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.

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

Well I finally got near a computer.  For those who don't know, I had my house on the market for about a year.  Our realtor walked through our house today and gave me some pointers on how to stage the house.  We were the 2nd in a showing last week.  So, I have been painting while the weather permits.  It has been a good week two churches in Carbon County as they received news that their grant request have been approved.  I say something big is going on.  I hope this letter finds you well.

St. James (Encampment): I arrived at St. James in Encampment early enough to walk around the framed out parish hall.  I used the new door that will provide handicap access to the parish hall and church building.  I kept hearing comments like, “This is going to be nice when it is completed.” And, “This is so cool!”  Prior to starting the service Nancy and I took a few moments to select some music and we were off.  Now this is something to celebrate.  A couple of years ago St. James did not have regular music nor a parish hall and now it has both!  The roof is being replaced and so I saw sunlight pushing through the ceiling.  Later this week I talked to Vonnie about somethings that we saw on Sunday and she said that the contractor is aware of them and everything has been checked out.  It is really amazing what six people can do with some support from the Diocese.  It is a wonderful blessing.  Later that day I went and “harvested” chokecherries for Kellie.
St. Barnabas (Saratoga): Last Wednesday (9/7/11) I participated in session 5 which was scheduled for session 4 of LifeCycles.  It was well prepared and the leader worked hard to have everything ready to go.  The running understanding is if a person misses the session they will be selected to be a leader for the next session.  This was all done in good humor. The Rev. Susan Dyers wrote a brief service in honor of 9/11 tenth year anniversary.  Since St. Barnabas was going to have their Eucharistic Service on Sunday evening they invited first responders to be recognized that morning.  It was well attended and St. Barnabas will be praying for these people throughout the year by name during the Prayers of the People. I arrived that evening to find people smiling and ready to celebrate around the Lord's Table and to be fed by God's sacrament of bread and wine.  
St. Luke (Medicine Bow):  They are excited about the possibility that they may have a restroom after all.  I heard they discussed last Sunday about a possible location for the restroom.  Now this is an important lesson that I remind myself from time to time, listen to those who live in the community for they know what they are talking about.  What I am I referring to?  I thought I knew the best location for the restroom and they come up with a better plan!  They have even located a local contractor who is working on putting together a bid.  Nice work and I am looking forward to seeing how this unfolds.
St. Paul (Dixon aka Little Snake River Valley): They are plugging along.  I didn't see them last week, but that does not seem to bother them.  Linda Fleming along with the Rev. Susan Dyer got together last Tuesday (9/6/11) for Title IV training.  During lunch Linda told us that she didn't get to see much of Battle Mountain because of the clouds, but she was interested in checking out the work that has been done at St. James in Encampment and their parish hall.  The entire LSRV (Little Snake River Valley) attending their annual BBQ which this year fell on September 11th.  What a way to honor 9/11 by having a fest and to celebrate what is right in the world.

This guy got this figured out!

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I met with the Ministry Support Team (aka MST) last Thursday (9/8/11) and we went around the “wheel” in which we shared what is taking place in pastor care, worship, transformation (aka outreach), formation, and administration.  It is nice to get back in the grove after taking most of the summer off to play.  The vestry meeting when well and they are happy to receive the news that the “lift” along with the new restrooms for handicap accessibility is paid in full.  One member of the vestry was a bit nervous throughout the building project because St. Thomas went of faith that it would happen.  He smiled and said, “Now I know what people mean by a faith budget!”  The worship breakfast last Saturday was a great time of fellowship and laughter.  All in all St. Thomas is in a good place now and they are looking forward to getting back into working on some ongoing formation.

What is coming up in this short week?  Well most of my week is behind me at the moment.  So, you will hear about that next week.  I will be at St. Paul's this Sunday to preach and preside.  Following the service we will all gather at the senior center for lunch.  Talk to you soon.   

Letter to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

Are you resting from your labors this Labor Day Weekend? I was doing a little bit of research and discovered that the original Labor Day was a march that was to celebrate the work and trade associations and it was twelve years later when it became an official holiday. I like the idea of celebration and to recognize the work and labor of others. This was a week of little and yet meaningful blessings. I hope this letter finds you well. 

