Newsletter February 16, 2024
Newsletter | February 16, 2024
Dear Church Family and Friends,
This past week I encouraged us all to be in prayer for Chris Moody as he will be ordained THIS Sunday, February 18th. Please join us in the first service for this important ceremony. If you have never witnessed the ordination and installation of a man to the Gospel ministry, you are in for a treat.
Last week I shared with you the vows that a man takes when he is ordained to the Gospel ministry. This ordination service concludes a process called the "ordination trials". It is no easy task for a man to arrive at this point in his calling. Certain requirements must be met to reach the point of ordination. Let me point out a few that are listed in the Book of Church Order, chapter 21:
An intern (candidate for ordination) applying for ordination shall be required to present a diploma of Bachelor or Master from some approved college or university, and also a diploma of Bachelor or Master from some approved theological seminary or authentic testimonials of having completed a regular course of theological studies, or a certificate of completion of and endorsement from a theological study program as approved by the General Assembly and one of the Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church in America.
A candidate is examined in the following areas both with written and oral exams: (a) his acquaintance with experiential religion, especially his personal character and family management (based on the qualifications set out in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and Titus 1:6-9), (b) his knowledge of the Greek and Hebrew languages, (c) Bible content, (d) theology, (e) the Sacraments, (f) Church history, (g) the history of the Presbyterian Church in America, and (h) the principles and rules of the government and discipline of the church.
Additionally, a candidate must present a thesis on some theological topic assigned by the Presbytery, an exegesis on an assigned portion of Scripture, requiring the use of the original language or languages, and he shall further be required to preach a sermon before the Presbytery or committee.
As you can see, it is no easy process that Chris has gone through. These are called ordination trials for a reason. Please continue to be in prayer for Chris as he takes up his calling.
Additionally, since Chris is being called as an assistant pastor at Cornerstone, the Session must also make promises to support him in this work. Here are the questions the Session will be answering:
Do you, the Session of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, continue to profess your readiness to receive Chris Moody, whom you have called to be an assistant pastor?
Do you promise to receive the word of truth from his mouth with meekness and love?
Do you promise to encourage him in his labors, and to assist his endeavors for your instruction and spiritual edification?
Do you engage to continue to him while he serves as assistant pastor that competent worldly maintenance which you have promised, and to furnish him with whatever you may see needful for the honor of religion and for his comfort among you?
Again, this is a special day. Please join me in praising God for His provision to His church in calling men to Gospel ministry.
See you Sunday!
by His grace and to His praise,
Pastor Wilson
Wilson’s Weekly
Pastor Wilson does not personally endorse everything said or written in these links but hopes these articles and/or podcasts will be helpful for Christians in cultivating a biblical worldview.
Preparation for Worship
February 18, 2024
This Sunday's Sermon:
“the gospel of god: Grace Alone!”
Romans 11:1-10
Cornerstone Prayer Requests
Pray for church members caring for family - Diana Akridge, Susan Dupré, Kyle Mosier, Randy Petcher, Bill and JoAnn Sneed, Bonnie Stock, and Mike and Carol Wellfare.
Pray for healing - Suzi and Bill Bolton, Phil Freeze, Anne Harbarger, Georgia Paulson, Earl Myers, Gayle Ricks, Brian Sommers, Craig Martin, Miyon Evans, Paul Wendorf, Ellen Brewer, Susan Hoyt, and those sick and suffering.
Pray for our homebound friends - Ruby Petcher and Betty Baldwin.
Pray for our expectant mothers - Rebecca Nunley (April), Olivia Hitt (June), and the McMillan adoption.
Pray for Bryan Gassaway and his family with the loss of his father this past week.
Pray for ongoing construction and renovation projects.
Pray for the Lord to raise up a female Student Ministry Coordinator.
Pray for peace in Israel, Ukraine, and Sudan.
Pray for our Missional Partnerships - Alex and Suzanne Sarran, Missionaries to France and Redeemer Church of the Shoals, Florence, AL (Pastor Olan Stubbs).
Announcements
Foundations Spring 2024 - Continues this Wednesday, February 21 from 5:45-7:15 pm in the FLC. There will be food, fellowship, and discipleship opportunities for children, students, and adults.
2024 Men’s Retreat - Men, please join us on February 23-24 at Alpine Camp in Mentone, AL. For more details and to register, click here. Sunday is the last day to register.
Sunday Night Student Fellowship - Senior high students, please join us on March 3 from 7-8:30 pm at the Roberts home. Pastor Wilson will be speaking on sharing your faith.
Good Friday Communion Service - Friday, March 29 at 6 pm in the FLC.
Easter Sunday! - We will have two worship services at 8:30 and 11 am on Sunday, March 31. After the first service, please join us for an Easter brunch during the Sunday School hour in the FLC.
Save the Date! - VBS Olympion 2024, June 3-6. More details to follow.
Joni & Friends Family Camp - June 23-28. To register, please contact Pastor Brian.
RYM - July 1-5, 2024. Current 8th graders and up can attend. To sign up, please contact Chris Moody at chris@cornerstonehuntsville.org.
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 - Be sure to check out this resource ministry in the Family Life Center lobby. There are free books, tracts, and audio teaching CDs for you to take or give to someone.
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:
Suzanne and Alex Sarran, Missionaries to France
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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