"2 in 3 young people brought up as Christians are disengaging from their faith between the ages of 18 and 29." This quote from John S. Dickerson’s new book, Hope of Nations: Standing Strong in a Post-Truth, Post-Christian World, recently grabbed my attention. He was speaking of the decline of Christianity in the United States. Regardless of the details behind that statistic, those are sobering numbers.
It reminded me of Jesus’ parable of the soils in Luke 8. In that chapter, 2 in 3 of those who in some way engaged with the word of God didn't go on to bear mature fruit. Why is that? And what is the secret to fruitfulness, and persevering in faith? From Galatians 5 we know that fruit comes from the Holy Spirit. He produces it. In Luke 8 we read that fruit comes from the seed of God’s word sprouting and flourishing in our lives. But a critical element is the soil, the good soil: “they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15)
So how do we cultivate good soil in ourselves and those around us?
Personally: “Take care then how you hear,...” (Luke 8:17). We each have multiple occasions for the hearing of God’s Word. Are we taking care how we hear? Do we see our time of interaction with the Word as a stimulating mental exercise, perhaps an opportunity to have interesting conversations about tricky doctrinal issues, or are we listening for God’s voice speaking to us, and eager to latch onto it in obedience?
Corporately: "Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Heb 3:13). When we gather together, do we actively seek opportunities to encourage our brothers and sisters to trust God and his Word in their life situations?
My prayer for myself and all of us is that we would be receptive to the work of the Spirit through the Word of God, bear fruit with patience, and encourage each other - daily.
Steve Chapman
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 Q&A of the week - Enjoy learning these biblical Q&As together as a family and we will reaffirm them in our Sunday classes. To start from the beginning or to find more resources click here.
Question #16 - What is idolatry?
Answer - Idolatry is trusting in created things rather than the Creator for our hope and happiness, significance and security.
Awana Christmas Dinner - December 12 at 5:30 pm in the gym. The cost is $5 per family.
December Gingerbread Outreach - This year we would like to use our gingerbread building event to reach out to our friends and neighbors. If you’re interested in learning how you, your family, or Life Group can join with us, contact Daniel Frederickson.
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 This Friday - Join us in the parsonage at 7pm to grow together in the Word and strengthen our friendships with one another!
Middle School Class - Join us for pancakes in the parsonage on Sunday at 9 am.
High School Class - Join us for pancakes in the parsonage on Sunday at 9 am.
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Join our Young Adult LifeGroup that meets on Wednesday nights! Talk to Natali Bazi or Jared Kneebone if you're interested.
If you have not already, register for Cross Con HERE.
You can learn more about the Young Adult Ministry HERE on our website.
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Ministry to Women wants to equip you to grow in your desire to love and serve the Lord and help you to encourage other women to do the same, as well as deepen your friendships within Cornerstone. Below you will find many opportunities to do so. We look forward to growing with you!
Women in Study
Psalms
Every Monday
11 - 12:30 pm
Cornerstone Church Room 1
Naudja Collier will be leading this group using Scripture alone.
Hebrews
Every Monday night
7 - 8:30 pm
Hospitality Room
Pam Schapmann will lead this group in an in-depth study of Hebrews. Please contact her at
pamschap@me.com with questions.
The Gospel of John
Every Tuesday morning
9:30 - 11:15 am
Cornerstone Church Room 1
Barb Duncan will be leading this group in a time of song, prayer and the study of the Gospel of John.
Free childcare is provided.
1 Peter
Every Thursday evening
7 - 8:30 pm
Cornerstone Church Library
Ann Rocha will be leading this study using Scripture alone. If you need childcare, please contact her.
Women in Service
Join our women monthly as they crochet, knit and pray for the needs of loved ones within the body.
They will be meeting in the hospitality room from 1- 3:00 pm on the following Tuesdays: December 11 and January 8. If you have questions please contact Phyllis Fabrie or Cynthia Beyer.
Women Together
December 8, 2018
At Lindsey Nelson's home.
1:00 - 2:30 pm.
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 Iron Men: We will continue our Momentum series this Saturday, December 8, at 7am! Please contact Craig Tinder if you have any questions.
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Bible Study - Second and fourth Tuesday mornings from 10:00 - 11:30 AM in the nursery.
Christmas Family Worship & Party - Sunday, December 23, from 1:30 - 4:30 p in the sanctuary & gym.
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Dear Cornerstone Church family:
On behalf of Cornerstone's Global Outreach Committee, we write to seek your much-needed and
gracious support in anticipation of the Christmas season.
As you may well know, our church has an annual Global Outreach budget designed to help support
30 partners and 13 organizations. The budget attempts to assist these dedicated
individuals, families and organizations throughout the United States and the world. However,
during the holiday season, we seek to provide a special Christmas offering for our global outreach
partners. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you can assist us in our special Christmas
offering this year.
For your convenience, we will receive this special offering on December 9, 2018.
Letters and special giving envelopes were sent out last week. If you did not receive one, please contact Claudia Vanciu.
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