St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Seeking to know and February, 2020 178 South Main Street—P.O. Box 909 grow in Christ Buffalo, WY 82834 through education, dedication, and service. T HE SEEKERS
T HOUGHTS FROM F R . D OUG
The prophet Micah was written during a period of Israel’s history when they were facing an external crisis that threatened the wellbeing and even the existence of the kingdom of Judah itself. A foreign empire defeated Judah’s neighbor to the north, Israel, and soon this same empire was going to arrive to conquer Judah. As it turns out, Judah was defeated and sent into Exile. During this time there was a theological debate forming, explaining why these series of events were taking place. What is God saying about these events and what should the people of God be doing in response? In the sixth chapter of this “Keep alert, stand firm in book it reads like a trial. God is presenting a case against Israel by pleading His your faith, be courageous, be case before the mountains and hills. It is a retelling of all the powerful actions strong. Let all that you do be God has done on behalf of God’s chosen people. A well known verse comes from done in love.” the eighth line in Chapter 6 – “He (God) has shown you, O mortal, what is good. ...1 Cor. 16:13 And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” INSIDE THIS Evil existsh and seeks ways to limit others, so that it can continue without bounda- ISSUE: ries. If evil has no limits, it will continue to do what it does – create chaos and destruction. Evil finds ways to make others responsible for their evil acts so that New Vestry 2 it can continue without constraints. One of the most powerful, and even proven, Contact ways to stop evil is to know when and how to be merciful and deliberate in action. Information This action includes the spirit of mercy. Mercy has fallen out of favor in our society. When it comes to God, mercy is one of Women’s Worldwide 3 His strongest traits. God, who is the creator of all that is known and unknown, Day of Prayer chooses to be merciful. This gets my attention. This kind of patience and inten- tional act of mercy is not a sign of weakness or being defeated, it is a sign of 4 greater strength and hope. Time and time again, I read accounts in which mercy ECW Monthly saved lives and changed societies. What was true during Micah’s time about a Lunch Gathering hopeful future is still true today. 5 The church is a group of people who work on being merciful with a purpose. We Lenten worship God and acknowledge that we can and do fall short of God’s purpose of Study justice. It is easy to forget the blessings that we have received as we are quickly moving through the events of our lives. The invitation stands that once-a-week 5 Treasurer’s Report people are invited to come and walk humbly with our God, to act justly and love mercy by praying, listening, and responding to God’s call to be a redeemed people. Annual Meeting 6 For the past couple of months, a new slogan has come to mind, “Restraint is Strength.” Taking the time and effort to not rush toward a determination with Results opinion, conviction, and action is hard. However, I cannot think of anything else that is more worth the time and effort! St. Luke’s is strong because it is merciful in Ash Wednesday cover spirit and thought. Services Fr. Doug + The Seekers Page 2 THANK YOU, LISA KILLIAN, PAM MCFADDEN, THANK YOU, RICK AND DENISE! & KELLIE WASINGER! Thanks to the initiative Words are not enough to express our thanks and and efforts of Rick Clouser and appreciation to Denise Heitler, our ministry these three participants at St. Luke’s were women. As our offered the opportunity to eat well....and to youngsters at feel appreciated while they were doing it! St. Luke’s grow (Seriously, Rick Clouser can cook!) Apprecia- and change, so tion Dinners were given throughout this past must our efforts year, to honor the folks participating in our to share the various St. Luke’s ministries. Your Secretary G o o d N e w s was fortunate enough to be included in one about Christ with of those dinners, and I think I speak for many them. Thanks to of the recipients honored when I say that this these special show of recognition and gratitude touched ladies, our Chris- me. I felt special and valued. We offer our tian education heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Rick and program continues to adapt to suit the varying age Denise, for being the driving force behind ranges, and the result remains a consistent growth in the this thoughtful expression of thanks to those faith of these youngsters. Under the leadership of Lisa members of our congregation who serve the Killian, Pam McFadden, and Kellie Wasinger, and as a result of their service, we see St. Luke’s Sunday school body. program, and the children participating in it, maturing. We We also thank Denise and Rick for cannot stress enough how very important this is for the spearheading another very successful future of St. Luke’s, and our Buffalo community. Lisa and Thanksgiving Dinner. Each year this out- Pam and Kellie, we offer you our thanks, and we are ever reach to those who are alone on this holiday, grateful for what you are doing for all of us, in giving our be they church members or residents of our young people a firm foundation for their future. May God larger community, keeps growing. Again, the bless you each for your loving service and for sharing your food was excellent, thanks to Chef Rick, faith with our children. Denise, and those of St. Luke’s who brought dishes to share. Well done, everyone!
