St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Seeking to know and grow in Christ June, 2021 178 South Main Street—P.O. Box 909 through education, dedication, and service. Buffalo, WY 82834 T HE S EEKERS “ALWAYS OPPORTUNITIES”

In the absence of Fr. Doug’s usual article, we’ve decided to share a piece that first appeared in the July, 1986, issue of St. Luke’s Newsletter (before it became “The Seekers.” ) It was written by Bishop Vernon Strickland, then Rector of St. Luke’s. We think you’ll agree that it still speaks to us today.

Portus is the Latin word for “harbor,” the place where ships and boats can be sheltered from storms. When “ob” (towards) is placed in front of the word portum, it means “going toward a port, a harbor.” A ship waited for the opportune moment when the wind would aid it in entering the harbor. From that background, “Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be the Latin word opportunus, meaning “favorable,” passed into English as the word strong. Let all that you do be “opportunity.” Henry Kaiser once said, “A problem is only an opportunity in work done in love.” clothes.” He’s absolutely right! ...1 Cor. 16:13 There are opportunities in the problems you are facing. You don’t have to INSIDE THIS ISSUE: lie down and play dead, they don’t have to get the best of you! Peter Marshall reminded us how an oyster handles a problem. Into the oyster’s life one day there 2 Karen Walker to be came an intruder, a tiny grain of sand. It brought pain and distress to the oyster. Ordained July 10 Faced with that problem, the oyster had several choices (it/we always do!) It could have rebelled and questioned God’s justice. It could have denied the pain’s Helen Crain 3 reality and regarded it as an error in thinking. It could have adopted a “stiff upper Memorial Service lip” attitude of resignation. However, the oyster did not choose to react in these ways. Instead, he saw an opportunity in the problem he faced. He took positive Taking a Moment 4 action. He did something. Slowly and patiently, with infinite care, the oyster built for Missions upon that grain of sand layer upon layer of a plastic, milky substance that covered each sharp corner and coated every cutting edge. Gradually, the oyster trans- Bread of Life Food 5 formed a problem into an opportunity, an intruder into a friend, a grain of sand Pantry Report into a pearl. Maybe that’s why they say we go to God through pearly gates! Every one of those gems was once a problem, a trouble, a heartache, a misfortune St. Luke’s Honors 7 which God helped someone turn into a pearl. Her Graduates Every adversity, every heartache or failure that you have or are experienc- ing has within it a potential pearl, a genuine benefit! As Alice Rollins wrote: “God’s Vacation Bible 8 best gift to us is not things but opportunities.” School Always remember, Christian friend: Adversity, our present problems, our seemingly insurmountable obstacles, don’t have to speak the final word! You and A Note from 8 I have choices we can make. Decisions that can be made. There is always some- thing we can do if we want to. And best of all, in and through it all, by our side is Karen God to strengthen and sustain us. In everything, see an opportunity for something Vestry Minutes 10-12 better, for it’s really true! What opportunity do you have today?

The Seekers Page 2

KAREN WALKER PASTORAL CARE TO BE ORDAINED TO THE DIACONATE ON JULY 10 Many times it’s the “folks in the pews” who are the first to learn about those We are pleased and excited to announce that the who can use pastoral care. Please help us Rt. Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler will ordain Karen Walker to not overlook people who need us. If you to the Diaconate on Saturday, July 10, at 1:00 P.M., at know of someone we can serve in this way, St. Luke’s. A reception will follow. please contact: This is a change from the previously announced date, so please take note. Karen Walker 620-1789 We invite one and all to be on hand, to celebrate The Church Office 684-7529 with Karen as she answers God’s call on her life to follow Fr. Doug Wasinger 620-0061 and serve.

AUDIT RESULTS FOR YEAR 2020

March, 2021

First, we thank those volunteers who work so hard to maintain the financial health of the various entities within St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Their dili- gence and efforts are very much appreciated during the pandemic.

