Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

Hello fine folks of those who receive this letter which spans from Wyoming across the United States. For those who where looking for this letter last week I was coming off double service day right into Labor Day which I decided to take a break from my labors. And now I am back into the grove. Labor Day Weekend is the unofficial mark the end of the summer or another way to look at it the beginning of Fall. As I looked around for the past two weeks I noticed a theme, What has changed? Well that is what this letter is all about. I hope it finds you well.

St. James (Encampment): I was there this Sunday. There has been a couple who retired from Nebraska who has been attending lately, but somehow I only met today. As it turns out they have experienced a form of Shared Ministry and are familiar with the concept. It is good to compare notes and see how others are living into this kind of Ministry. My middle child traveled with me this day. It was good to have the extra company. As I looked around St. James in Encampment what has really changed? They are singing now. Yes, an opening and closing hymn is now being sung. That is noticeable change since I starting working with them in 2003.

St. Paul (Little Snake River Valley): I spend two full days with them this week. Bishop Smylie had his annual visit and getting to know people and the churches which started Tuesday. St. Paul has this tradition where they meet during the warmer months for Compline and Thanksgiving service that is conducted outside around a fire. Bishop Smylie was in attendance to experience on aspect of the spiritual life of the church and really enjoyed himself. The next day (Wednesday) I spent the afternoon visiting with Bishop Smylie and assisted in celebrating the Holy Eucharist that night. After the service he shared what he has been doing and what is coming up. What changed at St. Paul's? Something that may not seems to be a big deal, but it really helped St. Paul when they set up for the dinner. It was their new tables. One person was laughing and said that they no longer need to cover up the old ones!

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I attended two different but related meetings with them on Thursday. The first meeting was the Ministry Support Team in which we are building the Ministry Role Description of the MST. They are preparing to enter a discernment period in which new leadership is being called into that role. Then I attended a vestry meeting in which they had a honest conversation about what it means to have a resident priest in their midst. What has changed? The arrival of a locally formed priest who is becoming more comfortable in her role and the opening for discernment for the next year's leadership who will be supporting the ministries of the church and partnering with the vestry in this work.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): There is not much to report on this end for the week. I know that they are working hard to prepare for their annual rummage sale which will take place in about two weeks time. After the rummage sale (which will take place on Saturday) I will be celebrating the Holy Eucharist outside to prepare the church for the winter. What has changed? The leadership of the church is looking at different ways to be the church with the knowledge that one their faithful and reliable leaders will not longer be able to attend. She has moved to be with her family. I am hopeful that God will provide the answers for the future.

What is coming up? Monday I am having a meeting with the Rawlins Police Chaplains and then I head to LSRV for their first Fall Bible Cafe for the season which starts at 2pm. Wednesday I will be hosting office hours at Kraft Hall starting at 10:30 am to 12pm. Thursday through next Wednesday I will be in California to preside at my cousin's wedding have spending some quality time with my middle child. Have a great week!