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I have started having conversations with people about what the future holds for both myself and St. Thomas. It has been good and people are being honest about their feelings. This Sunday I preached and presided in Rawlins and I received good response from my sermon. During announcements a member of the congregation shared that her son has been only using about 2% of his brain to process sounds on his right ear. Most of us use about 80 to 90%. This young child is only eight years old. Now that the parents and other professionals now know what needs to be done to help this young boy understand his world and unspoken healing will take place. It was the church family who was there as the parents continued to struggle in finding the answer that they needed and it was a moment of great celebration for the people of St. Thomas. The power of perseverance at its best! 

St. Paul (Dixon and LSRV): I got to spend most of this week with this congregation. Last Monday I was at their bi-monthly Bible Cafe and I shared what happened with you last week. Wednesday I attended their Compline/Thanksgiving Campfire monthly event. This year the location had horses grazing through the area. At one point a colt came right up to us (the girls and I) and was checking us out. That was amazing given that colts are a bit shy and stay away from people. It was a touching moment to thing that we were so grounded in the moment that a horse was comfortable in coming and checking us out. On Sunday I preached and presided at St. Paul's and we had a deciation and blessing of Clavinova which is quite a flexible musical instrument by its ability to be a pinaio, an organ, a jazz organ, among many other things. I was impressed! It also has the ability to record music in a USB drive and played back. The home made ice cream was wonderful and it was a nice way to being Labor Day Weekend. 

St. James (Encampment): Not much to report this week. I will be preaching and presiding there this coming Sunday. We will also be finishing up out DiSC(r) training as well. I am also looking forward to seeing what kind of progress had been done on their new parish hall. 
 

St. Luke (Medicine Bow): We are working a little project. I have been asked to do a cost analysis on what it would take to build a bathroom for this church. If a bathroom is to be install it would mean that all the churches of this area now has running water. That would be an amazing accomplishment for this group of dedicated Episcopalians.



St. Barnabas (Saratoga): I received a nice e-mail from on of the members of the church letting me know that I am in their prayers and everything has a purpose. In God's hands we all shall be well. I am deeply touched by how quickly this community has welcomed me into their lives. I don't have much to report this week. 


What is coming up?  Tuesday I will be meeting with Susan Dyer and Linda Fleming for their Title IV training and so they have that complete for their formation toward the priesthood. Wednesday I will be in Kraft Hall from 10am to 12pm and that evening I will be participating in LifeCycles at St. Barnabas (Saratoga) starting at 6pm. Thursday St. Thomas (Rawlins) will have their Ministry Support Team (aka MST) meeting before the vestry meeting and I am planning on attending both events. Saturday St. Thomas (Rawlins) will have their monthly worship breakfast at Square Shooters at 8:30am. Sunday I will once again be preaching and presiding at two services. St. James at 9am with DiSC training following the service and St. Barnabas at 7pm. I have heard that St. Thomas is planning to recognize 9/11 during their worship with more information being published in the local newspaper. I ask that we all take a moment this week to give thanks for all the First Responders to crises. People like the Police, EMTs, Emergency Room Personal, Highway Patrol, Fish and Game, Search and Rescue, and Sheriff Deputies who are often those who give their today so that we may have a better tomorrow. On September 11th 2001 many of these people lost their lives in the service of others. May their effort will never be forgotten.

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County

What a week. The announcement of the budget and more particularly the Ministry Developer for Region 4 change in job status has created conversation. There seems to be a process in play as we go from shock to anger and now moving toward ok now what we we need to do. As for me I have this quote running around in my head - “The best is yet to come, there is more work to be done.” I think that is the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Our work is working through the range of feelings and thoughts. Ok lets move to the life of Carbon County.

St. Luke's (Medicine Bow): It was a beautiful day last Sunday. I arrived to find Arlen fussing around and getting everything ready for the worship. We bantered back and forth as we waited for people to arrive. Ida had headed over to pick up Lilian and so it was the two of us. Then another person arrived. Shortly after that Lilia arrived and we began. Arlen preached on Sunday and it was clear right way that he was energized and excited about what he had to share. He took us through the bible and talked about Moses, Peter, and Paul who all a great pat on the back and also blew it! Nevertheless God continues to work with us and that is a wonderful blessing. Now that may not be what Arlen said, but that is what I heard! Afterward we gathered at Lilian's house for lunch and I forgot that we had planned on finishing up the biblical DiSC training. Grace abounds and we have rescheduled for September.

