Cheyenne First Christian Church—History Part 19

2021: Vision and Revitalization 

By May 2021, Pastor Aerii and the elders had begun a crucial process of examining the church's concerns and aspirations for the future. This strategic planning effort involved comparing current challenges with the 2018 list compiled by Pastor Brite, who had encouraged the congregation to be creative, "think outside the box," and move toward ministry that was not based on habit or "what we've done before," but instead on the always-creative call of God. 

The elders invited members throughout the congregation to express their ideas and opinions about the church's direction. The goals established for 2021 reflected a renewed commitment to community and growth: celebrate more, build relationships both inside and outside the congregation through hospitality, develop small groups, expand outreach efforts, enhance welcoming and evangelism initiatives, and become a "yes and..." church—an experimenting church willing to try new approaches to ministry. 

Each of the ladies' groups—Lydia, Martha Ruth, and Sarah—discussed their perspectives at their individual group meetings, providing valuable feedback to the elders. This grassroots approach to visioning ensured that all voices in the congregation were heard and considered in shaping the church's future direction. 

Having served as pastor of the church since June 2020, Pastor Aerii found herself pondering a critical question: Did she still have hope for the church and for this community of believers? Despite the challenges of navigating ministry during a global pandemic, with all the limitations on gathering, singing, and fellowship that entailed, her answer was a resounding yes. She firmly believed that First Christian Church could be revitalized and once again become a vibrant center of faith and service in Cheyenne.

The year saw the continuation of adapted worship practices that balanced safety with spiritual needs. Online services remained available for those unable or uncomfortable attending in person, while those who gathered in the sanctuary followed safety protocols. Beth Jacobs continued as song leader for the worship band, her beautiful voice leading the congregation in worship each Sunday. The church maintained its outreach commitments despite pandemic limitations, continuing to support COMEA and other community organizations, though service delivery methods had to be modified. 

The spirit of experimentation and willingness to try new approaches that characterized the church's goals for 2021 laid important groundwork for the years ahead. Members began to envision new possibilities for ministry and mission, looking beyond survival mode toward a future of growth and impact in the Cheyenne community. 

2022: Discernment and New Partnerships 

In 2022, First Christian Church entered a significant period of discernment and strategic planning. A special committee was organized to help lead the congregation in answering fundamental questions: Where does God want us to go? What does God want us to do? Where are we needed in Cheyenne? This process involved deep reflection, prayer, and extensive consultation with both congregation members and community organizations. 

The church conducted a comprehensive survey of the congregation to identify priorities for ministry and outreach. The results clearly indicated that members felt called to focus on serving three key populations: veterans, the homeless, and youth. 

In March, the 100 Year Anniversary Team made a momentous decision. After listening carefully to local non-profit organizations and reviewing the survey results, they chose to partner with the Unaccompanied Student Initiative (USI). The church set an ambitious goal to raise $202,600 over three years through a campaign titled "Building Dreams, Transforming Lives." This initiative specifically aimed to house four teen mothers aged 16-20, providing them with stable housing and support services. The money raised would help construct a house for these homeless mothers, giving them and their children a chance at stability and success. 

A significant turning point came as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic finally began to ease. For three years, Fellowship Hall had remained largely unused, with no activities held there and all food catered rather than prepared in the church kitchen. But in 2022, the congregation slowly began gathering again for fellowship activities. The women in the CWF groups led the way, bringing in food and reestablishing the warm hospitality for which the church had long been known. One of the first events was a lively Chili Cook-off, which brought members together for friendly competition and shared meals. This was followed by a beautifully colorful "Ladies' Tea" held in the spring, complete with fine china, decorations, and delightful refreshments. These events signaled a return to normalcy and rekindled the spirit of fellowship that had been so missed during the pandemic lockdowns. 

The church continued to experience changes in its music ministry. Organist Wade Holzapel, who had been serving faithfully, resigned in September to accept a position at First United Methodist Church that offered better compensation and opportunities. A goodbye ceremony was held in Fellowship Hall after church on September 3, where members expressed their gratitude for his contributions to worship and wished him well in his new position. 

The year brought both joy and concern for church members. Jane Lessenger, a dedicated member and school employee, received recognition from Laramie County School District #1 as Laramie County Educational Support Person of the Year—a well-deserved honor that reflected her commitment to serving children and families. However, the congregation also rallied around Rick Gano, a loyal member and leader who suffered a serious accident when he fell off a roof at his home. He broke several ribs and his hip, requiring hospitalization in Loveland, Colorado, followed by weeks of rehabilitation in a Cheyenne facility. The church family supported Rick and his family through visits, meals, and prayers during his long recovery. 

Throughout 2022, the church maintained its commitment to community partnerships, hosting recovery groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon, as well as providing meeting space for the Quakers. These partnerships demonstrated the church's ongoing commitment to being a seven-day-a-week resource for the community.