Rector's Ramblings

Rector’s Ramblings

By The Rev. Jim Stewart

     We have had a wonderful month here at St. Albans. We started the month a little tired after all the services during the Easter season and were looking for a little time to rest but that is not always what happens.  May is a time of graduations and state meets.  People are running all over the country.

     St. Alban’s has also had some excitement.  I was able to secure The Little Sun Drummers for Mother’s Day special celebration later in the day and what a celebration that turned out to be.  We had people from all over town attend the service and the meal afterwards.  There is a good chance we will be able to make this a yearly service if the congregation would like.

     I was approached by the diocese and we were able to host the bishop on Mother’s Day morning service.  This was a very pleasant surprise for all of us.  When I was informed, he was coming I asked if this would be the standard bishop visit and was told no.  The bishop was coming to see how we do things, not the bishop show.  He requested to preach and do the blessings but the rest was on us.  I have never had a bishop visit and be that interested in how we conduct our services.  I think it is obvious we have chosen the right person to guide us during this transition period.

     It was nice to see how he is conducting visitations.  He was at Meeteetse, Basin, Thermopolis and then come to our service on Sunday.  He is trying to visit all the churches within this first year to get a feel on how Wyoming is doing.  Each church is different and unique in the way they worship but all the same also.  I was able to visit for about an hour afterwards and he seemed pleased with St. Alban’s and the people that were here.  He was able to answer all our questions at the brunch afterwards and the congregation seemed happy with his answers.

     With all that is happening we still need to take time for our own sabbath every week.  This means making an appointment with God and sticking to that appointment.  It is for our own peace of mind and to keep us grounded.  That means if you need to take that sabbath over the span of the week an hour at a time that is something we need to do for our own sanity. 

    May your summer be a slow peaceful experience this year full of love and family.