Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond - June 8, 2009

Hello folks I have been hearing reports of snow in the high country here in Wyoming. Yes, it is June and it is still snowing in parts of Wyoming. What a wonderful place that is full of diversity and we have the blessings to live here. I remained for the most part in Carbon County this past week (I went to Laramie this past Friday) and starting to notice a bit of a slow down on the activities as we all shift to a summer rhythm of being. I hope this letter finds you well.

This past Monday I drove to LSRV (Little Snake River Valley) for a bible refection. This faithful group of people has been working through the bible one book at a time. Slowly I have watched the people ask questions and do a bit of personal research into the bible as they read. Others from the community have dropped in for a session or two and listened to what has been discussed. At the conclusion of every session there are cake/cookies along with coffee or tea. I have to remind myself that the road construction season is now upon us here in Wyoming and to plan for about an extra 15 minutes when I travel.

Wednesday I was on the weekly web/phone meeting with the Ministry Developers. We are starting to work on a scenario planning process to assist us in planning for our future together. That evening I was on another web/phone meeting with EDS (Episcopal Divinity School) as I am a member of a group of other Ministry Developers from other parts of the country who are helping other come and coming ministry developers learn their trade.

Thursday I drove over to Green River for the first session of “Wade in the Water” which is a program that helps people learn more about the power of baptism. Our baptism is foundational in our understanding of Shared Ministry and the more people have a common and shared experience and knowledge about baptism the more likely it will be for us to work together in making the world a better place to live.

Friday I was in Kraft Hall working with Rachel on preparing baptisms for the month of July. St. Thomas has two families who are going to enter our family of God and we are working on putting together the service, planning the preparation of those who will be baptized along with the sponsors and the like. That afternoon after I worked on my personal project I caught up with Pat Walsh for a quick bit to eat. We talked about Wyoming Wilderness Camp (aka HR Wilderness Camp) and all that will be taking place there this summer. I am scheduled to be a Spiritual Director for the Middler I and II Camp that will be in session from July 5-10^th. If anybody is interested in attending please submit your application which can be found at this web-site http://www.hrcampfoundation.org/ and http://www.hrcampfoundation.org/images/forms-media/RegistrationForm08.pdf

Saturday in the morning I attended a worship breakfast for St. Thomas. We lined up the July services and talked briefly about the upcoming baptisms. After the breakfast the MST (Ministry Support Team) met and discussed topics like the Bishop’s Search, Mustard Seed Projects, and scheduling a Ministry Review this fall. Among other items discussed was my vacation that I will be taking in July starting on 20^th and conclude on the 26^th.

The reminder of the week looks like this – Monday I will be on a web/phone meeting with the Regional Reps starting on 5pm. Tuesday, it looks like it is becoming a regular day off and I am happy about that. Wednesday there will be a web/phone meeting with the ministry developers. Thursday I will be at Kraft Hall for office hours between 10 am to 12pm. Saturday I will be in Medicine Bow for their first session of “Wade in the Water”. Sunday I will be at St. Thomas (Rawlins) for a service that starts at 9:30 am.

Opps I forgot about Sunday (June 7, 2009) and it was a full day at St. Paul’s in Dixon. It started on Sunday morning at 9:30am in which I led a class on Pastoral Care in which we learned the difference between Servanthood vs. Servitude. Servanthood is more “have to” where servitude is a choice. After that class I presided at HE II. From there the group regrouped in the parish hall to have a brief MST (Ministry Support Team) meeting in which reports was made about activities and education opportunities that are taking place at St. Paul’s. Not missing an opportunity with a gathered group of people, St. Paul had their listening day and will be sending their report into the bishop search this week. To conclude the day we all had lunch at the Senior Center.

Be well my friends.

Doug

PS The bishop search group has now posted a web-site to keep people informed about the process, check it out at http://www.wyomingbishopsearch.org/