Newsletter October 11, 2024
Newsletter | October 11, 2024
Dear Cornerstone Family:
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob,he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. — Isaiah 43:1-3a
This passage of Scripture has come to mind several times as Hurricane Helene— and now Hurricane Milton— has come through the southeast within the past 2 weeks. The damage across several states is catastrophic, and the situation is simply overwhelming in terms of how much has been lost. Much more could be said here, but we want to share with you how we are responding as a church and denomination, and how you can be involved in responding to this disaster.
How to Give - Cornerstone has designated significant gifts from our benevolence fund to go directly to four PCA churches and MNA (Mission to North America) Disaster Response. We encourage you to give in two ways: 1) Give to the Deacons Benevolence fund to support these gifts at Pushpay- Select Deacons Benevolence and 2) Give directly to MNA Disaster Response at MNA Helene Relief
Here's where those gifts will be going:
MNA Disaster Response - This is our denomination's disaster relief effort. They partner with local churches in disaster areas to set up a long-term response where they invite teams to come serve PCA churches and communities affected by a disaster. They are setting up sites in multiple areas and will be there for the long haul. There is also a disaster response warehouse in Rome, GA that hosts supplies and equipment that are sent to various sites.
Arden Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC - This is the church I served for over 10 years prior to coming to Cornerstone, where we have many dear friends. They are setting up an MNA response site at their church facility that will serve the entire Highlands Presbytery, and serve as a base to send teams to surrounding churches and smaller mountain communities.
Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Newland, NC - This is a small PCA church in Avery County, NC. The pastor and his family are close friends. Their church was flooded and their home was also affected. This past Sunday, they gathered in their parking lot for worship outside of their flooded building.
First Presbyterian Church, Augusta, GA - Throughout Georgia and South Carolina, there was an overwhelming amount of tree damage. First Presbyterian Church of Augusta is one of the oldest churches in the PCA. Their church sustained damage when Helene came through and they have established an MNA response site at their church where teams are already working. Pastor Wilson and his sons recently went there last weekend to serve.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Johnson City, TN - Westminster is pastored by Andy Wyatt, whose wife Lauren is the daughter of Cornerstone members Cobb and Susan Alexander. You may recall that Andy preached at Cornerstone one Sunday this summer. Their church will also be an MNA response site for their church, Westminster Presbyterian, and surrounding areas in east Tennessee.
How to Serve
We are in the process of communicating with MNA Disaster Response in regards to when they will be ready to receive teams at the various sites. This will be a long-term response (think months and years). We will be sending out information soon about specific opportunities to form teams to go and serve. Currently, the site at Augusta is receiving volunteer teams, particularly to do chainsaw work and debris cleanup, and the other sites are still in the preparation process but will be receiving teams very soon.
Consider going ahead and registering as a Disaster Response Volunteer. This will save time in the future so that you are already screened and ready to go!
The MNA Disaster Response Warehouse in Rome, GA is two hours from us. Our family spent a day there recently packing flood buckets that will be sent to affected areas. They regularly host workdays on every third Saturday, but right now those workdays are much more frequent. Go to MNA Warehouse for more information. Stay tuned for opportunities to collect supplies for the warehouse, as well.
Declare your availability to serve to deacons and/or pastors. One of our members just volunteered to take a piece of large equipment to the warehouse that was needed when they couldn't get over to Huntsville. Other members have already been helping in different capacities.
How to Pray
Pray for all those affected by these disasters. Pray for those grieving loved ones they have lost. Pray for those who have lost homes, businesses, and places that they love.
Pray for the safety of first responders, volunteers, and workers who are coming from all over the place to help in various ways.
Pray for the MNA Disaster Response staff and their families. They have been all over the southeast for the past two weeks. Pray in particular for Mike Kennamer. Mike is the disaster response coordinator for Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, as well as the warehouse manager. You may recall that we made and collected school supply kits at the 2023 VBS and Mike came to speak to our VBS.
Pray for churches in these areas and the many teams that will serve, that the Gospel will go forth in word and deed to those who are hurting.
We are thankful for the generosity and prayers of Cornerstone. Let's lift up our brothers and sisters in all these places in prayers, service, and giving, and entrust all this to the LORD, who is with us.
Pastor Brian
Pastor Wilson and his sons, Andrew and Forrest, had the opportunity to go serve in Augusta, Georgia this past weekend. Augusta did not make the national news but was devastated by over a 100 mph winds. Much of the community is still without power, and there was tremendous damage because of downed trees. This home is just one example of hundreds of homes that suffered similar damage. This is an example of the tremendous need for many communities in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Please consider how you can pray and serve with disaster response ministry.
Preparation for Worship
October 13, 2024
This Sunday's Sermon:
“Gracious Mercy”
Matthew 5:7
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, Tim and Gayle Ricks, Ruby Petcher, Marc Goldmon, Cal Brown, Jon Wren, Katy McCann, 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), Bre Sullivan (February), Abigail Wood (February), Ashley Colette (March), Abby Junen (April), the Kawell family (adoption), and the Barkley family (foster).
Pray for Hurricane Helene and Milton recovery efforts.
Pray for our Missional Partnerships - Providence Presbytery and Christ Presbyterian Church, Hampton Cove, AL (Rev. Michael Calvert).
Announcements
Hurricane Helene Donation Information - As a church, we are giving to several PCA churches affected by Helene and to MNA Disaster Response. You can give to our benevolence fund to support the gifts to churches or directly to MNA Disaster Response by donating online here.
Senior High Sunday Night Fellowship - This Sunday night from 6:30-8 pm at the Poe’s home. Bring a snack or dessert to share!
Foundations - Foundations resumes this Wednesday, October 16. 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. RSVP here!
Annual Reformers Cup Golf Event - Men, mark your calendars for Sunday, October 27 at 1:30 pm at Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. 9 hole/4 person scramble/shotgun start. The cost is $58 which includes green fees, a golf cart, and an awards dinner. Some proceeds go to fund the local RUF Ministries. Register here! Registration deadline is Wednesday, October 23 at 5 pm.
Women’s Ministry Fellowship Baby Shower - Ladies, please join us for a fellowship baby shower honoring Kerry McMillan and Bre Sullivan on Sunday, November 3 from 2-4 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Kerry is registered at Babylist and Bre is registered at Amazon and Walmart (search Breanna Sullivan).
Church-Wide Fellowship Meal - Sunday, November 17. More details to come.
Huntsville Assistance Program - To give to the Cornerstone food collection drive, a bin has been placed in the Gathering Room for donations. Check the newsletter or the flier on the bin for a list of needed items. This is a great way for the families of Cornerstone to serve our community!
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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