St. Thomas (Rawlins): I have seen it! The lift is installed at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. What a wonderful view. The outside of the building is complete and the are currently laying down the tile in the bathrooms. I have begun talking to people about what my future looks like and what the future looks like for the church. There is some sadness, questions, and moments of hope. St. Thomas was a host site for the Pre-Convention meeting last Saturday and it was nice to see Encampment being represented.

St. James (Encampment): Talk about buildings coming together I heard that the new parish hall now has walls. What was only a dream a couple of months ago now has moved into reality. Within a couple of weeks this project went from a hold in the ground to now having walls. I cannot wait to see what it will look like when I visit them again in a couple of weeks.

St. Paul's (Dixon): Yesterday I arrived for the Summer Bible Cafe meeting and we have been working through Ezekiel and I believe we are coming to a better understanding of this book. We have secured resources that helps us get a better perspective of what is taking place and better understanding of the references that are used in Ezekiel. And the conversations that follow are priceless. Linda had a great time telling about the “mystery trip” that the members of the church took and the misunderstandings that happened during their trip. She was smiling as the group shared their laughter and humorous adventures. A Safeguarding God's Children training has been scheduled for September 20, 2011 @ 5pm at the higher education building.

St. Barnabas (Saratoga): Not much to report this week other than the senior warden was recognized by the local newspaper for his work in the school system that serves … small communities! Some of this work (formation and leadership development) has many crossover applications and it sure nice to see how the church can serve as a support in helping the surrounding communities become more vital. It was a really nice article.

What is coming up? Well I will be heading to St. Paul's on Wednesday to participate in their Compline/Thanksgiving event for August. Those are always fun. I will also be at Kraft Hall on Wednesday from 10 am to 12 pm so feel free to stop on by if you like. The remainder of the week is light. Sunday I have two services starting at St. Thomas in Rawlins (9:30 am) and a second service at St. Paul's starting at 3 pm where we will dedicate a Clavanova which includes homemade ice cream!

Letters to the Churches of Carbon County and Beyond

As I sit down and to compose my weekly letter I have mixed emotions. The public news of the budget and the position of the Ministry Developer in both Regions One and Four moving to part-time has stirred up emotions in myself and others. Change at this level is difficult because it effects people's lives and the church. For some of the churches I work with I think I am one of the longest serving clergy they had. For all the churches that I work with we had been through many defining moments and we have created a body of work that I am proud of. As I pray the image of Moses comes to mind. Moses lead a people in the “wilderness” to help them form an identity and a sense of purpose, yet he was not included in the population who entered the promise land. I think of Paul as he wrote letters to the churches that he established, yet he didn't get to see how much of impact he had on history and the Christian Church. I don't put myself on those levels, but I do know that the church is a resilient organization that finds a way forward through major changes. So, I pray that a Joshua and a Timothy emerges both in spirit and in presence for the days to come.

For me I don't know what my future holds. What I really focused on is doing my best work to this point. To see and point to where God is working in mysterious and miraculous ways. Please be patience with me as I continue to pray and process what this means for you are a people that I love and are in many meaningful ways my family. The coming months is a good time to complete things with me and be intentional about what you will need from the future Ministry Developer of this Region. Please get in contact with the Diocesan Office if you have questions and they will be available to answer questions that you may have. I stand ready to help where I can and now is the time to expand the network of relationships beyond our region. With that being said, I now turn to the news of Carbon County and I hope this letter finds you well.

St. James (Encampment): Last Monday I met with Vonnie as we put together the service bulletin for the 2nd Annual Church in the Park. The work went quickly and smoothly. I really value the intentionality of having this work done a week ahead which saves time and lowers my stress. The growing edge for me is to do this on a regular basis! The actual service on Sunday went well! At one point the Rev. Susan Dyer when over to the playground to invite the kids to join in the communion and they said, “No, we are waiting for the real food.” Susan told me that she was begging for more time to sit down and talk to these kids about what is happening. I laughed and realized that she was right. After we wrapped up I headed over to the church and to my surprise the “footprint” of the foundation of the new parish hall had grown! The sub-floor is laid and the area it covers will work nicely. It is sure nice to see that work in progress.

