The Stewardship “Claim the Vision” campaign $185,018 for the 2004 budget. Included was a proposal to hire a Director of Children and Youth. A very successful “Egg Extravaganza” headed Kathleen Elias was held in April 2004. The event brought in 160 participants. This program continued for several years. During the summer one service was held from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., a coffee fellowship from 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. and Sunday School from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. In July of 2004 Administrative Assistant Marie Parks suffered a stroke which left her paralyzed on her right side and unable to speak. Prayers and support went out from the congregation. After several volunteers helped in the office, Kailey Carter took the “temporary permanent” position.
The church had been supportive of the Angel Tree Christmas program which provided gifts to children of prisoners. The Wyoming Alliance for Relationships and Marriage, which was funded by a state grant, had been working for over a year to establish a community marriage policy in Laramie County. In December a W.A.R.M. program called “10 Great Dates” was planned to offer in April to May and Sept. to Oct. time to allow them to learn how to develop and enhance their relationships. A Pastoral Relations Committee was appointed to encourage support the pastor and his family. Rev. Kurt and Julie Borgaard and family hosted a “Widow and Widowers Dinner” in December with the help of several members of the congregation.
A dramatic course of events leading up to what appeared to be the end of the road for the Colorado Christian Home in Denver in 2005. First Christian in Cheyenne had been supporting this center for many years with an annual dinner/fundraiser. The National Benevolent Assoc. had declared bankruptcy, and the property was to be sold. A developer was awarded the highest bid and would close the home. At the 11th hour the developer backed out of the sale. A philanthropic foundation, the Denver Urban Land Conservancy, purchased the home. It was called a miracle when the center was able to stay and continue their vital services to children and youth.
In May 2005 Kailey Carter left and was replaced as office secretary by Michelle Beach. She gave birth to Kira on Nov 11. In the same month twins, Kailey and Kolby, were born to Mike and Krista (Borgaard) Williams. Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Members responded with $3,305 to World Outreach. In Oct. the church joined Father Factor and other sponsors in holding a Fall Festival at the YMCA. More than 200 children attended. The board approved amendments to the constitution and bylaws which would serve as a short-term solution to allow work on updates in 2006.
On Nov. 4 state, community leaders and church pastors involved in the Cheyenne/Laramie County Community Marriage Policy gathered at the State Capitol to endorse the policy. The clergy signing the agreement agreed to ask those they married to attend a minimum of 4 counseling sessions using both Scripture and a premarital inventory before they would marry a couple.
A very successful Journey to Bethlehem in December. Dozens of members volunteered to help with the program, dressing in costumes to lead visitors through a virtual journey through the streets of Bethlehem as it was when Jesus was born, including a marketplace, and presentation of Biblical scenes and stories. Tune in for the next installment.
Comments