Friday June 12, 2009

Hello and welcome to the June 12 edition of the eSpirit of Wyoming!

Mustard Seeds stories are coming in! Thanks to the congregations that contacted me about the great works they are planning and doing! What still needs to happen now is to let your communities know these great things! Press releases to your local media outlets need to be sent out and I need your help! Please call (307.265.5200) or email (andrew@wyomingdiocese.org) and we can tell your story. Also, if you are still in the planning (or even preplanning) stages, the Diocese and Foundation are standing by to help you! Let us know! As always, we are a phone call or email away.

A reminder that if you have articles you would like to share with the rest of the Diocese, please email them (and a picture if you have one) to info@wyomingdiocese.org. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering news or events, but anything you would like to share.

Thanks and God’s peace,

-Andrew

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

+ Wyoming Bishop Search goes WWW ~ As announced last week, the search process and progress is now online. Be sure to check in regularly for the latest (accurate!) news at www.WyomingBishopSearch.com or www.WyomingBishopSearch.org -- Accept no substitutes! There's speculation and rumor racing across the range, but you'll find the real facts on the website. (If you've got any suggestions for info you'd like to see on the site, let us know at WyomingBishopSearch@gmail.com)

+ Reserve your front row seat to all the action! ~ While you're on the website, be sure to sign up for email alerts -- and encourage others to do the same. That way, you'll always get firsthand news of the latest developments in the search and transition activities.

+ Timeline is TENTATIVE! ~ You will find a timeline for the search, transition, election and consecration on the website. Please remember this is a DRAFT document that will continue to evolve as the process unfolds. No stone has been etched yet. And, NO!, we have not set a firm date for the consecration as the Presiding Bishop's office is still working on her calendar. Again, when it's a done deal, you'll hear it here first.

+ You oughta be in pictures! ~ We'd like to put a mini-slideshow for every parish on the website, but we'll need your help to get it done. Here's what to do: Send no more than 10 digital photos of the exterior and interior of your church, along with any pics of your folks, special events, unique features, etc. to WyomingBishopSearch@gmail.com . Be sure to include a contact name (preferably your senior warden), church phone number and mailing address...plus email and web address if you have one. Then, we'll do our best to show the world how special you are!

+ Tell us what you think! ~ The Search and Transition committees want to know what's on your mind. If you have ANY concerns, thoughts, suggestions, observations...whatever...be sure to let us know! Call or email any of the following people: Linda Anderson (Search chairwoman) at 307-388-0883 or anderson_linda_@hotmail.com ; Cindy King (Transitions co-chair) at 307-259-2023 or cindyking@juno.com; John Peacock (Transitions co-chair) at 307-631-8914 or mettenheim@msn.com; Pamela RW Kandt (Communications) at 307-377-7763 or PamelaGRW@aol.com

+ Hurry, Hurry! There's still time! ~ Don't forget that your parish SPEAKING DAY report (or your one-page of personal thoughts) must be postmarked to the Survey & Profile Committee by June 10. Send your comments c/o Doug Weaver, PO Box 219, Wheatland, WY 82201. Again, the envelope must be postmarked by June 10.

Stay tuned for the next update! Coming up... June 26 -- Diocesan Profile will be published and the Application period begins.

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By Ms. Kay Flores. Email: kaydflores@gmail.com

Planting a mustard seed of faith - Wyoming Wilderness Camp- HR Camp Foundation 2009

This summer, campers from age 2 to 82 will descend on Wyoming Wilderness Camp, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and the HR Camp Foundation. They will build relationships as they camp with friends new and old. They’ll climb mountains, hike, fish, ride horses, play, and work. They will have a great time at camp, returning home with stories to tell about their adventures in the Laramie Mountains.  They will also build a relationship with God. The HR Camp Foundation has adopted this mission statement: “The mission of the camp is to provide an opportunity for young people to live in a Christ-centered community that experiences outdoor activities in a safe, structured and environmentally-sensitive manner.”
This year, campers and staff will explore the theme of the parable of the Mustard Seed as we plant seeds of faith which we trust will grow into trees with God’s help.

