Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond - July 25 2010

The sermons for the past three weeks have really hit home for me. The first of the three talked about doing God’s work of mercy and justice (Good Samaritan), the second week was about being in the presence of God (Mary choose the better half) and this week I picked up on the need to pray and combine the two concepts of being and doing together. With that in mind I have also realized that I am as busy as I want to be and perhaps I can slow down to enjoy my “daily bread” and see the gifts of God’s love and presence in the immediate. I have put together my weekly schedule and I was more intentional about putting in only the important “big rocks” in my calendar and let life take care of the rest. I hope this letter finds you well.

On major “rock” in my life was a decision that Kellie and I have been talking about for about six months. Last Tuesday we put our house on the market. It is a good time because there is a good balance between the buyer and seller in the housing market right now and that window will be closing soon. This is a part of a debt reduction plan and we are planning on renting for the time being. This also means that we are NOT leaving the area anytime soon. Now, for those who like to read between the lines, you will discover there is nothing between the lines (smile!). We are happy to be in Carbon County. Ok now on to the news of the week.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): I arrived with the two younger girls this morning in Medicine Bow. It was one of those perfect mornings in which the weather was near perfect. The large wind-mills were perfectly still, the antelope were playing on the side of the road and they remained there, and it was not too hot. Lillian was waiting because she forgot her keys and Alberta was not too far behind. Arlen had dropped off a box of priestly hosts (which St. Luke needed for quite some time) and candles. The music was provided for by Janet and we had a great time worshiping and enjoying one’s company. We also decided that going to Lillian’s ranch this summer may be a bit risky because of the large trucks hauling gravel up and down the narrow road. We will be revising that plan in September when things quite down a bit.

St. James (Encampment): Not much to report this week. I have been in conversation with Fred and Vonnie and discovered that Fred has some of his children coming to visit next week. This reunion was long time coming and I sure hope their time together is memorable and rewarding. I did receive news that the camper who attended the Jr. High Adventure Camp had left behind some items, but not to worry in the coming weeks and month everything will be returned to Encampment. I heard that it was a good time by all who attended the session this year. If you like to learn more you can go to the blog site at this address.

St. Paul’s (Dixon): I arrived to attend another exciting session of Summer Bible Café. We are working through the book of Proverbs and it was noted that our culture is letting down a bit on expectations and standards of conduct. Not to worry, St. Paul is a gracious bunch and it was believed that through failure growth takes place and it is ok to struggle when learning. They will be putting together a group of people as they travel to Casper this up-coming Saturday for the grand event.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): As it turned out I spend a more time in Rawlins this week in a pastoral capacity. There was an untimely death in the community and this brought sadness to St. Thomas. I visited with the family for a couple of hours and that brought healing and closure to this unfortunate turn of events. Stephanie was most gracious with me and allowed me a bit of wiggle room to get my article written for the monthly news letter along with submitting my dates for August. Thanks!

Ministry Developer: We had our monthly WebEx meeting with the Regional Reps. It is clear that we are in the midst of summer activities as we had a small group gather on line. The conversation was fruit full as we learned there will be a bus going from Jackson Hole to Casper for the Installment and Consecration of the Bishop Elect Rev. John Smylie. The sacramental coverage is being addressed for the time being and overall people are enjoying the busy, yet rewarding summer months of Wyoming.

What is coming up? On Monday the Ministry Developers will get together for their weekly WebEx meeting that starts at 8:30am. That afternoon I will be attending a graveside service in Rawlins. Tuesday I will be heading to Cheyenne for the middle child’s dentist appointment. Wednesday I will be meeting with Karen and her family system’s debriefing group at 9am and then heading over to Kraft Hall at 10:30am to 12pm for office hours. Thursday I will be co-presiding with Karen at another graveside service in Rawlins. Saturday is the big event for the Diocese of Wyoming when the Rev. John Smylie will become the next Bishop of Wyoming. May his Episcopate be a successful one!