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.