NEED TO CONTACT YOUR VESTRY?
Name: Phone: e - mail: Denise Heitler— Senior Warden 620-0539 [email protected] Gary Goins – Junior Warden 307-680-6383 [email protected] Amy Irene —Clerk of the Vestry 307-351-5372 [email protected] Mark Bentley 505-690-5858 [email protected] Linda Clark 684-2141 [email protected] Marsha Parker 684-5186 [email protected] The Seekers Page 3
WOMEN’S WORLDWIDE DAY OF PRAYER
WORDS OF THANKS AND Friday, March 6, is the Women’s World Day of Prayer. It is an ecumeni- cal movement of Christian women of many traditions who come APPRECIATION together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first FOR OUR ALTAR GUILD! Friday in March. The theme is “Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk” from John 5:2-9a, focusing on the lame man whom Jesus encountered at We are so deeply indebted the healing pool in Jerusalem. to the hard working members of our Altar Guild and to Services begin at sunrise in the Pacific and follow the sun across the Directoress Margo Mader for globe on the day of celebration. Each year a different country’s com- their dedicated, behind-the- mittee serves as the writers of the Worldwide Day of Prayer worship scenes service, vesting the service. altar and caring for the brass This year the women of and linens. This essential work Zimbabwe call us to worship. serves and pleases God in a special way, while making The ECW committee has proper worship of Him begun planning for this possible. Thank you, Altar event. Details will be Guild members and Margo, for forthcoming soon. Watch your devotion to our Lord and for the announcement! St. Luke’s.
YOU HELP US TO SING GOD’S PRAISES
(And we love you for it!) THANK YOU,
St. Luke’s Choir, Jill Rojas, and Judy Goins!
It is difficult to explain the part that music plays in church worship. Music has always been about more than simply singing a hymn or playing an offertory! Music lies at the very center of the process of worship. In some unexplainable but wonderful way, singing God’s praises allows one’s heart to be drawn to Him. That being said, leading the singing of God’s praises is also about commitment and faithfulness on the part of the musicians who offer themselves in this important ministry. When we speak of these qualities, we cannot help but picture our St. Luke’s Choir, and we thank them for their commitment and the outstanding job they do. To Jill Rojas, who served as our talented Choir Director in 2019, and to our amazing organist, Judy Goins, we offer our thanks, our gratitude and our heartfelt appreciation. We are blessed by the leadership, talents, and loving service of all these special people. May God bless each of them for the gift they give. The Seekers Page 4
ECW LUNCH GATHERING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH
12 NOON *** ONDERDONK HALL
A sign-up sheet will be posted in Onderdonk Hall. For lunch, you can order a sandwich from The Breadboard or feel free to bring your own, if you prefer.
All St. Luke’s women are cordially invited, and your guests are always welcome!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN! ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE!
2019 was not without its Our Endowment Committee challenges and adjustments for St. (formerly the Foundation Committee) does Luke’s ECW, but these amazing women continued to make quiet, but important, work. We offer the changes, and to learn and grow. The second Worldwide Day members our heartfelt gratitude for their of Prayer event was again a success, drawing in members of skillful guidance of St. Luke’s in this area the larger community for worship and prayer. We anticipate in 2019. that attendance will continue to grow as members of the Buf- Our thanks to: Allison Bodan, falo Christian community continue to “spread the word” Nick Norris, and Amanda Kaufmann. Each and invite others to “check it out.” The Ash Wednesday noon services could become another community event if our ECW of these folks has brought his or her own women continue to invite those in attendance to join them gifts and expertise to this ministry, and for lunch following that service! This gesture was very well they have served us well. received last year. The participation and feedback from oth- We offer our special thanks to ers in the Buffalo community was gratifying and encouraging. Allison Bodan, whose term expired at the For all this we offer our thanks to our ECW Board end of 2019. Allison, your faithful service members for their leadership this past year: has been so appreciated. Nancy Straight—Chair Donna Strickland—Secretary THANK YOU ALL! Denise Heitler—CoChair Sue Shambaugh—Treasurer THANK YOU, SUE, You ladies continue to do an amazing job! One thing that does NOT change is the faithful, FOR KEEPING US “GREEN”! incredible ministry of the Reception Committee, which St. Luke’s gets a little “greener” continues to minister in times of both joy and sorrow, show- ing others that St. Luke’s stands with them in the good times each year, thanks to the efforts of our and the not-so-good. Truly we are blessed by their service. Recycling Chair, Sue Shambaugh. We offer With all our hearts we thank: Donna Naill, Jo Ann McKenzie, her a huge “Thank you!” now, for keep- Pam McFadden, Karen Walker, Linda Greenough, ing us on track as good stewards of our Mary Gammon, Sue Shambaugh, and Mary Alice Gurney. resources. Because of her faithful efforts, You ladies have a way of making it look easy, but we know St. Luke’s continues to leave a much it’s not! THANK YOU. smaller footprint on our world today. The Seekers Page 5
WE APPRECIATE YOU, LINDA CLARK!
