Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

This is the last Sunday of October.  It seemed like a longer month this year given that we have five Sundays this month.  Having the “extra” Sunday helped with meeting my obligations to provide sacramental support given that the Diocesan Convention was this month.  Right now the churches that I work with are working hard to meet the licensing requirements and so I have participated in trainings toward that goal.  It has been a couple of weeks since I last wrote and so lets move on to the news of Carbon County.  I hope this letter finds you well.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): This Sunday was a dedication and blessing of the addition to St. Thomas Episcopal Church.  This group of strong believing people pooled their resources of talent and money to build a handicap accessible bathrooms and lift.  It took over two years from the proposal to completion.  A wonderful line from the sermon that was preached said that this was not only possible because we love God, but God loves the church.  There were moments in which some “doubted” it would take place, yet people continued to labor on toward a lofty goal.  The service included the Rev. Karen Buckingham, myself, and worship leaders and we led the service like we have been doing this work for years.  Come to think of it we have!  It was also a blessing to recognize all who contributed including those who designed and built the addition.  The reception that followed was full of good cheer and laughter.  I later heard that this was a “we” effort and the first time in recent memory nobody complained, but worked together for the glory of God.

St. Paul (Dixon): Upon finishing up in Rawlins I drove directly to St. Paul's in Dixon to help complete their training for licensing and to wrap up the DiSC(r) training.  At first there was a scheduling conflict (it was believed that I would be there to celebrate the Eucharistic that same Sunday) however the fine people of LSRV made adjustments knowing that they will be celebrating the Holy Eucharistic three times in the month of November.  I arrived in time to get some soup and had a chance to talk to Linda a bit more about where she is in her process toward Holy Orders.  We are moving right along in that process.

St. James (Encampment): Given my busy week I haven't had a chance to catch up with them and to find out where they are in their building project of the parish hall.  The last I knew the local newspaper wanted to do a write up  on the project.  I am sure they are getting close to completing it.  I am looking forward to talking to them this week.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): Last Sunday I was scheduled to preach and preside.  The Rounds were coming in from a conference in Montana and so they informed me that they would be late.  They arrived about fifteen minutes late, but could not stay for personal reasons and headed on to Laramie.  The bid for the bathroom has been submitted and we now wait to hear back on next steps.  Alren is also working hard to finish up his discernment process for preaching license.

St. Barnabas (Saratoga): They are working hard to prepare for a grand event on December 3, 2011 @ 1 pm.  Please keep that date and time available for more information will be coming from the Rev. Susan Dyer in the coming days.  Talking about St. Barnabas, they hosted a regional wide training for Eucharistic Visitors and Ministers along with Worship Leaders a couple of weeks ago.  Three of the five churches were present and I have been hearing commitments that people really enjoyed themselves.  For St. Barnabas who have lived on the “edge of things” for the past eight years it is nice to see them becoming more involved with the regional activities and even being a host site.

What is coming up?  Monday I will be hanging close to Rawlins (Halloween and trick or treating with the girls).  I also will get a jump on my week on Monday with an office day.  Tuesday is Gospel Study at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) from 9am to 10am.  Wednesday is all day face to face meeting with the Ministry Developers and the Bishop in Casper.  Saturday is a workshop called The Fundamentals of Pastoral Care hosted by Thomas the Apostle Center and which will be broadcasted by the VTC (video teleconferencing) network.  Sunday is a full day in which I will be starting my day at St. Thomas to preach and preside at 9:30 am then return to Dixon to meet with Linda Fleming for an hour.  At 3 pm I will be preaching and presiding at St. Paul's. 

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

The buyer of the house has no objections and so we are now on autopilot to the closing of the house which will take place on October 31, 2011.  We have a place to live for the next two months.  Kellie and I are in conversation about what will take place after the first of the year.  The on-site visit was successful and now there is one more step to take before the outcomes become official.  I can say that all the parties involved are excited about the future.  Life seems now to be moving toward a celebration moment that embraces a blessing of what has been done and anticipation of something new and wonderful.  Each day I grow more humbled by how much I have been taught and learned from the wonderful people of Carbon County.  I hope this letter finds you well.

