Newsletter March 19, 2021

Newsletter - March 19, 2021

A congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America, Founded 2013

Pastor's Corner

Hey Cornerstone Family!

Pastor Taylor here. I wanted to share with you all this week a very encouraging recap of our annual presbytery-wide youth retreat called, “Roots” where about 200 students descended upon Camp ToKnowHim in Pisgah, Alabama, for a weekend that was full of Christ-centered fellowship, fun and discipleship (and pizza). You know, it wasn’t too long after last year’s retreat that things went offline, to online, to in-person, to…you know the drill. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if Roots would happen this year or not. To see how the Lord faithfully responded to our prayers and pleas for Roots to take place is part of what made this past retreat the most memorable to date.

This year our speaker was Rev. Braden Benson who is on staff as a Christian Counselor at the Owen Center in Auburn, Alabama. Speaking four times over the weekend, his theme dealt with fear….the realities of fear, fear of man, the heart of fear, and the fruits of Godly fear as we bring them to Jesus. While Roots is indeed full of gaga ball, copious variations of processed sugar in the form of candy, karaoke, and life-sized jenga, it is also abundantly full of worship of our Triune God. The weekend also provides students with a visible reminder of how the church isn’t just a building made out of brick and mortar, but of living stones, as 1 Peter 2:5 tells us. So, Roots helps to make that connection to the broader church.

Another key component to Roots involves our wonderful parent chaperones. This year we had 9 adults come along with us to serve in various roles such as all-time quarterback, retreat photographer, chauffeur, and extra-strong coffee maker (this is a must), as well as keeping an eye on things as they build relationships with our students throughout the weekend. It is a great blessing to be a part of a church whose parents are so willing to serve, and I know our students are, as am I, grateful for all you do to serve the many needs here at Cornerstone. It’s evident that you all are doing a great job of training your students up in the way they should go.

All in all, Roots serves as a reminder of what a privilege it is to be on Pastoral staff here at Cornerstone. I love my job, and that is in large part due to you, the body, that makes up our church family. Each of you play a vital part, so thank you for allowing me to play a small role in the building up and equipping of our students to grow in their faith for their joy and for God’s glory.

See you Sunday!
Pastor Taylor

Preparation for Worship - March 21, 2021

This Sunday's sermon: "The High Priestly Prayer of Jesus: Set Apart and Sent"- John 17:17-19
Click here for this week's bulletin.
In preparation for the sermon: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth." (John 17:17-19 ESV)
Hymn of the week: Come Praise and Glorify
Catch up on sermons on iTunes.
We are LIVE STREAMING! Click here.

Girl’s Discipleship Opportunity: Shelby Hundscheid will be gathering with the Senior High girls for lunch and Bible Study on March 21st following the 11:00 Worship. RSVP: hundscheids@gmail.com.

Announcements

New Sunday Schedule:

8:30am, First Worship Service (masks required)
9:45am, Sunday School (masks required until seated)
11:00am, Second Worship Service (masks optional)
Beginning Sunday, March 21st, the second service only will be live-streamed for those at home or overflow in the Fellowship Hall.

Good Friday Communion Service, Friday, April 2nd 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Easter Service, Sunday, April 4th 10:00 a.m. at the downtown property. (515 Meridian St.). Bring your lawn chairs. Fellowship, coffee and donuts at 9:30 a.m

Youth Ministry Girl’s Discipleship Opportunity: Lunch and Bible study for senior high girls following the 10:45 worship service on March 14th and 21st.

Summer Missions Opportunity: Join us June 20-25th at Joni & Friends Family Retreat in Nauvoo, AL, where those affected by disability, and their families, are offered a safe and accepting Christ-centered environment. The cost is $310 (FREE if under 5) to attend, and there are opportunities to serve for every age! Please contact Taylor@cornerstone-pres.org for more information.

Cornerstone Prayer Ministry

Pray for church members caring for family - Lora Abernathy, Diana Akridge, Bryan Gassaway, Gail Kimrey, Rick McCann, Alan Patterson, Randy Petcher, and Bill/JoAnn Sneed.

Pray for healing - Cate Blevins, Annie Junen, Hudson McClure, Riley Patterson, Dieter Paulson, Earl Ricks and those sick with COVID-19.

Pray for our nursing home residents - Ruby Petcher & Marcy Renegar.

Matthew Patrick Mace - Praise the Lord for the birth of Matthew last Sunday to Andrew and Andrea Mace.

Pray for our expectant mothers - Blakely Jones (June), Melanie Bray (August) and Sarah Robins Powell (August).

Pray for our Missional Partnerships - Seth & Jessica Lewis, Missionaries to Ireland, First Presbyterian Church, Russellville, AL

This week's highlighted ministry:

Please contact the church office by Thursday for changes or additions to the prayer requests.

The Cornerstone Newsletter is a weekly publication emailed each Friday.

To notify the church office of church members in the hospital or of births and deaths, or if you have a change of address or name, please contact Cynthia Keen at office@cornerstone-pres.org or 256-489-4625.