March 19, 2020 Update
March 19, 2020
Dear Church Family,
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
~ Psalm 62:8
As promised, on behalf of the Session, I want to continue to update you on the ministry activities of Cornerstone during this unprecedented time in our history. I know that many of you are reading the news and learning from various governmental authorities of the seriousness of this public health crisis. As important as it is for us to stay informed during this time, it is even more important for us to remember where our hope is found ... in Christ alone!
It is also important that we stay connected as a church. In ages past, when trials came, the church would gather together to pray and worship. Right now, gathering together does not seem to be the wise thing to do. Therefore, we are looking for new and creative ways to stay connected to worship, grow and serve together.
Trusting in God's providence and His wisdom, we are implementing the following ministry directives:
First, for the next three Sundays (March 22, 29, April 5) our worship services will be online streaming services only. A small crew will be present in the church building to lead the worship service but we ask that everyone remain at home and view the service online atcornerstone-pres.org/live or on Instagram at instagram.com/cornerstonepreshsv/. After April 5th, the Session will re-evaluate our worship service plans. Worship will begin promptly each Sunday at 9:30am. Please email the church office pictures of your family worshiping together so that we can share them in weekly communications.
Second, we are also mindful that this pandemic has also created an economic crisis in our country that is beginning to affect jobs and income. We are also cognizant of the fact that many of you are afraid and have other needs at this time. To that end, we have established an easy way for you to contact the church for help. You can always call the church office (256-489-4625) or send an email to needs@cornerstone-pres.org. If you are able to deliver meals, if you or your neighbor has tangible needs (meals, supplies, etc), if you have financial needs, or if you have specific spiritual needs and would like to request prayer, please email needs@cornerstone-pres.org.
Third, our financial leaders will continue to communicate with you about the best ways to maintain faithful giving. In the meantime, you can use the mail, online giving, or drop off during church office hours. Our leaders also want you to know that it is our desire to continue to support Cornerstone’s ministry by paying staff, maintaining operating expenses and supporting our missionaries and missional partnerships.
Fourth, the new adjusted office hours for the church will be 10am-3pm, Monday-Thursday, and 10am-12pm on Friday.
Fifth, we will continue to send out the bulletin and weekly Family and Personal Worship Guides. Attached is the bulletin for this Sunday, March 22nd. You should find the bulletin this week to be a more printer friendly version.
Sixth, as a reminder, the Session is asking that all ministry activities, including small groups, be suspended at this time. If you are a part of a small group we encourage you to consider meeting weekly via Facetime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, or some other platform.
Finally, we want to make resources available to you each week that can be a blessing to you and your family as we find ourselves at home more. Earlier this week I shared with you some music to help you worship at home. Today, I want to tell you about an amazing free resource! Ligonier Ministries is making ALL of their teaching series available for FREE to stream online. Perhaps you could pick a series that interests you and learn some good theology!
Brothers and sisters, these are unusual times that we live in but we know we serve and worship a sovereign God. "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:8) Please pray that God would be glorified in all this, that the Gospel would go forth, and that our Rock, our Fortress, would help us to love and comfort one another.
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! - Psalm 31:24
by His grace and to His praise,
Pastor Wilson, for the Session