Dear friends in Christ Jesus,

And so, we come to the end of our season together. As most of you are aware, the structure and configuration of ministry is changing in this region. You will no longer be part of a cluster, but instead four sometimes cooperating, yet wholly independent congregations. I have sought and found a new call; I will serve in another place with other people. Our work together as priest and people is coming to a close. The 11:15 AM service at Our Saviour’s on Sunday, August 22, will be the last time I preside at worship in the region.

When I consider these last four years, I will look back in gratitude. Thank you for the privilege you have given me to serve God in this place: to preach, teach and pastor; to consecrate bread and wine, Body and Blood, at these altars; to break open the Word in worship and study; to baptize, bless, anoint and bury beloved saints. God’s call on my life has been made stronger for this time with you in ways I can not begin to enumerate, and for that I am thankful.

Of course, I will no longer be your priest. Others will hold that place here, and I urge you to make them welcome, support and encourage their leadership. I pray that, even as you refocus your energies toward the needs of the Kingdom in your individual communities, you will live as disciples with a greater purpose. For “there are varieties of gifts,” as Paul tells us, “but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.” (1 Cor 12:4-6). Hold to the promise and look forward with hope to wherever the Holy Spirit takes you. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

For all who invited me into your hearts and homes, and allowed me the honor of doing the same, I will always be grateful.

May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be upon you and show through you, always.

Yellowstone Episcopal Ministry
Regional Retreat Minutes
April 23, 2010

Present: Bishop Frank Brookhart, the Reverends Jane Schmoetzer and Randy Pendergraft.
• St. Paul’s (Absarokee): Marilyn Simmons, Lori Good, Kris Good, and Cindy Perry.
• Our Saviour’s (Joliet): John Grewell, Betty Grewell, Don Blaylock, and Doris Spaulding.
• St. Albans’ (Laurel): Jeannie Clark and Jim Mertz.
• Calvary (Red Lodge): Jim Vorachek, Ray Masters, Kit Richards, Jim Baird, Fred White, Rosemary McAlpine, Linda Tuell, Mitzi Vorachek, Glenda Baird, and Pat White.

Bishop Brookhart led the retreat and opened with a Bible study from John 21. After remarks about the status of the Episcopal Church in Montana, he opened up at discussion about the future of the YEM and the individual churches.

In the afternoon President John Grewell presided over a YEM meeting. The following items were decided:

• The decision from the Jan. 10, 2010, meeting regarding “investment funds…belonging to all four churches in common” was rescinded. The funds now will be divided among the churches according to the adjusted percentages. YEM President John Grewell directed Treasurer Jim Vorachek to divide up the funds as soon as possible.
• Calvary will become a separate parish.
• St. Paul’s, Our Saviour’s, and St. Alban’s will continue on as a cluster.
• The Rev. Jane’s salary and benefits will continue until Dec. 31, 2010.
• The Rev. Jane will be asked to celebrate two Eucharists each month for each church.
• YEM, including Calvary, will continue to meet at regularly scheduled meetings for the rest of 2010.

The Bishop closed the meeting with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Mitzi Vorachek
Regional Clerk

This is the schedule for the various Holy Week services offered around the parish. Please join us as we journey with Jesus from Jerusalem to the cross, and beyond.

March 28: PALM SUNDAY - Procession with Palms and Holy Communion
April 1: MAUNDY THURSDAY
April 2: GOOD FRIDAY
April 4: EASTER