Pastor's Corner - Three Primary Marks of the Church

Dear Friends, Since the time of the Reformation, there have been three primary marks of the church: the preaching of the Word, the administration of the Sacraments and discipline (that is godly instruction, correction and teaching). These are at the heart and soul of what we hold dear at Cornerstone. In fact, these principles are outlined in Acts 2:42-47 which serve as the inspiration for the mission and vision of Cornerstone. We want to be a church guided by principles, not programs. But we do recognize that programs play a big role in facilitating our principles and core values. This is why WORSHIP continues to remain our primary focus as we strive to restart our ministry during the pandemic. We will continue to have two identical worship services in two different spaces each Sunday at 9:00am and 10:45am. Thank you for the great care and love for your neighbor that you have shown as you have worn your mask or face covering and allowed us to continue to meet together. Wearing a face covering is going to be very important as we welcome more and more people back into worship. The Session does want everyone to know that we believe we have a safe place to gather on Sunday mornings. Due to the fact that we have two worship services in two different spaces, combined with distancing between rows and everyone wearing a face covering, and the great care the deacons are taking to clean and prepare the building, we believe we are able to mitigate the unintentional spread of the virus. While no plan is full-proof, our local and state health officials have provided some helpful and up-to-date guidance to help us mitigate exposure. All that to say, we would love to have you rejoin the body for corporate worship when you are ready. If you are at risk, then we encourage you to join us live online on Sunday mornings. Another very important part of corporate worship is the celebration of the Sacraments. Since Cornerstone began, we have celebrated the Lord's Supper on the second Sunday of each month.  Prior to the pandemic, the Session made the decision that we would also observe communion the last Sunday of any month that has a fifth Sunday so that we can observe this means of grace more frequently. This Sunday will be the fifth Sunday in August. Therefore, we will observe the Lord's supper and remember God's great love for us in Christ. I encourage you to "examine yourself" in preparation for the Supper as the Scripture instructs us to do so (1 Cor. 11:28). Finally, another very important part of the local church body is FELLOWSHIP! In Acts 2:42-47, we find the early church in fellowship with one another and this is how they worshiped, served and cared for one another. With that in mind, this Sunday, we have scheduled a church-wide, outdoor fellowship opportunity at Monte Sano State Park. I do hope you will join us as gathering outside as this will be a great way for us to enjoy one another's company and be together as a church body. You can read more about the details on this wonderful opportunity below.   See you Sunday! By His grace and to His praise, Pastor Wilson

Preparation for Worship - August 30, 2020

This Sunday's sermon: "Rejoice in Suffering?"  -  I Peter 1:6-12 Click here for this week's bulletin. In preparation for the sermon:  "You can’t get through life without suffering and you can’t get through suffering without a living hope." - Tim Keller Hymn of the Week:  Isaiah 43 Catch up on sermons on iTunes. We are LIVE STREAMING! Click here.

Wilson's Weekly Pandemics Kill Compassion, Too Why You Really Need to be Praying for Your Pastor (this is a little self-serving to link this, but I appreciate the encouragement of this article)  Four Reasons for Hope in Suffering