Some campers come from the Episcopal Church, and others have never attended church. Our goal is to plan activities which offer campers a chance to meet and worship God in ways that build on the camp experience. Last summer, campers wrote and participated in skits based on scripture, heard Godly Play stories, practiced prayers which involved the whole body, and shared Eucharist in the high outdoor chapel or in the comfortable space of St. Timothy’s. They walked in the dark, looking for the light of God. They reflected on God in their camp lives, and wondered together how God is part of their lives at camp and at home. The campers helped plan and carry out liturgy that spoke to them. They made a joyful noise with singing and playing.
 

The Program Committee assists camp director Pat Walsh and the members of the camp staff by recruiting Spiritual Directors for each week of camp. The Spiritual Directors are people who care about youth and about Wyoming Wilderness Camp. We recruit both clergy and lay people to serve. We encourage teams of Spiritual Directors to spend time together. We have recruited wonderful Spiritual Directors again this year. If you are interested in serving as a Spiritual Director, consider teaming up with someone this year, and volunteering for next year. If you have ideas for liturgies or activities for camp, please send them to me for inclusion in our resource book.

2009 Spiritual Directors:
Family Camp, July 3-5: The Rev. Carole Buckingham and Kay Flores
Middler I & II, July 5-10: The Rev. Doug Wasinger
Art and Music, July 12-17: Open
Junior High, July 19-24: Jenifer and Ed Gamber (Diocese of Bethlehem, PA)
Wind River Mission, July 26-31: The Rev. Russ Murphy
Big Horn Blast IV, August 2-7: The Rev. Daphne Grimes, The Rev. Jess Smith, and Leigh Smith

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By Ms. Kay Flores. Email: kaydflores@gmail.com

Casper is now the home of Wyoming’s first Integrity USA Circle, and you are invited to join! The Circle is a joint effort of individuals from St. Mark’s (Casper), from St. Stephen’s (Casper), and from the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming. We have joined forces with Integrity USA (more information below) as we strive to live into our understanding of our baptismal covenant: to seek and serve Christ in all persons, and to strive to justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being.
For our first event, the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming and the Casper Circle of Integrity USA are proud to sponsor a screening of "Voices of Witness Africa" June 17, from 6:00-7:30pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at 701 S Wolcott in Casper. The 30 minute video will be followed by an hour of discussion. For more information on the video: http://www.voicesofwitness.org/VOWA.htm.

For more information, E-mail us at casperintegrity@gmail.com, find us on Facebook at Integrity USA: Casper, Wyoming Circle, or check with Kay Flores (St. Stephen’s 265-6516), Pamela RW Kandt (St. Mark’s 377-7763) or Andrew Kerr (Diocese 265-5200).

What is Integrity?
Integrity is a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] Episcopalians and our straight friends. Since our founding by Dr. Louie Crew in rural Georgia in 1974, Integrity has been the leading grassroots voice for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Episcopal Church and our equal access to its rites. However, advocacy is only one facet of our ministry. At the national level and in local chapters and diocesan networks throughout the country, the primary activities are:
• worship
• fellowship
• education
• communication
• outreach, and
• service to the church
Through Integrity's evangelism, thousands of LGBT people, estranged from the Episcopal Church and other denominations, have returned to parish life

 

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By Mr. John Peacock. Email: mettenheim@msn.com or phone: 307.631.8914

Service of Healing and Reconciliation at St. Mark's
Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.

June 10, 2009, Cheyenne, Wyoming.....St. Mark's Episcopal Church will be hosting a Service of Healing and Reconciliation at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14 The service will include scripture readings, music and the opportunity for private prayer and anointing with oil for anyone wishing it.

Episcopalians have long considered healing an important ministry. The Rev. Martha Giltinan, a priest in the Diocese of Massachusetts, offers the insight and belief that God neither promises nor offers the end of illness, but instead guarantees some experience of healing.

The service will be held at St. Mark's. Please enter through the 19th Street doors; handicap accessible entrance available via the Kingham Walkway just to the west of the doors. The Healing Service is sponsored by the St. Mark's Parish Health Ministry.

Parish Health Ministry contact--The Rev. Carol Peterson, 307/638-2942
 

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By Ms. Sydney Johnson. Email: sydneyjohnson53@yahoo.com

GRACIE’S PROMISE

“Gracie’s Promise” is the first program authorized by the All Saint’s Vestry for Mustard Seed funds. The Vestry also appointed a committee of volunteers to move the project forward. The “Gracie’s Promise” Board includes Nancy DeBolt, Sydney Johnson, Kathy McKinna, Robert Melonuk, and Bud Watson.

Note cards with art work of local artists on the front will be distributed for donations. The first series will feature Bud Watson’s art. Bud is part of the All Saints’ family. The mission of this charitable organization is to raise funds and give financial assistance for non-medical expenses to families with members, primarily children 21 years of age or younger, battling catastrophic medical circumstances. These families will be selected from our faith community, and may or may not live in our areas.

“Gracie’s Promise” honors Gracie Claborn, daughter of Bobby and Leslie Claborn, granddaughter of Dan and Helen Doherty, and great-granddaughter of Bud and the late Virginia Grace Watson, longtime members of All Saints. At 11 months old, Gracie was diagnosed with a malignant mass on her lung. Doctors were unable to surgically remove the mass. They also discovered that Gracie was suffering with another cancer, leukemia.

Gracie, her young family, and her extended family are in the fight of their lives. We can help with our prayers and our efforts to use the Mustard Seed money, create an ongoing funding effort, and support families like Gracie’s in their time of need.
The first fund-raising effort will be launched at the July 1st All Saints’ Guild summer meeting. We will package 5,000 note cards, fronted by selections of Bud’s artwork, for distribution by All Saints’ members and for donations from everyone who believes in this work.

Anyone interested in a package of 5 cards or in distributing the cards, can call Kathy McKinna at 307-532-0144
 

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By Ms. Ida Rounds. Email: imrounds@yahoo.com

A new Program is being introduced at St. Luke’s this month. It is called, “Wade in the Water”. The introductory meeting is to be held Saturday, June 13 at 8:30 a.m. at the Church. Breakfast will be served before the meeting. Please come, have a bite to eat, and find out what it is all about. Lillian Burnett is putting up notices around town.

A group of Episcopal church members have been formed into special teams in the several Regions of the Diocese of Wyoming. They are called “Apostolic Teams” and their charge is to investigate a better means of communication and looking in an advisory role to the clergy and other lay members. They have scheduled a face to face meeting on June 28th. Hopes are to have it in Medicine Bow. The location may need to be changed because of the 100 anniversary celebration that weekend. More information on this will be forth coming.
 

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Submitted by Ms. Connie Moody. Email: thomap@tritel.net or phone: 587-4400

Thomas the Apostle Center Presents

My Neigbhor: A Gift of God
Relating to those who are different from us.

July 17, 3 p.m. — 2:30 p.m. July 18, 2009
 

Events in the USA and Internationally, including 9/11, have forced many of us to consider, and to reconsider, our attitudes and opinions about “the other” regarding race, ethnicity, culture and religion.

Many of us who previously felt secure within the realm of those “like us” are increasingly challenged to think about and even interact with those who differ from ourselves.

What does the Christian tradition and spirituality have to offer us in our quest to be faithful to God, and yet to be appreciative of those whose faith and practice are so different from our own?

This conference will guide participants through a process of reflecting on and discussing some of the core precepts of Christian faith and spirituality to work towards responsible, practical responses to our current reality.

About the Presenter:

Father Syedullah is an Episcopal priest and Pastor of the Church of the Atonement, Bronx, New York. Born into an interfaith family (Christian and Islamic), and a professed member and pastoral officer of The Third Order, Society of Saint Francis, he has acquired a profound appreciation for the many ways people experience and relate to God. He serves as a member of the liturgical Commission and was recently appointed Chair of the Episcopal-Muslim Relations Committee of The Episcopal Diocese of New York.

Registration:

Registration Fee: $60.00 Includes Dinner July 17, Breakfast July 18, and Lunch July 18. Overnight accommodations will be available at the Thomas the Apostle Center guest houses at an additional cost on a space available basis.

Early registration is encouraged as space is limited.
For more information contact Jay or Connie Moody at 587-4400
or visit our web site at www.thomap.org.
Thomas the Apostle Center
34 Thomas the Apostle Rd.
Cody WY 82414

 

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

PIcture of St. Luke's Church in Medicine Bow

Hello folks I have been hearing reports of snow in the high country here in Wyoming. Yes, it is June and it is still snowing in parts of Wyoming. What a wonderful place that is full of diversity and we have the blessings to live here. I remained for the most part in Carbon County this past week (I went to Laramie this past Friday) and starting to notice a bit of a slow down on the activities as we all shift to a summer rhythm of being. I hope this letter finds you well.

Sunday it was a full day at St. Paul’s in Dixon. It started on Sunday morning at 9:30am in which I led a class on Pastoral Care in which we learned the difference between Servanthood vs. Servitude. Servanthood is more “have to” where servitude is a choice. After that class I presided at HE II. From there the group regrouped in the parish hall to have a brief MST (Ministry Support Team) meeting in which reports was made about activities and education opportunities that are taking place at St. Paul’s. Not missing an opportunity with a gathered group of people, St. Paul had their listening day and will be sending their report into the bishop search this week. To conclude the day we all had lunch at the Senior Center.

This past Monday I drove to LSRV (Little Snake River Valley) for a bible refection. This faithful group of people has been working through the bible one book at a time. Slowly I have watched the people ask questions and do a bit of personal research into the bible as they read. Others from the community have dropped in for a session or two and listened to what has been discussed. At the conclusion of every session there are cake/cookies along with coffee or tea. I have to remind myself that the road construction season is now upon us here in Wyoming and to plan for about an extra 15 minutes when I travel.

Wednesday I was on the weekly web/phone meeting with the Ministry Developers. We are starting to work on a scenario planning process to assist us in planning for our future together. That evening I was on another web/phone meeting with EDS (Episcopal Divinity School) as I am a member of a group of other Ministry Developers from other parts of the country who are helping other come and coming ministry developers learn their trade.

Thursday I drove over to Green River for the first session of “Wade in the Water” which is a program that helps people learn more about the power of baptism. Our baptism is foundational in our understanding of Shared Ministry and the more people have a common and shared experience and knowledge about baptism the more likely it will be for us to work together in making the world a better place to live.

Friday I was in Kraft Hall working with Rachel on preparing baptisms for the month of July. St. Thomas has two families who are going to enter our family of God and we are working on putting together the service, planning the preparation of those who will be baptized along with the sponsors and the like. That afternoon after I worked on my personal project I caught up with Pat Walsh for a quick bit to eat. We talked about Wyoming Wilderness Camp (aka HR Wilderness Camp) and all that will be taking place there this summer. I am scheduled to be a Spiritual Director for the Middler I and II Camp that will be in session from July 5-10th. If anybody is interested in attending please submit your application which can be found at this web-site http://www.hrcampfoundation.org / and http://www.hrcampfoundation.org/images/forms-media/RegistrationForm08.pdf

Saturday in the morning I attended a worship breakfast for St. Thomas. We lined up the July services and talked briefly about the upcoming baptisms. After the breakfast the MST (Ministry Support Team) met and discussed topics like the Bishop’s Search, Mustard Seed Projects, and scheduling a Ministry Review this fall. Among other items discussed was my vacation that I will be taking in July starting on 20th and conclude on the 26th.

The reminder of the week looks like this – Monday I will be on a web/phone meeting with the Regional Reps starting on 5pm. Tuesday, it looks like it is becoming a regular day off and I am happy about that. Wednesday there will be a web/phone meeting with the ministry developers. Thursday I will be at Kraft Hall for office hours between 10 am to 12pm. Saturday I will be in Medicine Bow for their first session of “Wade in the Water”. Sunday I will be at St. Thomas (Rawlins) for a service that starts at 9:30 am.

Be well my friends.

Doug

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