Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

It has been one of those kinds of weeks that I was afraid that my “weekly” posting would not make it; nevertheless I have managed to sneak away from the household project of putting down a new floor in our bathroom which included up-dating on some of the plumbing (the house we live in was built in 1923 so this kind of work is expected) to drop everybody a quick line before our annual gathering at the Diocesan Convention which this year will be held in Laramie.

As I drive about and review conversations that I have had, listen to the radio, and periodically enjoy the quiet my mind wonders and ponders. One theme that keeps coming up in my thoughts is the word “but”. How it works is when “but” comes up in a sentence or in conversation everything prior to it gets discarded or dismissed. That is a great idea BUT and a list of reason why it would not work. I think we get the idea. With that in mind I am working substituting the word “but” with the word “how” in my conversations to embrace a more invitational attitude toward life. That is a great idea HOW will that work in our current setting? How will, we as a church and as individuals, tackle our challenges that we face with grace and integrity? Shall I give this a try as I share what I have been seeing and experiencing the life of Carbon County and the Episcopal Church? I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I presided at St. Thomas last Sunday. Before the service started the worship leaders where commenting that we may have a low attendance on this Sunday. I remained calm about the news and noted that often in my experience with the church is that where is may appear that few people will arrive right before the service begins the pews themselves begin to fill up. Sure enough that is what happened. Also, a new couple was worshiping with St. Thomas that Sunday. They come from New York and they work for the local newspaper. How will Shared Ministry work at St. Thomas? I believe it is speaking the truth and sharing personal concerns with one another with grace and compassion will lead this group forward. They have all the tools to be a vital church and they have worked really hard to arrive where they are now. If they feel a bit taxed will it is because of the amount of emotional energy that was spent to get to where they are has been great. What they have accomplished in the amount of time they accomplished it is nothing short of a miracle. Small steps add up to large gains.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): I don't have much to report this week other than since they “partnered” with the Bishop's Office through the Shared Ministry concept the leadership of the church has been more involved with the Dioceses by attending the Convention. They are now on their second Convention this year. How will they continue to be an Episcopal presence in Medicine Bow and the surrounding area? I don't know, but I have the confidence that God has some ideas and through discernment the vision will emerge. Time is our friend.

St. James (Encampment): I heard a funny story about St. James last week. They gathered for their weekly service and waited for Rev. Jess Smith to arrive. About thirty minutes later they decided to begin. As the service unfolded, Jess arrived and poked his head in the door with a smile on his face. As it turns out cows were being moved and the highway provided a nice pathway. Not so friendly for cars and trucks, but that is a part of the life of Carbon County. The people of St. James laughed and got on with the service. How will St. James continue with the life of the church (this is my question and it is not addressed to anybody in particular)? It looks like they will continue to be who they are and that is resourceful and gracious.

St. Paul's (Little Snake River Valley): Two weeks ago I overloaded my schedule and attempted to do too much in a short period of time. I miscalculated how much travel time I needed to get everything thing done in the “valley”. I attempted to attend the Fall Bible Cafe but I ran out of time because I wanted to visit with George Salisbury and provide him with Holy Communion. What I didn't realize is that there is some road construction in the area (the first time I have encountered it since my arrival in 2003). George is hanging in there. Time has a way of catching up to us all. George has lived a full and fruitful life and he continues to think of others. Our prayers and support goes out to him and his family has he faces that birth into another reality in the presence of our God. How will St. Paul embrace the change of leadership (George has been the senior warden for as long as people can remember)? Like they always do, the next generation steps in and begins to lead the church and community forward into their future.

What is coming up? It is a short week were I will be spending the remainder of the week in Laramie. I will attempt to drop everybody a line next Monday or Tuesday. Take care.