Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

I think it was yesterday evening when all the travel caught up to me. I was a bit grouchy, but I got over it quickly. I am also pleased to report that I got to spend Saturday afternoon with my girls outside as they rode their horses. It was nice to be outside and in the wind. Talking about wind, last week was packed with activities that covered two states and four cities/towns. By the grace of God I went and I am happy to say I can write about it today. Now it is time to cover everything I did for the past week.

St. Paul (Dixon): On Monday I arrived for the Spring Bible Cafe with smiles. This faithful group have finally completed Isaiah and started Jeremiah. It is becoming clear that spring is coming by looking at all the mud that is starting to form around on the ranches. Friday I returned to the Little Snake River Valley aka LSRV for the COM Community interview. The COM reps were impressed (I was not surprised) and Linda shared with what she is doing to both assist with the administration and how some of those task are being shared with others. The carry in dinner was turkey with all the fixings. I also heard that the St. Paddy's day, which took place the day before, was a good start as an outreach ministry and there was some discussion of another event being planned for May. On Sunday I returned to St. Paul's to preach and preside. The effort to get there was a story. I headed out only to be stopped about three miles down the road. I-80 Westbound was closed. So, I called Linda and informed her that I was at the Flying-J and will be late as I wait for the road to open. I turned around and headed back to Rawlins. I sat and waited for about 20 minutes and the road opened up. I think going back to Rawlins was a good idea because I managed to get down the road in a timely fashion. Meanwhile the folks of St. Paul changed the order of the service to accommodate my late arrival. I made it in time for the end of the Prayers of the People. I read my sermon, said the confession followed by the absolution, and we were right back on track. Nice work St. Paul's.

St. James (Encampment): I spoke to Jim about a matter in regards to DiSC(r) and he told me that the wind was blowing and the mud is growing. What timing considering that St. James is in the process of getting all the paperwork together to get a building permit to build their parish hall. They also have been receiving correspondence about their UTO grant proposal and that was considered good news because it is getting attention. I will keep people posted as I learn more.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I attended the Gospel Study last Tuesday and most of the ice has melted off the sidewalks. I also heard reports that the planning for the St. Patrick's meal was coming along quiet well and invitations were extended to all. St. Thomas has eagerly accepted the invitation to play this Lenten season. I don't think they are too far off theologically because I believe the disciples were excited about the coming Passover with Jesus. I can only image what this holy week is going to look like. It is going to be an event to remember. Other news was the Rhythms of Grace planning group met this Sunday. I also completed a series Prepare and Enrich session for marriage counseling with a couple and that is nice to wrap up that body of work.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): This is the week I get to be face to face with them. I have not heard much news from them last week. I will be working with Arlen this week for his preaching licensing for 2011.





Ministry Development: Wednesday I spent the day in Casper. The Communication Strategic Visioning group met for an all day workshop. The work we will do will be sent to the Visioning Team (group of 12 people) and all that will be presented at the up-coming Convention. The work is on-going and unfolding. The process is sound and I was impressed with what we were able to accomplish during our time together. I also spend all day Thursday in Denver co-presenting “6 Steps of ReThinking Communication” workshop by BridgeWorks. There were about twenty four people there and we had a good time. The work that I learned there has strong connections with the work I do as a Ministry Developer and I consider myself blessed to be apart of BridgeWorks.

What is coming up? As I look forward to another week I realize that I get some down time. Monday I will be on the weekly WebEx meeting with the Ministry Developers at 8 am. Tuesday I will be participating with the Gospel Study at Kraft Hall starting at 9 am. Wednesday I have office hours at Kraft Hall from 10 am to 11:30 am and another WebEx meeting with the Evangelism Team starting at 2 pm. Thursday I will be in my last DiSC(r) and Discipleship session from 8 am to 9:30 am and then I hit the road to Laramie to meet with Arlen's preaching discernment group at 2 pm. Friday I will be attending an all day workshop in Rawlins that addresses recognizing sexual abuse in children that is being put on by the county. The workshop starts at 7:30 am and wraps up at 5:30 pm. Sunday I head over to St. Luke's in Medicine Bow for a service that starts at 10:30 am. For those who are in Rawlins, Rhythms of Grace will start at 1 pm and there will be Square Dancing at the Jeffery Center at 5:30 pm. Hope to see many friends throughout the week.