Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

I was talking to a friend on Sunday afternoon and I said, “Easter is right around the corner. It is snowing and raining.” You can almost smell it. For us Episcopalians we have this season called Lent that is closing fast. Everything is being set up for a resurrection experience which is similar to seeing the world with new eyes, to hear what is being said with new ears, to embrace the unknown with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder. I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Paul's (Dixon): I headed toward the town of Dixon last Monday (Valentine's Day) for the Winter Bible Cafe that is held ever two weeks. It was a good time to catch up with a parishioner and strong leader of St. Paul's who was gone for a couple of weeks playing in the ocean. I was also informed that there will be a trip to see the Sandhill Crane Migration in Nebraska this year and those dates are March 11th through the 13th with an alternative date of March 25th through the 27th Linda Fleming will be leading the group. What a great way to see God's creation in action. If you want more information please contact me and I will forward you Linda's information. I was at St. Paul's this Sunday to preach and preside. St. Paul is still having “church in the round” and we doubled our attendance this Sunday. St. Paul continues to be blessed with children and they were most helpful in getting additional chairs set up before church. St. Paul's had their monthly Ministry Support Team meeting following the service and this group has some exciting things lined up for the next couple of months.

St. James (Encampment): The best news is that one of the parishioners at St. James is in full recovery from a fall that happened about a month ago. I am pleased to see God working wonders of healing for this wonderful person. I am also pleased to report that one of the youth of Encampment will be attending this years YES! Ski Camp. It is good to see St. James being active beyond it town limits and making its presence known beyond Encampment.

St. Luke's (Medicine Bow): I have been talking to Arlen about his preaching license preparation and we are making head way in that area. I have also received a report that all their year end paperwork is in order and being sent to the Diocesan office. This week was the Methodist Church's turn and so everybody headed over there. I will not be with St. Luke's next week because I am one of the chaperons for the YES! Ski Camp. Have a good time.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I continue to meet with the Gospel Study group every Tuesday at 9am. Following the Gospel Study I spent about two hours over a cup of coffee with Karen. It was a good visit and clearing of misunderstandings and sharing of hopes for the future. Wednesday I was at Kraft Hall and made a couple of phone calls. I will be spending a couple of hours with the Senior Warden next week as I share with her the DiSC(c) profile that she took. I have big expectations for St. Thomas along with all the churches of Carbon County.

What is coming up? First on Monday I have my weekly WebEx meeting with the Ministry Developers and then I have a couple of appointments and meeting with people from both St. James and St. Thomas. Tuesday I meet with the Gospel Study group of St. Thomas and then I will meet with Rebekah Simon-Peter to work on continued professional development on presentation of the DiSC(c) material. Wednesday is office hours at Kraft Hall from 10am to 12pm with a WebEx meeting with the Evangelism team at 2 pm. That evening I will be meeting with a couple to continue with their marriage counseling sessions (it is tune-up work). Thursday is a professional development day and pack for the YES Ski Camp that starts on Friday and goes through Sunday. Have a great week.