Newsletter July 14, 2023
Newsletter | July 14, 2023
Dear Church Family,
I hope by now you have heard that some big changes are about to start happening around Cornerstone! Beginning August 6th, we will be worshiping in the Family Life Center (FLC) for a season while construction and renovations are taking place in the main building. In anticipation of this change, I wanted to update you on some information and FAQs:
What times will the worship services be? There will still be two worship services held at the same times, 8:30am and 11:00am. We are unable to accommodate just one service in the FLC due to limited parking.
Will there be Sunday School? Yes! However, on August 6th, there will be a joint Sunday School for everyone held in the FLC for a summer mission trip report from the Joni and Friends and Sacred Road times. On August 13th, our plan is to resume normal Sunday School operations with a few changes:
The Pathfinders class will meet in the FLC.
The Builders will now meet in the Fellowship Hall in the main building.
The new members class will be held in the current Builders Sunday School classroom on the second floor of the main building.
Where will the nursery be located? The nursery will remain in the current location. This is best for the safety and security of the children. A cry room will be available in one of the FLC rooms during worship. Special accommodations will be made for other church activities later in the fall.
Where can I get a cup of coffee? The hospitality area and coffee service will now be in the FLC lobby after first service.
What about FOUNDATIONS? Our Wednesday night ministry that typically starts after Labor Day will look different this fall. Because of construction and the gym now being used as a worship space, this will limit our capacity to serve food to a large number of people. Stay tuned for more information on what Wednesday nights will look like this fall as construction begins.
Where will we park? Parking in both parking lots will still be available. However, we ask that the parking areas next to the FLC be reserved for families with mobility issues, expectant mothers, and others needing easier access.
What exactly are we renovating and building? The two main projects are renovating the main building and adding some parking north of the FLC. Renovations include modifying the existing stage area in the sanctuary to move it back and make room for approximately 56 more seats. The sanctuary will also have new flooring and a refreshed backdrop on the stage area. Additionally the mens and womens bathrooms are being expanded for more capacity and the offices are being remodeled to accommodate all our staff. Finally, a new accessible entrance with a covered walkway is being added to the rear of the building. This new entrance will come into the gathering room that will be opened up to allow more gathering space connecting with the lobby. The parking plans are being finalized now. The new parking will be in the area north of the FLC and will include a brand new playground for the children. For more details and information, click here.
Will we still be able to use the main building during construction? Yes! However, the sanctuary, first and second floor bathrooms located on the west side of the building, the gathering room, and the church offices will be closed off for construction. The second floor and east end of the first floor will still be in use for ministry.
Where will the church offices be located? The church offices will temporarily be relocated to the FLC. Please feel free to stop by there during the week for assistance.
What about other uses of the gym? During this time, all recreational use of the gym will be suspended. Some of the weekly activities normally held in the main church building may need to relocate to the FLC or other spaces not involved in the construction. The uses will be subject to availability.
When will all of these projects be completed? We are hopeful that all of these projects will be completed before Christmas but we are trusting the Lord and His timing in all of these things.
How much debt will we incur to pay for these projects? At this time, the leadership does not expect us to incur any debt for these projects. This was made possible by your gifts to Abounding and the vote of the congregation to direct funds to the renovation and parking.
How can I help? Two ways: 1) Pray! Pray for the whole process and those involved. 2) Work! The deacons are holding some work days to ready the FLC for worship. These work days will be held on Saturdays, July 22nd and 29th, at 8:00 am. Additionally, after 11:00am worship on July 30th, as many able-bodied folks as possible will be needed to move chairs and some furniture over to the FLC.
If you have any concerns or questions about accommodations, please contact the church staff or officers to ensure we address any issues.
I do hope that this gives you plenty of information to help you understand what all to expect. I'm sure there are more questions you may have. Please reach out to any of the leadership if we can answer any more questions for you. Please be in prayer for our leaders who are guiding this process, for those who will be doing the construction, and for our church body as we accommodate all these interruptions.
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,” (Deuteronomy 7:9 ESV).
by His grace and to His praise,
Pastor Wilson
Preparation for Worship
July 16, 2023
This Sunday's Sermon:
“The ascended and reigning christ”
Psalm 68
A kind thank-you letter we received this week from our partner at Joni & Friends AL
Cornerstone Prayer Requests
Pray for church members caring for family - Lora Abernathy, Diana Akridge, Susan Dupré, Bryan Gassaway, Rick McCann, Kyle Mosier, Randy Petcher, and Bill and JoAnn Sneed.
Pray for healing - Suzi and Bill Bolton, Phil Freeze, Anne Harbarger, Mary Allen Junen, Matthew Lawrence, Mari Carmen Wendorf, Abby Reese Wren, AddyMcClure, Dawn Chenault, and April DeJong.
Pray for our homebound friends - Ruby Petcher and Betty Baldwin.
Pray for our expectant mothers - Ashley Colette (August), Christina Hall (August), Sami Pottorf (August), Denia Dillon (August), Melanie Bray (September), and Olivia Clemmons (January).
Praise God for the birth of Timothy Sheridan Mace, born to Andrew and Andrea Mace on July 13th!
Pray for Yakama Summer Mission Team.
Pray for our transition time during construction.
Pray for our Missional Partnerships - Sacred Road Ministries and Grace Covenant Church, Athens, AL (Rev. Jeff Hooker).
Announcements
Construction and Renovation Update - On August 6th, worship services will move to the Family Life Center (FLC) for a season while renovations take place in the main church building. Worship services will still be at 8:30 am and 11:00 am. Be sure to check out cornerstoneabounding.org for the latest updates.
FLC Move Workdays - In preparation for moving worship and other church activities to the Family Life Center (FLC) ahead of construction, the Deacons will be holding two workdays on Sat, 22 July 2023 and Sat, 29 July 2023 both starting at 8:00am. There is a significant amount of repairing, cleaning and organizing that is required, and we need your help to prepare the FLC as our primary use space. Additionally, after 11:00am worship on July 30th, as many able-bodied folks as possible will be needed to move chairs and some furniture over to the FLC. Please contact David Hoover at ddhoover53@gmail.com or Gary Abernathy at garydabernathy@gmail.com if you have questions.
Women’s Ministry Event - Live Flower Guild Demo & Workshop on Tuesday, July 25th at 9:30 am in the sanctuary by guest speaker Lisa Edwards. Lunch will be provided. Cost is $20. For additional details and to register, please click here. For questions, contact Geralee Bayless at 256-651-8354 or Jane Bise at 256-527-6541.
New Members Class - Begins Sunday, August 13th, during the Sunday School hour in the Family Life Center. The class will be for 6 weeks. This is an opportunity to learn more about Cornerstone and to pursue membership. Please email office@cornerstonehuntsville.org to register.
Journey Groups! - Men, are you interested in joining a small group? Journey groups are forming this fall. This is a great way to help you grow in your walk with Christ and be encouraged by other men. Please contact Bob Boerner at bob@vantageconnect.org to learn more.
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 located in the Gathering Room. There are free books, tracts, and audio teaching CDs for you to take or give to someone.
SIGN UP COMING SOON
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:
Sacred Road 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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