It's Not What You Think

This week we return to our 50 Days of Love series and the focus is, Love is Forgiving.  In my 17 years of ministry, I would have to say that more people struggle with forgiveness than anything else. Perhaps it's because so many have a misunderstanding about forgiveness. Take this True/False quiz to see if you are one.

1.    A person should not be forgiven until they ask for it.

2.    Forgiveness includes minimizing the offense and the pain that was caused.

3.    Forgiveness includes restoring trust and reuniting the relationship.

4.    You haven’t really forgiven until you’ve forgotten the offense. 

5.    When I see someone else hurt, it's my duty to forgive the offender.

Believe it or not, all of those statements are false. Join us Sunday as we explore what the Bible teaches on forgiveness. Once you understand, forgiveness will be easier. The good news is that we are forgiven and, we have the ability to forgive! I hope to see you Sunday.

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader

Where's Jesus?

This is going to be a busy holiday weekend.  It's Memorial Day weekend,  the Ascension of Jesus,  Pentecost, and our 50 Days of Love series.  This week in the series is perhaps the most important: Love is Forgiving.  Therefore, I am going to set aside the series since many will be away this Sunday.  We will have a blended patriotic and ascension service and we'll finish the series the first two weeks in June and celebrate Pentecost a little late this year.

So where is Jesus?  Historically, over 500 people witnessed Jesus during the 40 days after his resurrection.  And back then they did not count women and children so the number is even higher.   But where did he go after that?  He ascended back to heaven and that's what I'll be preaching on this Sunday.

If you are not going out of town, please make an effort to be in church Sunday, and invite someone to join you.  We had 107 last week and we can keep that momentum, even on a holiday weekend.  If you are going away for the weekend, know that you will be missed.  Let us all take time to give thanks for our freedom and for Jesus.

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader

Hurry Up!

How many times a day do we say that to God, self and others? We know what we want and we need it right now! Yet life does not move at our pace. Therefore, we must wait numerous times each day, and day after day for some things. 

Patience is what helps us to endure our times of waiting. Love is patient. It helps us to slow down and listen. It enables us to wait on someone to catch up with us. It gives us strength to forgive...again and again. Patience acknowledges that God is in control. It helps us live life at God's pace.

Now I'm not saying that anyone should pray for it...but I do hope you'll join us this Sunday as we learn more about this important fruit of the Spirit. God produces patience in us as we are willing to bear it. So don't pray for patience, pray that you might bring it forth.

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader

 

90 Days and Counting

It's been ninety days since I came to serve as your Interim Pastoral Leader, and what a great start it has been!  Thank you for your willingness to follow my leadership in making a few changes at Cornerstone MCC.  Some of those were based on the survey I conducted when I first came and others were based on my past experience in growing congregations.  I appreciate the way you have embraced the changes that are allowing Cornerstone to grow.

Our next quarter together will bring more changes, however they may not be as visible as the ones we have already made.  That's because I will be focusing on administrative issues.  One of the greatest gifts I have to offer this congregation is administration.  I have reviewed the By-laws and SOP's and we have some work to do in bringing those important documents current.  The Board of Director's will begin that process next week.

Know that we will keep you informed of any changes to the SOP's.   By-law changes require a 2/3 majority vote at a Congregational Meeting, therefore proposed changes will be presented and discussed prior to such a meeting.  Updating these two documents will be tedious, but the reward of doing that work will be great.  Just remember, the reason we do these things is for the good of the church.  If I can help explain or answer your questions, I am welcome that opportunity.

Cornerstone MCC has a fantastic future!   If you are not involved in a ministry or leadership position, please pray about what God has equipped you and is calling you to do.  There is no greater joy than being of service to God and God's people.  Thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve you!

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader

 

Too Much of a Good Thing?

As we continue with our 50 Days of Love, this week we focus on humility.  Most of us think we have it, some of us think we are full of it, and all of us can learn more about it. 

If you want to be a better lover of God and others, the right measure of humility is important.  I hope you'll join us Sunday at 10:45am as we worship Jesus, the one who humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on the cross.  (Philippians 2:8)

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader