Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

March 29, 2010

Picture you will in your mind a conversation between Batman and Robin – Robin, “Holy Cow Batman, It is Holy Week for the Episcopal Church.” “Yes, Robin it is” replies Batman, “it is the week that the Episcopal Church enters a great drama through the liturgy which invites all who participates into the events that lead up to Easter. It will be a time of deep emotional feelings and excitement.” I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Luke’s (Medicine Bow): On Tuesday (March 23rd) Arlen and I had a phone conversation. It seems that spring time is a time that activities that have remained quiet and dormant come alive. Palm Sunday is a different kind of service and so we discussed the changes that will be needed and I was going to preach. On Sunday (March 28th) I arrived at St. Luke’s with my second child to encounter three more girls (one promptly asked if I was the new priest and where was Jess) and the Hanna folks. We marched inside the church (the wind was blowing a bit too hard for outside) and the three lovely girls sang a song. During the offertory a one year old brought up an empty wash tub as her offering plate. Oh, I wished I had a camera for that! Upon the conclusion of the service we read the Passion and stripped the altar. This was done because the next time St. Luke will host a service it will be the Easter Vigil.

St. James (Encampment): As I looked over my weekly plans and reviewed what I have done for the past week I realized that I have not checked in with St. James. Not all is lost (like the drama!) but I have this idea that perhaps St. James and St. Luke can share their experiences about building a parish hall. I understand that St. James is working hard on putting together plans and a grant request to begin building. Nevertheless, I am planning on contacting St. James to make sure that they have Easter covered (I am sure it is).

St. Paul’s (Dixon): Last Monday (March 22nd) I attended the Spring Bible Café bible reflection meeting as they continue to read the Psalms. As we were reading Linda located an advertisement that says that the Little Snake River Valley is one of the best kept secrets of Wyoming. I have to laugh when the thought was shared that people can come and visit, but to stay longer would not be openly encouraged. Mainly because this group of people like the life of the valley and would like to hang on to the spirit of family a bit longer! So, come visit and experience for a day or two the warmth and fellowship of the Little Snake River Valley.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): On Thursday (March 25th) I gathered with the reflection group with Karen to review what she has learned with Family System Theory. Karen shared what it means to be a part of a family unit in which looks at how groups react during times of stress. It is important for each member to find that balance between being a member of the group yet retain an individual identity (which is very hard to do). We also talked about how to plan weddings and use of the building for such events. On Sunday (March 28) evening Karen led a reconciliation service in which had about 10 people in attendance. It was a nice way to start the Holy Week.

Ministry Developers: Wednesday the Ministry Developers had their all day WebEx meeting. These meetings are broken into three sessions that last about hour and half. During these gatherings on-line we have sharing (professional and personal). This month we reviewed our ideas about the Apostolic Teams (there is an interest in continuing to develop them) and starting to work on transition for the arrival of John as the bishop. This meeting we also talked about the Wyoming Weekend which will be held from April 23rd through 25th in Riverton. We finish our meetings with a look at the calendar as we plan for the future.

What is coming up? Monday I am heading to Baggs for Baptismal preparation for this Easter. Yes, St. Paul’s in Dixon will be having a baptism on Easter this year. What a reason to be excited. Tuesday Andrew Kerr will be arriving in Rawlins to install the compress video equipment. Wednesday I will be on the weekly WebEx meeting with the Ministry Developers, hosting office hours at Kraft Hall (10am to 12pm). Thursday is the beginning of the series of liturgical events of Holy Week. I will be at St. Thomas for the Maundy Thursday Services that include a hand washing and stripping of the altar starting at 7pm. Friday I will be at St. Paul’s for Stations of the Cross and Good Friday Services and we will start at 5pm. Saturday I will start my day with a worship breakfast at St. Thomas (Rawlins) at 8:30 am. That afternoon I will head to St. Luke’s (Medicine Bow) for the Easter Vigil Services that start at 4pm. Sunday I will preside the Easter Day Services that will include a baptism at St. Paul’s (Dixon) starting at 10:30am.

Batman and Robin are right. It is going to be a full week of excitement for the Episcopal Church!