And each year brings more to appreciate! Linda has served as For Sunday worship St. Luke’s Meals-on-Wheels Coordinator for the past several years. during Lent Thanks to her efforts, our volunteer deliveries during the month of June run smoothly and efficiently. Even more important, St. Luke’s is afforded we will be doing Rite 1 an opportunity to serve our Lord in the Buffalo community, not only by at BOTH delivering meals, but also by sharing the warmth of a smile and some the 8 & 10 A.M. cheering words with those who receive these deliveries. Thank you, Linda, for making it possible for us to serve others. Services. Linda is also a member of the Ministry Coordination Committee,
THIS WILL INCLUDE and acts as clerk for this group. This past year, she became a member of THE PRAYER OF the Vestry, where she serves faithfully and well, bringing her expertise and HUMBLE ACCESS. experience to this important work. She chairs the Outreach Committee, which has made impressive strides in its first year of operation, sponsor- There will continue ing the highly successful “Shoebox Project” and enlarging our perception to be music at the of our Lord’s expectations for St. Luke’s in the area of outreach. We are 10 A.M. Service. ever grateful for her integrity and leadership. THANK YOU, LINDA! TREASURER’S REPORT LENTEN STUDY! As of December 31, 2019 DUST BUNNIES IN THE BASKET: Income $26,398.71 Finding God in Lent & Easter Expenses 20,126.23 Episcopal priest Tim Schenck offers good PROFIT/LOSS $ 6,272.48 humor and spiritual direction for the journey Questions? Contact through Lent and Easter. With keen observa- Treasurer Wes Killian at tions and a clever wit, Schenck connects the 620-5720. mundane with the divine, from dust bunnies and egg hunts to foot washing and the Easter Vigil. Illustrated by popular cartoonist Jay Sidebo- tham, Dust Bunnies in the Basket challenges us to go deeper this Lent, to "kick up some dust every now and then, to roll up our sleeves and get involved with the world and the people around us." This book is ideal for personal reflec- tion or seasonal study groups and includes thoughtful questions at the end of each section. ST. LUKE’S SAYS LESSONS: “FAREWELL” Week 1 (March 4, 2020) : “Lent” MARGO GISH Week 2 (March 11, 2020): “Lent Deux” May 8, 1944—November 17, 2019 Week 3 (March 18, 2020): “Holy Week”
A Celebration of Life is Week 4 (March 25, 2020): “Easter” planned this summer, in Buffalo, A Sign-up Sheet will be posted in Onderdonk Hall for those who with the tentative date being June 20. Other details will be are planning to attend. The cost for the book is (Amazon) $10 paper- announced when plans are back or $8.99 Kindle. You are welcome to order your own book online, finalized. or we’ll be happy to order it for you; just indicate on the signup sheet. The Seekers Page 6 ANNUAL MEETING ELECTION RESULTS Gary Goins— Junior Warden
At. St. Luke’s Annual Meeting on Jan- Amy Irene — Clerk of the Vestry uary 26, Marsha Parker and Amy Irene Wes Killian — Church Treasurer were elected to the vestry. They join the (non member of the vestry) 4 incumbents, to form the 6- Our heartiest congratulations to our new
member vestry shown below: officers. We urge you to contact any of your vestry ST. LUKE’S VESTRY – 2020 members with your concerns and questions. Denise Heitler (620-0539) ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE Mark Bentley (505-690-5858) Since there were no nominees or volunteers to Linda Clark (684-2141) serve on this committee, no action was taken. The
vacancy will be filled at a future date. Gary Goins (307-680-6383) 2020 DIOCESAN CONVENTION/BISHOP ELECTION Marsha Parker (684-5186) St. Luke’s will be represented at this Amy Irene (307-351-5372) combined gathering by the following: We welcome Marsha and Amy, and we know Delegate – Sr. Warden Denise Heitler that they will serve St. Luke’s well! We offer our heartfelt thanks to Vestry member Delegate/Alternate—Emily Whipple Les Babin, who has taken a temporary Leave of Delegate/Alternate—Nikki Ellis
Absence. We are grateful for your service, Les. Clergy—Fr. Doug Wasinger VESTRY OFFICERS NAMED Also attending—Karen Walker The following members will serve as your vestry As these two important events approach, we officers for 2020: encourage you to contact your delegation and Denise Heitler — Senior Warden make your thoughts and concerns known to them.
