eNewsletter

By Dr. Donn S. Chapman, Senior Pastor

If you like riding roller coasters, you probably have enjoyed watching the stock market the last few weeks because it's been nothing less than a wild ride. There's no doubt that we may be in for some tough times. While I am the last person from whom you should seek investment advice, I do know for a fact that God's Word has great advice for us on how to face tough times.

If the past weeks have left you fearful, David would say to you, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid ..." (Psalm 56:3-4). If you have suffered loss and feel like the cares of the world are sitting on your shoulders, David again has great counsel for you: "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55:22). Finally, if the past few weeks have you feeling alone as you face big trouble, David would remind you, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2).

Now, if it is the future that troubles you rather than the past - and if you think that the worst is yet to come - I would refer you to the prophet Habakkuk, because he has good advice for you: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Habakkuk 3:17-18).

Of course, all of the Bible's good advice for tough times isn't found in the Old Testament. James would tell you to "Come near to God and He will come near to you" (James 4:8). Paul would tell you what he told the folks in Thessalonica: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Finally, I think Jesus Himself would look you in the eye and say, "In this world you will have trouble, but cheer up! It's giving you a chance to be an overcomer like me" (see John 16:33).

If you've usually put your trust in the government or the stock market or the economy at large or even your own self-sufficiency, then this roller coaster ride is truly a great gift from God - if you allow Him to teach you to trust Him and Him alone through these troubling times. And November is a great time to start because it's a big month: We get to experience a presidential election and our national holiday of Thanksgiving. Let's vow together to make it a grumble-free month - a month in which we simply trust God and thank Him for the fact that, because we know Jesus, we have all we need, even on a roller coaster ride through tough times.

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ONE church - ONE purpose - ONE night
November 25 at 7 p.m.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10: 24-25

A Night of Thanksgiving 
NOTE: TUESDAY night
November 25 @7 p.m.

Join us for a ONE Worship Event that gives praise and thanksgiving to the Lord who deserves it all. Come out for an evening of extended corporate worship led by Pastor David Watts, the Cornerstone Worship Choir, and portions of our weekend bands and worship leaders. The evening will include corporate worship, a short message from Pastor Donn, and family communion.

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Beginning Wednesday night, November 12, and continuing through Wednesday, December 10, several four week electives will be offered as part of Cornerstone's midweek activities for adults. Take a look at the different options, and you'll be sure to find something just for you.

• Step One (Membership): Are you new to Cornerstone? Having trouble fitting the Saturday First Steps into your schedule? Check out the Membership 101 Class on Wednesdays. Pastor Donn leads this class as he covers topics such as Cornerstone's history, Cornerstone's purpose and vision, the disciplines of a successful Christian life, ways to live out our faith, and what we believe here at Cornerstone.

• Seasons-The Continuous Change of Heart (Women Only):
Just as God created the seasons of the year for life and growth, He also created spiritual seasons in our lives so that we may grow in Him. He not only wants us to mature in Him, believing and knowing who He is, but He also desires for us to bear fruit for his kingdom.
Seasons will be offered to our women only, and it will cover the different spiritual seasons of our lives.

• More Questions for God:
Do you still have some questions after our fall series Questions for God? Join Pastor Mark as we tackle questions like "Would God do that?" (predestination and free will), "Could God do that?" (miracles), "Should I do that?" (social issues, cremation), and "What really matters?" (denominations, theology).

• Visually Inspired People (VIP):
Are you interested in learning sign language? Join the American Sign Language group and learn to develop signing skills for communication and ministry.

To register for one of these Wednesday night electives, please sign-up on the bulletin tear-off and please register your children ages newborn - grade 5 (also on the bulletin tear-off). For more information on midweek electives, contact Pastor Mark Thomas at 724.733.0070 x217 or mthomas@cornerstonelive.net.

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Drummer Brian Hamilton has an incredible testimony which involves severe drug addictions that affected his life from age 13 to age 34. After a long battle, Brian finally found all the hope he needed in Jesus Christ. He is now approaching his sixth year clean of drugs. "I realize words alone cannot express my gratefulness to Jesus for coming into my life and saving me from my bondage to sin," Brian says.

Brian currently works for Logical Automation as a sales engineer. His interests include evangelism, playing the drums, golfing, hunting, and serving as a part of various area ministries. Brian also enjoys spending time with his wife, Shelly, and their two kids, Justin and Olivia.

Brian is a dedicated member of the worship team. He is always working hard always seeking to learn, and always demonstrating humility. "When I think of Brian, I think of humble sacrifice," says Pastor David Watts, Jr. "For Brian, the worship is such an act of praise because of what God has brought him through to get to this point in his life. He is always looking for more ways to develop his gifts so that God can use him and our teams even more effectively."

Vocalist, guitarist, and worship leader Aaron Greer started playing the drums at the age of 4 before switching to guitar at age 9. Growing up in the MTV generation inspired Aaron to become a "rock star," so he started playing in bar bands in his early teens. At age 20, God called Aaron to leave that scene behind and start using his talents for a higher purpose. Now Aaron fronts the Aaron Greer band, and the latest CD, Agents of Change, is available in most Christian retail outlets nationwide and on iTunes.

Aaron's interests involve leading worship, playing and collecting guitars, studying presidential history, and graphic designing. Aaron also loves to spend time with his wife of two years, Lynn. "Most of all, I am thankful to God that he placed me at Cornerstone where my artistic and musical ability can be used for His glory," Aaron says. "Not many churches would welcome the ‘loud lead guitar player who jumps onstage,' but Cornerstone did."

"When I think of Aaron Greer, I think of the word contagious," says Pastor David Watts, Jr. "Aaron doesn't hold back. When he plays his guitar, it is if he were dancing before the Lord." Aaron's energy and passion draw the congregation into worship in unique ways. "Seeing God expand Aaron's ministry and influence as a leader has been a real joy to me," says Pastor David. "I believe God has some pretty cool plans for Aaron and his music."

Many thanks to Brian and Aaron for their inspiration, dedication, and passion to serve the Lord through music. We're so blessed to have them as part of our Cornerstone family.

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You still have a few more days to turn in shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Our children will be packing shoeboxes on Saturday, November 8, from Noon - 1:30 p.m. Please make sure all donated toys and supplies are brought to the church by Friday, November 7. Sunday, November 9 is the last day to drop-off completed shoeboxes at Christmas tree in the church lobby. Please call Jenny Marsalese at 724.733.0070 x235 if you have any questions. Operation Christmas Child is a great way to reach out to a child and show them the love of Jesus.

Thank you for participating and sharing Jesus' love around the world!

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You're Invited!

If you are new to Cornerstone, or have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to invite that special someone to church, here's your chance. We'd love for you to join us for lunch in the Fireside Chapel following the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, November 16. We promise delicious cuisine, fun fellowship, and an opportunity to get to know our staff and learn a little more about Cornerstone Ministries.

Please RSVP at info@cornerstonelive.net or 724.733.0070 x225. Please include the number of people who will be attending. See you there!

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A 4-Week Sunday Series for Middle and High School Students


November 9 -
"Time to Build"
November 16 -
"Time to Discover"
(Special Event: "Bring a Friend ")
November 23 -
"Time to Say Thanks"
(Special Event: Volunteer Appreciation Sunday)
November 30 -
"Time to Give Back"

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