If there's one thing we don't like to hear, it's no. We want what we want, when we want it, and we expect God to agree with us. Yet we know that we can't always get what we want. How do we handle such moments? Do we sulk, or throw a fit, or plead with God? Or have we learned the good news that blessings come from such moments?
When God says no, there are always good reasons why. Join us Sunday as we focus on the blessings of no. It might help you to accept that answer and work with the Holy Spirit to receive your blessing. I hope to see you at 10:45am. You belong at Cornerstone.
Rev Sandy
Sunday we celebrate Pentecost and the birth of the church. Before Jesus ascended back to heaven he gave the disciples a massive task - to go into all the world and preach the good news of the gospel. Jesus instructed the disciples to go back to Jerusalem and wait for a very special gift, a gift of power to do what they were commissioned to do. It was the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out on people in a new way.
What did they do as they waited on the Holy Spirit? What can Cornerstone do as she waits on pastoral leadership to arrive? Join us Sunday for empowering, Spirit filled worship. Come ready to receive a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. As is the custom of some on Pentecost Sunday, you may want to wear something red. Come and be encouraged as you wait upon God.
Rev Sandy
It's hard to know which came first, my name or my mission, but my name fits how I have spent my life. Years ago I devoted much time to choosing my son's name. Names are significant, especially God's. The Bible shares many names for God and if I had to choose just one, it would be I AM. That says it all, but what does it really mean?
Join us Sunday as we examine I AM. And since it's Mother's Day, I will also share some of feminine images of God from the Bible. God is certainly not bound by gender, especially one gender. The many names we use help us understand the mystery of God more. Come with an open heart and mind.
We'll also be blessed to share in the christening of a precious child this Sunday. Come and share in the joy.....and invite someone to join you.
Rev Sandy
What a great service we experienced last Sunday! I hope you've been busy encouraging people this week. If not, stop and look around. You will find people in need of encouragement all around you. As you bless them, you too will be blessed.
This Sunday we'll look at the gospel of John and the account of the risen Jesus appearing to Thomas. It's another beautiful story of recognizing Jesus, and this time it's our doubts. Some people believe that doubt has no place in our lives. But doubt can be and is a part of the faith journey. Join us Sunday and broaden your ideas about Thomas. He was way more than a doubter. He gave what can be considered the most powerful testimony of Jesus in the New Testament - Jesus and Lord and God.
Rev Sandy
Last Sunday we focused on Mary and how she recognized the resurrected Jesus when he called her by name. This week we focus on the Walk to Emmaus and how two disciples did not recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. Even today, people still recognize Jesus through the sacrament of Holy Communion.
One question often asked at MCC is why we share Communion every week. We come from many church backgrounds and different traditions concerning the sacrament. I came from a tradition that shared The Lord's Supper once a quarter. Yet I have come to appreciate and desire sharing the sacrament each Sunday. I have seen people's eyes opened to recognize Jesus as we break bread together.
Join us Sunday as we dig into the story of two disciples who recognized the resurrected Jesus through the breaking of bread. Bring someone to church Sunday and invite them to share in the sacrament with you. Pray that they too may recognize Jesus as we worship together.
Rev Sandy
One of the curiosities of the resurrected Jesus was that his closest friends and disciples did not immediately recognize him. That's always been a question in the back of my mind. I decided to take a close look at the appearances of Jesus after he rose from the grave and I'm excited to share that information with you. This Sunday we'll look at Jesus appearing to Mary. Initially she thought Jesus was a gardener. She recognized Jesus when she heard his voice as he called her by her name.
What a moment of rejoicing she and Jesus shared. How do we hear the voice of Jesus today? We live in such a busy, noisy world yet still we can hear from Jesus. Join us Sunday as we begin to explore ways to help us recognize Jesus. If you have a testimony of hearing from Jesus and you want to share it with the congregation this Sunday, drop me an email and let me know. Let us give witness to the good news, Jesus is alive and still speaks to us today!
Rev Sandy
On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. This feat is what separates Christianity from other religions. We serve a Risen Savior! Have you ever thought about the power of the resurrection? Just rolling the stone away took tremendous power, not to mention bringing the dead back to life. It was a power packed event for sure.
I'll be preaching this week from a scripture that changed and empowered my life. It's found in the first chapter of Ephesians. I want it to change your life as well. Believe it or not, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in our lives too! Wow, what a difference knowing that truth brings. You have access to more power than you'll ever need to overcome this life, and yes, even your death. Let that truth sink in, access that power and live in victory.
Get your Easter outfit ready, invite someone to join you and come celebrate not only the resurrection of Jesus, but your own resurrection. Let the power that raised Jesus raise you to new life. Believe the good news - we've got the power!!!
Rev Sandy
