Wyoming is a land of wide open spaces, big skies and an almost constant wind. But there is a new wind blowing these days, ushering in a new community of faith closely tied to Christians in other parts of the world. “These are ‘can do’ people,” affirms the Rev. Thomas Johnson, Pastor of the newly formed Anglican Church of the Resurrection, with groups worshiping in Casper and Glenrock. “When empowered, they get things done.” Now part of the Anglican Mission in The Americas (AMiA), a missionary movement based in Rwanda, the new congregation is quickly growing and moving forward.

The roots of Anglican Church of the Resurrection lie in two Episcopal churches, St. Mark’s in Casper (the largest church in the diocese) and Christ Church, Glenrock, about twenty miles away. Over the last several decades the national Episcopal Church, and increasingly the Diocese of Wyoming, has stepped away from much of historic Christian teaching, especially as it relates to the role and authority of Scripture. As a result the denomination has lost a third of its membership over the last thirty years, and many of the local faithful were concerned. “Some of us began to meet and pray for the church and important decisions that were being made,” reflected the Rev. Johnson, who was serving in ordained leadership at both congregations. “I even made up ‘trading cards’ featuring international Anglican leaders so we could pray for each of them, as there were so many key meetings being held, especially in the last year.”

Attendance at the prayer meetings grew, and after the Episcopal Church was suspended from one of the top governing bodies of the worldwide Anglican Communion several months ago, the ‘can do’ people decided to pursue a fresh course by launching a church still affiliated with the global Anglican Communion, but not the Episcopal Church USA.
They sought affiliation with the Anglican Mission in The Americas.

Established five years ago by the Archbishops of Rwanda and South East Asia, the AMiA is a missionary movement in the U.S. focused on church planting and outreach to the un-churched and spiritually disconnected. The AMiA, now numbering 80 congregations, reflects the dynamism and vitality that the Anglican Church is experiencing in many other parts of the world, especially in Africa, Asia and South America.

”Our people love being together—and we’re really ready to reach out in mission,” observed Father Tom. “People who have been a part of a ‘maintenance’ church for so long are very excited at this kind of energy and opportunity. And that optimism is centered in Jesus Christ.”

What began with around 40 people at the first Sunday worship service in June has grown to almost 150 members in the two locations: the courtesy room of American Bank in Casper (400 E. First) and the Glenrock Senior Center. People have called from around the state to see how they might be able to connect, or get involved, or even start a similar group in their own area.

The Rev. Gerry Schnackenberg of Colorado is serving as a mentor and coach to Fr. Tom and the new church. He has experience with church planting, especially the multi-site church, like Anglican Church of the Resurrection. “They are not looking back..... though it has been difficult to see long time relationships changing with those who stayed behind. They are now eager to learn about reaching out to the un-churched in the Casper/Glennrock areas and even beyond,” commented the Rev. Schnackenberg. “It’s exciting to see another church moving forward with a focus on reaching the people of America who are disconnected from God, who have not found a satisfying relationship with Him where they are and who long for a personal relationship with the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Anglican Church of the Resurrection’s new Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Sandy Greene of Denver, will be on hand September 25th to officially welcome the church and its Pastor into the Anglican Mission and, by extension, the Anglican Church of Rwanda—a step that is granting new energy and life to the people. “The people here are traditional in liturgy, or style of worship, but excited at the prospect of evangelization. There is a great sense of joy in sharing with others,” remarked the Rev. Johnson.

For more information contact Anglican Church of the Resurrection, 307-277-3071.
The church worships Sunday morning at 9:30 in Casper and 11:30 in Glenrock.

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