‘”People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.” ...Michelle Obama MANY, MANY THANKS TO OUR RETIRING VESTRY MEMBERS! THANK YOU, WES KILLIAN!
For those who trust him, This year we say an extra big THANK God raises up the right people for whatever YOU to Wes Killian, who is not only work he has in mind. Our 2020 retiring vestry going off the Vestry but also retiring as St. Luke’s members have more than proven this Sr. Warden. We thank Wes for his hard work and principle. This year we say “Thank you and well the long hours he has spent, serving his church. done!” to Wes Killian, Sue Shambaugh, and We thank him for having shared his faith so freely Jerry Eastwood, who are coming off the vestry in his monthly columns and thus encouraging us after 3 years of distinguished service. All have in our own faith walks. We thank him for not shy- served well, sharing their gifts freely in ing away from the challenges and twists and turns different areas during their time of service. of the last year, but for rising to the occasion and God has used them to guide St. Luke’s to addressing each one. His calm, low-key leader- greater growth in love and ministry. We are ship style has served him, and us, well; and we grateful to each of them, and we are sure that are grateful. Thank You, Wes! God has future plans for them in His service. The Seekers Page 7
LET’S SAY IT ONE MORE TIME: MANY THANKS TO OUR USHERS AND THANK YOU, NANCY STRAIGHT! USHER CHAIR JOANN PEARSON
Don’t look for us to say anything new or This truth bears repeating different about this awesome lady!. We ran out of each year: one of the most compliments and superlatives to send her way important ministries in our years ago! Her history of service at St. Luke’s is church is that of greeting those well documented, and, frankly, there’s not much she hasn’t done who attend our services, around here, and done very well. She serves as Chair of the Ministry especially newcomers, and working to Coordination Committee, Head Worship Leader, and ECW Chair and make them feel welcome. Not only do the Board Member. We should also mention that in her “spare time” folks who serve this way make that valuable she serves on the Altar Guild, takes her turn as a Lay Reader, and “first impression,” but they are a warm sings in the choir. (Hope we haven’t missed anything!) We just hope smile and handshake for our regulars, week that she will find enough time to read this newsletter, so that we can after week, letting them know how much tell her how much her service is valued, and that she is loved and their faithful attendance is appreciated. appreciated. THANK YOU, NANCY! In addition, our ushers cope with extra seating requirements, cheerfully answer questions, and provide other assistance. St. Luke’s is blessed to have great usher teams, and we say a hearty “THANK WE THANK OUR STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE! YOU” to each of them. And many more thanks go to Usher Chair JoAnn Pearson, for Once again this year, we offer a grateful hours spent organizing and scheduling this “Thank you!” and shout-out to this hardworking and group. You are appreciated more creative group of people. Because of their commit- than words can say! ment, hard work, and out-of-the-box thinking, St. Luke’s experienced a successful year of regular church giving in OUR THANKS TO PAM MCFADDEN, 2019, along with a Harvest Hoedown that just gets better and THE BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY BOARD, better. We offer congratulations and our deepest gratitude to: AND OUR ST. LUKE’S VOLUNTEERS! Marie Miller JoAnn Pearson Edith Lohse Thanks to the leadership and volunteer Renee Joy Margo Mader Paige Hellbaum efforts put forth by this group, Amanda Kaufmann Nikki Ellis Bettina Wood the Food Pantry has concluded another year of successfully Karen Walker VFr. Doug Wasinger ministering to the hungry in the We also extend our sincere THANKS and APPRECIATION to those of Buffalo community (and be- you who worked so diligently to support the committee’s efforts. yond). As the need for this out- Your hard work keeps turning their vision into reality! reach continues to grow and grow, Pam and the Board continued to rise to the challenge, trusting in God to bless MANY THANKS TO OUR TREASURER-TEAM and supply, as needed. We thank them, over and over again, for their leadership and As we begin a new church year, it is with deep service. We also offer heartfelt thanks to all gratitude that we recognize and applaud the folks our loyal St. Luke’s volunteers who faithfully who have worked as St. Luke’s Treasurer-Team while we serve the Pantry’s clients each Friday at struggled to find a replacement for Sue Shambaugh. Sue her- noon. Last, but certainly not least, our self carried on in that capacity long past her retirement date thanks to all of you who so generously offer this year, and we cannot thank her enough for that. We are this ministry your gifts and prayers. You are also deeply indebted to Rick Clouser, Denise Heitler, and Wes the backbone of this important work. As you Killian, for stepping up and offering themselves to deal with all continue to work together, you what has become more than a one-man job. We are grateful make a huge difference in the lives to each of them and we say, “Thank you and God bless.” of others! The Seekers Page 8
OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO THANK YOU, ST. LUKE’S ACOLYTES!
