Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond - June 1, 2009

Lordy, Lordy where did the month of May go? It is now June 1^st and that means summer is either here or will be very soon. With the arrival of summer most people take off and go play for the three months of ideal weather. I will be one of those crazy people who attempt to cram in 4 to 5 months of play into 3. Don’t think it is possible? Well … who would have thought that one person could have such an impact on human history. On to what is taking place in Carbon County and Beyond … Pentecost was celebrated yesterday and at St. Paul’s in Dixon they celebrate this event by giving away geraniums and St. Thomas had (Rev.) Kay Rhode come to preside and preach. I am not sure what happened at the other churches I work with because I was in Region V to preside at St. David’s at Fort Bridger and St. John’s in Green River. One funny thing that happened at those churches was the absence of music. The more incredible thing was, although music contributes to the worship experience, the worship experience went without a hitch. I hope this letter finds you well.

Last Monday was Memorial Day and I took the opportunity to play with the family and we went to Encampment and Saratoga for a day trip. Tuesday Linda Wilson and I met with the leadership of St. John’s in Green Rive to discuss what is taking place with the Mustard Seed Money and their Thrift Shop. As it turns out they have discovered a growth area in their relationships and are open to learning new things. I believe the Mustard Seed Money has planted some fruitful seeds.

Wednesday was an all day web/phone meeting with the Ministry Developers. Technology is providing some useful ways to gather from around the state. These meetings have a check in period built in along with working on projects. The Ministry Developers are working on discerning our work and seeing what our future holds. After the meeting I was bit bleary from staring at a computer screen and I was ready to move about the great outdoors.

Thursday I traveled to Lander for a focus listening session with clergy from around the Diocese as we move forward to calling the next bishop of Wyoming. It was a productive two hour meeting with Linda Anderson from Worland leading the conversation. As in every search we ask of the “ideal” bishop that can do everything. (With honest humor) I noted that we need somebody who can walk on water and be resurrected from time to time when the work gets overwhelming. With all kidding aside there was honest conversation and areas that have been identified that we see as strengths and areas that need some work. It was a good time to connect with good friends and to talk.

On Thursday afternoon I drove from Lander to Casper to participate in an Evangelism project that Kathy Robinson along with Roy Walworth is working on. The idea was to model a theological reflection where we first identify God working in the world and who is God’s family in the story. It was a blessing to work with such a diverse group of people from Marilyn from Laramie, John from Cheyenne, Joe from (Region 1) Thermopolis, and Kay from Casper. The “debrief” session was also informative as well. I want to also send congratulations to John Peacock who is now working for the Wyoming Association of Churches (I hope I got that right) as their director.

Friday I was assisting the fine folks of St. Thomas as they prepared their Pentecost Service on Sunday. Kay Rhode had sent a liturgy that is specially designed for Pentecost and it was decided that printing out the entire service would be the best approach. As I was running about assisting on that project that rest of the staff was working hard in getting their newsletter out the door. It was buzzing in Kraft Hall.

Sunday I was in Region V. Like I said earlier all the singing was unassisted by music. St. David’s had people arrive dressed in red for the occasion and we were blessed by having a cute child looking about and giving me puzzled looks like who are you? St. John’s was a fun service as the humor and good cheer was present. During coffee hour I learned about Mark Twain and his ability to shake up the church with friendly challenges. Statements like “In the New Testament God found away to pursue people beyond the grave.”

The rest of the week looks like this. Monday I will be driving to LSRV for their Summer Café bible reflection @ 2pm. Tuesday (I hope not everybody faints away) I will be taking a day off to work on some projects around the house. Wednesday I will be on the weekly check in web/phone meeting with Ministry Developers. Thursday first I will be having office hours at Kraft Hall in Rawlins from 10-12pm and then I will be heading to Green River for the first session of “Wade In The Water” program @ 6:30 pm. Friday I will be in Laramie to work on a personal project. Saturday there is a worship breakfast for St. Thomas at Kristi Bakery @ 8am and the Ministry Support Team of St. Thomas will be meeting following the breakfast at the same location. Sunday I will be heading to St. Paul’s and this is how the day will play out, first I will be hosting a Pastoral Care training before the service. At 10:30 am the service will start. Following the service there will be a Ministry Support Team meeting and then we will head over to the Senior Center for lunch.

Be well,

Doug