First Christian Church - History Part 18

2019

2019: Pastor Brite's Final Year

Pastor Bob Brite's final year was marked by both personal challenges and institutional growth. Despite facing the simultaneous deaths of his father and aunt in December 2018, he led the church through significant developments. Worship attendance increased with the successful attraction of "30-somethings," prompting a comprehensive evaluation through Q&A sessions covering Ministry of Music, The Word, The Prayers, and The Table.

Music Ministry Transformation

The most significant investment came in February with board approval of Pastor Brite's $15,000 musician hiring proposal, addressing the church being "divided between. traditional and contemporary music." Weldon Borgaard received Choir Director Emeritus status in July, with Wade Holzapfel assuming expanded duties and a $60 weekly pay increase. The church also invested $1,000 in additional Chalice Hymnals through Memorial Monies.

Youth Ministry Excellence

Teresa Cunningham demonstrated exceptional creativity, securing ping pong and air hockey tables for E.V. Hall and organizing an April 13th Easter Festival featuring professional entertainment. Youth fundraising excelled through Texas Roadhouse events, peanut sales (19 bags in 7 minutes), and King Soopers Community Rewards Pro-

gram. Regional recognition came when Rosie received a t-shirt at the Mid-Winter Retreat for completing acts of kindness.

Financial and Infrastructure Development

The church recovered from 2018's $45,000 deficit with steady monthly income improvement, though it concluded 2019 with an $18,000 deficit requiring $15,000 from reserves. Jim Cathcart oversaw comprehensive facility improvements, including E.V. Hall bathroom renovations, sound system upgrades, LED lighting, and security enhancements, including defibrillator purchase and active shooter training.

Alice Evans led the outreach transition to monthly distributions, providing consistent community support. The church exceeded its tuna donation goal to Needs Inc., though Outreach overspent its budget by $1,338.08, reflecting a commitment to community assistance.

2020

2020: Crisis and Pastoral Transition - Early Year and Pastoral Search

The year opened with cautious optimism despite financial challenges. The pastoral search committee unanimously identified Pastor Aerii Smith as their candidate, with Pastor Bob describing her as "a Gem for the next potential pastor." The March 1st "Meet the Candidate" event introduced the church's first female pastor candidate.

COVID-19 Crisis Response

The pandemic fundamentally altered church operations in March 2020. Wyoming's Governor mandated the closure of gatherings exceeding 25 people. A five-person. COVID-19 subcommittee led by Chris McCoy monitored directives while the church secured Zoom capabilities for. virtual services and established automatic pledge trans-

fers.

Pastoral Transition During Crisis

Pastor Bob Brite concluded his ministry on May 31, 2020, identifying complacency as the church's biggest challenge. Pastor Aerii began on June 7, 2020, immediately establishing virtual programming, including Northern District Zoom calls, Thursday "Zoom with Aerii" sessions, and prayer groups.

September Reopening

After extensive congregational consultation, the church reopened September 13th with comprehensive safety protocols: mandatory sign-in, masks, blocked pews for distancing, prepackaged communion, and continued online streaming. Members could only hum along during worship. Beth Jacobs was hired as song leader. Despite technical glitches, the first service exceeded expectations.

Ministry Adaptations

Youth ministry adapted with virtual campfires and modified programs. Community outreach shifted: Family Promise moved to Red Lion Hotel with meal delivery, COMEA continued with church members cooking, but was unable to serve. The church faced music ministry disruption with several departing members, requiring recruitment

efforts.

Financial Resilience

Despite pandemic concerns, the church demonstrated surprising financial stability. COVID-19 PPP loans were later forgiven, providing unexpected relief. Technology. improvements included Susann Robbins' website renovation, enhancing digital presence.

Foundation for Recovery

By November 2020, stable hybrid operations were established. Pastor Aerii's virtual installation occurred on November 22nd. Despite Christmas programming cancellation, planning began for 2021's innovative narrative budget format and renewed community engagement.

The 2019-2020 period tested institutional resilience remarkably. Pastor Brite's innovations and the successful crisis management during the pastoral transition positioned First Christian Church for renewed ministry, establishing patterns of adaptive leadership that would serve future challenges.