Early in January 2007, a leadership retreat met to discuss the leadership structure of the church in hopes of carrying out the mission statement that had been adopted the year before. The goal was to transition into more relevant, effective ministry and allow staff and ministry teams to match the major objectives of the congregation. This would mean exploring new ways to recruit and mentor lay leadership and involve our church in ministry inside and out in our community and beyond. The responsibilities of elders and deacons would change and the board would become a more manageable group.
Two lovely changes appeared in the sanctuary. Using Memorials funds, the lights behind the east stained glass windows were replaced allowing streams of color inside during worship; an anonymous donor purchased beautiful banners proclaiming “Peace, Love, Hope and Faith.”
Weldon Borgaard was recognized for having served as choir director since 2001. He, Bess Arnold, and Terri Rowe were awarded the honor position of Elder Emeriti for their years of dedication to the church.
Shane Stanfield posthumously received the Good and Faithful Servant Award. He was an active, committed member of the youth group serving our church and country faithfully until his untimely death in the Middle East. He was beloved and touched the lives of so many. Others receiving this Award were Georgia Barclay, Linda Chasson, Gene Gancze, and Keith Thomson.
Rev. Borgaard continued providing spiritual support to the congregation and ministry teams; he made prayer visits, giving comfort to hospital patients and members. He and Julie hosted a fun Luau lunch for all of our senior members. That summer Kurt took a three month sabbatical; a line item in the budget providing for leave every five years had been approved. Pastor Elias, Rev. McDaniel and others, filled the pulpit and responded to the needs of the congregation.
The Membership Care team reached out to homebound members and hospital patients to keep them in touch with church services and activities. They worked closely with the youth on a special project filling Christmas baskets with cards and treats from the congregation that were delivered to those no longer able to worship with us. What a thoughtful way for the kids to visit with those who had been for years such an active part of our church family.
CWF groups, Lydia, Martha Ruth and Sarah, continued providing vital services including funeral meals, serving for special celebrations and fellowship events, supporting and attending Church United Women meetings. The annual Mother’s Day luncheon followed by an “Apron Strings” program was enjoyed by all.
The Stewardship team offered a 13 week biblically based study that taught families how to beat debt, build wealth, and improve tithing. During Lent, a seven week study “Bound for Golgotha” was read and discussed. That spring a group read “Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart” which gives advice on how to relate to those who are suffering. A representative from “Jews for Jesus” presented a program “Christ in Passover” followed by a potluck and samples of traditional Seder dinner.
Never ones to shy away from food and fellowship, we enjoyed: the chili cook-off, an Easter morning brunch, talent shows, square dancing, after church loners out to lunches, sunshine getting to know each other lunch bunch, and of course, potlucks upon potlucks.
In December, Unity Missionary Baptist Church of Cheyenne suffered severe, hateful vandalism. We donated $558 to help defray the cost of repairs. We continued to support the Day of Giving, Angel Tree, Needs Inc., COMEA Shelter, the Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless and the Salvation Army. “Goodie” boxes were sent to FCC military members serving overseas. We invited the community to another Journey Through Bethlehem and kids from all around had a great time at the Easter Egg Extravaganza.
As 2007 drew to a close, members of Cheyenne First Christian Church knew with assurance that they, as faithful followers of Jesus, had been blessed with a year filled with spiritual growth, lots of great fellowship, and astonishing outreach here and beyond with financial gifts and hours of volunteerism. Indeed, a year that changed lives.
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