Ha,ha,ha. My stint as the interim communications director of the Diocese of Wyoming was a short one. No problem. Bishop Elect John Smylie talked to me on Saturday after the Regional Confirmation Service and thanked me for stepping in and being a team player; however he had somebody in mind for the position. The eSpirit announcement has gone out, the web-site is up-dated with the news and I will return with my full efforts to being the Ministry Developer in Region 4. With that in mind let’s now turn to the events of Carbon County. I hope this letter finds you well.
St. Paul (Dixon): Yesterday was a special day for a particular reason, a couple who gotten married fifty years ago wanted their wedding vows renewed at St. Paul’s. Linda received the request on Friday and went to the church early on Sunday to look up their information in the church register. As it turned out they needed to sign it and it was not witnessed. So, we renewed their vows and signed the register stating that yes they have been married for 50 years. As we shared the Peace the organist realized it was her mother who played at their wedding and yes there was even an active member of the church present for both events. It was truly a touching moment for all. In real way I witnessed a weaving of the past with the present.
St. Thomas (Rawlins): Karen and I have begun working on Prepare/Enrich pre-marriage counseling training for that day when Karen gets the request to marry a couple. Prepare/Enrich is a well put together program with about 30 years of research and development. It also works nicely with Karen’s family systems work. On Thursday I met with the Ministry Support Team of St. Thomas and we discussed various items. We have a date for another calling for the priesthood and deaconate and we agreed to use Born of Water, Born of Spirit: Supporting the Ministry of the Baptized in Small Congregations for formation this fall. The reminder of our time together we talked about a growing edge in Shared Ministry. Overall the conversation was productive.
St. James (Encampment): Last week I caught up with the leadership of St. James who live in Rawlins for lunch. During our time together we discussed using Born of Water, Born of Spirit: Supporting the Ministry of the Baptized in Small Congregations for formation this fall (catching the theme here – wink, wink) and got up-dated on the county wide BBQ information. Vonnie has sent out a flyer in an e-mail and so I hope people can save the date and attend in August.
St. Luke (Medicine Bow): I called and spoke to Arlen this morning as I was heading to Baggs for the Summer Bible Café and we discussed what he learned during the preaching workshop that he attended at the beginning of this month. We also agreed that he will preach and I will get to listen to what he has learned. Arlen sounded really excited. I also am looking forward to hearing how the baptism of his grand-child (I think I got that right) went in Lander. One thing we will be discussing this Sunday is planning a service at Lillian’s ranch sometime in August.
Ministry Developer: Like I referenced at the beginning of this posting the communications work for the Diocese has been handed over to Tristan English who will officially start on July 15, 2010. I will be around to help where needed. I also attended the regional confirmation service that was held at St. Christopher’s in Cheyenne last Saturday. Bishop Elect Smylie preaching and presided and (Ret.) Rt. Rev. Vern Strickland did the laying on hands. During the reception following the service Smylie asked the confirmands if they had anything to share and one put it simply and honestly … “Thank you for coming.” It was an important moment in her life and it was good to share it with her.
What is coming up? Monday is now in the books. This morning the Ministry Developers had their weekly WebEx meeting this morning. This afternoon I headed to Baggs for the Summer Bible Café with ten people in attendance. This evening I up-dated the Diocesan web-site, and sent out an eSpirit. Tuesday I will be working with Karen on continuing the Prepare/Enrich training starting at 9:30am at St. Thomas and then that afternoon get caught up on sending out the notes from the Regional Rep Meeting and the notes from the Ministry Support Team meeting at St. Thomas (last week). Wednesday I will have office hours at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) from 10:30am to 12pm. I will be working on putting together a timeline for Born of Water, Born of Spirit study, preaching workshop write-up and a “honking report” for the Livingstones in Rawlins. Thursday I will attempt to secure some dates for Safeguarding God’s People and Children (prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation in children and adults) to be broadcasted on the VTC aka video teleconferencing network in September of 2010. Friday is one of those catch up days. Sunday I will be presiding at St. Luke’s in Medicine Bow and then that evening I will be in Douglas for a Law Enforcement Chaplain workshop till Wednesday (June 30th). That afternoon the Ministry Developers are meeting with Bishop Elect John Smylie.
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