Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

I don't know how this happened, but it seemed like almost two weeks past since I last wrote to everybody. I don't know if anybody missed the weekly postings, but I am feeling a bit out of the loop. Easter has come and gone. We are now given the gift of love to play and relax in the presence of God. For me I have completed a commitment for personal and professional growth that included making ten trips to Denver for the past thee months. With the completion of this body of work I find myself taking a deep breath and looking forward to the next set of challenges and opportunities as they present themselves. It looks like the churches that I work with are also transitioning from the winter sleep to becoming awake to the spring life and activities. I know of two building activities that are either starting soon or have begun. The other two congregations are starting a deeper formation process. St. Paul is continuing to work on their work in preparation of the calling of priest and we have begun preparing the next family event in June. There is also discussion at St. Luke's to set a time for a training around DiSC using the Biblical Profile System. Now it is on to the activities of Carbon County. I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): A couple of weeks ago I attended the monthly worship breakfast. During our time together the group discussed placement of the microphone and how to keep the intercessor prayers up-dated and current from week to week. The next week I met with both the Ministry Support Team and Vestry. For the past two months St. Thomas as been having a conversation about the role and expectations of a priest. One important concept that was discovered is that all rectors are priest and all priests are not rectors. St. Thomas did not call a rector and that gave this group of people a powerful insight in how they understand priests. The conversation is continuing. I love this work when it comes to this kind of growth. One another front the ground has been broken to begin building the lift and handicap accessibility bathroom.

St. Paul's (Dixon): I have kept with my regular schedule and have gathered with the faith group who meet every other week to read the Bible one chapter at a time. During one of my visits in the valley I arrived in time to check in with one of the families of the congregation to begin planning a Family, Friends and Faith event for June. I also sat in on a Ministry Support Team meeting in which a young man approached the congregation in seeking summer employment of mowing the lawn. He was very adult in asking for what he wanted and I was impressed on how the leadership honored his effort in making a clear agreement with him. St. Paul's is also scheduled a DiSC training using the Biblical Profile System.

St. James (Encampment): They are prepared for the up-coming Bishop Visit. I have been in contact with the leadership and they have everything prepared. They will have music, festive meals, and time for relaxation all built into the schedule. They are in a holding pattern for their parish hall, bathroom, and handicap accessibility entrance as they await word from a grant request that they submitted to the UTO.

St. Luke's (Medicine Bow): The Rev. Jess Smith and I traded Sundays this month to accommodate the Bishop visit in Encampment. Arlend preached from a seated position. I have been in conversation with Arlend about building a hand rail in the church to help assist people to the Altar and we are scheduling a DiSC training using the Biblical Profile System.

What is coming up? The big event for me is the Bishop Visit in Encampment/Saratoga this week end. I will also be assisting in Rhythms of Grace at St. Thomas on Sunday. Talk to everybody soon.