Day 5 of the Walkabout has been put to bed and we’re all still standing — somehow! It almost seems as if we’re picking up steam as we lay down the miles: the enthusiasm and warmth of our parish hosts is infectious, energizing the nominees on this Magical Ministry Tour.
The hospitality, graciousness and generosity of our church family is remarkable; the kindness and consideration is so appreciated by the nominees and the Walkabout team. The tour is a gift we wish we could replicate with all the people of the diocese so that each Episcopalian could witness the unity we share in our love for God, for the teachings of Jesus, for each other and for our state.
One parish exemplifying all of the above is St. Thomas in Dubois, our first stop on Saturday. There, the Jubilee Ministries church has a profound impact on its neighbors with its outreach through the “Opportunity” thrift shop, food bank and community garden. Some young members of Dubois Youth Activities prepared a succulent breakfast spread to express their gratitude for the diocese’s generous financial support through Wind & Wings. The youth also gave nominees and their spouses natural soap and lip products they make themselves to raise funds for their organization which has blossomed from a couple of kids meeting in donated space at St. Thomas to a 5,000-sq-ft facility.
Much too soon, the big bus was loaded up again for the scenic drive through the red cliffs to Crowheart with stops in Ethete and Ft. Washakie where the presence of the first missionary, Episcopal priest John Roberts, can be still felt 60 years after his death. Roberts served the people of the Reservation for an astonishing 66 years.
The walkabout event in Lander Saturday afternoon was the region’s central gathering place with representation from congregations in Riverton, Thermopolis, Dubois, Kaycee and Glenrock. (Apologies to a few which may have been missed). Walkabout organizers are pleased with the number of individuals who’ve traveled notable distances to visit an event away from their home parish or whose travel schedule brought them to a community where a walkabout was taking place and they’ve taken time to stop in and participate. Host parishes are especially excited to by these visiting “family” members.
Sunday morning found us at St. Andrew’s-Meeteetse where a water main break resulted in a new tributary of the Greybull river flowing past the church, but that didn’t dampen spirits inside. Local priest, Ed Farmer, and congregation greeted the nominees with a warm breakfast and even warmer smiles. Often, in the intimacy of the smaller parishes, some of the most revealing and meaningful conversations take place and Meeteetse was no exception.
Later in Cody, the bishop nominees and their spouses were led in quiet contemplative worship by Bishop Jones while the support team was blessed by worship at Christ Church where the next walkabout gathering was held. And, where we were treated to delicious soups prepared by super chef Connie Moody of Thomas the Apostle Center. (A soup journal is being kept on the bus and each new parish offering is eagerly awaited. Lent is, without question, the best season for soup lovers to visit their Episcopal neighbors!)
From Cody, the caravan changed course to the east for a trip across the Big Horns, stopping first at St. Alban’s-Worland before the climb across Cloud Peak Highway. At St. Alban’s (home to a stunning, massive rock altar), the ECW ladies prepared a repast to sustain weary travelers on their journey. Knowing that our time to visit was short, to-go boxes were filled with fabulous finger sandwiches, nuts, fruit, deviled eggs and the most amazing sticky scones in all of Creation.) Those sweet ladies proved to be lifesavers as our tight schedule did not permit a dinner stop before the walkabout that evening at St. Peter’s in Sheridan.
All too soon, the Big Bus was reloaded for our trek across the Big Horns. Now, it’s no secret to anyone in these here parts that travel in winter in Wyoming can be more than a little perilous and unpredictable. Every local has a tale about storm that stranded them somewhere. Walkabout organizers have long known that all of their planning might be for naught if Mother Nature chose not to cooperate. (Visions of being snowbound in a little church somewhere for the duration of the tour has haunted more than a few of us!)
Rumor has it that Bishop Strickland was put in charge of organizing good weather for the tour and thus far he and the Big Guy have done a remarkable job securing safe roads for our travel. The trip up and down Hwy 16 was no exception. Thanks be to God — and Vernon!
Sunday was the longest travel day by far. The bus rolled out at 7 o’clock that morning and 12 hours later, we were rolling into Sheridan for another 2+ hour walkabout event. In an episode that’s clearly destined for Wyoming Walkabout lore in the years to come, the nominees were delayed in their arrival at St. Peter’s by one of Sheridan’s finest who decided that our fleet-footed crew was perhaps a bit too fleet-footed. (The walkabout organizers worked hard to ensure the nominees have the opportunity to meet a broad range of Wyoming residents, but neglected to include the hard-working men and women in blue. The Sheridan Police Dept. thoughtfully rectified that oversight.) A citation or two in hand and our caravan went on its merry way, albeit a bit more slowly.
About 75 folks were waiting at St. Peter’s for the nominees and they got right to the business of discussing the business of the church. Questions ran the gamut of “who is Jesus to you” and “where is heaven” to church assessments and the diocesan budget. Father Kevin and his crew were especially hospitable and the homemade desserts exceptional.
By 10 p.m. as we were checking into the hotel, everyone was eager for a little face-time with the pillow. Fortunately, our rollout Monday morning is a of couple hours later than usual so there’s a some extra time for recharging the batteries before putting the pedal to the metal (lightly!) for our 6th day on the road. If it’s Monday, it must be Buffalo, Gillette, Sundance and Newcastle.
You’ll find the schedule of our Walkabout in the Documents section of www.WyomingBishopSearch.org — if we haven’t been through your town yet, we’re looking forward to seeing you. Please be sure to come out and meet the people who seek to be your next bishop.
In the meantime, we’re wishing Happy (and ticket-free!) Trails to you...
