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