Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

Hello family and friends the Diocese of Wyoming awoke on Sunday morning with a bishop-elect John Smylie from St. Mark’s in Casper Wyoming. In the days to come there will be changes, some small, some large, and some that will take time for it be revealed. I pray that we continue to be gracious with one another and seek God’s guidance in the days to come. For the election results you can find them at this link: Search for 9th Bishop of Wyoming.I hope this letter finds you well.

St Paul’s (Dixon): Yesterday (Sunday) I presided at St. Paul’s in Dixon. I was able to visit briefly with Linda and Agnes (delegates) at the Election Convention in Laramie the day before. They were smart in their selection and they were seated toward the front of the church. It was a fun time worshiping. As we were exchanging the Peace a parishioner got my named confused with Jeff. So, with a twinkle in her eye she turned to Jeff and, “God’s Peace be with you Doug!” I laughed. As we were working through the announcements it was discovered that we didn’t have any soup prepared, but not to worry the “emergency soup” was brought out and all were fed. I heard conversation about how the church will “restock” the soup. Yup, a person would never go hungry at St. Paul’s. At the conclusion of the fellowship, Linda, Carolyn and I were talking how ways the church can connect with the 20-40 year olds of the Valley. We are bubbling around some ideas. This will be exciting to see how our work unfolds.

St. Luke’s (Medicine Bow): yesterday I read that Facebook is becoming so large it may be seen as a parallel to the internet in how it connects people. Some people only use Facebook to e-mail and communicate with their family and friends. Why do I mention this? Well I got an up-date on Facebook about St. Luke’s. Ida and Arlen informed me that two weeks ago St. Luke had a short worship event and then last week they went up to the church to give it a spring cleaning. Everything is getting prepared for Easter starting with Palm Sunday (coming up). Arlen and I spoke briefly at the election convention about who will be preaching and the like. I am enjoying the “hybrid” social networking between face to face and the internet.

St. James (Encampment): I was able to visit with Jim at the election convention and he informed me that when he left on Saturday morning it was 13 below zero in Riverside (a small town next to Encampment). He is in the middle of calving and told me that there is about six inches of snow on the ground that covers about six inches of mud. The arrival of mud tells me that Easter is right around the corner. I also had a chance to talk to Fred (his is gifted in keeping order) and we decided that he could have been called upon to straighten out the missing ballot during the 3^rd round of the election. (There was a missing ballot on the clergy side of the counting). It was good to see St. James represented at the election.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): Wednesday was my St. Thomas day. It started at 10am in which I hung out at Kraft Hall for a couple of hours. That evening they had their 4^th Session of Wade in the Water which includes a wrap up of what has been learned. Statements like, “Nothing was really discovered, but what we have been doing is reinforced.” And “The ownership of the ministries of St. Thomas has been increased for the past 5 or so years.” I like the idea that we all shared “works of comfort” in knowing what has been accomplished to date is significant and important work. Another important development is that St. Thomas is putting together a confirmation class of four people this year and they begin on March 24, 2010. Good work St. Thomas. When you get a chance check out this link: St. Thomas (Rawlins) it is up-dated all the time.

Up-Coming Events: This is a quick overview of my week. On Monday I will be heading to Linda’s house to participate in the bi-monthly bible reading. We will be picking up at Psalm 81 and continue to read and share our thoughts and impressions. That evening I will be on a WebEx meeting with the Regional Reps and Ministry Developers. Tuesday it will be more like an administrative day in that I will be making phone calls and writing a news letter article for St. Thomas. Wednesday is an all day WebEx meeting with the Ministry Developers. Thursday I will be sitting down with Karen (St. Thomas) as we continue to share what has been learned from her Family Systems Theory work. Friday is one of those days that I will tie up any lose ends that become apparent throughout the week. Sunday I will be presiding at St. Luke’s in Medicine Bow and then the church launches itself into Holy Week!