PAM MCFADDEN, JOHNNIE POND, & J0 ANN MCKENZIE We are running out of ways to say “Thank you” to our St. Luke’s Acolytes for their faithful service in this ministry. Their duties are an extremely These three very special important part of our worship services, and in a people have retired from the Board of the Bread day and age when the concept of serving others of Life Food Pantry, and, as they do this, a new has been all but forgotten, our acolytes keep era begins for the Pantry. The services of Pam, showing us how it’s done! Johnnie, and Jo Ann have provided firm, steady Thank you, Acolytes, for being our example of true guidance for the Pantry. Their vision for the servanthood. May we learn from you. Pantry as God’s way of serving the hungry in our area has helped to offer hope and change lives. AND THREE CHEERS FOR YOU, Their ability to fund-raise by involving the hearts ELAINE WALKER! of those in our community has been unequaled.
There’s no way we can praise them enough, so As our acolytes clearly demon- we’ll just say “Thank you and God bless.” strate, Elaine Walker is the person you want to head such a ministry. She is more than just the “take-charge person” who handles schedules, gives directions and THE BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY says, “The buck stops here.” Elaine’s steady and responsible guidance provides a firm foundation for SAYS A SPECIAL “THANK YOU” TO their work. Her faithful service enables our St. Luke’s ITS AMAZING SUPPORTERS! Acolytes to perform their essential duties without ‘missing a beat.” Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it Thanks to the generosity of its when we try to express how grateful we are to you, many supporters, the number of Christ- Elaine. Your service blesses us! mas dinners the Food Pantry was able to provide continued to exceed their fondest hopes THANK YOU, MARK BENTLEY! and expectations. Retiring Director Pam McFadden and the Food Pantry Board members The office of Junior Warden is not again offer their heartfelt thanks and apprecia- one that is especially sought after, at tion for the love and support that went into least not at St. Luke’s! This is a JOB in every sense those gifts. May God bless each one who gave. of the word, and it comes with numerous duties and responsibilities. As person-in-charge of the buildings and grounds, a Junior Warden can find himself (or COFFEE HOUR HOSTESS herself) in the midst of a “project” at a moment’s MONTHLY REMINDER FOR notice. We wish to express our thanks and great appreciation to St. Luke’s Junior Warden, Mark FEBRUARY! Bentley, for willingly offering himself to serve in this Committee #2 is scheduled to capacity. We are grateful for his time and efforts, host Coffee Hours during the given in the service of his Lord and this church month of February. The following ladies are family. Thank you, Mark! members of this committee: Linda Clark* Aimee Sherman "A good leader leads the people Shirley Jacob Marie Miller from above them. Pat Miller Kari Hanson A great leader leads the people Helen Crain Judy Goins from within them." Pam McFadden Eileen Bentley --M. D. Arnold The Seekers Page 9
GROWING THROUGH GIVING
When it comes to contributing to the church, I think there is an important belief that is included in this process. How is this contribution going to be used and how is it making a difference? The answer to this question is for each of us to decide. However, I do know that when it comes to the resources at St. Luke’s church, the leadership takes this question to heart. How are we making a difference in our community? Not only about how are the current contribu- tions making a difference, but how does this gift make a difference for the future?
By the time this article arrives in the mail, the Annual Meeting will have concluded, and the Annual Budget will have been reviewed and approved. A budget provides a spending plan for the church in the coming year. The budget also shows how God tends to the needs of the church.
St. Luke’s has been blessed by unexpected gifts of generosity last year. I see this as others seeing what we are doing and viewing that as being important and valuable. I hope that everybody else sees this too. I also know that I don’t get to see the impact of my gift until later in life, and I trust that God will bless my efforts beyond my vision.
