Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

Today is an important day in the history of the United States. Pearl Harbor was attacked and the outcome of that battle lead the United States to enter World War Two. It was a game changer or a point in history that defined a different direction. I am not a historian or ever claim to be one, but that battle changed the United States at its core. Prior to that moment, the United States was on the sideline in most world events. Most of the United States family life was organized different. Then the Greatest Generation was born and they changed the very social fabric of this country. We continue today to live with the change. Japan who was an enemy is now an important partner with the United States on the international level. Europe appears to be more stable now then 69 years ago. These are big changes. What about changes at the local level? I was talking to a 87 year old woman this morning and she said that church has changed from her earlier years as mother of five children. “Congregations are struggling to be congregations.” was what she said. I noted to myself was that what as changed is our understanding of leadership and ministry. If we like it or not (and I do) there is a shift from gathering around a person to gathering around ministries. Sure this change in our congregations are impacted the same way Pearl Harbor changed the United States, nevertheless, we are living through an important point in history that is changing the direction that we are moving as a Church. I have come to believe that the God that I have come to know intentionally built an altar around a tent because we are a people that move, grow and discover new lands and ideas as we journey together as a people of faith. The change we now experience is more of a local expression than grand global one. I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): Last week St. Thomas was asked a difficult and painful reality, the birth of a baby who was born at 18 weeks and lived for only a few moments outside of the womb. This is a painful part of our lives and it has been my experience that it does not get talk about much. It is hard to prepare a pastoral response to such an event, yet God does provide. The young baby was baptized by Rev. Karen Buckingham at birth and four days later a memorial service was held to assist the family and friends in dealing with their grief and sadness. In some ways it was a recognition of my personal dream and vision. Throughout this entire response I was able to remain on the sidelines so to speak. I was able to sit in the pews and be supportive of the leadership so that family got to witness a group of people responding to a need and ministry. It was truly a collaborative effort with many people contributing both visibility and behind the scenes. I count this one of my prouder moments of ministry and a blessing in the midst of great pain and distress. On another front St. Thomas is working hard and putting together some final details on moving forward in installing a lift to grant more people access to the under-croft for fellowship. Another dream that is coming to fruition.

St. Paul's (Dixon/LRSV): I preached and presided at St. Paul's last Sunday and there were some slight changes. One, we moved the service from 5pm to 3pm so that we all can travel in the daylight. The deer like to hang out on the road at dusk and I sure like seeing God's creatures with plenty of time to avoid hitting them! What I forgot to mention last week was a group of people from St. Paul got together a couple of weeks ago and made Advent baskets for those who consider themselves members of the church, but are not regular attendees for different and various reasons. The outcome so far is that one person attended church and others have written thank you letters. Linda and I continue to put together the needed paper work for her call to the priesthood and you will see a picture of her looking up her baptism date.

St. Luke's (Medicine Bow): I received notice that the Rounds are looking at see what it would take to put in a new wall furnace. The old one that is near the lectern has failed. There has been some looking around for a replacement. It is funny how when one starts to do research they find more questions than answers! I am sure this will resolve itself all in due time. On another front I have composed a joint letter for Arlen's preaching licensing and so that will be send to the Diocesan office.

St. James (Encampment): I spoke to Rev. Jess Smith and he informed me that they are “jazzed” about receiving their grant. It will not be until spring until they are able to “break ground” for their new parish hall that will include a bathroom, a gathering place for the community, and will include handicap accessibility to the church in the next phase. This could be a moment in the history of this congregation that changes who they are and perhaps communicates to the larger community that there is much that can happen when a committed group of people pool their passions that is worth while and grand in vision!

What is coming up? Tuesday evening I will be meeting with a group of planners for Rhythms of Grace at St. Thomas. This is a liturgical event that is designed with people with special needs such as autism so that families and people who have autism can experience worship in a meaningful and real way. Wednesday I will be at Kraft Hall for office hours and then marriage counseling that evening in Rawlins. Thursday St. Thomas has a Ministry Support Team meeting before the vestry meeting in which I will be in attendance for both. Friday I will drive to Baggs to conduct a social interview of Linda Fleming (St. Paul's/LSRV). Sunday I will be heading over to Encampment to preach and preside. Following that service I will head to Saratoga and meet with the fine folks of St. Barnabas about how Shared Ministry works and the implications of having a local priest in their midst.

In closing I hope that some point in this Advent Season you will look back and say that there was a meaningful moment that an encounter with the Divine took place and that your lives were forever changed. Keep praying for our armed forces who are deployed here stateside and abroad. May some day all the world experience peace that is beyond comprehension.