Friday January 30, 2009

By the Rev Canon Margaret Babcock. Email: margaret@wyomingdiocese.org.

A meeting was held at St. Stephen’s church in Casper last Tuesday and Wednesday to encourage dialogue between Ministry Developers and Rectors on the subjects of “shared episcopacy” and “apostolic teams”. Ann Wafer, member of Christ Church Cody, led the participants through interaction which was set in the context of a Eucharistic liturgy, while Canon Margaret Babcock facilitated brainstorming exercises. Bishop Bruce Caldwell was present to explain his views the nature of the Episcopacy and the need to set the ministry of connection and communication in the context of congregations relating to each other. Lively dialogue was had, with new ideas surfacing and alliances for working towards a deeper connection in the diocese being forged. While the name “apostolic” for the teams being proposed was questioned as being too confusing, and other names (such as Wisdom, Ember and Skunk teams) were brought forward, the basic concept of regional gatherings to deepen relationship and help us become a learning, discerning, and healing community was affirmed. Stay tuned for the final vote on what these teams should be called….and how they are coming together in each region.

Photo by the Very Rev Marilyn Engstrom (thanks Marilyn)

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By Ms. Pamela Kandt. Email: PamelaGRW@aol.com

The Oversight Committee for the search, election and transition for the next Episcopal bishop of Wyoming is pleased to announce the membership of the Search and Transition Committees.

SEARCH COMMITTEE --
Chairperson: Linda Anderson, St. Alban's–Worland Members: Ken Asel, St. John's–Jackson; Michael Bell, St. Mark's–Cheyenne; Rick Bergstedt, St. James'–Riverton; Bernadine Craft, Holy Communion–Rock Springs; Tristen English, St. Stephen's–Casper; Christine Galagan, Christ Church–Cody; Katharine Jost, St. James'–Riverton; Taimi Kuiva, St. Matthew's Cathedral–Laramie; JoAnne Moore, Good Shepherd–Sundance; Rollie Parkison, Holy Trinity–Gillette; Coralee Peterson, St. Andrew's in the Pines–Pinedale; Joan Robertson, St. Andrew's–Basin; Douglas Weaver, All Saints–Wheatland; Carra Wetzel, St. John's–Powell; Joe Wildman, St. Alban's–Worland; Morris Zempel, St. Peter's–Sheridan.

TRANSITION COMMITTEE --
Co-Chairpersons: Cindy King, St. Mark's–Casper; John Peacock, St. Mark's–Cheyenne Members: Carole Buckingham, All Souls–Kaycee; Linda Clark, St. Luke's–Buffalo; Richard Cuthbertson, St. Christopher's–Cheyenne; Debra English, St. Stephen's–Casper; Marilyn Engstrom, St. Matthew's Cathedral–Laramie; Linda Fleming, St. Paul's–Dixon; Laura Greathouse, St. John's–Powell; Sukey Hohl, St. Andrews in the Pines–Pinedale; Mary Ellen Honsacker, St. Thomas–Dubois; Dwight Kuhl, St. Stephen's–Casper; Robert Melonuk, All Saints–Torrington; Cheryl Sherman, St. Paul's–Evanston; Douglas Sunderland, Christ Church–Cody; Wallace Ulrich, St. John's–Jackson.

The Oversight Committee received applications from around the state and met January 16 in Casper to discern the Search and Transition membership. Those who were not selected have been asked to consider serving on sub-committees which will help with critical search, election and transition business.

Other lay and clergy members in the diocese who have an interest in working on a sub-committee should contact one of the committee chairpersons: Search committee chair – Linda Anderson (307-388-0883 or Anderson_Linda_@hotmail.com); Transition Committee co-chair – Cindy King (307-259-2023 or cindylking@juno.com) and, Transition Committee co-chair – John Peacock (307-631-8914 or mettenheim@msn.com).