The Chair of the Endowment at St. Luke’s presented a good challenge at the Annual Meeting. When reviewing one’s estate planning, consider making St. Luke’s Endowment a recipient. This means that the contribution to St. Luke’s will not be a one-and-done, but an ongoing resource for the church long after a person enters the Kingdom of God. Fr. Doug +
NOBODY PASTORAL CARE RISES Many times it’s the “folks in the TO pews” who are the first to learn about those who can use pastoral care. LOW Please help us not to overlook those EXPECTATIONS! who need us. If you know of someone we can serve in this way, please contact:
Karen Walker 620-1789 Fr. Doug Wasinger 620-0061 The Church Office 684-7529
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS NEED TO CONTACT FR. DOUG?
Monday—Friday: 8:30 A.M.—Noon Telephone: 684-7529 Office Hours: email: [email protected] Monday—Thursday Address: 513 E. Hart Street 9:30 A.M.—Noon Cell/Text: 307-620-0061 Day Off: Friday Please feel free to use this number! The Seekers Page 10
VESTRY MINUTES – 01 – 11 – 20
PRESENT FOR THE MEETING WHICH OPENED AT 12:10 P.M., WERE PASTOR DOUG WASINGER; SENIOR WARDEN WES KILLIAN; JUNIOR WARDEN MARK BENTLEY; VESTRY MEMBERS GARY GOINS, LINDA CLARK, JERRY EASTWOOD. The opening prayer was said by Sr. Warden Wes Killian. The various committees reported with Buildings and Grounds reporting nothing new until spring.
Safety committee has a new shorter and more easily read 1st Aide manual. Sue Shambaugh said that the 2019 financials showed St. Luke’s was down only $3,000 for the year. Sr. Warden Wes Killian, in new business, said that the Diocese should use the money they have in invest- ments and savings to help those who cannot help themselves. He held out the situation of a homeless woman with mental limitations who was in his jail. He said he contacted members of the ECW, but the only person who would step up and help her was Joan Smith who took her in. In fact, Joan Smith brought her to church on Sunday. Wes said there has to be a resource for helping such people other than putting them in jail and the Diocese should use the money to address it. Fr Doug requested a letter to be drafted to the Choir Director. Jr. Warden Mark Bentley would draft the letter. The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, “The quality of a leader is reflected Mark M. Bentley in the standards they set for themselves.” Jr. Warden acting for Clerk Denise Heitler ...Ray Kroc
A FINAL WORD ON THE SUBJECT OF THANK YOU’S!
Each year we attempt to express our thanks and appreciation to all those who do so much to keep St. Luke’s moving forward in our Lord’s service. We try to mention everyone, but sometimes we fail. For that we ask your forgiveness. Please bring our omissions to our attention, if you feel we have missed someone. We won’t be offended! There will be another newsletter in March, and it’s never too late to express our thanks for the good work others do! That being said, we offer our final word of thanks to YOU, the folks who read this newsletter. Your comments, your questions, and the information you volunteer have been priceless to me, as your Secretary. I appreciate you all so much. THANK YOU and God bless. The Seekers Page 11
Have YOU Wondered what our Diocese is doing in Outreach/Mission Ministry?
Linda Anderson- “Picking her Brain”
Today (January 15, 2020) I drove to Worland to meet with Linda Andersen and visit with her specifically regarding WY’s linked diocese concept. Some of the questions were: what was the history/ purpose of the linked diocese and how could St. Luke’s become involved with this outreach ministry. This is what she shared with me regarding its origins and its purpose. I’m not sure that I was hearing everything correctly. I may have heard her through my grid and my personal experience. Nonetheless, the following information is what I understood. The idea for the WY link was birthed about 11 years ago when Bishop Smiley attended his initial bishop training along with a number of other people who were embarking on their bishoprics. He sat at the table with a man from Tanzania- Bishop Esias. As they shared and conversed the idea of mutual ‘exchange’ emerged. The two diocese would share ide- as and thoughts and, find ways to help and strengthen each other. Apparently at that time the Diocese of Kilimanjaro was a very large area. Soon thereafter this diocese split into two pieces. As a result, WY became the partner with both pieces. The larger Kilimanjaro diocese already had a linked connection with Leicester England. The Leicester group was also partnered with the diocese in India. Adding Wy to the mix it became a 5 way link. WY has been primarily engaged with Kiteto- in large part through the Foundation. Initially it was a 7 year commitment and that commitment was renewed for another 7 years. (The Kilimanjaro diocese was not financially supported because it already had sufficient resources.), Currently Kiteto has a compound that houses the cathedral and a school along with a Compassion program. The diocese also supports a new Bible School, agriculture training, as well as, micro finance programs. Initially the school was a primary/secondary institution for 200 students, but due to changes in government regulations and educational policies the enrollment has dropped to 60. Even though investment into the school continues, such as science lab materials and wiring, the question being asked at the moment is whether there are other things that should be done with the school. There is some discussion as to whether the school should be turned into a trade or technical school. This might work as a partnership with the new Bible school. The Bible school curriculum already includes classes regarding new agricultur- al techniques and crop development along with classes about creating micro businesses. The hope is that new priests who will be going into the countryside to shepherd new churches will include ‘new economics’ along with the spiritual outreach. The micro-business ventures are primarily women who pool their limited capital- somewhat like a bank. When one of the individuals within the association comes up with a ‘good idea’ for a business, they present a plan to the group and take out a loan. In large part these ventures have been successful. The Foundation of WY has been involved in both the agricultural/microfinance ventures by providing funds for the training of 2 teachers and then paying their salaries to teach—I think, in the Bible school. Linda talked about the ways that the churches, the people and the diocese have been involved with Kiteto, She indicat- ed that here have been teachers who have gone to teach ESL and help in the school with the technology piece. She mentioned that some individuals have gone to help with specific construction needs, i.e electrical wiring, build shelving and tables for a science lab in the school. Several priests have gone and preached and participated with the services. She leads a team once a year -usually in October. She said that the greatest benefit of the link is not so much for the Tanzanian church as it is for the Americans who go on a ‘vision trip’. It gives the travelers a new appreciation for the problems and situations that other cultures face. She was fairly cautious regarding ‘giving’/ throwing money at a pro- ject/ or going to ‘do’ something. Her take on the linkage is what we can offer best is ‘hope’ and a sense of ‘being there for them.’ We can offer prayer support and an understanding of the issues that they are facing. When I asked about the idea of building churches in the countryside, she said she didn’t think that a structure was really needed. It was possible to worship ‘under the tree’. However, she indicated that Jimmy Bartz and the Jackson church were engaged with the idea. We concluded the visit with a look at the pictures of the Kiteto compound. Kiteto resides in the growing community of Kibaya, a town of 5000-6000 people. The buildings are made out of cinder block with cement floors. Obviously, since the area is close to some of the game parks there were a number of pictures of animals. The Seekers Page 12 TAKING A MOMENT FOR MISSIONS with Joan Smith
And a Young Man Shall Lead Them…. (The first part of a two -part story)
In every community there are the ‘haves’ and the ‘have- nots’. Sometimes the have-nots are that way because of their own mis-management or their own bad choices, but often it’s because of difficult circumstances such as natural conditions, long-term drought, floods or family cri- sis which ultimately end in despair and hopelessness. Along the river road where I walked there were a number of family villages- groupings of three or four houses that belonged to brothers or cousins and it was obvious who were the haves and who were the have-nots. The further ‘up the river’ I went the more visible were the have-nots. There were a series of houses that showed neglect – piles of corn stalks heaped on the ground, thin plastic bags speared on the thorn bushes waving in the wind, mud on the houses crumbling away from the infrastructure, grass on the roofs blown away exposing the interior of the house to the elements. However, what this area lacked in material wealth, it more than made up for with the wealth of kids who lived along the road. Each time I walked past this string of houses I would find 10-15 kids, and some- times a lot more, playing ball, drawing pictures in the dirt, shelling corn or just hanging out. As soon as they saw me, they would put away their games and come to see what I was doing and ask if I had any stories in my bag. I would get the material out of my bag- tell some stories or do some puzzles. The school age kids would come to play while the smaller kids would shyly peer out from behind an older sibling. If the fathers were at home they would amble over to watch the interaction, smile and then disappear. But not the mothers. Once in a while they would come out of their huts and watch from a distance but they would never engage and they would never invite me into their house. One day that changed. I was on my way home along the road. I made my usual stop to ‘play’. As I was gathering up all my material, Abdi, one of the kids who lived in one of the crumbling houses, asked me to come in and have food. I had never been invited into this house so I went. Once my eyes got accustomed to the dimness, I realized that his mom was not home. But that didn’t matter to Abdi. By the time I got situated and could see, he had gathered up a pile of corn stalks and began to stir up the coals on the floor so he could ‘cook’. Once the fire started he put an ear of corn on the coals. He explained that he couldn’t give me coffee because they didn’t have any. They only had corn, but that didn’t bother him. While the corn roasted, we practiced our language skills- he in English and me in Oromifa. The corn finished roasting, Abdi dusted off the soot and handed it to me. About the time I started on my snack I heard his mother return from the spring with the water. She unloaded the donkey and pushed open the door. When she saw me she came to a dead stop with a horrified look on her face. It was the same look that every mother has when company shows up unex- pectedly and her house is a mess. But she made the best of it. She came in and sat down to ‘visit’. As I finished my corn and stood up to go, she asked me if I would come back the following Sunday and have coffee with her family. Abdi’s invitation and hospitality was the beginning of a special relationship that God would use to share his story….to be continued. The Seekers Page 13
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! WHAT ARE THE
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. CHARACTERISTICS The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a OF JESUS goodly heritage.” ….Psalm 16:5-6 AS A LEADER?
