Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

The last time I wrote it was the beginning of April and now we are looking straight at Holy Week. Where did the time go? Last week I was in Jackson Hole for a clergy and spouse retreat and it was a good time to reconnect with the preaching ministry of the priestly office. It was also a good time to relax and slow down which I did. I remember that I live in a world of unlimited possibilities and what the church will be celebrating in a week's time is a great example of what could happen in the world of unknowns! I also reminded myself about possibilities for the Episcopal Church, which is that the church does belong in the midst of many conversations that are taking place in our lives. God has a powerful and attractive voice and will lead us to new breakthroughs and new levels of understanding. Yes, I am gearing up for Holy Week. Before I get there however, perhaps revisiting what has happened is in order. I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Paul's (Dixon): The past couple of weeks I entered a different pattern. Two weeks ago the faithful group of St. Paul's met to continue to read the bible and I was not there. I was in Jackson Hole enjoying the retreat. The wonderful news I did receive was that Linda Fleming has been officially recognized as a Postulant which is an important step in the process toward holy orders. Yes folks it is official Linda Fleming has completed her paperwork and the clock now starts. This Sunday I preached and presided at St. Paul's. We marched around the parish hall because it was raining outside and concluded the service with the reading of the Passion. Linda and I co-read and it worked really well. After the service we all headed over to the Senior Center for lunch and then to the Savory Museum to listen to stories of people's lives. When I arrived another St. Paul parishioner was a bit nervous because she didn't know if anybody would come, the fears were unfounded the event well attended. I was deeply moved and touched by what I heard. It was impressive.

St. James (Encampment): Two weeks ago St. James had their quarterly meeting. There was a slight change in how this work was done because in the past quarterly meetings were not held. This group of people are getting more organized and prepared for the next level of performance as a community of faith. I see big things happening there. A personal goal was also met this week. I have been working with DiSCtm off and on since 2007 and received training how to become a facilitator of this material in January of 2011. Once of the insight modules is called Biblical Personal Profile System. The fine people of St. James agreed to participate in the training and so we met for a training on Saturday. Toward the end of our time together people were laughing and asking good questions and getting new insights for themselves and others. It was a successful training.

St Luke (Medicine Bow): I have been in conversation with Arlen about the bishop visit and other important event that took place in Medicine Bow. The powerful and moving news that I received was one of reconciliation between a mother and her son. Talk about an affirmation about the work that God has called us to do in the ministry or restoring what has been broken. All those miles of driving and time sitting in a car driving around is paid in full when I hear about these kinds of stories and events. The plans for the Bishop visit are set for this week.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I met with the Ministry Support Team aka MST last week and we quickly reviewed all that is taking place in the five areas of ministry by using what I call the Ministry Circle. The Ministry Circles looks at five areas of a church's life – administration, formation, transformation, worship, and pastoral care. After the MST meeting I participated in the vestry meeting. The bulk of the work was a discussion about how St. Thomas understands the role and expectation of a priest and how that is different from a rector. It was a productive meeting. I believe St. Thomas is on the edge of a powerful breakthrough and because of that conversation I am in a better position to respond to questions about priest, rectors, and ministry developers. This conversation has powerful implications in my ministry. I am excited about the future.

What is coming up? Well we all know it is Holy Week which means the drama of Jesus' final week on earth will be played out in our liturgy. Monday I will be close to home and I will attempt to get some preliminary work done on sermons for the week. Tuesday I will be visiting with those who are attending the Gospel Study at St. Thomas at 9 am. Wednesday is the Bishop Visit at St. Luke's in Medicine Bow. Thursday I will be participating in an Agape Meal at St. Thomas that starts at 5:30 pm. Following the meal I will be preaching and presiding at the Maundy Thursday Service and the stripping of the altar. Friday I will be leading a Good Friday Service at St. Paul's in Dixon and we will also be doing Stations of Cross that day as well. Saturday I will be heading to St. Luke's in Medicine Bow for their Easter Vigil Service that starts at 4pm. On Sunday I will be heading to St. Paul's in Dixon for the Easter Sunday services. Just like that I have worked with four churches in Carbon County! By the way or BTW if you are looking for Jesus in the tomb he is not there, he is found among the living!