Giving the Candidates their candles.

St. Paul's (Dixon): On Sunday I arrived about thirty minutes early to prepare for a baptism of two children.  One of the members of the congregation has been in conversation for what may have been about two years encouraging and inviting this family.  The husband seemed to be a bit uncomfortable, but after a few questions about what he has been up to he opened right up and became relaxed.  The really fun moment was when a member of the congregation came up to read and she stumbled over the concluding statement - “The Word of the Lord” yet when she recalled it she proclaimed it with authority.  I had to laugh.  Other members of the congregation shared with me that they are leaving to go south for the winter and wished me all the best of luck and blessings on my part of my life.  It was agreed that I am not “dieing” and that I will be around for years to come.  That brought comfort to me and I hope that brought comfort to them.

Moving the Table around at St. James in Encampment

St. James (Encampment): I received a request last week to send photographs of the construction of the new parish hall.  As it turns out the Saratoga paper wants to do a write up on what is happening at St. James.  I forgot to mention that “the little green church on the side of the hill” will be no longer in a couple months.  It will be known as the “wonderful log church on the side of the hill”.  Keep check in and I will continue to post pictures and provide up-dates on what is taking place in Encampment.

Everybody working on a project at St Thomas

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I received a text message on Monday informing that the Gospel Study on Tuesday was postponed for the week.  That gave me opportunity to write my sermon early because it was a short week.  On Wednesday I was in conversation with different people while I was at Kraft Hall and wrote my second to last contribution to the Livingstons (St. Thomas' newsletter).  I have providing “honking report” for almost seven years.  This is another one of those reminders that my life is changing.

A place for people of Saratoga to relax.

St. Barnabas (Saratoga): I received some great news that will be made public soon enough.  I would encourage people throughout the region to keep December 3rd open for there will be an important event coming up.  During my on-site visit I took great delight in sharing how this congregation was able to be a loving community in the face of a difficult challenge.  It is the wonderful work of all the churches (small, medium, and large) that is really the face of the Episcopal Church.

Having some fun around "instruction" in the church.

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): I read on one of their faithful members that they had practice at Medicine Bow and she brought food.  I am not sure what that means (smile).  I have not heard any other further developments on their bathroom plans.  I am looking forward to hearing an up-date next Sunday.  Not much more to report for this week.

I continue to work with the Rev. Kathy Robinson on the “Attractive Church” workshop that she has formed over the past thee to four years.  It seems to be gathering speed now as two different congregations have requested the workshop.  Kathy along with Ann Wafer will be hosting this workshop at Thomas the Apostle Center in Cody this weekend.  I will be sending another e-mail with more information about this so keep an eye out for it.

What is coming up this week?  I am going to spend the day with my family going to the pumpkin patch on Monday.  Tuesday I will be attending the Gospel Study at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) at 9 am and be hosting a WebEx meeting with the Regional Reps and Ministry Developers that night at 5:30 pm.  I will be at Kraft Hall for office hours from 10 am to 12 pm on Wednesday.  Then I will be in Casper on Friday and Saturday to participate in the Hank Raymond Wilderness Camp board meeting.  Sunday I will be preaching and presiding at St. Luke's in Medicine Bow.  Be well my friends.

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

Much has happened since I last wrote.  The house has a buyer and we are awaiting to hear from the buyer about the house inspection that took place last Friday.  The closing date is the first week of November.  This is a real sign that the Wasingers in Rawlins are entering a new chapter of our lives and it is more than talking, but action is taking place.  Where I know that I have been thinking about the future, with the offer and acceptance of our house it is no longer an “idea” but real.  I have been involved in three searches this summer and fall and last week I traveled to Minnesota to participate in an on-site visit.  It was an event for me to boast proudly all the work that Carbon County has accomplished in the past eight years.  St. Thomas has completed their lift and handicap accessibility bathrooms and St. James in making noticeable progress in their building project.  St. Luke is excited about having a restroom built and St. Paul is in a good place with their fellowship with many baptisms being planned as I write.  St. Barnabas is coming more alive with their anticipation of having one of their own being ordained.  The events in my life are occurring quickly now as I attempt to wrap up and complete all that needs to be done for a successful transition of leadership in the Carbon County.

