Finding a Wrangler's Heaven {Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo}

Cheyenne Wyoming Tribune-Eagle ^ | 07-25-05 | Dynes, Michelle

[Theodore R.]

Finding a wrangler's heaven

By Michelle Dynes rep2@wyomingnews.com Published in the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle

CHEYENNE - Cowboy Church opened with a foot-stomping, hand-clapping rendition of "Amazing Grace" at Frontier Park on Sunday morning.

"How many (people) applaud at church," asked Marty LaVor of Alexandria, Va.

The six-time Cheyenne Frontier Days visitor said he didn't know why he hadn't attended Cowboy Church before.

"It's the atmosphere," he said. "It's Frontier Days right at the arena. But it's much more personal than what you get in a normal church."

LaVor said the experience allowed him to see the friendliness of the West up close. He added it isn't a true Frontier Days experience without the morning visit to the arena bleachers.

For more than 25 years, the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys has offered a place for cowboys and visitors alike to worship outdoors in their jeans, cowboy hats and baseball caps.

"Whether you're Methodist, Episcopalian, Baptist or Catholic, you'll feel welcome here," said Susie Luchsinger, a Christian country singer. "And here in the open air, we can worship in God's sanctuary."

During the service she reminded people that Jesus was rejected at first because he didn't keep his services to the synagogues. But that's what made him accessible.

"He went out among the people," Luchsinger said.

She added that Frontier Days has been a part of her entire life. Her grandfather, father, brother, husband and son have all competed in rodeo events. Her sister, Reba McEntyre, has performed at CFD.

"We love (Cowboy Church) because cowboys need a place of fellowship," she said.

Luchsinger led the crowd through songs and prayers as they sat in the shaded bleachers that later would be filled with rodeo fans.

At one point during the service she asked people to raise their hands to represent their home regions.

"How many are from the Northeast?" She asked. "How many are from Wyoming? The South?"

Hands shot up representing visitors from every corner of the nation. A few were even international travelers.

Elois Oster of Kersey, Colo., said she met Luchsinger and her husband, Paul, 19 years ago as part of the Fellowship of Christian Cowboys.

For more than a decade she has traveled north to attend the couple's service.

"These are down-home people," she said of the church attendees. "You can wear jeans and not worry about what people think. We've (all) come to worship the Lord together."

Allison Hedger of Cheyenne said it was her first time attending, but it was something she'd definitely do again. She said she liked the fact that it wasn't a typical church-setting.

Ken Camphouse of Cheyenne said it also was his first Cowboy Church service. He said he liked that it wasn't a tightly structured service.

Instead Luchsinger told jokes to lighten the mood and get the crowd laughing along with her.

"It's good to slow down and appreciate what life is all about," she said.

Christine Coffell of Iredell, Texas, said since her husband's a steer roper, attending rodeos has become the summer family vacation.

But just because she and her three children are far from home doesn't mean they have to forgo their weekly service.

"It's just a blessing to hear the gospel from fellow cowboys," she said. "They put it in terms that relate to our lives."

Connie Fournier said she only had to travel two blocks for her fourth Cowboy Church service.

She said she likes being able to walk out her front door, grab a seat in the bleachers and drink her coffee in the open air. She added she also loves coming to hear Luchsinger's vocals.

"You have to experience Cheyenne Frontier Days for what it is," she said. "If you experience CFD, you have to experience it all."

Dona Vold Larsen of Casper said since her father was a stock contractor she has been coming to Cowboy Church services for more than 20 years.

"When you're traveling (to rodeos) you know there will be (a service) every Sunday whatever town you're in," she said.

Vold Larsen said she's attended similar types of services in Montana, Nevada, New Mexico and Arizona. She said she likes the CFD service for the singing and the testimonials.

"We may all look different and do different things, but we're all here for the same reason," she said.

[TrebleRebel]

I kind of like this infusion of, I don't know, culture and denomination....with all of the people on the lake every Sunday morning, I bet a water-ski church would take off just as well.