Happy Thanksgiving! I read a posting on facebook something to the
effect of – With the completion of Thanksgiving Meal it is time now to
look forward to Advent” Yes this is the season for anticipation.
Anticipation could mean one of two things – something bad is coming or
something great is about to happen. For the past two weeks I have
poured myself in moving from one location in which has gathered six and
half years of memories and other various items to another location that
was by the good fortune only about four houses away. During that move I
experienced a snow storm and a couple of church events and services
cancellations which provided me more time to keep on with the move. I
have come to realize that the move itself took more out of me than I
anticipated. During that period of time a trusted friend pointed out
that this is a great time to “reinvent” myself as I move from one
ministry to another. Good people of Carbon County and for those who
have connections beyond this part of Wyoming, welcome to a
transformative period of my life. I am “reinventing” myself as I draw
close my time in Carbon County and become open to the next chapter of my
life in Buffalo Wyoming. I hope this letter finds you well.
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A view that is changing with the renovation of the church
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What has happened for the past couple of weeks? Well let me provide an up-date starting with
St.
James
(Encampment): A couple of the members of St. James played a powerful
role in making the move from my old house to the new location a
reality. They arrived on Friday (Nov 11th) and for the next two days
provided the vehicles and energy to pack our house. They combined their
efforts along with one member of St. Thomas and together we got it
done. During the move I was shown an article in a local newspaper that
featured the building of the parish hall. Everybody from St. James was
mentioned in the article. Because of the snowstorm that weekend I was
called and given a pass not come and preach and preside that weekend
(Nov 13th) and so I plowed on with the move. I am looking forward to
seeing how much is complete (perhaps it will be all done) on Christmas
Eve.
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Visiting taking place at the church
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St. Luke (Medicine Bow): Keep the Rounds in your prayers. They
are working through a medical emergency and by the grace of God
everything is working out. Needless to say they will not be in Medicine
Bow on this coming Sunday and I will carry on in their absence. I
trust that God continue to be present for the Rounds.
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Laughter and water? Baptism ;-)
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St. Barnabas (Saratoga): They are working hard for the grand
event of the ordination of the Rev. Susan Dyer on December 3, 2011 @
1pm. I have been in communication with Susan for the preparation of the
service and for additional formation around the Liturgy of the Table.
Two weeks ago St. Barnabas also called me an informed me that they would
not be coming out for the 7pm service and so I took that time to
continue with the move.
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Visiting before church starts
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St. Thomas (Rawlins): For the past couple of weeks I attended the
men's breakfast that was hosted at Square Shooters at the Best
Western. It was amazing how other men from the restaurant sat down with
us and enjoyed the fellowship. I also met with the vestry to review
licensing requirements for Eucharistic Ministers (those who serve around
the Altar/Table); Eucharistic Visitors (those who visit the shut-ins
and take communication to them) and Worship Leaders (those who lead a
service – Morning and or Evening Prayer, Ministry of the Word and
funerals). I also hosted another training a couple of weeks ago and now
I am wrapping up preaching. I continue to host office hours at Kraft
Hall and because I have moved the new location does not have an office
so you will find me using Kraft Hall more for the month of December.
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A great view of sunlight
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St. Paul (Dixon): I have been busy with this group for the past
couple of weeks. Last Sunday I baptized two children Kaylee and Kash
who are cousins. I presided at Kaylee's parents wedding and so it was
fitting (and they requested it) that I baptize their baby. I also have
been working with Linda Fleming as she prepares to take another step in
her ordination process and applies for Candidacy.
This coming Sunday I will travel over to St. Luke in Medicine Bow to
preach and preside. This is first of my “last services as a Ministry
Developer” church services. The Rounds will be missed and I trust that
when two or more are gathered in Jesus' name God will be there. Have a
great week!
