Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

Today is All Saints Day! I heard a quote - “They are Saints and they are saint makers!” I would count myself as a maker rather than the real thing. I do believe it takes all kinds. For me a saint is the quiet ones who work behind the scenes making sure that others are successful in what they do. As a Ministry Developer I measure success by the confidence that members of the church have in their own ministries. I attempt (with various levels of success) to be an energizer of ministry and to help others get excited or connected to their passions to service Christ. To all the Saints of the Church known and unknown, have come and yet to arrive, thank you for all that you have done and I look forward to another chapter in our journey together. I hope this letter finds you well.
St. Thomas (Rawlins): It was a typical week for me when it comes to my relationship with St. Thomas. On Tuesday I was in attendance to the Gospel Study group. I have taken the summer off and now I have re-engaged with this group. They were kind in changing the date from Monday to Tuesday so that I could participate. Wednesday I had office hours in which I shared my up-coming weekly calendar and worked on planning the All Saints Church Service (today at 6pm – St. Thomas) which provides some ground work for the All Saints Sunday Service that is coming up this Sunday (November 7^th). Thursday I manged to catch up with a member of St. Thomas who is in the process of re-licensing for preaching.
St. Luke (Medicine Bow): Not much to report on this end. In the past I would preside at St. Luke's on the 5^th Sunday of the month; however since they have partnered with the Bishop's Office that has changed. At the same time I was traveling to Region 5 to provide sacramental support. Now my time in Region 5 have wrapped up as Roy Walworth and Walt Seely will be picking up those responsibilities at the end of November. I am sure more will come up as we travel with God on this journey of serving Christ.
St. Paul (Dixon): They are plugging along in the Little Snake River Valley. Last week I spent the afternoon at the bi-monthly Bible Cafe in a new home. A young couple has moved to the area and they are quickly getting involved in the life of the church. It will not be long before they will be asked to serve in an expanded leadership role. This group does not sit around waiting for people to get involved. I also received news that a birth has taken place in the Salisbury's family household – welcome to a new baby boy! I am sure George Salisbury will be pleased as he learns about his 4^th generation great-grand child.
St. James (Encampment): Like reported last week there is a great effort being put on by the kids of the church to raise funds to return to Wyoming Wilderness Camp next year. They also have been busy with various and sundering activities throughout the week. It is not a group that sits still for very long. I am looking forward to connecting with them in the coming two weeks.
Ministry Developer: The other activities of the week were attending WebEx meetings. The first one was the weekly meeting with the Ministry Developers as we check in and learn about what is taking place throughout the Diocese from a Ministry Developers perspective. The second WebEx meeting was about Evangelism in which Kathy Robinson is working so hard to develop a comprehensive approach for the Diocese. This is timely work. The third WebEx meeting was with the Regional Reps in which we welcomed new members to the group. It was a good meeting for the newer members of the group to learn about expectations and group norms on the phone/computer.
What is coming up? Today (Monday) I was on WebEx meeting with the Ministry Developers and tonight I will be at St. Thomas (Rawlins) for All Saints Church Service starting at 6pm. Tuesday I will be attending the Gospel Study group at St. Thomas (Rawlins) as I prepare to preside and preach in Rawlins this coming Sunday. The group meets at 9am at Kraft Hall. Wednesday I will be hosting office hours at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) from 10:30am to 12pm and marriage counseling from 6 to 7:30pm. Thursday I am planning on working on my sermon and testing internet speed for the VTC here in Rawlins. Friday I will travel to Casper for a farewell gathering for Linda Wilson and Kathy Robinson as they draw their ministry to a conclusion and enter another chapter in serving the church. And yes I will be attending to other needs when they come up! Perhaps some professional development is in order. You know, to work on my sainthood status!