This audit did not uncover any improprieties or misappropriations of any kind. The bookkeeping is me- ticulous in its organization. All checks, invoices, and transactions were well-documented. Corrections, cancelled checks and other adjustments were well-documented. There is good written communication with the bookkeeping service when a check is printed in error or if there is any question about an out- standing check. The paper trail was easy to follow.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Respectfully submitted. Eileen Bentley

Congratulations and our sincere appreciation to our Treasurer, Wes Killian, and Denise Heitler, Accounts Receivable Coordinator. Pam McFadden, Sr. Warden The Seekers Page 3

JUNE IS “OUR MONTH” FOR MEALS ON WHEELS!

This month St. Luke’s will deliver Meals on Wheels, an incredibly important out- reach to the elderly and shut-ins in our community. Those who volunteer to deliver find themselves delivering so much more than meals alone; they also deliver a friendly greeting and provide needed contact with the “outside world.” They become the face and voice of God’s caring and concern. This is just one of the many ministries in which St. Luke's and our parishioners serve out Christ's admonition to care for the poor, homeless, and ill, as well as the downtrodden and those denied justice.

As this is being written (mid-May), there are a number of people who have already signed up, and some of those have volunteered for more than just one day of delivery. With heartfelt gratitude, we say Thank you to each of them. You bless us by your service and example! That being said, we still have a some vacant slots to fill. We need YOUR help. Please call the Church Office at 684-7529 or Linda Clark at 684-2141 to check the available dates and sign up to help. You will find yourself blessed while you’re being a blessing to others! UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR MEAL DELIVERIES WILL BE POSTED IN ONDERDONK HALL.

Please join us for a memorial funeral service to be held for Helen Crain at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021 at St Luke's, with reception and light refreshments following in the Onderdonk Hall. The Seekers Page 4 TAKING A MOMENT FOR MISSIONS

with Joan Smith

No Wasted Experiences with God

Wedding ceremony—bride follows husband. As a child I struggled with a reoccurring nightmare- a frightening dream that was always the same. Now it seems innocuous; then it was inescapable evil. It started as I looked down at a delicate purple violet. A black cloud would overshadow the violet. At that moment of the overshad- owing, I became the violet, lying on my back looking up as the shadow began to descend. As the shadow descended, I would feel a weight pressing down on my chest not allowing me to breathe. I would wake up in a panic unable to breathe, gasping, with my heart pounding. I lived with the dream for four or five years until Jesus became a reality in my life. Then it disappeared. Fast forward forty years. Tigist was a bright and beautiful Muslim girl. Her looks and her abilities caused a number of the single men in the area to look her direction. So, it wasn’t a complete surprise when she was abducted from the community by a man who lived in a community across the lake. But the conditions in the new family were difficult. Tigist lived in constant fear that she would be killed. Eventually she contacted her family and asked if she could come home. Initially her family refused because they had already been paid the bride price, but things only got worse for Tigist, so in the end they changed their minds because their desperate daughter threatened suicide. She returned home free of the threats of her husband’s family –but pregnant. Several weeks after her return she brought a translator-advocate so she could talk to me. She explained that she was pregnant from the man who had been her husband and now she wanted to get an abortion but her family lacked the money. Would I help her? Part of me wanted to help her because a new baby would tie her to a family that had abused her, but I couldn’t help with an abortion. I said that I would help her if she needed to go away and have the baby, but I couldn’t help pay for an abortion for a variety of reasons. I explained that first and foremost I believed life was a gift from God – it was not for me to take- and secondly friends that I knew who had had an abortion had suffered long term phycological heartache. She listened quietly, nodded and then she left. What I didn’t know at the time of the conversa- tion was that she had already taken the ‘abortion pill’. She passed out on the road as she was going home. A neighbor found her and took her to the clinic where she aborted the baby. I was sick about the whole situation -second guessing the way I had handled it. But, mostly I was heartsick because I hadn’t emphasized God’s love for her in the middle of the circumstances where she found herself. I hadn’t emphasized that God loved her no matter what had happened or what she had done and that he was still there loving her. I knew I needed to go talk to her and talk about God’s unfailing, never-ending love, but I lacked the language for that kind of a conversation. I had to have a translator-advocate. God provided a man who was a mutual friend. We went out to her family’s house. When we got there it was filled with people including her father who usually didn’t hang around the house. With the usual hospitality they invited us to eat a meal and drink coffee with them. When we got to the coffee ceremony time my translator explained that I had something to share. With that I began to tell my own story of God’s intervention in the mistakes that I had made. I explained that I hadn’t always followed Jesus’s way but that didn’t change the fact that God kept seeking and loving me. In the course of the story I shared about the dream that I had had as a child and how after I had accepted Jesus’ love for me that the dream went away. After I finished the story there was a long silence in the house. The father said, “That was a nice story, but the interesting part is the dream. Just before you came, Tigist was telling us about the dream she had before she returned to our house. It was the same dream.” As my friend and I left their house, my friend said, ”I’m not sure that they would have listened to your story if your hadn’t told about your dream.” It was an amazing thing to think that God had allowed a terrifying childhood dream to be the key that opened the door to share his story in my life. An experience that I would gladly have avoided proved to be some- thing that God knew would touch the mind and psyche of a family halfway around the world. It was just another remind- er that we are called to be witnesses of our experiences with God whether we think they are worthwhile or not. God has a purpose. He wants us to tell his story in our lives. PS: I’m not sure that Tigist ever became a believer, but I know that she heard the gospel. She married the following year and moved away. About two years later she returned with her husband and a new baby. They asked me to name their new daughter. The Seekers Page 5

