Monday May 18, 2009

Hello and welcome to the May 15 edition of the eSpirit of Wyoming!

Special thanks to the folks that have contacted me about their Mustard Seed Mission Projects! Part of the convention will be highlighting what each church has done for the Mustard Seed Mission in a poster display, multimedia production, and presentation. I would like to visit with each church (phone/email) soon on the projects and, if needed, schedule a visit to interview folks, take pictures and video, etc. Also, if any churches need help with the Mustard Seed Mission project, there are folks here in the office that can help (including me…so give a call or email). Already some exciting projects are being started and we at the Diocese Office want to make sure the story is documented so we can share these projects (from start to finish) with the world.

Also, 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. The Diocese is still putting together a list of blogs, too, so if you have a blog please send me the address so I can list it. Thanks and keep the stories coming!

God’s peace,

-Andrew

Phone: (+1) 307.265.5200
Email: andrew@wyomingdiocese.org

back to top ^

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

WYOMING'S BISHOP SEARCH & TRANSITION TEAMS ARE HARD AT WORK!

The Bishop Search and Transitions Committees -- as well as the various subcommittees -- have been hard at work for a couple of months now and have a lot of news to share with the Diocese in the weeks and months ahead.

Thanks to the blessings of technology, the 35 members of the Oversight, Search & Transitions committees meet weekly through conference calls and emails to coordinate an extensive to-do list of activities and projects. Their work is organized by Linda Anderson, chairwoman of the Search Committee, as well as Cindy King and John Peacock, co-chairs of the Transition Committee. The entire process is supervised by the Oversight Committee -- comprised of three members each from the Diocesan Council and Standing Committee.

The Search sub-committees are pulling together all the pieces needed for the successful discernment of applicants:
The Education Committee has prepared informational and background materials for parishes to explain church history, past bishops in Wyoming and the process of discerning God's choice for the next shepherd of our flock;
The Survey/Profile Committee has its hands full with developing survey materials, organizing focus groups around the state and conducting interviews with diocesan lay and clergy leaders to prepare the Profile of the Diocese which will describe our state and diocese to help potential applicants discern their own call to Wyoming.
The Screening Committee and Interview Committee are writing questions and procedures for the application and interview processes.
Meanwhile, the Transition sub-committees are also busy with planning the upcoming celebration of Bishop Caldwell's ministry in the Diocese of Wyoming, the walk-about visits of selected bishop nominees, the special election of the new bishop and the subsequent consecration. The Diocese will be hopping with activity during the coming year!

A joint Communications Team has been created in an effort to ensure that all corners of the state, as well as the national church, are kept informed of the search, election and transition for a new bishop. The team will attempt to use all avenues available to transmit information, recognizing that while some in our diocese are exceptionally tech-savvy, there are still many who rely on their printed parish newsletter to keep in touch.
Presently, a website is being designed and a diocese-wide announcement will broadcast as soon as it's launched. Also, regular updates will go out by email, the Wyoming Diocesan listserv and the Diocese's e-Spirit newsletter. More importantly, materials will be distributed to parishes for newsletters and bulletin inserts. (Your parish should have received the first packet of inserts from the Education Committee last week.)

It's important that all Wyoming Episcopalians have the opportunity to be involved as our entire Diocese discerns God's will for our next bishop. If you have comments, suggestions or concerns, we want to hear them In the weeks ahead as the process, procedures and mechanisms are put into place, there will be a variety of forums to express your thoughts.

In the meantime, you are invited to contact any member of the Communications Team. They are:

* Sukey Hohl, St. Andrew's-Pinedale ~ 307-367-2078 or sukeybook@gmail.com
* John Peacock, St. Mark's-Cheyenne ~ 307-631-8914 or mettenheim@msn.net
* Cheryl Sherman, St. Paul's-Evanston ~ 307-789-8501 or charpcherl@myway.com
* Joe Wildman, St. Alban's-Worland ~ 307-431-1290 or rairdenjlw@tritel.net
* Pamela RW Kandt, St. Mark's-Casper (chair) ~ 307-377-7763 or PamelaGRW@aol.com

COMING UP! The new bishop search website...Focus groups in your parish...Plans to celebrate Bishop Bruce at the convention in October...and much more!! Stay tuned for more news next week

back to top ^

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

WHERE WE CAME FROM – A SHORT HISTORY OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

MAY 30, 9AM – 3PM HOLY COMMUNION CHURCH IN ROCK SPRINGS

This is a presentation of “Thomas the Apostle Center On The Road” and will be led by The Rev. Warren Murphy, Director of the Wyoming Association of Churches. This course is free to all participants and lunch will be available at the church for a nominal fee.

WHERE WE CAME FROM will include an overview of how the Episcopal Church came about after its departure from the Church of England in the 18th century. It will cover the major events from the American Revolution until the present day. Contemporary church issues will be addressed.

