Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

Somehow this week has gotten beyond me and I am still able to catch up. Events in my life are unfolding in new and dynamic ways. I have come to realize that I have lived a life of sacristy which is beyond money or resources, which includes sacristy in relationships. Because of this Epiphany moment in my life, everything I now encounter has a different flavor and understanding. I have being pulled toward a new world of abundance of love, compassion, and forgiveness. I am drawn to see the impossible dreams as an attractive way of living. I realize that making a statement about abundance will lead to moments of frustration, resistance, and relationships and actions that will be stopped either by myself, others, or both. Yet I am committed to play big game and to go all out knowing if I chose to retreat, outcomes of “less than” are guaranteed. Ok, on to the events of Carbon County. I hope this letter finds you well.

St. James (Encampment): The weather slowed me down when I drove to Encampment. Nevertheless everybody arrived at the Johnson's household for a joint church service and annual meeting. The house was warm and following the service what started as one which later became two members of the congregation joined with me for a visit with a shut-in. The woman that we visited with is in her nineties and has a strong understanding of the current events of the church and the world around her. She was invited to consider being the secretary/treasure of the church, which she laughed and respectfully declined. The annual meeting went well. St. James has agreed to have a training that uses the DiSC(c) Biblical Personal Profile System as a congregational development event. This is the first that I have heard of DiSC(c) training to be used in this context in the Diocese of Wyoming. I believe that this will open up new ways of understanding and working together for years to come for St. James. For the members of St. James, I miss spoke about my service time at St. Paul's it was 3 pm and not 2 pm.

St. Paul's (Dixon): Last Sunday evening I arrived a few minutes late and they were quite gracious. This group of people are adaptable to changes that they face and so they chose to meet in the parish hall around the piano to increase fellowship and the budget. It was nice as my girls played within sight as we listened to God, and shared the Great Thanksgiving. The transition from worship to coffee was seamless. They are a group of people who demonstrate both stability and growth with grace. I have big aspirations for this church. I was to meet with them on Monday (Feb 7th) but I received a call that morning saying that the weather and driving conditions are a hazard and we should plan to meet for the Winter Bible Cafe at another date. Good idea.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): Last Saturday I met for a hour with the two licensing lay preachers as we continue to prepare to re-license in 2011. The St. Thomas leadership are busy planning for the Bishop Visit this weekend. A Confirmation service is planned and the entire service is printed out and ready to go. Plans are also being firmed up about other details about the weekend. I am anticipating a wonderful and insightful visit with Bishop John Smylie as he continues to learn and become more familiar with his leadership in the Diocese of Wyoming. The Gospel Study group meeting last Tuesday was lively and engaging. I have found this to be a place of inspiration and a testing ground for new ideas and thoughts. Like I said events and new ideas and dreams are unfolding right before my eyes. The church also received news about Louis W. Engstrom death and they will be hosting his funeral on Thursday Feb 10, 2011.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): One of the members of the church had a scare with food born illness. He is recovering, but it is not fun to go through that. The monthly newsletter was sent out bringing others up to speed and they too noted that they will be seeing the Bishop soon. That is all that I have to report from them for this week.

Ministry Developers: While I was writing this up-date I received news from the Diocesan office that the Ministry Developers will be increasing their numbers by one with the Rev. Kay Rohde, who is currently serving as the interim at St. Mark's in Casper, will be soon working with the churches in the northern area of Region 3 (Christ Church in Douglas; St. Stephens in Casper; and All Souls in Kaycee). I also met briefly last week with the Rev. Jess Smith as the visioning team of the Diocese continues to work on their charge to vision what the future may look like. As a member of the Diocese I look forward to having more conversation about this very idea so that we are all participating in creating our new future. What an empowering action.

What is coming up? As you can see this is a short week because now it is Thursday. The big event for me is the Bishop Visit at St. Thomas in Rawlins. I am also working with St. James (Encampment) to prepare a continuing education grant. I am also working with the Rev. Tom Fiske as we work on moving forward with Safe Guarding God's Children/People training for the Diocese. As I noted earlier I will be attending Louis W. Engstrom funeral at 1:30 pm on Thursday and that evening attend the vestry meeting at St Thomas. Then I will be available to assist in any way possible for the Bishop Visit.