NEIGHBORS CARING FOR NEIGHBORS

The Bread of Life Food Pantry

Hello St. Luke's members!

It's June and the spring flowers have finally arrived! We received our total grant request from the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming Foundation to build our addition and create disabled parking access. We have gone under contract and construction will begin the first week of June. The Food Pantry is temporarily relocating to Bomber Mountain Civic Center and will open our doors on June 2nd at our new location. We will be changing our open hours of operations to Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 5 - 7 pm. The Pantry will be overseen by our Board and a small group of volunteers due to limited key availability. We plan to be in this temporary location until September. We will provide an update as construction pro- gresses, and are looking forward to bringing all of our volunteers back to an improved Food Pantry loca- tion as soon as we can.

We are renting two rooms at Bomber Mountain Civic Center, one to store our inventory and one for the Food Pan- try itself. We have our own entrance to the Food Pantry at our temporary location, in the southeast corner of the building. Signs will be up to help guide you to our location and we encourage folks who want to drop off donations to stick to our open hours of operation. Also, please remember to use the Food Pantry contact information for any questions (Ph:307-620-0631 or [email protected]). We moved the Food Pantry over the course of two separate weekends, moving the inventory we keep in back and then the Food Pantry itself. Buffalo high school's cross country team, National Honor Society, and 4-H members showed up to help us move our inventory and members from Bighorn Baptist Church helped move the Food Pantry freezers, refrigerators, shelves, etc. We could not have done the move without all the help - THANK YOU to all who were involved. Many people made quick work!

On June 1st, Bread of Life Food Pantry, The Boys and Girls Club of the Bighorns, the Town and Country Buffalo Garden Club, Johnson County School District Board and maintenance staff, Wyoming Hunger Initiative Board members, Wyoming State Forestry, two private local tree care companies, both Johnson County Conservation Dis- tricts, and our Governor and First Lady of Wyoming all were together to help establish Buffalo's Community Or- chard. Apple, Pear, Plum, Peach, and Apricot trees of different varieties (14 total) were planted, along with a do- nated grape and berry bushes. The event provided education to the youth on planting, maintenance, arboricul- ture, and future use of the produce. After the planting, Wyoming Hunger Initiative Board members and the First Lady Jennie Gordon were given a tour of the Bread of Life Food Pantry and shown the temporary location as well.

