By night's end, we saw just short of 1,500 souls come through. God's abundant blessing last year has taught us to be ready this year! In preparation for 1,500 people we need all hands on deck. We need over 100,000 pieces of candy, 50-75 people to decorate their trunks and pass out candy, we need volunteers for the parking, registration, bounce houses and refreshments. Every person who comes to Trunk-or-Treat is given a gospel tract, along with information about our church. Then, everyone who does not indicate a church home is followed up with and invited to attend Cornerstone.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Religious Freedom
The fact that we are even talking about this event tells me that the idea of religious freedom is only lingering. Just like the scent that remains even after the one wearing perfume has left the room. The rubber is meeting the road. Religious freedom is being tested, will we allow them to build the Mosque at Ground Zero, will we allow this Church to burn a Koran or will we regulate it, manage it, control it?
Friday, August 06, 2010
Sinning to Death
This weekend we wrap up our study in the book of James with his admonishment to the church to confess trespasses, pray for one another and even be willing to confront the wayward. As I worked this week to wrap my mind around this concept and its implications, I was reminded of the fact that to do this requires that I give up the hope of a "normal" life. What normal person confesses to another person, what normal person makes it a habit to confront sin? Normal people don't interfere with someone else's private life, normal people don't whip out the sandwich boards and bullhorns. To live the Christian life, we are to be peculiar.
Someone reminded me of this earlier this week as they related the sentiments of a co-worker that said "You Christians hate everybody." The reality is that what is often seen as hate is the most self sacrificing form of love. It would be so much easier to pretend to love you by patting you on the back and encouraging your sin, or patting you on the head and making light of your ignorance. I don't want to be seen as a hater. I don't want to stand out as the nut-case Christian. I don't want others to see me, and groan. I am tempted to sit still and be quiet. I am tempted to mind my own business. I am tempted to live and let live.
But I am called to make a difference. I am called to love people as I love myself. To place my love for God and His Gospel above all that this world has to offer. God's word teaches that there is a sin that is unto death. It is possible for a person, a culture, or a nation to sin itself to death. We are called to confront a world gone wrong. We must accept that what is seen as love is actually hatred, and what is loving will be at first seen as hatred. The doctor who gives the vaccine, or sets the broken arm, know this very well. The momentary pain and "hatred" they inflict is for the long term good. In fact, inflicting pain is the most loving thing they can do. The man on the side of the road screaming at the cars driving by is seen as a lunatic, until the driver learns that the bridge is out.
We must be willing to love. We must understand that our friends and family are sinning themselves to death and that God has placed us where we are to shine as lights in the darkness. Harsh, is the unfortunate reality. Hatred is the perception. But love is the responsibility for every one who claims to know the Truth.
James 5:19
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Land Purchase
This past weekend the church voted to move forward with the purchase of three acres of land in the Cagan Crossings Development. This property will provide a great location for the church as many people already frequent the town center for shopping at Wal-Mart, Lowes, and Starbucks, as well as use it as a community center with the presence of the library. We are excited to "book-end" the library (Pun intended) on the south of the development and believe that God will greatly use us to reach this community with His love.
It is our goal to pay for the land in advance of building any buildings on the property and the church is actively working to raise the remainder of the funds that it will take to complete the sale. In the mean time, we are working out the final detail with the Cagan Management Group and look forward to sharing more news in the future. Until then, enjoy the pictures and keep us in your prayers.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Property Announcement
Eight years ago, God began a work in this community through the birth our church here in Four Corners. We have seen God grow us in amazing ways over these years while meeting in rented facilities. This weekend we will present a peice of property that may become the future home of Cornerstone. As with any next step, there are details which will be discussed and revealed in the days/months to come, it is clear to our leadership team that Our Place is Here, but we want everyone to be on board before we take this important step. We will be voting on this incredible opportunity on the weekend of July 11th. This weekend you will receive a flyer with details of the property location, price, and other important aspects. Be sure to be in your place this weekend, and begin praying right now for God to do miracles in our midst! We truly believe Our Time is Now!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
An Open Letter to the Friends of Cornerstone:
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Our Time to Pray!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Our Time is Now!
Eight years ago, God began a work in this community through the birth our church here in Four Corners. We have seen over those years the purpose of meeting the specific needs of the people of this community. Today, we take the next step in this process as we announce the beginning of a campaign that will result with the purchase of land for a future Multi-Purpose Worship Center. As with any next step, there are details which will be discussed and revealed in the days/months to come, it is clear to our leadership team that Our Time is Now, to take this important step. We will be sharing this incredible vision in the weeks ahead and it is our goal for everyone to have a part of this campaign. Begin praying right now for God to do miracles in our midst! We truly believe Our Time is Now!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
How to Pray for our Nicaragua Team
1. Pray for God's favor
Without God's blessing, our efforts are nothing. Pray that God would make our path straight and that he would help us to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as we travel, minister and share.
2. Pray for people to respond to the gospel.
Nicaragua is a religious and Christian country, but many Nicaraguans lack the personal relationship with God in Christ. Pray that they will see the difference between religion and relationship.
3. Pray for Pastor Bruce as he preaches on Tuesday night
Last year, we had measurable amounts of opposition from other religious institutions in the city. Pray that God would give him the words to speak and that people would not be dissuaded from coming out to the service.
4. Pray for the national pastors to be encouraged
We will be training in the areas of Leadership, Counseling, and music. We want to not only provide them with training and materials, but we want to give them the encouragement they need as well.
5. Pray for the health of our team.
As our trip is only one week long, pray now that everyone on our team will be at their best for every day of the trip. It is vital that spiritual work is not hampered by physical ailments.
6. Pray for the safety of our team.
Traveling out of the country presents its challenges, and we ask that you pray for our transportation both in the air and on the ground.
7. Pray for the spiritual growth of those on our team.
One of the most amazing spiritual experiences is to take a missions trip. As we take this trip pray that our team will realize new levels of spiritual growth in their relationship with God. Pray that they will come back with a renewed sense of God's work in their lives.