Thank You Wyoming Churches and Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming!
Can you say WOW!? The great pumpkin battle depicted in this picture exemplified the spirit of giving and competitive nature of Wyoming Episcopalians at the Episcopal Relief & Development dinner at the annual Convention in Lander. A total of $70,561.92 has been tallied to date with 85% of Wyoming parishes contributing to the Episcopal Relief & Development cause. With the match provided by the Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, $141,123.84 and counting will go to Episcopal Relief & Development to help “Heal a Hurting World.”
The 86-pound pumpkin, grown and donated by the Reverend Jim and Sylvia Stewart of St. Christopher’s Church in Cheyenne, raised a total of $1,400 for the cause in a spirited auction to cap off the evening of giving. Holy Communion Church in Rock Springs battled Julie and Randy Belton from Pinedale to a draw. Each bidder paid $350 with the Belton’s taking the pumpkin home for Julie’s pre-school kids. FEDW matched the $700 for a total value of $1,400 ($16.27 per pound). Episcopal Relief & Development Diocesan Coordinator Bobbe Fitzhugh was jazzed about the evening’s success while The Rev. Randy Belton got out his checkbook to end the arm wrestling between the two sides.
The Foundation for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming (FEDW) has been an active supporter of Episcopal Relief & Development for many years. For the past two years, FEDW has provided matching funds for increased parish outreach to United Thank Offering and Episcopal Relief & Development. $25,000 to each program has been available each year to match individual and church contributions that are brought to the Annual Diocesan Convention for ERD and Lenten collections for United Thank Offering.
In 2017, individual and church contributions beginning with those made during Hurricane Harvey relief effortswill be matched through December 31, 2017. Considering the great need for disaster relief this year, FEDWvoted at their Board meeting Friday, October 7th to match anything collected by parishes for Episcopal Relief & Development – well beyond the initial $25,000 match! Board member Dan Land has been a champion of Episcopal Relief & Development and announced the total collected Friday night with a look of astonishment and gratitude.
Churches can still contribute to the cause by sending checks made out to Episcopal Relief & Development to Jessica Reynolds at the Diocesan Office. Jessica will credit the church contribution and forward to Episcopal Relief & Development after matching it with FEDW funds.
The Diocese of Wyoming is also gathering support from those interested in putting together a mission trip to Texas to help with Hurricane Relief for our friends and neighbors connected to the Iona Initiative. Contact Archdeacon Dick Naumann if you are interested in being part of this team!
Eternal God, continue to grace your people with the will to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you as we respond to the call to heal a hurting world and discern your presence in all challenges we face as your people, for we have been redeemed by your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Abundant blessings and gratitude,
The Rev. Bobbe Fitzhugh, Diocesan Coordinator