After Thanksgiving Comes Advent

Sunday we begin a new church year and return to a more liturgical service. I am excited about the theme of "Sacred". We tend to limit what we think of as sacred. Jesus came to expand our thinking so we can know that time, people, space, being and doing are all sacred.

In addition to our Advent theme we are also asking the question, Why do we get gifts on Jesus' birthday? We are a part of Advent Conspiracy and we're out to Change Christmas so that we Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All. American's will spend an estimated $480 billion dollars on Christmas this year. It would only take $10 billion to provide clean water around the globe. Wouldn't that be a better way to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world?

Cornerstone has partnered with Living Water International to dig two wells in India. It is my heart’s desire that we do it again this year. So consider changing the way you celebrate the birthday of Jesus by taking some of that money and giving it so a village will have clean water and hear the story of Jesus, the Living Water. Jesus said we, the church, would do greater things than he did. I used to wonder how that could be. Now I know. Christians have the power to come together and change our world.

I know many of you are not ready to do that....yet....so we have another option for you. It's called Come to the Manger. If you want to continue the tradition of gift giving then consider giving a financial gift to the church that equals the amount you spend on the most expensive gift you buy for someone else or yourself.

This is the most wonderful time of the year so be sure to share it with Cornerstone. And remember, this is one of the best times to ask someone to join you. People are more likely to say yes at Christmas and Easter so be sure to extend those invitations. I look forward to seeing you Sunday, after a wonderful time of vacation.

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you and your family. Cornerstone MCC is on my gratitude list, and that includes you!

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Take Care, It's "Flu" Season

The warnings are clear. We are expecting an above average outbreak of influenza this year. There are signs by every major drug store announcing the availability of flu shots to offer a degree of protection from this serious illness. Unfortunately, many of us are already suffering from an outbreak of "affluenza". We always want more. In this season of thankfulness and giving, we need to adopt an attitude of gratitude for the abundance in our lives and open our hearts to share our blessings with those around us. Join us on Sunday for a closer look at how to find a healthy balance in the season of "affluence".

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Building Bridges that Liberate and Unite

November is Native American Heritage Month and we have an exciting time of worship planned for Sunday as we honor Mowa, Choctaw, and Poarch Creek Indian communities along the Gulf Coast. Indian families include Two-Spirit or Traditional-Gender and LGBT members, some of whom are part of our congregation.

We honor the faithful witness of Christian Indians and Indigenous faithful in southeastern Beloved Countries who praised God through colonization, wars, forced exile, and racial segregation. Such faithful witness affirms the faith of all. Deep South Indian families and societies traditionally embracing minority-gender loved ones offer examples of wholeness in affirming relationships. Our congregation begins a new step forward into reconciling wholeness as we respectfully greet Indigenous neighbors among us and near us who will generously share their own beloved expressions of faith.

Invite someone to join you for church and a very special meal afterward. Tell them they belong at Cornerstone!

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Most Given by a Few

Last week I shared some startling statistics on debt in America. This week the stats are about financial giving in the church.

• 50% of support is given by 10% of people
• 30% is given by 10%
• 10% is given by 30%
• 10% is given by 50%

What's startling is that 80% of our support comes from only 10% of our people and, 33% give nothing at all. I don't know where you are in those percentages, but I do know that all of us are called to give to this church we love.

Personally I enjoy the practice of tithing, or giving 10% to the church. It's certainly not the only way to give, but I have found it to be a great way to live.

90% managed for good + 10% returned to God = 100% +

We will wrap up our Annual Pledge Drive this Sunday. If you need a pledge card you can access it here. Pray about your giving. Listen for what you're called to give. Choose to be obedient. Then complete the card and bring it to church with you Sunday, or email it to me.

And remember, if you are an official member of Cornerstone, you pledged to support the church with your time, talent, treasure, and truth. Use this card to recommit to God and your church. Let's turn these statistics upside down and get right with our giving. We will be blessed, our church will be blessed, and we will be able to bless others. That's God's plan for us. I hope to see you Sunday at 10:45am or you can watch our live broadcast.

Rev Sandy, Pastor