Newsletter September 13, 2024
Newsletter | September 13, 2024
Dear Cornerstone Family,
Last week I had the privilege of attending the Sing! conference in Nashville, TN with thousands upon thousands of brothers and sisters in Christ. Sing! is a worship conference led by Keith and Kristyn Getty that features musicians and speakers from all over the world. The theme of this year's conference was "Songs of the Bible". I would love to share a few quotes and takeaways from the conference with you:
Alister Begg spoke on "The Song of Moses" from Exodus 15. He highlighted that these were real people in a real place in a real time in real history singing of their redemption. He noted that the emphasis is not individualistic and that worship starts with God and His glory, not us and our needs. "The Word of God does the work of God in the people of God by the Spirit of God."
Mark Dever spoke on "The Magnificat (Mary's Song)" from Luke 1. "God is so in control that He uses unusual means to accomplish His purposes. He does great things through weak instruments to bring glory to Himself."
John Lennox spoke on "The New Song" from Revelation 4 and 5. "The Lord Jesus has bought us for God. We are double valued by God. He created us and He redeemed us. He makes us a kingdom of priests to God.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
Musically, there were too many highlights to count. Andrew Peterson and friends presented the 25th anniversary of Behold the Lamb of God, which is a wonderful Christmas concert and album. There was a beautiful choir and orchestra piece from an oratorio called "The Creation" by Dan Forrest. There were also several hymns old and new sung throughout the conference. One of the main priorities of the conference is an emphasis on congregational singing, which is a value we certainly share at Cornerstone! There was also an exciting announcement about the upcoming Sing! hymnal, which will be available in 2025.
There were several other speakers, seminars, and special music opportunities that we enjoyed.
In the coming year, be listening out for new (and old!) hymns and songs that will be introduced to Cornerstone for us to sing together.
This Sunday, we begin preaching through the Beatitudes in our sermon series on Matthew. At the end of each service over the next several weeks, we are going to sing a verse from a hymn called "The Beatitudes" which was written by Isaac Watts (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Jesus Shall Reign, Joy to the World, etc. ). We will sing it to the doxology tune, and will call it "The Beatitude Doxology". The text for Sunday is "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:3". The words for Sunday's doxology will be:
Blest are the humble souls that see
Their emptiness and poverty
Treasures of grace to them are giv'n
And crowns of joy laid up in heav'n. Amen.
Looking forward to singing with you Sunday!
Pastor Brian
Preparation for Worship
September 15, 2024
This Sunday's Sermon:
“The Beatitudes: The Poor in Spirit”
Matthew 5:3
Cornerstone Prayer Requests
Pray for church members caring for family - Diana Akridge, Susan Dupré, Kyle Mosier, Randy Petcher, and Mike and Carol Wellfare.
Pray for healing - Bob Cassis, Rick Dillon, Suzi and Bill Bolton, Dawn Chenault, Earl Myers, Phil Freeze, Gayle Ricks, Ruby Petcher, Marc Goldmon, and those sick and suffering.
Pray for our homebound friends - Ruby Petcher and Betty Baldwin.
Pray for our expectant mothers - Lauren Durr (November), Kerry McMillan (January), Bree Sullivan (February), Abigail Wood (February), Ashley Colette (March), the Kawell family (adoption), and the Barkley family (foster).
Pray for our church staff.
Pray for our Missional Partnerships - Reformed Theological Seminary and Valley Presbyterian Church, Madison, AL (Rev. William Plott).
Announcements
New Members Class - The new members class continues this Sunday in the Family Life Center lobby. Please see Pastor Brian if you have any questions.
Foundations - Continues this Wednesday, September 18. There will be a fellowship meal at 5:30 pm in the FLC and discipleship opportunities for all ages from 6:15-7:15 pm. There will be two adult classes: Biblical Parenting, taught by Pastor Wilson, and The Means of Grace: How We Grow in Christ, taught by Pastor John. The Biblical Parenting class is designed for parents of young children but all parents and grandparents are welcome. Nursery is provided. RSVP online here. To be a meal server, please sign up here.
Men’s Fellowship Dinner - September 22 at 6 pm in the Family Life Center. Pastor Wilson will be speaking on The Deep Life. The cost is $15 and covers a steak dinner. The deadline to register is September 17. To register, please click here.
Mom’s Playdate at Tate Farms - Tuesday, October 1 from 1-4 pm at Tate Farms, 8414-A, Moores Mill Road, Meridianville, AL 35759. Contact Ashley Colette for more information at ashley.h.colette@gmail.com.
Lost and Found Items - Please check the lost and found for any items that may be yours. The lost and found is located on the far east side of the building on the first floor, past the Fellowship Hall. Any items not claimed after two weeks will be donated.
Creative Arts Ministry - Creative Arts meets weekly on Wednesday mornings at 10 am upstairs in the main building. They are quilting and knitting baby items to donate to the Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center. No experience needed! Contact Suzann Dolan at Sdolan73@aol.com with any questions.
Manna House Serve Days - There is a great opportunity to plug in and serve the community with Cornerstone folks on Thursdays at the Manna House. Anyone can come for any amount of time between 1-6:30 pm.
Benevolence - If you are in need of financial assistance or other needs due to hardship, please see a deacon or contact needs@cornerstonehuntsville.org.
Ministry Opportunity - Interested in reaching out to our church members who need help with minor home improvements or repairs? If so, contact David Hoover at ddhoover53@gmail.com for more information.
Bookshelf Ministry - The church resource bookshelf is currently located on the second floor between the balcony and the adult Sunday School rooms. There are some great free books and resources there!
Missions Moment
Each week we want to highlight one of our missional partnerships. Please take a moment to learn about these wonderful ministries that Cornerstone has the privilege of serving alongside.
This week's highlighted ministries:
The Mission of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church is to be a community of Christ's followers who worship, grow, and serve together to glorify God in Huntsville and throughout the world.
Please contact the church office by Thursday for changes or additions to prayer requests.
The Cornerstone Newsletter is a weekly publication emailed each Friday. To notify the church office of church members in the hospital or of births and deaths, or if you have a change of address or name, please contact office@cornerstonehuntsville.org or 256-489-4625.
1413 McClung Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801
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