In mid-May, Mr. Farris' 4th Grade class delivered 1,051 pounds of human and pet food to the Bread of Life Food Pantry from the 4th Grade Food Drive Contest! Mr. Farris' class won the contest and were able to help unload the food into the Pantry. After a tour, the class paired up and picked out groceries for a family for one week. We are so thankful to Cloud Peak Elementary, 4th Grade teachers, students, and families for the donation!

In the month of April, we served approximately 484 people making up 180 families (Kaycee Mercantile numbers included).

THANK YOU to all of St. Luke's members for their continued prayers, volunteer time, donations, and support in helping to fulfill the Bread of Life Food Pantry's mission.

Kelly Norris, Chair of Bread of Life Food Pantry The Seekers Page 6 THANK YOU, ELAINE WALKER! ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH FINANCIALS

It takes a LOT of people to “be the Our financial status as of the end of April, 2021, is as Church.” Many of them do their work and follows: offer their gifts quietly, without fanfare. Such a person is Elaine Walker. Some of you know Income $14,890.14 that Elaine has been St. Luke’s Acolyte Coordinator for a number of years. It’s a job Expenses 14,414.96 she does well. But did you know that she also Profit $ 475.18 serves on the Worship Coordination Commit- tee and volunteers at the Food Pantry? And The Quarterly Report for St. Luke’s Investment I’m willing to bet that not many of you know Accounts, January—March, 2021, shows a GAIN of she assists this secretary each month, by $11,242.02. proof-reading the calendar for her when she submits it for review. And oh, by the way, she Questions? also serves on the Altar Guild. Have you ever Contact Treasurer wondered who “paints” the little wine crosses Wes Killian on the wafers? Yep! That’s Elaine. I should at 620-5720. also mention that she does all this while run- ning a successful business and being a wife, mom, and grandmother! All in all, she is one NEED TO CONTACT FR. DOUG? of those people who help make St. Luke’s unique. She is a Office Hours: quiet, modest, faithful servant, Monday—Thursday and our church family is blessed by her presence and example. 9:30 A.M.—Noon

Address: 513 E. Hart Street Thank you, Elaine. You are special indeed! Cell/Text: 307-620-0061

Day Off: FRIDAY Please feel free to use this number!

NEED TO CONTACT YOUR VESTRY?

PHONE: EMAIL:

Pam McFadden — Senior Warden 620-2174 [email protected] Marsha Parker – Junior Warden 684-5186 [email protected] Linda Clark - Clerk of the Vestry 684-2141 [email protected] Denise Heitler—A/R Coordinator 620-0539 [email protected] Les Babin 307-620-9786 [email protected] Jo Ann McKenzie—Treasurer’s Assistant 620-0779 [email protected] Nikki Ellis 684-7620 [email protected] Wes Killian - Church Treasurer 620-5720 [email protected] Marie Miller 620-1552 [email protected] The Seekers Page 7

ST. LUKE’S WILL HONOR HER DO YOU HAVE A REQUEST GRADUATES ON SUNDAY, JUNE 13 FOR OUR PRAYER CHAIN?

To initiate a prayer request, please contact: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

will honor her graduates with a JO ANN MCKENZIE reception following the 10 A.M. Service on Sunday, June 13. Please plan to Email: [email protected] join us as we offer our congratulations and best wishes for the future to these young Call or text: 620-0779 people, who have accomplished so much. St. Luke’s graduates this year are: John Wonka Maddie Killian ST. LUKE’S ECW Olivia Wasinger Mystery Senior IS CONTINUING TO SELL Wolfgang Wuerker Jack Killian THESE ITEMS! Avery DeVore

Alexis Wasinger Brooms—$15 each

HAVE WE MISSED SOMEONE?