The Rev. Warren Murphy has led this successful course in the past and is currently working on a book about the religious and spiritual history of Wyoming. This course presentation is made possible through a grant provided by the Episcopal Foundation of the Diocese of Wyoming.

To register, contact Thomas the Apostle Center at 307-587-4400 or at thomap@tritel.net
 

back to top ^

By The Rev Kay Rohde. Email: kay@wyomingdiocese.org

Reflections from Region 3 (as requested by Region 3 Ministry Developer, The Rev Kathy Robinson)

In my role as Wind and Wings Mission Developer, I have been helping some congregations with discovering their gifts for mission. One of the congregations I have had the honor of being with on a regular basis for the past year and a half is St. Stephens in Casper. I recently was reflecting on my work with them and wanted to introduce the congregation to you, from my perspective, as someone they have invited into their community and accepted me as a child of God.

St. Stephen’s in Casper is a Shared Ministry congregation that has entered into a partnership with the diocese. They have developed a strong leadership and support team for ministry inside the church. My role is to support them as they figure out how to see the needs outside the church and use that energy for work and service to the greater community and world. The community which numbers about 20-25 on a good day, has a wonderful ministry of accepting people who are hurt or broken into their midst. They do not judge. They welcome, accept and encourage all to use their gifts in the community. When I am with them, I listen to their story and I share my story, and I learn from them how to accept people just as they are and to accept the gifts and ideas they bring. When I am with them, I have a sense of how God accepts and loves each of us in our brokenness.

back to top ^

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

Hello I write this letter as the rain gently falls outside of St. Luke’s in Medicine Bow. The congregation has finished up a lively meeting that started during the announcement and I will get to that in a moment. Looking around the county this is what it looks like; St. Thomas’ Ministry Support Team has completed a DiSC team building training; St. Paul continues to meet and go through the Bible on book at a time, and trying to keep the river waters within their banks; St. James is continuing in their bible study and shared with me a great story. I hope this letter finds you well.

Last Monday (May 4, 2009) St. Thomas concluded their book study, “The Bible for Today’s Church” in which the group reflected upon what they learned. They discussed different ways of interpreting the bible and how the sessions have enriched their knowledge and appreciation of this life changing gift. The group is ready to break for the summer.

That Monday afternoon I made it LSRV (Little Snake River Valley) for the Spring Café bible reflection in which we wrapped up reading 2 Kings. This is a time for people to read the bible as a grand narrative and discover the stories in new ways. It was sure nice to walk in and see a member from St. David’s in Fort Bridger participating. The family networks in Wyoming know no physical boundaries.

On Tuesday I made a couple of calls and that is when I learned about what happened in Encampment a couple of weeks ago. The propane had run out at the church, so the congregation gathered in a home, had church and then made breakfast and continued the fellowship. That is sure is resourceful if you ask me. I love the flexibility this kind of ministry provides. I also had a chance to catch up with Arlen in Medicine Bow by the way of Laramie to discuss the up-coming service.

Wednesday and Thursday I was participating in a DiSC training with the Ministry Support Team of St. Thomas in Rawlins. DiSC has been around since the 1920’s. It is a body of work that helps people understands who they are and how they work with others. From that information groups of people have a better understanding of the group culture and now can build on strengths and adapt to needs and challenges that they face. The level of trust among the team members has been increased and I walked away from the experience with a greater and richer understanding of who I work with in the church.

Saturday I rode over to Laramie for the day to participate in the Region’s IV Confirmation as a sponsor of Ralph Vickrey (St. Thomas) as he was confirmed in the Episcopal Church. Ralph and I now share more history together in the church because I was also the priest who was asked to bless his marriage to Sheri (formally known as Glassburn) three years ago. Ralph was invited to read and St. Thomas made a strong showing at the service.

Sunday (May 10, 2009) I was in St. Luke’s in Medicine Bow. During the announcement period we started a conversation about the Mustard Seed and that started to take on a life of its own. At one point Arlen pointed out that the conversation could continue after the service, but we needed to move on to the Liturgy of the Table. Good leadership call! After the service the congregation gathered at the back of the church, had cookies, cheese, coffee and tea; and continued the conversation about the Mustard Seed. It was decided that the local community of Medicine Bow will invited into the discernment process by hosting a meal with the local leadership to seek both ideas and support for making the town of Medicine Bow a better place to visit. Upon the conclusion of that discussion St. Luke will start the “Wade in Water” education program to gain a better understanding of Shared Ministry. What a productive time!

