As we hear the Lenten call of self-examination and change, one of the greatest challenges we face are the ruts in which we find ourselves. In the scripture story this week from Mark, the Pharisees were in a rut in how they understood the law. Jesus' actions called into question their interpretation of scripture, changing the understanding of what it meant to keep the Sabbath holy. Lent reminds us that sometimes we need to be ready to revisit and change unexamined assumptions in our lives or even those beliefs and understandings of scripture that we might hold dear. What beliefs have become ruts for you and what needs to be changed to get off that slow and narrow road?
Join us Sunday as we examine ruts and how they limit us from enjoying the abundant life Jesus longs for us to live. Do someone a favor and invite them to join you. It's the first Sunday in March and we're celebrating birthdays and anniversaries so March babies, be sure to come get your blessing and enjoy some cake and ice-cream after lunch.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
The season of Lent begins today with Ash Wednesday, and our service is at 6:30pm tonight. Lent is a great time to take a self-inventory. After the holidays and Mardi Gras, most of us are in need of repentance. To repent literally means "to turn around" or to find a new direction. I turned from my healthier eating for the holidays and it's past time for me to repent or to turn around and eat healthier again.
A number of us are doing the Daniel Fast for 21 days and the Daniel Plan for the remainder of Lent this year. You are invited to join us. For more information and to receive daily email devotionals and encouragement, visit http://daniel-fast.com. Also I have hundreds of recipes I can share via email if you'll send me a request.
It takes courage to change, to break out of whatever narrow paths we might find ourselves in. If we are going to change, we have to take the first uncertain steps out of the familiar and into the unknown. Praise God, we have the hand of Jesus reaching out to us for those times we fear or start to lose our way.
If you had the courage, what would you change? Think about that and consider using this season of Lent to turn around and take that first step on the path of change. On Sunday you will have an opportunity to write what you would like to change and I will pray for you during Lent. Also available will be words of encouragement to help you. Together we can support each other as we make changes in our lives. And if you've been on that missing church path, turn around and join us at 10:45am. You belong at Cornerstone!
Rev Sandy, Pastor
God's house will be filled with joy this Sunday as we celebrate God's gifts to us! One of our greatest gifts is the diversity among us. This week we celebrate Black History, specifically as it relates to Christianity. It's Joe Cain Sunday and the doors will be open as we worship and share with those walking to the parade. Hopefully we will celebrate the good news that finally, same sex couples can be married in Mobile, AL and some of them will be in our midst.
The Hospitality Team is preparing a lunch that can be passed out quickly so we may eat and go so the parking lot can be rented. It's a Cornerstone tradition, a good source of revenue, and our customers appreciate us. Thanks to everyone volunteering in the parking lot. We appreciate you!
I hope to see you in church this Sunday. You belong at Cornerstone, especially this week!
Rev Sandy, Pastor
As we continue to look at the Passionate Jesus, this Sunday we focus on grief. We tend to think of death when we hear that word. But we experience many losses in life before we die. We lose jobs, relationships, churches, and friends. We lose face, health and sometimes even our wealth. All loses bring grief to our hearts as they did to the heart of Jesus.
There's a promise in scripture that Christ comforts us as we mourn. I have found that to be true in my life time and time again. As followers of Jesus, we have the honor of bringing comfort to others as they mourn the losses in their lives. Look around. Find someone dealing with grief and invite them to church this Sunday. Together we can lift each other up during difficult times. Together we can have hope and instill hope in one another.
Rev Sandy, Pastor