If we missed someone when we were compiling our list of graduates, we didn’t mean to! Cookbooks—$10 each Please forgive us and let us know, by contacting Sr. Warden Pam McFadden at 620-2174 or the Church Office at 684-7529. We’ll do our best to make it Walnuts - $10 lb. right! Pecans - $12 lb. Mixed Nuts - $12 lb. COFFEE HOUR HOSTESS

MONTHLY REMINDER FOR JUNE

You can purchase these items Monday Committee #2 is scheduled to host Coffee through Friday, 8:30 A.M.–Noon, from the Hours during the month of June. The following Church Office. ladies are members of this committee:

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Linda Clark *

Shirley Jacob

Pat Miller Pam McFadden Monday—Friday: 8:30 A.M.—Noon Marie Miller Telephone: 684-7529 Kari Hanson email: [email protected]

The Seekers Page 8

June 21-24, 2021 5-8 P.M. Bomber Mountain Civic Center

PEOPLE ARE NEEDED: 1. to help lead groups of children to and from the stations, which doesn't really call for anything but being there during the sessions. 2. We also need people to help bring snack items and a few other items - and these people don't need to be there during the actual VBS sessions. 3. We also are looking for a few adult leaders for the different stations. This involves more beforehand preparation. As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities for anyone to plug in. For information about VOLUNTEERING or about REGISTERING YOUR CHILDREN, please go to this link:

https://vbspro.events/p/buffalowyoming

QUESTIONS? Please contact Marcy Schueler at 620-9057.

The Seekers Page 9

MAY GOD BLESS YOU A NOTE FROM KAREN WITH DISCOMFORT As I write this I am thinking May God bless you with discomfort about the fact that I will soon be At easy answers, half-truths, finishing the Iona School program. We have spent and superficial relationships three years growing and learning and having some So that you may live deep within your fun along the way. I have learned a lot about the heart. Bible, church history, church practices, and even about myself. And I have made some wonderful May God bless you with anger friends. The time has gone quickly and, via ZOOM, At injustice, oppression we persevered even through the pandemic. My and exploitation of people, class will graduate on June 6th in Casper! And, So that you may work for justice, while it’s fun to look back and see how far I have come, it is just as exciting to imagine what is freedom and peace. ahead. I’m looking forward to my ordination, which will take place on July 10th, at 1:00 p.m. here in May God bless you with tears Buffalo. And I am eager to begin my ministry as To shed for those who suffer pain, a deacon at St. Luke’s. I thank you all for your rejection, starvation and war support and encouragement. I am excited about So that you may reach out your hand the opportunity to serve, and I look forward with to comfort them, great anticipation to what God has in store for us. and to turn their pain into joy. A 3-WAY CHOIR UPDATE And may God bless you with enough foolishness To believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Voices from the 3-Way Choir enjoyed 4 meet- ings together and sang to the Lord. They are now on Amen. vacation until September. Be watching for the date when these fun get-togethers will resume, and please join us if you love to sing. For more infor- mation, you can contact Linda Clark at 684-2141. We are grateful to Linda Clark for sharing.

JUST WHEN ARE THOSE ARE YOU IN OUR BLESSING BOOK?

DEADLINES?

The Sunday Bulletin: We’d love to add you!

NOON EACH WEDNESDAY Please share your birthday, anniversary, and baptismal dates by calling 684-7529 The July Newsletter: or emailing us at [email protected] MONDAY, JUNE 21 The Seekers Page 10

