Feel Good Sunday

Stephanie Leavins

After all of the hard work in getting our Growth Groups going, it's time to celebrate. This Sunday we will be blessed with the ministry of Stephanie Leavins. Her singing and testimony will be uplifting to all. I will preach a short sermon on "Intentions". My text comes from Genesis 50:14-21, in which Joseph speaks to his brothers after they have mistreated him. He tells them that what they intended for his harm, God intended for his good.

No matter what's happening in your life today, especially if someone means you harm, know that God's intention for you is good and God will lift you high above the intended harm. Just keep holding the hand of Jesus, who will guide you through times both good and bad. Join us Sunday, and be refreshed and renewed as we worship together. It's Pot-luck Sunday, so make me something good to eat and know that You belong at Cornerstone!

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader

Stepping Out and Stepping In

Each of us has been given a measure of faith, and we are being called to use it to step out of loneliness and isolation and into connection and belonging through our new Growth Groups. We’re not always eager to try new things and that's where faith comes in. If faith can move mountains, then surely it can move you to sign-up for a group.

In developing this new ministry, we set what seemed to be a bold goal:  a ministry coordinator, two coaches and ten group leaders. Yesterday after church we reached our goal as two people stepped forward to serve as coaches. Now all that's left is for more of you to step out in faith and join a group. I have no doubt that over the next two weeks; our groups will be filled and ready to begin the first week in October.

Our first study with be on Healthy Church Systems. For eight weeks we will be evaluating what we're doing now and asking your ideas on how we can improve eight important systems in our church. There is also an opportunity to suggest how we might expand each area in new ways. Your voice is important and it will be heard. So join a group and participate in this unique opportunity to make Cornerstone MCC even better than it is today.

You are personally invited to step out of yourself and step into a group. Sign-up today!  And I'll be looking for you in church this Sunday.

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader

Created for Community

How sweet it is when unity fills the church! This Sunday is going to be awesome. We are receiving five new members, baptizing a family of seven, blessing three new group leaders, and installing two newly appointed members to the Board of Director's. I guess this will be a short sermon Sunday!

Our scripture reading is what is called The Great Commission. "Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him-but some of them doubted!

Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations....or all peoples, baptizing them in the name of the Creator, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

We're not going to be just talking about our commission; we will be doing it live Sunday morning!  It doesn't get better than that. We are the church alive!  And we had 36 computers receiving our live broadcast last Sunday. Thank you Media Team. The broadcast gets better each week. I hope to see you at church, but if you can't make it, join us on-line. And either way, invite someone to join you.

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader

You Are Not Alone!

If you are feeling lonely, I want you to know that you are not alone. Research shows that loneliness has reached epidemic proportion around the globe. It does not discriminate as to age, gender, economic standing, culture, or any of the many categories we create to distinguish people. So take comfort today that you are not alone in your loneliness!

Spiritually speaking, loneliness serves a valuable purpose. It reminds us that God wired us to live in community. It motivates us to open up and reach out to others. And as we do, the reward is great! 

You have an opportunity this month to join one of our new Growth Groups. For eight weeks in October and November you can meet weekly with a small group of people from church for discussion, fellowship and prayer. Your group will choose and do a service project together and plan a social event to enjoy. 

My prayer is that you will be motivated to join a group and experience a new level of community at Cornerstone MCC. And do a favor for someone you know who's lonely...bring them to church with you Sunday so they will know they are not alone. If they say no, let them know they can watch the service on our website. THANKS Media Team!!!

Rev Sandy, Interim Pastoral Leader