in her ordination process and applies for Candidacy.









This coming Sunday I will travel over to St. Luke in Medicine Bow to preach and preside.  This is first of my “last services as a Ministry Developer” church services.  The Rounds will be missed and I trust that when two or more are gathered in Jesus' name God will be there. Have a great week!

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

This is the last Sunday of October.  It seemed like a longer month this year given that we have five Sundays this month.  Having the “extra” Sunday helped with meeting my obligations to provide sacramental support given that the Diocesan Convention was this month.  Right now the churches that I work with are working hard to meet the licensing requirements and so I have participated in trainings toward that goal.  It has been a couple of weeks since I last wrote and so lets move on to the news of Carbon County.  I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): This Sunday was a dedication and blessing of the addition to St. Thomas Episcopal Church.  This group of strong believing people pooled their resources of talent and money to build a handicap accessible bathrooms and lift.  It took over two years from the proposal to completion.  A wonderful line from the sermon that was preached said that this was not only possible because we love God, but God loves the church.  There were moments in which some “doubted” it would take place, yet people continued to labor on toward a lofty goal.  The service included the Rev. Karen Buckingham, myself, and worship leaders and we led the service like we have been doing this work for years.  Come to think of it we have!  It was also a blessing to recognize all who contributed including those who designed and built the addition.  The reception that followed was full of good cheer and laughter.  I later heard that this was a “we” effort and the first time in recent memory nobody complained, but worked together for the glory of God.

St. Paul (Dixon): Upon finishing up in Rawlins I drove directly to St. Paul's in Dixon to help complete their training for licensing and to wrap up the DiSC(r) training.  At first there was a scheduling conflict (it was believed that I would be there to celebrate the Eucharistic that same Sunday) however the fine people of LSRV made adjustments knowing that they will be celebrating the Holy Eucharistic three times in the month of November.  I arrived in time to get some soup and had a chance to talk to Linda a bit more about where she is in her process toward Holy Orders.  We are moving right along in that process.

St. James (Encampment): Given my busy week I haven't had a chance to catch up with them and to find out where they are in their building project of the parish hall.  The last I knew the local newspaper wanted to do a write up  on the project.  I am sure they are getting close to completing it.  I am looking forward to talking to them this week.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): Last Sunday I was scheduled to preach and preside.  The Rounds were coming in from a conference in Montana and so they informed me that they would be late.  They arrived about fifteen minutes late, but could not stay for personal reasons and headed on to Laramie.  The bid for the bathroom has been submitted and we now wait to hear back on next steps.  Alren is also working hard to finish up his discernment process for preaching license.

St. Barnabas (Saratoga): They are working hard to prepare for a grand event on December 3, 2011 @ 1 pm.  Please keep that date and time available for more information will be coming from the Rev. Susan Dyer in the coming days.  Talking about St. Barnabas, they hosted a regional wide training for Eucharistic Visitors and Ministers along with Worship Leaders a couple of weeks ago.  Three of the five churches were present and I have been hearing commitments that people really enjoyed themselves.  For St. Barnabas who have lived on the “edge of things” for the past eight years it is nice to see them becoming more involved with the regional activities and even being a host site.

What is coming up?  Monday I will be hanging close to Rawlins (Halloween and trick or treating with the girls).  I also will get a jump on my week on Monday with an office day.  Tuesday is Gospel Study at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) from 9am to 10am.  Wednesday is all day face to face meeting with the Ministry Developers and the Bishop in Casper.  Saturday is a workshop called The Fundamentals of Pastoral Care hosted by Thomas the Apostle Center and which will be broadcasted by the VTC (video teleconferencing) network.  Sunday is a full day in which I will be starting my day at St. Thomas to preach and preside at 9:30 am then return to Dixon to meet with Linda Fleming for an hour.  At 3 pm I will be preaching and presiding at St. Paul's. 

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

The buyer of the house has no objections and so we are now on autopilot to the closing of the house which will take place on October 31, 2011.  We have a place to live for the next two months.  Kellie and I are in conversation about what will take place after the first of the year.  The on-site visit was successful and now there is one more step to take before the outcomes become official.  I can say that all the parties involved are excited about the future.  Life seems now to be moving toward a celebration moment that embraces a blessing of what has been done and anticipation of something new and wonderful.  Each day I grow more humbled by how much I have been taught and learned from the wonderful people of Carbon County.  I hope this letter finds you well.

Giving the Candidates their candles.

St. Paul's (Dixon): On Sunday I arrived about thirty minutes early to prepare for a baptism of two children.  One of the members of the congregation has been in conversation for what may have been about two years encouraging and inviting this family.  The husband seemed to be a bit uncomfortable, but after a few questions about what he has been up to he opened right up and became relaxed.  The really fun moment was when a member of the congregation came up to read and she stumbled over the concluding statement - “The Word of the Lord” yet when she recalled it she proclaimed it with authority.  I had to laugh.  Other members of the congregation shared with me that they are leaving to go south for the winter and wished me all the best of luck and blessings on my part of my life.  It was agreed that I am not “dieing” and that I will be around for years to come.  That brought comfort to me and I hope that brought comfort to them.

Moving the Table around at St. James in Encampment

St. James (Encampment): I received a request last week to send photographs of the construction of the new parish hall.  As it turns out the Saratoga paper wants to do a write up on what is happening at St. James.  I forgot to mention that “the little green church on the side of the hill” will be no longer in a couple months.  It will be known as the “wonderful log church on the side of the hill”.  Keep check in and I will continue to post pictures and provide up-dates on what is taking place in Encampment.

Everybody working on a project at St Thomas

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I received a text message on Monday informing that the Gospel Study on Tuesday was postponed for the week.  That gave me opportunity to write my sermon early because it was a short week.  On Wednesday I was in conversation with different people while I was at Kraft Hall and wrote my second to last contribution to the Livingstons (St. Thomas' newsletter).  I have providing “honking report” for almost seven years.  This is another one of those reminders that my life is changing.

A place for people of Saratoga to relax.

St. Barnabas (Saratoga): I received some great news that will be made public soon enough.  I would encourage people throughout the region to keep December 3rd open for there will be an important event coming up.  During my on-site visit I took great delight in sharing how this congregation was able to be a loving community in the face of a difficult challenge.  It is the wonderful work of all the churches (small, medium, and large) that is really the face of the Episcopal Church.

Having some fun around "instruction" in the church.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): I read on one of their faithful members that they had practice at Medicine Bow and she brought food.  I am not sure what that means (smile).  I have not heard any other further developments on their bathroom plans.  I am looking forward to hearing an up-date next Sunday.  Not much more to report for this week.

I continue to work with the Rev. Kathy Robinson on the “Attractive Church” workshop that she has formed over the past thee to four years.  It seems to be gathering speed now as two different congregations have requested the workshop.  Kathy along with Ann Wafer will be hosting this workshop at Thomas the Apostle Center in Cody this weekend.  I will be sending another e-mail with more information about this so keep an eye out for it.

What is coming up this week?  I am going to spend the day with my family going to the pumpkin patch on Monday.  Tuesday I will be attending the Gospel Study at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) at 9 am and be hosting a WebEx meeting with the Regional Reps and Ministry Developers that night at 5:30 pm.  I will be at Kraft Hall for office hours from 10 am to 12 pm on Wednesday.  Then I will be in Casper on Friday and Saturday to participate in the Hank Raymond Wilderness Camp board meeting.  Sunday I will be preaching and presiding at St. Luke's in Medicine Bow.  Be well my friends.

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

Much has happened since I last wrote.  The house has a buyer and we are awaiting to hear from the buyer about the house inspection that took place last Friday.  The closing date is the first week of November.  This is a real sign that the Wasingers in Rawlins are entering a new chapter of our lives and it is more than talking, but action is taking place.  Where I know that I have been thinking about the future, with the offer and acceptance of our house it is no longer an “idea” but real.  I have been involved in three searches this summer and fall and last week I traveled to Minnesota to participate in an on-site visit.  It was an event for me to boast proudly all the work that Carbon County has accomplished in the past eight years.  St. Thomas has completed their lift and handicap accessibility bathrooms and St. James in making noticeable progress in their building project.  St. Luke is excited about having a restroom built and St. Paul is in a good place with their fellowship with many baptisms being planned as I write.  St. Barnabas is coming more alive with their anticipation of having one of their own being ordained.  The events in my life are occurring quickly now as I attempt to wrap up and complete all that needs to be done for a successful transition of leadership in the Carbon County.

Harvesting Hope provides an effective focus point as the Diocese of Wyoming moves forward.  There is plenty of room for all the find their way into the work that God is calling us to do as a body of believers.  I found that I had questions answered as to what will we be doing as a Diocese and in the coming months it I am confident that we will receive more information as to the details of our work.  I trust that this letter finds you well. 

St. James (Encampment): Because the church building is being renovated we gathered at the Johnson's household for worship.  I shared with them I lament that I no longer have the privilege of making the claim that I work with a vital church that does not have running water.  They were gracious in acknowledging my grief and I realize that I need to get over it!  Everybody had a good time.  Following the service we talked about the placement of the Table/Altar.  It was agreed that having the Table/Altar movable would be ideal so that the space can be reconfigured to increase the impact of the different liturgical seasons of the church and to provide different ways to recognize special events.  Cutting edge stuff for this congregation.
St. Barnabas (Saratoga): Last Sunday they had “Loaves and Fishes” along with Blessing of the Animals.  The Rev. Susan Dyer (who is a transitional Deacon) lead the Blessing of the Animals while I was in Encampment celebrating with St. James.  I arrived that afternoon for a “house mass” in which we all feasted on the catch of Salmon and Halibut from Alaska.  The communion bread was baked and there was plenty to go around as I ripped the bread apart to share the blessings with the gathered group of twenty people.
St. Thomas (Rawlins): I heard a report of a story of restoration.  There is a member of the congregation who is elderly and fell a couple of years ago.  She is very cautious about stairs and avoids them at all cost.  It was not until recently that she became comfortable in coming forward to the foot of the stairs in the church to received communion.  She is a long time member of St. Thomas and in the past she would be found cleaning the brass of the church along with other behind the scene activities throughout the church including working the in the undercroft.  With her wanted to avoid stairs she was limited and unable to participate in activities in the undercroft.  A couple of Sunday's ago Gerry invited members of the church to learn how to use the new lift and wouldn't you know here comes this elderly member with her walker and entered the lift.  Karen said it well - “She recaptured a part of her life.”  Making our buildings handicap accessible do not provide much money in return on investments; however they speak loudly about the theology of the church and our understanding of God's love not being limited.  St. Thomas knocked it out of the park with this one.
St. Luke (Medicine Bow):  They are really excited about their new bathroom.  Arlen has been working hard to find a contractor and was successful.  I heard that he was meeting the contractor the Thursday prior to the beginning of the Convention and I am looking forward to hearing a report from that visit.  I took a certain amount of pride during the Bishop's address as he pointed out the exciting things that are taking place in Medicine Bow.  It speaks about how God pays attention to both the large and small because it was a shared effort from a larger will resourced congregation to provide the needed support to making this bathroom a reality.  The Diocese as a whole is becoming more connected and I give thanks to those who worked tirelessly in making this happen.
St. Paul (Dixon):  Like I referred to the beginning of this letter, this congregation is lining up baptisms.  This Sunday I will be presiding over a couple of baptism with more to come.  There has been some discussion about having the Bishop visit this November be another time for more baptisms to take place.  I also been encouraged in seeing a long standing member of the church return after a prolong absence due to the extended care of a love one who wanted to remain home in his final days on earth.

There is much more to report, but I am going to end here.  What is coming up?  On Tuesday I will be participating in two WebEx meetings – checking in with the Ministry Developers and supporting the “Attractive Church” that is being developed by Kathy Robinson.  Wednesday I will be found in Kraft Hall for office hours.  Thursday through Friday I will be involved in another on-site visit with a congregation.  Sunday I will be preaching and presiding at St. Paul's in Dixon and yes we are getting wet with the waters of baptism.  Be well.

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

Well I finally got near a computer.  For those who don't know, I had my house on the market for about a year.  Our realtor walked through our house today and gave me some pointers on how to stage the house.  We were the 2nd in a showing last week.  So, I have been painting while the weather permits.  It has been a good week two churches in Carbon County as they received news that their grant request have been approved.  I say something big is going on.  I hope this letter finds you well.

St. James (Encampment): I arrived at St. James in Encampment early enough to walk around the framed out parish hall.  I used the new door that will provide handicap access to the parish hall and church building.  I kept hearing comments like, “This is going to be nice when it is completed.” And, “This is so cool!”  Prior to starting the service Nancy and I took a few moments to select some music and we were off.  Now this is something to celebrate.  A couple of years ago St. James did not have regular music nor a parish hall and now it has both!  The roof is being replaced and so I saw sunlight pushing through the ceiling.  Later this week I talked to Vonnie about somethings that we saw on Sunday and she said that the contractor is aware of them and everything has been checked out.  It is really amazing what six people can do with some support from the Diocese.  It is a wonderful blessing.  Later that day I went and “harvested” chokecherries for Kellie.
St. Barnabas (Saratoga): Last Wednesday (9/7/11) I participated in session 5 which was scheduled for session 4 of LifeCycles.  It was well prepared and the leader worked hard to have everything ready to go.  The running understanding is if a person misses the session they will be selected to be a leader for the next session.  This was all done in good humor. The Rev. Susan Dyers wrote a brief service in honor of 9/11 tenth year anniversary.  Since St. Barnabas was going to have their Eucharistic Service on Sunday evening they invited first responders to be recognized that morning.  It was well attended and St. Barnabas will be praying for these people throughout the year by name during the Prayers of the People. I arrived that evening to find people smiling and ready to celebrate around the Lord's Table and to be fed by God's sacrament of bread and wine.  
St. Luke (Medicine Bow):  They are excited about the possibility that they may have a restroom after all.  I heard they discussed last Sunday about a possible location for the restroom.  Now this is an important lesson that I remind myself from time to time, listen to those who live in the community for they know what they are talking about.  What I am I referring to?  I thought I knew the best location for the restroom and they come up with a better plan!  They have even located a local contractor who is working on putting together a bid.  Nice work and I am looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
St. Paul (Dixon aka Little Snake River Valley): They are plugging along.  I didn't see them last week, but that does not seem to bother them.  Linda Fleming along with the Rev. Susan Dyer got together last Tuesday (9/6/11) for Title IV training.  During lunch Linda told us that she didn't get to see much of Battle Mountain because of the clouds, but she was interested in checking out the work that has been done at St. James in Encampment and their parish hall.  The entire LSRV (Little Snake River Valley) attending their annual BBQ which this year fell on September 11th.  What a way to honor 9/11 by having a fest and to celebrate what is right in the world.

This guy got this figured out!

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I met with the Ministry Support Team (aka MST) last Thursday (9/8/11) and we went around the “wheel” in which we shared what is taking place in pastor care, worship, transformation (aka outreach), formation, and administration.  It is nice to get back in the grove after taking most of the summer off to play.  The vestry meeting when well and they are happy to receive the news that the “lift” along with the new restrooms for handicap accessibility is paid in full.  One member of the vestry was a bit nervous throughout the building project because St. Thomas went of faith that it would happen.  He smiled and said, “Now I know what people mean by a faith budget!”  The worship breakfast last Saturday was a great time of fellowship and laughter.  All in all St. Thomas is in a good place now and they are looking forward to getting back into working on some ongoing formation.