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By The Rev. Warren Murphy, COM Chair. Email: warrencmurphy@gmail.com

The Commission on Ministry (COM) of the diocese met jointly with the Standing Committee on January 23 at St. Stephen's Church in Casper. The COM welcomed its two newest members, Sydney Johnson and Marsha Krotz. The Rev. Margaret Babcock explained the proposed concept of "Associate Priests" and their role in the diocese. Under this new format; locally ordained priests, retired clergy and self employed clergy would be invited to serve the contract congregations in their regions on a voluntary basis. This would help assure that contract congregations receive the Holy Eucharist regularly. This design will then be included into the "Apostolic Ministry" plan that Margaret is also developing.

Andrew Kerr, diocesan Communications Coordinator, updated both the COM and Standing Committee on the latest communications technology being developed by the diocese. This will include a soon to be revised diocesan web site which will feature everything from interactive communication to pod casts. Numerous other state of the art communications were also discussed. There was also an extended discussion about making sure that older church members who are not fully computer literate are not excluded from these advanced communications. In addition to the online "e-Spirit", there will also be a quarterly printed journal that will include feature articles.

The COM also discussed at great length the role of preaching in the diocese. It is understood that there are quite a few lay preachers who have not been officially licensed by the Bishop as required by canon. The COM decided to address this issue by agreeing to monitor two aspects of diocesan preaching. The first is formation of preachers. This would include an understanding of what it is to be called to preach as well as providing proper training. The COM feels it is important to sponsor preaching courses both as workshops and on line. The second aspect is making sure that all preachers have access to ongoing training opportunities and that congregations have a way to respond to the preachers. Two subgroups were appointed within the COM to explore each of these aspects. This will be an ongoing assignment for the COM.

The Commission on Ministry meets monthly via telephone conference call to discuss issues and consider continuing education grants. Both clergy and lay people are invited to develop continuing education plans for their ministries and are welcome to seek assistance from the diocesan continuing education fund. Official grant requests must be received in the diocesan office by the 15th of each month for consideration by the COM at its subsequent monthly meeting.

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By Andrew Kerr.

Email: andrew@wyomingdiocese.org

The Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming is sponsoring the Casper Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at St. Mark’s Church. GSA is a high school age group for students that are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT), questioning, and their straight allies (supporters). The local GSA had been meeting at a local high school and had to leave after threats of violence and students feeling harassed and threatened. The high school advisor contacted Andrew Kerr at the Diocese, and he agreed to serve as the group advisor in a safe off-campus location. After one meeting at the Diocese office, St. Mark’s church generously agreed to let the group meet there. While they do meet at the church, this is not a religious organization, although it certainly fits the description of mission. GLBT students are among the highest rate of teen suicide, depression, and harassment and GSA provides a safe place for teens to meet with peers in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

The group of teens fluctuates from around 8-15 members each week, but is growing steadily as word spreads in the local high schools that there is a local GSA available to any high school student in Casper. The group is also planning many spring activities that will help build tolerance and acceptance in Casper for GLBT students in the community. Several guest speakers have come to speak on a variety of topics related to GLBT teens, as well. The advisors, Andrew Kerr and Pamela Kandt, give advice and support, but the meetings are owned by the teens.

GSA operates on the premise that every gay and straight student has a right to a public education in an environment that is free from harassment, violence, name calling and intimidation. All students deserve dignity and respect, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, national or ethnic origin. If you and/or your church is interested in helping to sponsor a GSA in your community, please contact Andrew Kerr at andrew@wyomingdiocese.org or 307.265.5200.
 

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By Mr. Pat Walsh. Email: pat@wyomingdiocese.org

HR Camp Foundation held the first meeting of the camp facility development group. The group met at St. Stephen’s Church in Casper. This group has been given direction by the HR Camp Board, through the Strategic Plan in a effort to clarify the facility needs of the camp, current needs as well as long range needs.

This committee is chaired by Dwight Kuhl, vice president of the HR Camp Foundation board. The group revisited the master plan from 2004, which was developed by Design Studios of Casper. One of the main objectives of the group was to look at the immediate need of a new dining facility, as the current dining hall was determined to be unstable by a Laramie based engineer in 2001. That facility was put up at HR sometime in the 1960’s, and is currently not adequate for the needs of the camp.

The group will meet again at St. Stephens on February 4 at 6 pm. Anyone interested in attending this meeting can contact Dwight Kuhl at 258-5047.
 

