Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

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.

A view that is changing with the renovation of the church

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.

Visiting taking place at the church

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.

Laughter and water? Baptism ;-)

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.

Visiting before church starts

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.

A great view of sunlight

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!