St Luke’s Episcopal Vestry April 24, 2021

Members present: Fr. Doug, Pam McFadden, Wes Killian, Denise Heitler, Linda Clark, Jo Ann McKenzie, Nikki Ellis, and Marsha Parker. Absent: Les Babin. Guests: Kelly Norris, Karen Walker. Karen opened the meeting at 1:06 pm with prayer. Linda moved and Denise seconded the minutes of the last meeting be approved after three items were corrected. The corrections included (1) that $4,420 will be taken from the Memorial account for the addition to the Bread of Life Food Pantry (BLFP). (2) Linda moved and it was approved that $6,000 from the recent donation of $17,000 be donated to the Buffalo Senior Center for their Home Health services. (3) Jo Ann’s role title will be Treasurer’s Assistant. Clerk: Due to Amy Irene’s move Linda was appointed Clerk by general consent. Treasurer’s Report: The treasurer’s report was extensive and documentation can be found attached to these minutes. Next month Wes will provide information on the first quarter financials for all accounts held by the church. We discussed the difference between an advisory group and a formal Board of Directors. Pam and Fr. Doug will meet with the leadership of ECW and Altar Guild to continue this discussion. Wes has been meeting with Bonnie of 307 Accounting and will bring a contract with 307 for Vestry approval to the next meeting delineating responsibilities. Wes is also the Treasurer for the BLFP and provided current financials for that organization. He brought a quarterly report of their financials. See attachment. It was noted that Denise is responsible for the monthly receivables. She will provide a quarterly report to the Treasure for our next meeting. Profit and Loss to Seeker: Wes will submit our profit and loss statement to the Seeker each month. It will provide information on the previous month due to the untimely way bank statements are issued Linda moved and Jo Ann seconded that we approve the treasurers’ reports provided by Wes. The motion passed. Old Business 2021 Foundation Grant Tabled until we hear from the Foundation. 2021 Goals and Measurable Outcomes Pam presented committee assignments based on goal interests that each Vestry member submitted at our last meeting. The assignments can be found attached to these minutes. It was suggested that each committee appoint a chairperson and co-chair and ask a member of the congregation to join the committee. Committee progress will be reported at each Vestry meeting. Three Way Partnership: Tabled until next meeting Job description for Vestry Members: During our last meeting Pam offered a job description for Vestry membership. After review by each member Pam recommended that we use this document with the addition of an attendance requirement. There was general agreement and she will present the document for vote at the next meeting. Report to Congregation: It had been agreed that a Vestry member present a short report to the congregation quarterly on our finances as well as an update on current activities and accomplishments. Pam has written an article to this effect for the next Seeker issue and volunteered to present the first quarterly report to the congregation.

(Continued on following page) The Seekers Page 11

(Continued from previous page)

New Business New Time and Day for Vestry Meeting: After discussion it was concurred that the next Vestry meeting will take place on the third Wednesday of the month from 5-7 pm. The next meeting will be held on May 19, 5pm in Onderdonk Hall. Audit: Eileen Bentley’s favorable audit report will be submitted to the diocese and published in the Seeker. Timely Bank Statements: Wes made a motion, seconded by Marsha and passed that Pam visit with the Bank of Buffalo president to express our concern for more timely reporting from them to us. Safety Preparedness Plan: Marsha and Wes will meet and present the Safety Preparedness Plan at the next meeting. Pam asked that all members review and study the Plan for discussion at the May meeting. Music Director: Linda moved, Nikki seconded that Emily Whipple be appointed Music Director. The motion passed unanimously. A contract will be drawn up to the effect that she will have periodic weeks off due to family events and be paid a weekly stipend as is enumerated in the 2021 budget. Doug and Pam have talked with Judy Goins and she will not be returning in her former role. We look forward to seeing Judy and Gary in the pews—they have both contributed much to the life of the church. Building: Junior Warden Marsha did an audit of the buildings. She presented a long list of things that need to be done to keep our property in order. She will be devising ways to address various projects Questions and Concerns from the Congregation: There have been requests for the resumption of wine during communion. Fr. Doug will take this up with the Ministry Development Committee. The Bishop discussed various ways this could be done when he was with us. The Altar Guild will be included in dis- cussion. Reports: Deacon Karen reported that she had made 1 home visit and numerous phone calls. Bread of Life Food Pantry Kelly presented a lease agreement between BLFP and Bomber Mountain for the use of tw0 rooms to be used while construction is going on at the old food pantry. They have asked that the two rooms be added to our insurance policy for the duration of the lease. The approval of the Vestry was needed. Kelly has extensive plans underway for the opening of the Community Orchard, the temporary move of the food pantry and the beginning of construction. During the summer the food pan- try will not be open at noon times. Marsha moved and Wes seconded that we approve the lease. Motion passed. Kelly presented a memorandum of agreement between the BLFP, Boys and Girls Club and the Johnson County School District for use of and maintenance of the Community Garden. Jo Ann moved, Nikki seconded and it passed that we retrospectively approve the memorandum. Kelly presented the design for the new BLFP Volunteer Tee Shirt. Linda moved, Marsha seconded and it passed to accept the design with one minor grammatical correction. Contracts and agreements are attached. Vestry meeting time: The next meeting will be on May 19, 5pm in Onderdonk Hall. The meeting ended at 3:45

