Cheyenne First Christian Church—History Part 15

2011

On January 9th, 2011, the 85th Birthday celebration was held. Transitional Regional Minister Jose Morales, Jr. spoke at the worship service. Afterwards a catered dinner was held, attended by nearly 140 people. Several former pastors attended: Murray Frick, Lyall Hartley, Reverend Fields’ wife Cherry, Rodger McDaniel and Kurt Borgaard. It was a joyful, inspirational celebration. Climax of the event was burning of the mortgage on the house on W 26th Street.

An anonymous donation of $550,000 was received and used to pay off the mortgage of the new building. A donation of $27,000 was provided to Regional Minister Jose Morales. In addition, a donation from the Taylor Belt estate was used to make up the difference between what was owed on the mortgage after Outreach funds were taken out.

In June the Island Odyssey Vacation Bible School was held. It was an intergenerational event for children and adults, ranging from two months to 85 years.

After serving for twenty-one years, Church Organist Marilyn Casner retired on October 30th. A retirement party was held in her honor on October 21st. This same day the new organist, John Hillabolt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma began playing.

In November, former Administrative Assistant Tina Hysmith moved to Florida and was replaced by Gabriela Pedroza.

After serving only a few months, Youth and Family Ministry Director, Gee Gbayee, left the church. He was originally from Africa and stated he was having difficulty communicating with the youth due to language differences.

Journey to Bethlehem was revived in December, with more than 200 people attending. Long time Sunday school teacher Lee Slipsager, who after many years teaching the Co-Pilots Class, decided to give up her teaching duties.

2012

Reverend Borgaard pointed out in this annual report the church was “Doing ministry in what seems like a foreign land, because the culture in which we do our ministry has changed so drastically from that in which FCC Cheyenne was born grew into maturity.”

A Leadership Team was organized to carry out standard operating objectives to help identify the goals of First Christian. Goals addressed were: Why do we exist? To love God and others through faith and service; How do we behave? By demonstrating grace-filled love, openness of the table, and the inspiration of scripture; What do we do? Provide opportunities for spiritual growth through: worship, fellowship, outreach support, evangelism, spiritual instruction and service for all. How will we succeed? Seek God’s guidance in our efforts, identify needs of the congregation/community and respond with love of Christ and build relationships within the congregation and community.

A Welcome Back reception was held for Rev. Borgaard in September upon his return from sabbatical.

2013

Besides routine maintenance of the building and grounds the Property Team went through process to have a new air conditioning system installed.

Concerns were expressed by some members via a letter to the Church Board that the 2012 mission of communication was not being followed. The Church was losing members and money; a July meeting was held to discuss. Some members left the church. A “100 Days of Prayer” Spiritual Strategic Journey began in September (2012) with triplet prayer groups. After 1000 hours in 100 days a congregational meeting was held which resulted in Rev. Borgaard tendering his resignation as Senior Pastor in August, effective October 15, 2013.

A farewell celebration was held for Rev. Borgaard October 12. A Good and Faithful Servant plaque was provided for Pastor Kurt and mounted on the wall outside the Chalice Room.