Cheyenne First Christian Church—History Part 20

2023: Steadfast Service and Preparation 

The year 2023 marked a period of steadfast service for First Christian Church. Under Pastor Aerii's continued leadership, the congregation maintained its commitment to the goals established in previous years while looking ahead to the rapidly approaching centennial celebration in January 2026. 

Worship services continued to blend traditional and contemporary elements, with both in-person and online options maintained for accessibility. The partnership with the Unaccompanied Student Initiative remained a central focus, as members actively supported the "Building Dreams, Transforming Lives" campaign, working toward the $202,600 goal to provide housing for teen mothers. 

The Christian Women's Fellowship groups—Lydia, Martha Ruth, and Sarah—continued their vital work providing funeral meals, organizing fellowship events, and supporting mission projects. These groups served as the backbone of many church activities, ensuring members felt connected and cared for. 

Outreach ministries thrived, with the church maintaining support for COMEA shelter's monthly dinners and food donations to community agencies. The building continued serving as a community resource, hosting Alcoholics Anonymous Monday through Saturday at noon, Narcotics Anonymous Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am and Sunday at 3 pm, Al-Anon on Fridays at 7 pm, and Quakers every other Sunday in the library room. 

The elders and ministry teams began preliminary planning for the church's 100th anniversary celebration. This milestone represented an opportunity to cast a vision for the church's second century while honoring the faithful service of generations past. 

Throughout 2023, the church maintained its focus on living out its mission: "We love all, we serve everyone, we grow together as a vibrant community in Christ." This commitment to radical welcome and service shaped every ministry and program, from worship to community partnerships to individual acts of kindness and care. 

2024: New Partnerships and Centennial Preparations 

The year 2024 marked an exciting new chapter for First Christian Church with the addition of a significant community partnership. In May, the church welcomed Threads of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster families. This partnership aligned perfectly with the church's commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Threads of Hope found a home at First Christian Church, using church facilities for their meetings, programs, and administrative work. The organization's mission to provide resources and practical assistance to foster families resonated deeply with the congregation's values of compassion and service. 

The addition of Threads of Hope represented a continuation of the church's long history of hospitality to community organizations. Since 1979, when Alcoholics Anonymous first began meeting at the church, First Christian has embraced its role as a seven-day-a-week community resource. By 2024, the building hosted an impressive array of support groups: Alcoholics Anonymous met Monday through Saturday at noon, Narcotics Anonymous gathered Monday through Saturday at 10:30 am and Sunday at 3 pm, Al-Anon convened on Fridays at 7 pm, and the Quakers met every other Sunday in the library room. With Threads of Hope added to this roster, the church building truly embodied the mission to love all and serve everyone. 

As the centennial year of 2026 approached, planning intensified. The 100th Anniversary Team worked diligently to organize events, compile historical materials, and create meaningful ways to celebrate this milestone. The team drew inspiration from the church's 50th and 85th anniversary celebrations while crafting fresh approaches to engage current members and attract community interest. 

The "Building Dreams, Transforming Lives" campaign continued its progress toward the $202,600 goal for the Unaccompanied Student Initiative. The congregation's commitment remained strong, with regular updates during worship services. Members took pride in knowing their financial support would provide stable housing for teen mothers who might otherwise lack a safe shelter. 

Pastor Aerii's leadership continued to guide the church through this period of preparation and anticipation. Her preaching challenged the congregation to look beyond institutional preservation toward missional engagement, asking not "How do we survive?" but "How does God call us to serve?" The Christian Women's Fellowship groups remained vital to church life, providing practical support and spiritual encouragement while maintaining continuity with the church's rich heritage. 

As 2024 drew to a close, excitement built for the centennial celebration ahead. The church stood poised to honor one hundred years of faithful presence in Cheyenne—one hundred years of lives transformed by the love of Christ.