Linda Clark, Clerk of the Vestry The Seekers Page 12 St Luke’s Episcopal Church Vestry Meeting May 19, 2021—5:00 p.m.

Karen Walker opened the meeting with prayer. Nikki Ellis, Marsha Parker, Pam McFadden, JoAnn McKenzie, Denise Heitler, Wes Killian and Linda Clark were present. Karen Walker and Kelly Norris were guests. Treasure’s Report Wes presented the profit and loss statement for April and it was in the black. He also pre- sented the Quarterly report of increases in investment income. Marsha made a motion to accept the report; it was seconded by Denise and passed. Pam noted that Denise is the account receivable clerk. There was fur- ther discussion regarding a contract with Bonnie for accounting services. Pam and Wes will meet with Bonnie and the contract will be tabled until next meeting. Old Business 2021 Grant: Pam presented a letter from the Foundation announcing that our grant request of $50,000.00 to assist in offsetting the costs of the addition to the Bread of Life Food Pantry was granted Job Descriptions : Jo Ann moved and Nikki seconded that we accept the job descriptions of Vestry members and the Senior Warden position that was presented at the last meeting. It passed Measurable Goals Update: We began discussion of church security measures presented in the Safety Preparedness Plan. A vote was tabled until next meeting, giving everyone a chance to continue to study, pray and think over the issues involved. A new contract will be written for the work of Joe Reiner and lawn maintenance because the grass in the back of the church will be eliminated. Pat Miller will join the committee to Focus on Older Population. Joan Smith would like to join this effort. Pam suggested that in the budget for 2022 we establish a Capital Improvement Fund. Jo Ann and Pam have been calling people who have not been in church in a while. They have had a good reception. The 3 way relationship committee continues to meet. The joint choir will be on vacation for the summer. New Business: Letter of Agreement: Jo Ann made a motion seconded by Wes that we accept the contract with Emily as Music Director. It passed Covid Guidelines: Pam presented a letter from the Diocese regarding updated covid-19 guidelines. Bishop Paul Gordon has commissioned the Vestry of each church to make their decision on how to proceed with the Communion Service. Jo Ann moved, Wes seconded and it was unanimously passed that we have wine served in individual glass containers with the bread at the altar. This decision from the Vestry will be forwarded to the Altar Guild. Pam will meet with Margo Mader, Altar Guild Chairman, to discuss this matter. Of immediate interest is that we can start to “pass the plate” immediately and can return to the altar rail when Fr. Doug is again back with us Vacation Bible School: Pam has recruited 3 people to bring snacks to the community Vacation Bible School June 2-24 to be held at Bomber Mountain Center New Vestry Member: Nikki moved and Denise seconded that we invite Marie Miller to join the Vestry to fill the spot of Amy Irene. The motion was approved. Bishop’s Visit: July 10th the Bishop will be with us to ordain Karen Walker to the Diaconate at 1pm in the after- noon with a short reception to follow. Later that day at 5pm the Bishop will meet with the Vestry and at 6pm there will be a congregational dinner with the Bishop. He will preach the next morning (Sunday) at one service at 9 am. The service will be followed with a coffee hour reception. Reports : Kelly Norris reported that plans are going well to move the BLFP temporarily to Bomber Mountain Center. BLFP Services will continue at St. Luke’s until May 28th and resume at Bomber Mountain on June 2nd. She continues plans for the opening of the Community Orchard. Nikki moved and Denise seconded that we adjourn the meeting at 7:15. Motion passed. The next meeting will be held on June 23rd at 5 pm in Onderdonk Hall Linda Clark, Clerk of the Vestry The Seekers Page 13