What is coming up in this short week?  Well most of my week is behind me at the moment.  So, you will hear about that next week.  I will be at St. Paul's this Sunday to preach and preside.  Following the service we will all gather at the senior center for lunch.  Talk to you soon.   

Letter to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

Are you resting from your labors this Labor Day Weekend? I was doing a little bit of research and discovered that the original Labor Day was a march that was to celebrate the work and trade associations and it was twelve years later when it became an official holiday. I like the idea of celebration and to recognize the work and labor of others. This was a week of little and yet meaningful blessings. I hope this letter finds you well. 

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I have started having conversations with people about what the future holds for both myself and St. Thomas. It has been good and people are being honest about their feelings. This Sunday I preached and presided in Rawlins and I received good response from my sermon. During announcements a member of the congregation shared that her son has been only using about 2% of his brain to process sounds on his right ear. Most of us use about 80 to 90%. This young child is only eight years old. Now that the parents and other professionals now know what needs to be done to help this young boy understand his world and unspoken healing will take place. It was the church family who was there as the parents continued to struggle in finding the answer that they needed and it was a moment of great celebration for the people of St. Thomas. The power of perseverance at its best! 

St. Paul (Dixon and LSRV): I got to spend most of this week with this congregation. Last Monday I was at their bi-monthly Bible Cafe and I shared what happened with you last week. Wednesday I attended their Compline/Thanksgiving Campfire monthly event. This year the location had horses grazing through the area. At one point a colt came right up to us (the girls and I) and was checking us out. That was amazing given that colts are a bit shy and stay away from people. It was a touching moment to thing that we were so grounded in the moment that a horse was comfortable in coming and checking us out. On Sunday I preached and presided at St. Paul's and we had a deciation and blessing of Clavinova which is quite a flexible musical instrument by its ability to be a pinaio, an organ, a jazz organ, among many other things. I was impressed! It also has the ability to record music in a USB drive and played back. The home made ice cream was wonderful and it was a nice way to being Labor Day Weekend. 

St. James (Encampment): Not much to report this week. I will be preaching and presiding there this coming Sunday. We will also be finishing up out DiSC(r) training as well. I am also looking forward to seeing what kind of progress had been done on their new parish hall. 
 

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): We are working a little project. I have been asked to do a cost analysis on what it would take to build a bathroom for this church. If a bathroom is to be install it would mean that all the churches of this area now has running water. That would be an amazing accomplishment for this group of dedicated Episcopalians.



St. Barnabas (Saratoga): I received a nice e-mail from on of the members of the church letting me know that I am in their prayers and everything has a purpose. In God's hands we all shall be well. I am deeply touched by how quickly this community has welcomed me into their lives. I don't have much to report this week. 


What is coming up?  Tuesday I will be meeting with Susan Dyer and Linda Fleming for their Title IV training and so they have that complete for their formation toward the priesthood. Wednesday I will be in Kraft Hall from 10am to 12pm and that evening I will be participating in LifeCycles at St. Barnabas (Saratoga) starting at 6pm. Thursday St. Thomas (Rawlins) will have their Ministry Support Team (aka MST) meeting before the vestry meeting and I am planning on attending both events. Saturday St. Thomas (Rawlins) will have their monthly worship breakfast at Square Shooters at 8:30am. Sunday I will once again be preaching and presiding at two services. St. James at 9am with DiSC training following the service and St. Barnabas at 7pm. I have heard that St. Thomas is planning to recognize 9/11 during their worship with more information being published in the local newspaper. I ask that we all take a moment this week to give thanks for all the First Responders to crises. People like the Police, EMTs, Emergency Room Personal, Highway Patrol, Fish and Game, Search and Rescue, and Sheriff Deputies who are often those who give their today so that we may have a better tomorrow. On September 11th 2001 many of these people lost their lives in the service of others. May their effort will never be forgotten.