Letters to the Churches of Carbon County - Sep 7 2009

September 7, 2009

I hope everybody is resting from their labors. For some resting means catching up on other miscellaneous projects that need to be completed before the fall activities begin and still others is a chance to head out to capture some more time in the great outdoors. For me I am waiting for Kellie and the girls to return from Wheatland and this gives me a chance to inform others the past week events. I hope this letter finds you well.

Last Monday I was a part of joint web/phone meeting between Region’s 4 and 5. The meeting was productive in that the gathered group learned more about how to use the technology and we were able to communicate information about Mustard Seed Projects, the bishop’s search, and other various items around communication terms. We will continue to work on how this can develop in our future.

Tuesday I plowed through administrative tasks. I wrote a letter to the COM about Ralph Hick’s preaching discernment (Ralph is from Saratoga), made phone calls and talked to different people throughout the State. Wednesday I was on the weekly web/phone meeting with the Ministry Developers and we talked about preparation for the up-coming Ethics Course, Diocesan Convention, Family Systems retreat, and Evangelism. Kay Rhode would like to pass on the word that if any kids who are interested in attending this year’s Convention first find a chaperone and then contact Kay at the office. There are funds available to pay for rooms for that weekend. Thursday I met with Gerry and Shirley from St. Thomas to plan a couple of funerals that are coming up this week. Friday I spend most of the day hanging out with Pat Walsh in Laramie as I waited for Kellie to arrive to test drive a possible replacement vehicle for work.

All in all it was a quite week. As for Sunday I met with Warren and Sue as we traveled together to St. Paul’s in Dixon. Warren is getting out throughout the Diocese to teach others the Diaconate Ministries and we were able to schedule a Sunday in which we can serve together. I really like working with Deacons both on Sunday’s and throughout the week. There is something important that takes place when different offices work together to transform the world. After we finished up at St. Paul’s Warren, Sue and I drove over Battle Mountain Pass into Encampment and then back to Rawlins to drop me off. Warren now has seen most of Carbon County which is different from what he has seen in different parts of the state.

This is what the remainder of the week looks like – Tuesday I will meet with Randy Goldman at Kraft Hall to plan a funeral service this upcoming Sunday. Then I will head to LSRV for the Fall Bible Café, drive over Battle Mountain to meet with Ralph Hick’s preaching discernment group in Saratoga. Wednesday is the weekly web/phone check in with the Ministry Developers and Thursday I am planning on being at Kraft Hall for office hours. Friday will be the begging of a couple of churches services starting with a funeral at St. Thomas @ 1pm. Then on Saturday I will be assisting with another funeral at St. Thomas @ 11am. Sunday I will be presiding at St. Thomas and that service starts @ 9:30am.

Be well my friends.

Doug