Newsletter October 13, 2023

Newsletter | October 13, 2023

Dear Church Family and Friends, 

Like many of you, I am deeply saddened by what has happened and is happening in Israel. Although we know that evil is everywhere, when it breaks through in an extreme and violent way as we have witnessed in Israel, it is heartbreaking. There are no words or platitudes to describe how we feel. We simply can only respond in the way the Apostle John did at the end of Revelation when he and the church were feeling intense persecution, "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

How are we to think about what is happening in Israel? Are there any official positions that we, Cornerstone, or the PCA have on these matters? These are some of the questions that I have been getting and so I wanted to offer some thoughts that I hope will help us all.

First, we must pray. We must pray that Christ's kingdom would come and His will would be done. We need to pray for justice that God would “break the arm of the wicked and evildoer; call his wickedness to account till you find none.” (Psalm 10:15 ESV) We need to pray that many who have rejected Christ will come to him. 

Second, we need to see this opportunity as a time to teach our children (and others) that there is real evil in the world and that only God can overcome that evil. We need to understand that this is an opportunity for absolute moral clarity. What Hamas has done is evil and we are right to desire justice over what they have done. Bernard Howard and Ivan Mesa wrote a helpful article on this issue on the Gospel Coalition.

Third, I've been asked about the PCA's position on the nation of Israel and related geopolitical issues. The PCA does not have an official position on the nation itself as it exists today. The OPC, a sister denomination, has some helpful information in this article. The PCA does commend CHAIM, a reformed ministry to the Jewish people. You can learn more about their ministry by visiting www.chaim.org. We desire for all of Israel to come to saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and also pray for the peace and protection of all nations from evil. 

Until Christ our King returns and makes all things new, the church is to “weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15 ESV)

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

October 15, 2023

This Sunday's Sermon:

“The Gospel of God: Adoption!”

Romans 8:14-17

Cornerstone Prayer Requests

Pray for church members caring for family - Diana Akridge, Susan Dupré, Bryan Gassaway, Kyle Mosier, Randy Petcher, Bill and JoAnn Sneed, and Mike and Carol Wellfare.

Pray for healing - Suzi and Bill Bolton, Phil Freeze, Anne Harbarger, Mary Allen Junen, Matthew Lawrence, Abby Reese Wren, Gary Abernathy, Susie Shelton, Kendall Junen, Jack Trotter, Kelly Davenport, Palmer Summers, and Loren De Jong.

Pray for our homebound friends - Ruby Petcher and Betty Baldwin.

Pray for our expectant mothers - Olivia Clemons (January) and Lauren Hudgins (February).

Pray for our transition time during construction.

Pray for our Missional Partnerships -Friends serving in western Europe, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Athens, AL (Rev. Jeff Hooker), and Sacred Road Ministries (Chris and Mary Granberry).

Announcements

Sunday School- This Sunday there will be a combined Sunday School class in the FLC, giving an opportunity to hear from our guest, Chris Granberry from Sacred Road Ministries.

Scripture Memory Cards - There are free scripture memory cards available for you at the front desk of the FLC lobby.

FOUNDATIONS - No FOUNDATIONS this week due to fall break. We will resume on the following Wednesday, October 25th.

2023 Share the Story: North AL - Lifeline Children’s Services is hosting an annual banquet dinner at The Rock Family Worship Center on October 24th at 6:30 pm. This is a wonderful evening for families interested in adoption or foster care to learn more about the process and for churches to learn more about engaging in ministry with these families. For more information and to register, click here.

Ladies’ Monthly Prayer Meeting - Friday, October 27th at 10 am in the FLC gym.

Joni & Friends: Alabama Warrior Getaway - This retreat on November 2nd-6th at Camp McDowell serves American servicemen and women who have visible and invisible injuries as a result of military service. Veterans, along with their families, are provided a safe space for respite, spiritual renewal, and healing. Families experience fellowship with others facing similar difficulties and find new hope in Christ. For more information and to register, please click here.

Senior High Sunday Night Fellowship - High school students, please join us on November 5th from 7-8:30 pm at the Shorters’ home for a night of fellowship.

Roots Winter Retreat - Registration is now open! The Roots Winter Retreat is January 19th-21st at Camp Toknowhim for 6th-12th grade. It will be a great time of fellowship, hearing the Word, and worship. Register here

Restrooms Closed - For the next few Sundays, the restrooms on the 2nd floor, west end near adult Sunday School will be closed due to renovations. Please use the single restrooms on the 2nd floor or the restrooms in the FLC. 

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:
Sacred Road Ministries (Chris and Mary Granberry)

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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Wilson ShirleyCornerstone Presbyterian Church (PCA)