Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

Hello folks. It seems like almost two weeks since I last wrote. Much has taken place in my world and before I get to that I want to ask that people pray for the ordained leadership of the Diocese of Wyoming as they travel to the Holy Lands for ten days. I hope and expect that the entire experience will change their lives and they return as a cohesive group of people working for the building of God's kingdom right here in Wyoming. I am looking forward to hearing what has been discovered and what will be revealed in the future. I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Luke's (Medicine Bow): I have some great news to report. A couple of weeks ago I heard that the longest standing member of the church spent Christmas with her kids and I was afraid that she would not be back until Spring. As it turned out she returned a couple of weeks ago and is back in the saddle. This Sunday I asked my girls if they wanted to go to church and both of the older girls jumped to the opportunity. When I arrived there was another surprise waiting for me, sound equipment. As it turns out there is a couple who loves to sing. Several years ago I led the congregation through a workshop called “Night to Remember” and one of the aspects that was uncovered was that St. Luke's deeply appreciates and desires singing. It took a couple of years but that dream has begun to be recognized. It is a bit different from what most people come to expect in an Episcopal Church, nevertheless the people in the congregation enjoy the singing and it does provide a platform for this couple to express their gift and desire to sing. We had ten people in church on Sunday. There is something going on in that little town of Medicine Bow.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): As it turns out I spent Thursday with St. Thomas as the Ministry Support Team met prior to the vestry meeting. The Ministry Support Team reviewed the different activities that are coming up mostly focusing on the Bishop Visit. The service bulletin is mostly complete and it is waiting for (a) the music and (b) for the final review and approval of all the parties. The vestry meeting that followed was productive as they are starting to plan to host their annual meeting and Bishop Visit. St. Thomas is facing a great challenge as they move forward to recognizing a BIG dream in installing a lift to increase handicap accessibility for the building along with a bathroom that is designed for wheelchairs. I do believe they are up for the task. This Sunday at 1pm St. Thomas launched “Rhythms of Grace” which is a worship experience that is designed for families of children of special needs. Don't let that description scare you because it explains the Episcopal Liturgy in such a way that all people can participate and join in. Today the participants learned about Jesus' Baptism by stepping into the River Jordan to hear the story and then practice a baptism with dolls. At the next baptism they will have a better understanding of what is taking place. It was fun to listen to the kids laugh and have a good time.

St. Paul's (Dixon): I arrived last Monday to visit with the bi-monthly bible cafe. They are working through the bible on book and chapter at a time and they are in Isaiah and starting on the 44^th chapter. The material that was covered was from the more familiar passages like - “Even the youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall be renew their strength, they shall be mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:30-31. That is a nice image going into the annual meeting that is coming up this Monday. Linda is working hard in getting all her paperwork in order so that a Community Interview can take place and finally visit with the Bishop to complete her first major part in her path to the priesthood.

St. James (Encampment): The last time I spoke to this congregation there was some real concern about when the Bishop Visit was scheduled. It was during Father's Day weekend and it turns out that most of the leadership had places for other community events on that same weekend. Yet, with the spirit of cooperation, creativity and flexibility a plan was worked out in a win/win situation. That is St. James with a can do attitude!

What is coming up? Keep in mind that I am on call this week for the Rawlins Police Department as the chaplain (smile). Monday – WebEx meeting with the Ministry Developers @ 8:30 am. Then I head to St. Paul's for the Winter Bible Cafe @ 2pm and the Annual Meeting @ 5pm. Tuesday I will participate in the Gospel Study at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) @ 9am and all are welcome to attend. Wednesday I will have office hours at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) @ 10 am to 12 pm. I will be also hosting a marriage counseling session that evening at St. Thomas starting @ 6pm. Thursday and Friday are set aside for sermon writing day, administrative activities and professional development. Sunday I will be heading to St. Paul's for a “make up” service for missing them a couple of weeks ago. It is all part of the plan. Take Care.