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! WELCOME TO THE

FAMILY! “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.” ...Psalm 104:33

Elliot Mead (6/1), Zachary Jerry (6/1), Kevin Skaggs (6/1), Pitchie Gammon (6/3), Jerry Eastwood (6/4), Rosi Schroth (6/4), Fr. John Meyer (6/5), Terri Joy (6/6), Adam Ratcliff (6/7), Carter Millhouse (6/11), Lilian Axt (6/13), Leishaan Crane (6/13), ELOISE FRANCES Tracey Ostheimer (6/14), Rich Griffith (6/14), Karen Walker (6/15), ANDERSON, Hazel Eklund (6/15), Jack Killian (6/16), Kerri Pope (6/17), Jeff Philpott (6/18), daughter of Lexie Shambaugh (6/18), Kohen Money (6/18), David Anderson (6/19), Jerad & Mara Chris Boggs (6/19), Aaron Wuerker (6/20), Doug Ratcliff (6/21), Joshua Gray (6/21), Tobiah de la Fuente (6/21), Tyler Atwill (6/22), Anderson, Houston Eli Marso (6/24), Verna Walker (6/25), Jerad Anderson (6/25), was welcomed into the John Thom IV (6/26), Haley Odenbach (6/26), Kevin Rubottom (6/26), Family of God Mark Jones (6/27), Drew Drury (6/28), Seanna Walker (6/28), through Dirk Millhouse (6/29), Nicky Carpenter (6/29), John Griffith (6/30), & the Rite of Holy Baptism David Palmerlee (6/30). in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! on

“Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and April 30, 2021. acknowledge their fault, and to seek each other’s forgiveness and ******** yours.” ...BCP page 429

Mr. & Mrs. Rob Benjamin (6/1) Mr. & Mrs. Bill Ostheimer (6/23) Mr. & Mrs. Mike Hanson (6/4) Mr. & Mrs. John Lewis (6/27) Mr. & Mrs. Todd Burns (6/5) Mr. & Mrs. Chris Odell (6/28) Mr. & Mrs. Brian Kessler (6/9) Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ross (6/29)

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! (The following folks were baptized during the month of June.)

“One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; one God and Father of all.” ...BCP p. 299 Church is not an organization Dr. Geoffrey Sherman (1979) McKinley Jo Kessler (6/21) you join; Elyse Parker (6/1) Jenna Anderson (6/25) it is a family Lauren Money (6/3) Connor Lunt (6/30) where you belong, a home Chris Joy (6/5) Molly Lunt (6/30) where you are loved, Megan Boggs (6/6) Jane Nance (6/30) and a hospital Chris Goddard (6/8) William Carron (6/30) where you find healing. Ed Burnett (6/8) Findlay Carron (6/30) Ray Holt (6/18) Hayden Carron (6/30) ...Nicky Gumbel

PRAYER FOR St. Luke’s Episcopal Church NON-PROFIT ORG. ST. LUKE’S 178 South Main Street U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 909 Almighty and everliving Buffalo, WY 82834 PAID God, ruler of all things in BUFFALO, WY heaven and earth, hear our 307-684-7529 prayers for this parish family. PERMIT #8 Strengthen the faithful, [email protected] arouse the careless, and re- store the penitent. Grant us www.stlukes.diowy.org all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Fr. Doug Wasinger

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

June, 2021

Sunday, June 6 8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist “My father 8:45 A.M. Adult Class

Sunday, June 13 didn’t tell me 8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist 8:45 A.M. Adult Class how to live. (St. Luke’s honors her He lived graduates following the 10 A.M. Service.) and Sunday, June 20 Father’s Day let me 8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist 8:45 A.M. Adult Class watch him

Sunday, June 27 do it.” 8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist — Clarence Budington Kelland 8:45 A.M. Adult Class

Each Wednesday

7 A.M. Holy Eucharist