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By the Rev Doug Wasinger. Email: doug@wyomingdiocese.org

Hello everybody in Wyoming and to those beyond. It was a full week of meetings in Casper last week. A quick glimpse around Carbon County, St. Thomas had their first Associated Priest visit last week; St. Paul was introduced to a new preacher and I received favorable reports. I spoke to Arlen Rounds in Medicine Bow and they had their Annual Meeting and enjoyed having Margaret visit on Sunday. I also spoke with Roxan in Encampment and she is recovering from her trip to California and getting back into the groove. I hope this letter finds you well.

Last week was one of those rare weeks with meetings were scheduled back to back. On Monday I sat down with Shirley Bates from St. Thomas in Rawlins to help plan a funeral that took place this past Saturday. The next day I drove to Casper to meet with the rectors from throughout the state. Region IV (the region that includes Carbon County, Laramie, and Cheyenne) was well represented by Rawlins connection. Marilyn (who grew-up in Rawlins) and Robin (who daughter lives in Rawlins) were in attendance and it was nice to see them. It was a productive time together and discussing our calls to the priesthood, what is happening with the formation of Apostolic Teams which name may be changed to help clarify what this does and overall connecting. Tom Fiske from Gillette was also there. Tom and I go back to our seminary days and he is the God Father of Alexis my oldest daughter. During our time together it was noted that most people of our church see their identity connected with the local church and the concept of the Apostolic Team (a connecting point with the broader church among other things) will be a growing edge. The idea that the church shares with the Bishop the ministry of connecting is an exciting one for me. I am looking forward to seeing how this all works out in the coming months.

After the Ministry Developers said good-by to our fellow rectors we had a workshop in which we (as a group) learned how we function and be as a group. We enjoy diversity, we can be a playful in our collaborative efforts and we all seem to have a good understanding about the different gifts that we share and what the group has to share with our own gifts.

Those two events started on Tuesday and drew to a conclusion on Thursday afternoon. I hung around the Diocesan office on Thursday afternoon, made some phone calls and chatted with the staff. Friday was a day of catching up on sermon writing. Saturday was funeral for Nell Ann Ford in which people from Rawlins had a chance to said good-bye for now. That evening I headed over to Rock Springs for the night.

On Sunday I arrived at St. David’s in Ft. Bridger and watched the snow fall quietly. It was about ten minutes before the service was to start when parishioners arrived. I love these smaller churches. As I got myself familiar with the surroundings I noticed a Lazy-boy chair among the other chairs in the church. I was informed that the person who uses that chair had many back surgeries and that was the only chair that he could sit it and get out of. What a real way to acknowledge and respond to personal needs of the congregation. I was also reminded that St. David’s has a connection with St. Paul’s in the Little Snake River Valley and it was good to see the extended church family in action.

After the service at St. David’s I headed back to Green River. When I was driving into town I went through the tunnels. This created a moment of panic because when I drove out of town that morning I didn’t recall seeing those tunnels. It was when I got through the other side when I realized that I drove through Green River earlier that morning to get breakfast and that was how I missed the tunnels. Whew! The fine folks of St. John’s were gracious with me and showed me around as we gathered to worship. I was really impressed with the Prayers of the People. They write their own. When the service wrapped up I was introduced to a man who has family who attend St. Thomas in Rawlins. Another sign of how connected we are with one another throughout the State of Wyoming. Perhaps we are more connected as a church than we realize.

The remainder of the week looks like this, starting on Wednesday I have a web/phone meeting with the Ministry Developers at 8am. That evening (7pm) there will be a web/phone meeting with the Evangelism Leadership group. Thursday I meet with Karen from St. Thomas in Rawlins to review Title IV of the National Canons. It is one of those steps that need to be taken for those who are moving toward Holy Orders. That evening I am going to Green River for a Rooted In God session for those who are participating at St. John’s. Friday I will be found at Kraft Hall in Rawlins from 10am to 12pm if anybody wants to stop by and say hi. Sunday I am heading to St. Paul’s in Dixon for a HE II at 10:30am.

Be well my friends.

Doug

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