May 4, 2010
Good morning! It has been almost two weeks since I last wrote. As it turns out I was in Riverton two Sunday’s ago for two nights and three days. Because of the timing of the Wyoming Weekend along with the Ministry Developer’s face to face meeting I was unable to post last week. Now I am back in the saddle and ready to go. The month of May brings about an ending and beginning. As of May 1, 2010 Bruce Caldwell has begun his retirement. May God continue to bless him on this new chapter of his life. Margaret Babcock is now on vacation/sabbatical for the next couple of months before she enters an active retirement from the church to write a book, do some teaching, and embracing what God has called her as she continues to be an active member of ministering beyond the church. May God bless her in all her efforts in the future. May is also a time of awaking. Activities around other social institutions like school, recreation events, and increased daylight brings forth a new set of expectations and hopes. Schools will be wrapping up which means for some and for others is means moving up a grade; recreation activities move from indoors to outdoors, and for the church we move out of Easter onto Pentecost and then into ordinary season. I hope this letter finds you well.
St. Thomas (Rawlins): On Saturday (May 1st) I attended the worship breakfast. When we concluded our business a member of the church how had taught public speaking in high school was invited to teach us about public speaking. I was expecting a review on technical items like where to place the microphone and speaking clearly. What we were given was a workshop on fundamental communication between persons. What Don shared with us has application in everything we do in relationships. I do believe that I have discovered a wonderful gift that is simply to rich to keep to myself. In the days to come I hope that Don’s gift of communication can be shared with others.
St. Luke (Medicine Bow): On April 25th I presided at St. Luke’s in Medicine Bow. As we gathered and got prepared to start the service a young man popped into the door and asked when does church begin? I mentioned that it starts in about 5 minutes. He said, ok I will go get my friends. He disappeared and we didn’t see him again until coffee hour. The young man came back with his friend and they quickly devoured the cookies and coffee. As we were sitting and talking the young visitor asked if we had sent around the “bucket to collect the money”? I said yes and he responded by reaching into his pocket and pulling out $2.05 worth of change and wanted to put it into the collection. I do believe the church is in good hands.
Ministry Developers: We had our 2nd annual Wyoming Weekend in which people from throughout the United States comes and visits with us to learn more about Shared Ministry in Wyoming. This year we had guests from Northern Michigan who have been engaged in this ministry longer than Wyoming. It was nice to receive feedback from them as we learn from each other. The Ministry Developers also talked about stewardship, marriage preparation for local congregations and it was time of personal sharing. During our time together we said our “until next time” with Margaret. She has left her mark on the work that has been done in Wyoming. I too have been changed and formed under Margaret’s leadership. I wish her the best and until next time, God’s speed.
St. James (Encampment): Last week I called and talked to Vonnie for a bit. She got me caught up on what has been taking place at St. James. They were working on wrapping up Wade in the Water. There was some brainstorming about having a regional wide worship gathering sometime this summer and we will see how these plans unfold. I am looking forward such an event.
St. Paul (Dixon): I also called and talked to Linda last Wednesday (April 28th) to see how things were going. Everybody was aware of the changes on the services times as it seems that this group is quite adaptable to the changes as they come up. Last Sunday (May 2nd) I arrived in the evening accompanied by my two older girls to discover there were three other children their age in attendance. They played and had a good time in the parish hall during the service. Monday (May 3rd) I arrived for the Spring Bible Café which a regular meeting to read the bible one book and chapter by chapter from cover to cover. We are currently in Psalms which it turns out the readings are mostly about praising God. We are starting Psalm 119 which has 176 verses. We will be on that one for a while. There was a friendly request to hear a sermon on the Psalms. I am up for the challenge.
What is coming up? Today I will work on writing a sermon for Mothers Day. Now that is a challenge! This evening I will sit down with Shane from St. Thomas as we learn more about how to use the compress video equipment here in Rawlins. Wednesday I will be found at Kraft Hall from 10 am to 12pm. During that time there will be a WebEx meeting with the leadership of Carbon County as we schedule the church services for the summer months. Following the WebEx meeting I will be meeting with the leadership of St. James (Encampment) for our monthly get together. Thursday will be one of those days I will tie up loose ends, and work on finishing my sermon. Friday I will attempting to connect with a couple who are planning on getting married this summer here in Rawlins. Sunday I will be traveling to St. James (Encampment) for a Sunday service and I am looking forward to catching up with everybody then. Have a great week.
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