Louise Anderson (2/1), Johnnie Addington (2/1), Fr. George Greer (2/4), The Gospel of Lynda Richardson (2/5), Mike Money (2/5), Curt Penwell (2/5), Mark begins by telling Dylan Kessler (2/5), Horizon Hanson (2/5), Maggie Hokanson (2/6), the reader about nine Heather Eklund (2/7), Helen Crain (2/10), Drew Joy (2/10), characteristics of Skye Sanford (2/11), Megan Boggs (2/11), Jacob Godber (2/11), Jesus as a leader. Pake Nimick (2/11), Matt Ellis (2/13), Cora Williams (2/13), Jenna Harvey (2/15), Ed Burnett (2/15), Pat Plecas (2/15), 1. Jesus was not Brooke Goodson (2/15), Sue Shambaugh (2/16), Dawn Moreland (2/17), self-promoting. Mary Jo Newton (2/18), Bill Driskill (2/20), Jacob Axt (2/20), (Mark 1:11) Marsha Parker (2/20). Skyler Skaggs (2/21), Sadie Sanford (2/24), Jeff Godber (2/24), Shawn Morgan (2/24), Dale Anderson (2/25), 2. Jesus was obedient Janet Curry (2/25), Russell Griffith (2/27), Sandy DeLapp (2/28), to the Holy Spirit. Jason Iberlin (2/28), & Findlay Carron (2/28). (Mark 1:12-13)
3. Jesus cast a
vision with clarity, simplicity, and direct- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! ness. (Mark 1:15)
“O God, the giver of all that is true and lovely and gracious: We 4. Jesus was a give you thanks for binding us together in these holy mysteries of the strategic team builder. Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ.” ...BCP page 432 (Mark 1:17)
5. Jesus was a Mr. & Mrs. Donnie Seals (2/14) relationship builder. (Mark 1:19)
Mr. & Mrs. Don Long (2/20) 6. Jesus expressed control and authority
as a leader when needed. (Mark 1:23-25)
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! (The following folks were baptized during the month of February.) 7. Jesus engaged in crisis head-on.
“One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism; one God and Father of all.” ...BCP p. 299 (Mark 1:30-31)
Drew Drury (1984) Kelli Shetler (2/13) 8. Jesus practiced daily prayer. Sue Shambaugh (2/2) Isolina Nimick (2/20) (Mark 1:35)
Brynlie Goodson (2/5) Anna Walker (2/21) 9. Jesus was all about empowering John Driskill (2/7) Heather Eklund (2/23) others. (Mark 1:40-45)
Will Ramsbottom (2/13) Christy Kessler (2/27) ...Dale Roach
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 “Our job is not to hold people Fr. Doug Wasinger in the pews, but to release
them into the world.” ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED ...Fr. Doug Wasinger
February, 2020 Sunday, February 2
8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist 8:45 A.M. Adult Bible Study 10 A.M. Sunday School
Sunday, February 9 ASH WEDNESDAY 8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist 8:45 A.M. Adult Bible Study SERVICES 10 A.M. Sunday School
Sunday, February 16 8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist 8:45 A.M. Adult Bible Study Wednesday, February 26th 10 A.M. Sunday School
Sunday, February 23 7 A.M.: Holy Eucharist/Imposition of Ashes 8 & 10 A.M. Holy Eucharist 8:45 A.M. Adult Bible Study Noon: Holy Eucharist/Imposition of Ashes 10 A.M. Sunday School
ASH WEDNESDAY, 6 P.M.: Holy Eucharist/Imposition of Ashes February 26 7 A.M. Holy Eucharist/Ashes Noon Holy Eucharist/Ashes “Yet even now, says the Lord, 6 P.M. Holy Eucharist/Ashes return to me with all your heart….” Each Wednesday 7 A.M. Worship Service ….Joel 2:12a