I drove to (St. Paul's) Baggs last Monday for the Summer Bible Cafe that the members of St. Paul host ever two weeks. We are working through the book of Ezekiel which is full of imagery that has many cultural connections. It takes time to sort through what is being said and expressed and so we don't move through the text very quickly. After we are finished reading it is nice to hear the everyday friendly bantering of the news of the Little Snake River Valley. They were gracious in adjusting their church schedule to accommodate the Church in the Park in Encampment.

Last Sunday I heard a funny story about St. Barnabas (Saratoga) on Sunday. As it turns out we have a “Passover Truck” in Saratoga. One of the members of the church was a firm presence in dealing with a difficult person in Saratoga and the word got out when this person saw this truck she didn't visit the establishment that the truck was located and avoided the driver of the truck at all cost. I am proud that the people of St. Barnabas took on a very difficult task in establishing boundaries and didn't get pulled into the guilt of being a “Christian Organization” and not “loving” when they held this person accountable for her actions. Summer also has caught up with this church were most of the members of the church enjoying the last days of August. Nevertheless they were present at the Church in the Park event and offered their singing talents.

Again there is not much to report about St. Luke's in Medicine Bow. It is my understanding that extended family members of the member of the church were in town and she wanted to spend some time with them. That makes sense. Arlend and I spoke on Sunday and he will be preaching this coming Sunday.


Although I didn't receive any pictures of the DOUBLE baptism (vs the dual baptism – wink, wink) that took place yesterday (August 21st) at St. Thomas in Rawlins, I heard that it was a wonderful event. The Mother of the baby, and who also is the step-mother of the baby's older brother, posted on her facebook wall that she really enjoyed the service and gave the Rev. Karen a thumbs up. From I know the handicap lift as been installed or will be very soon. I looked at what has been completed to date and the walls and surrounding area is looking nice.

What is coming up? Well this week I will be participating in two WebEx meetings one on Monday at 5:30 pm with the Ministry Developers and a second one on Tuesday at 5:30 pm with the Regional Reps. Wednesday I will be in Casper for a face to face meeting with the Ministry Developers and the Bishop. Thursday I head to Laramie to meet with Arlen's preaching discernment group at 2 pm. On Saturday there is the Pre-Convention Meeting using the VTC (Video/TeleConferencing) network. That meeting starts at 12 pm and will conclude at 3 pm. This Sunday I will be presiding at St. Luke's in Medicine Bow.

For those who do not receive the e-Spirit of Wyoming I have provided a copy of the text of “Pre-Convention Agenda, 2012 Budget and letter from Bishop Smylie”

Friends,

In the budget for 2012 you will notice changes in assessment revenue and our staffing model. Our assessment structure is one that has challenged our churches financially. Due to this, we will be reducing our assessment percentages for our churches in the coming year, and this change will decrease our diocesan revenue. This new assessment structure will be shared in detail at Pre-Convention and Convention. With this reduced revenue we will be changing the staffing structure for our ministry developers.

We currently have only two full-time ministry developers, the Revs. Joe Galligan and Doug Wasinger. In 2012 their positions will become part-time. Joe’s position has been moved to part-time as his Region’s needs have changed significantly over the past year. There are only two communities without priests, Thermopolis and Meeteetse, and because of this I cannot realistically present a budget with a full-time ministry developer for the Region. Joe will continue to serve this diocese in 2012 as a part-time ministry developer and will be serving at Holy Trinity, Thermopolis as their part-time rector.

Doug’s position is also changed to part-time in 2012. The office is currently assisting Doug in his discernment and exploring where our Lord may be calling him, and I ask that you keep Doug in your prayers.

I recognize that these staffing changes may cause concern for some of our communities. I assure you that I am committed to the future of Mutual Ministry, of having well-trained clergy and look forward to working with our Ministry Developers, our communities and our clergy in shaping the ever-evolving world of Mutual Ministry.



Prayerfully,



The Rt. Rev. John S. Smylie