21 Day Daniel Fast - 1 Week to Go!

I just want to encourage those of us who are fasting as we go into our last week. This has been a sacred time in my life and I'm sure in yours as well. Not only do we feel better, we are looking good too. Most importantly we are poised to say, "Speak Lord, for I am listening" and to continue waiting upon The Lord as our strength is renewed.

This is an incredible opportunity for us to make some healthy life choices that we can incorporate into our lives beyond the fast. I have learned:

• water is the best beverage God has provided for us to drink
• fruits and vegetables are delicious and very filling
• God has provided us with all the sweetness we need and sugar/sweeteners are not necessary
• it's true, whatever you eat is what your body will crave; eat healthy - crave healthy.

So stay strong and together we will cross the finish line!

Rev Sandy, Pastor

The Daniel Fast - a word of encouragement

First I want to thank all of you who are on this journey together. I am amazed at how many people are fasting and praying during this season of Lent. In addition to the health benefits, the spiritual benefits are many for each of us and for Cornerstone MCC.

The greatest gift for me so far has been tranquility. Without the caffeine, sugar, chemicals and meat, there is an increasing peace and it feels so good. The food we do get to eat is delicious and satisfying and I hope to continue eating healthy after the 21 day fast. As a matter of fact, there is a Daniel Diet that follows the fast.

In my time of devotion, the word that comes before me is self-control. By fasting we are exercising our self-control muscle and it is becoming stronger. And that feels great to me. So do not grow weary in your well doing. We are 1/3 of the way there.

Blessings, fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and water to all.

Rev Sandy

Ash Wednesday and the Lenten Season

Today we begin our forty day Lenten journey. This is a season of drawing near to God. One of the main elements of this season is repentance. How timely after such a playful celebration of Mardi Gras! 

Repentance is an emotional word for many due to how it was presented to by the church. I am out to redeem this word, for in reality, it is a blessing to us from God. It is about changing ones mind, or direction and turning from that which takes life to that which gives life.

In Ash Wednesday services we are often asked to think of people we have harmed and to make right our wrongs. And there is nothing wrong with that for all of us have sinned and come short in our dealings with one another. But this year I want to shift the focus from thinking of our shortcomings with others to thinking of our shortcomings with God.

Jesus said that we are to love God with all of our heart, our soul, and our mind. What does that mean in the world in which we live? Tonight we will be focusing on loving God with all of our heart. The following Wednesday Night will be focused on loving God with all of our soul and the last Wednesday of this month will be focused on loving God with all of our mind. 

Join us from 5:45pm - 6:45pm for an evening meal before the service at 7:00pm.

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Stop Babbling and Listen

How long have we known Jesus? The disciples had been with him day and night for almost two years when Jesus, Peter, John, and James went up to the mountain. Suddenly, Jesus appeared in clothes as bright as lightening beside two figures who spoke of what was to come. 

MCC's inquisitive theology and radical hospitality keep us open to glimpses of the transforming power of God in the world. Rather than building a monument, we have responded to those glimpses with our work for justice - work that gives us purpose - so that we can be "Transforming Ourselves as We Transform the World."

Rev Sandy, Pastor