This is how the upcoming week is look like – Monday I will be in Encampment for the bible study that starts at 9am. Monday evening I will meet with the Regional Reps on a web/phone meeting to discuss Safeguarding God’s Children among other items if needed. Tuesday is hanging around the office or even perhaps take a day off for Sabbath. Wednesday I have two web/phone meetings scheduled. The Ministry Developers will meet at 8am and the Delegates to General Convention will meet at 4pm. Thursday will be an administrative/sermon writing and etc. day. Friday I will be at Kraft Hall (Rawlins) between 10-12pm and the remainder of the day I will be in Laramie. Saturday I will be at Worship Breakfast (St. Thomas in Rawlins) and meet with the MST (Ministry Support Team) of St. Thomas to debrief and evaluate the DiSC training. Sunday I will be presiding at two services starting at St. James (Encampment) @ 9am and the 2nd service will be at St. Paul’s (Dixon) @ 5pm.

Be well and shalom,

Doug

back to top ^

By The Rev Doug Wasinger (Region IV Ministry Developer). Email: doug@wyomingdiocese.org
& Mr. Bryan Krotz (Region V Region Representativ). Email:  bkrotz@hotmail.com

Hello folks of Wyoming. Here is a quick up-date as to what is taking place in Region V of the Diocese of Wyoming. I hope this finds you well.

A couple of weeks ago Doug Wasinger met with the formation group at Green River (St. John’s) for a night of renewal. We participated in Ice Breakers exercises so that we could once again get to know one another and for Doug to get to know the group. It was a night full of good cheer, laughter, and surprising discoveries. The next step for formation for St. John’s is to go through “Wade in the Water” program which is about basic Mutual Ministry and its core principles. What fun.

Bryan Krotz and Walt Seeley traveled to Salt Lake City to attend a Vital Church Conference on May 4th through the 6th. Diana Butler Bass was the keynote speaker at the conference. Well known authors and ministers from several denominations spoke and provided much valuable information on growing Vital Churches. Walt and Bryan are willing to share what they have learned with the greater part of the Diocese, so look for a more thorough article covering this conference in the near future.

St. Paul’s in Evanston will host the regional confirmation on May 23rd at 1:00pm. The service will be followed by a barbeque with St. Paul’s providing the meat and those attending asked to bring a salad or desert. Bishop Caldwell will have his final visitation at St. Paul’s the following day, May 24th at 10:30am.

There is a new bible study taking place in Kemmerer on Wednesday evenings at 6:00. A soup supper is provided as well as childcare for those parents with small children who want to attend. Janet Seeley, who is a trainer for Safeguarding Gods Children, is in charge of the child care. The study is focused on the book of Romans and is appropriate for those new to bible studies as well as for those who have been attending bible studies for years.

Region V will be joining with Region IV for an Apostolic Team web/phone meeting on May 19, 2009.

For all of us in Region V, have a great Easter Season and a Pentecost event that will light our churches on fire with the Holy Spirit.

back to top ^

Summer Performing Arts Conservatory Camp Hosts Extraordinary Artists from Around U.S. June 27-July 3, 2009

Join St. Thomas Playhouse and guest artists from Idaho and around the nation for it's second annual residential Summer Performing Arts Conservatory Camp (SPACC) at Camp Perkins near Alturas Lake for youth 5th grade though high school. Participants immerse themselves in a conservatory-like experience in the areas of acting, music and voice, dance and on-camera work. In addition, STP offers amazing recreational and evening activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, D.J. night, campfire night, game night, arts and crafts and more!

Founded in 2001, St. Thomas Playhouse (an outreach ministry of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sun Valley, Idaho) is dedicated to enriching the spiritual lives of participants and audience members by presenting plays, musicals, readings and summer camp programs that celebrate the human experience, build relationships, and explore theological and real-life themes. Theater arts education for children and youth is a fundamental component of their mission.

Beth Kennedy (Guest Artist--Acting, Film and Improv) received the Los Angeles Drama Critic's Circle (LADCC) Natalie Shaffer Award for Emerging Comic Actress. Recent film apprearances include Garry Marshall's Georgia Rule and this year's new Disney release, Race to Witch Mountain as well as featured roles in a handfull of independent films. T.V. credits include: Brothers & Sisters, Judging Amy, The Practice, Boston Public and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Mary Kennedy (Guest Artist--Hip Hop and Movement) is currently the lead National Dance Institute (NDI) teaching artist/choreographer at several public schools in Manhattan. She has served as assistant to the well-known Artistic Director of NDI, Jacques D'Amboise and has worked with youth around the country and internationally, including Shanghai and Bali.

James Martin (Guest Artist--Voice and Music) has won critical acclaim for his performances in opera and musical theater. He is a grauate of the prestigious Julliard School, where he was a Young Artist with the Julliard Opera Center. Recent highlights include roles in Show Boat, Chicago, La Boheme, The Marriage of Figaro and The New York Festival of Song at Carnegie Hall.

For more information contact:

Sara Gorby, Camp Administrator, E-mail her at: sgorby@stthomassunvalley.org or call at: 208.726.5349 ext. 16,

back to top ^