We Are Coloring the Coast with Pride this Weekend!

I long for the day that there is liberty and justice for everyone and events such as Pride will be no more. But until then, we press on as we do the work of justice. I say let's do it with style! I am so excited about our Pride Team. Under the leadership of our Intern, Lisa Kelson, 30 people are working together to make our presence known both Saturday and Sunday. 

We'll have a booth at the park on Saturday, staffed with smiling faces throughout the day. The Board will have 50/50 Raffle tickets available. Our fabulous float will color the parade route with pride and will reflect the wonderful diversity of our congregation.

The Sunday Pride service was planned by Lisa and she will be preaching for the first time at Cornerstone. There's some wonderful music and videos and even a little Lady GaGa at the end! We'll break bread together and then head back to the park for volleyball. So invite someone to join you. I will be consecrating communion and I would love to welcome some new people to the table of forgiveness and love. Get your pride on and celebrate! You are included, affirmed, and fabulous!! Let it out and let it shine!!!

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Thanks for a Wonderful Easter Sunday!

The service Sunday was awesome. From the music, to the puppet show, to the sermon and communion, the service continues to touch lives via the Internet. I have received so many messages asking me to thank Cornerstone for the service. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! 

Special thanks to Michael and Rick. They donated and arranged most of the beautiful flowers for Easter. Jim helped with some of his personal plants and flowers. And what about those beautiful red flowers from the backyard of the Fellowship House! They were sticking. Rick and Mike were also the lead on the brunch after the service. Delicious! I know Melissa cooked the tomato gravy and others helped. And last but not least, all of the hard work done on the building and grounds. The campus was smiling with the tender loving care and I thank all of you for giving of your time, talent, and treasure.

I am in Georgia this Sunday, officiating at my cousins wedding. I will be with you in spirit as I watch the broadcast. I know Rev Lee will be a blessing in my absence. Let someone know that they belong at Cornerstone!

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Easter Changes Everything!

During the season of Lent our focus was on change. This Sunday we celebrate the greatest change the world has ever known! Easter is about so much more than bunnies and baskets and eggs. Easter is about so much more than flowers, hats and new outfits. While there's nothing wrong with such things, I want to know there's so much more.

Because of Easter we can change how we live our lives both physically and spiritually. In MCC we seek to transform ourselves as we transform our world. That's a bold and very achievable mission because of God's resurrection power. There's a beautiful scripture that promises that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in our mortal bodies. Think about the power that is in you to change and transform your life. Join us Sunday at 10:45am as we celebrate Easter and how it changes everything, even us.

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Hosanna, Praise, Blessing!

We begin our Holy Week journey with Palm Sunday. We are often surprised by what a day brings; we are almost overwhelmed what one week brought. Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem as King! It's a grand celebration as streets are lined and children dance and sing. The people had high expectations of power and justice and peace. There's good news and bad news. The good news is that God desires the same. The bad news is that it will not unfold as they think.

Once again we are reminded that our way and God's way are different. I struggled to not add "often" before different. I want to believe that after all these years my way is God's way. The truth is that in my humanness I miss the mark. Walking with God always brings me surprises. Some are joyful, others are filled with sorrow, but they all work together for my good. Has God ever surprised your plan? If so I would enjoy sharing your story....just email me.

Some of the same people who cried hosanna, praise and blessing as Jesus entered Jerusalem are in the crowd that just days later shouts, "Crucify him!" The week did not go as they had planned and they turned their backs on the one who was willing to show love no matter what he faced. As followers of Jesus, we are called to do the same. Love is the road of Holy Week. Love is the road we are called to walk.

Join us this Palm Sunday as we worship Christ the King. Let us lift Jesus high knowing that all people will be drawn unto Him! Put your spiritual seat belts on as it's going to be an emotional ride. Thank God we know the rest of the story. With that knowledge let us truly enter into this week with our whole heart that we might learn to be more like Jesus in all that we do.

Rev Sandy, Pastor

The Celebration Continues

I missed being with you last week and look forward to sharing together in worship this Sunday. We will welcome our new student clergy intern and be blessed with a special message from Dr Noble McKnight. I'm not sure what his message will be but I'm sure it's something we need to hear. So invite someone to join you for another powerful time of worship. Tell them they belong at Cornerstone!

If you are not able to be with us, watch our live broadcast at 10:45am (CST) by going to our website.

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Celebrating 30 Years of Ministry

This Sunday we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of our church! Former Pastor, Rev Helene Loper will be our special guest. She served as Pastor for nine years and we are blessed to have her with us for this special celebration. After the service we will share a special meal together in the Fellowship House.

Months ago I made a commitment to serve as Spiritual Director for the EXCEL of the Lamb retreat in St Augustine, FL. The retreat is this weekend so I will miss the celebration but I will be with you in spirit and I will enjoy watching the service on-line when I get home.

In honor of how the church has blessed you and the community, we invite you to do or give something as a gift to the church. And since we are still one of the best kept secrets in town, consider inviting someone to join you this Sunday at 10:45am. Tell them they belong at Cornerstone.

Rev Sandy, Pastor

Everything Changes

By this time on our Lenten journey, we often ask why. Why do I have to whatever I decided to do for Lent? Why do I have to change? Why? Why? Why? This week we are reminded that everything changes, except for Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. And in a world that is ever changing, Jesus is the anchor who holds, no matter what.

In our reading from John we are reminded that holding on to life just as it is destroys that life. But when we let go and are willing to change, and to follow Jesus, we find real and eternal life. In that context, change is not only good, change is great.

I invite you to cease resisting change and move to a place of celebrating the changes in your life. It's the only way to live because everything changes, whether we like it or not. And with Jesus as our anchor, we have no need to fear change. Join us Sunday and if you're willing, change where you sit this week. Give up your favorite seat, see the service from a new perspective, and meet some new people. The change just might do you good!

Rev Sandy, Pastor