Harvesting Hope provides an effective focus point as the Diocese of Wyoming moves forward.  There is plenty of room for all the find their way into the work that God is calling us to do as a body of believers.  I found that I had questions answered as to what will we be doing as a Diocese and in the coming months it I am confident that we will receive more information as to the details of our work.  I trust that this letter finds you well. 

St. James (Encampment): Because the church building is being renovated we gathered at the Johnson's household for worship.  I shared with them I lament that I no longer have the privilege of making the claim that I work with a vital church that does not have running water.  They were gracious in acknowledging my grief and I realize that I need to get over it!  Everybody had a good time.  Following the service we talked about the placement of the Table/Altar.  It was agreed that having the Table/Altar movable would be ideal so that the space can be reconfigured to increase the impact of the different liturgical seasons of the church and to provide different ways to recognize special events.  Cutting edge stuff for this congregation.
St. Barnabas (Saratoga): Last Sunday they had “Loaves and Fishes” along with Blessing of the Animals.  The Rev. Susan Dyer (who is a transitional Deacon) lead the Blessing of the Animals while I was in Encampment celebrating with St. James.  I arrived that afternoon for a “house mass” in which we all feasted on the catch of Salmon and Halibut from Alaska.  The communion bread was baked and there was plenty to go around as I ripped the bread apart to share the blessings with the gathered group of twenty people.
St. Thomas (Rawlins): I heard a report of a story of restoration.  There is a member of the congregation who is elderly and fell a couple of years ago.  She is very cautious about stairs and avoids them at all cost.  It was not until recently that she became comfortable in coming forward to the foot of the stairs in the church to received communion.  She is a long time member of St. Thomas and in the past she would be found cleaning the brass of the church along with other behind the scene activities throughout the church including working the in the undercroft.  With her wanted to avoid stairs she was limited and unable to participate in activities in the undercroft.  A couple of Sunday's ago Gerry invited members of the church to learn how to use the new lift and wouldn't you know here comes this elderly member with her walker and entered the lift.  Karen said it well - “She recaptured a part of her life.”  Making our buildings handicap accessible do not provide much money in return on investments; however they speak loudly about the theology of the church and our understanding of God's love not being limited.  St. Thomas knocked it out of the park with this one.
St. Luke (Medicine Bow):  They are really excited about their new bathroom.  Arlen has been working hard to find a contractor and was successful.  I heard that he was meeting the contractor the Thursday prior to the beginning of the Convention and I am looking forward to hearing a report from that visit.  I took a certain amount of pride during the Bishop's address as he pointed out the exciting things that are taking place in Medicine Bow.  It speaks about how God pays attention to both the large and small because it was a shared effort from a larger will resourced congregation to provide the needed support to making this bathroom a reality.  The Diocese as a whole is becoming more connected and I give thanks to those who worked tirelessly in making this happen.
St. Paul (Dixon):  Like I referred to the beginning of this letter, this congregation is lining up baptisms.  This Sunday I will be presiding over a couple of baptism with more to come.  There has been some discussion about having the Bishop visit this November be another time for more baptisms to take place.  I also been encouraged in seeing a long standing member of the church return after a prolong absence due to the extended care of a love one who wanted to remain home in his final days on earth.

There is much more to report, but I am going to end here.  What is coming up?  On Tuesday I will be participating in two WebEx meetings – checking in with the Ministry Developers and supporting the “Attractive Church” that is being developed by Kathy Robinson.  Wednesday I will be found in Kraft Hall for office hours.  Thursday through Friday I will be involved in another on-site visit with a congregation.  Sunday I will be preaching and presiding at St. Paul's in Dixon and yes we are getting wet with the waters of baptism.  Be well.