hope of the world campaign - clover...

The Courier is a

monthly publication of

Cornerstone United

Methodist Church. We

welcome any

suggestions and

submissions for our

newsletter. The

deadline for

submission is the

15th of each month.

The editor reserves the

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Cornerstone United Methodist Church

808 Offnere Street

Portsmouth, OH 45662

740-353-2548

www.cumc-portsmouth.org

[email protected]

Non-Profit Organization

Permit No. 46

U.S. Postage Paid

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

November

1st Shawnee Valley District Charge Conference

2nd Pumpkinfest

4th UMW Executive Board Meeting

7th UMW Snowflake Bazaar

8th Loaves and Fishes

9th Grief Share, Surviving the Holidays

14th Food Bank

16th Youth Pancake Breakfast

20th R in R Thanksgiving Meal

25th Chrysalis Board Meeting

HOOT

27th Thanksgiving-Office

Closed

30th Hanging of the Greens

December

7th Kids Christmas Celebration

9th UMW Unit Christmas Party

13th Loaves and Fishes

14th Christmas at Cornerstone

19th Food Bank

23rd Chrysalis Board Meeting

HOOT

25th Christmas-Office Closed

31st Youth New Years Eve Party

Upcoming Events

address label here

NOVEMBER 2014 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11

Hope of the World Campaign

Sunday Services

Traditional Service

9:30 a.m.

Sunday School

10:30 a.m.

Contemporary Service

11:00 a.m.

God has given the life changing message of salvation to the church. The church is the hope of the

world. Jesus gives this message to his disciple Peter. ―Now I say to you that you are Peter and upon

this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.‖ (Matthew 16:18)

Jesus is completely focused on building his church, the hope of the world. One of the greatest priv-

ileges in life is when God taps us on the shoulder and says I have a role for you to play in building

my church in the world.

One way we are hope to the world is celebrating the joy of generosity as we consider Biblical

Stewardship. This will occur on November 9th and 16th

as we offer our estimate of giving card for

2015. Cornerstone has always been a fiscally responsible community of believers building our

budget based on estimate of giving cards which we receive. Giving cards are available in the

Welcome Center, in a letter you will receive, and at the church office.

The Bible teaches us to give a tithe, or the first 10 percent of what we earn to God and the church’s

work. For some, giving one tenth is a very difficult goal. For others, it is the starting point and their

giving far exceeds 10 percent. The important thing is that you start somewhere, that your giving be

in proportion to your income, that your giving reflects an appropriate offering to God given your

means, and that your offerings express both your desire to serve the Lord and your investment in

God’s work

A few of many key areas your generosity will help with in 2015

Vacation Bible School Custodial Support Youth Ministry

The Food Pantry Adult Education College Ministry

Rejoicing in Recovery Children’s Ministry Visitation Pastors

Kingdom Sports Choir music Imagine No Malaria

Your financial commitment has never been more important to Cornerstone as we are hope to the

world.

Pastor Tim

P A G E 2

T H E C O U R I E R V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1

November Worship Highlights

Nov 2 What is Heaven Like? Revelation 21:1-5 Tim Nov 9 Holding On or Letting Go? Matthew 6:19-21 Tom Nov 16 Old School Principles that Still Rule Proverbs 22:1-4 Tim Nov 23 Thanksgiving: More than Turkey and Football Psalm 100 Tim Nov 30 In Hopeful Expectation Isaiah 64:1-9 Tom

Hanging of the Greens For 15 years the Hanging of the Greens has been a favorite holiday tradition here at Cornerstone. On Sunday, November 30, we will continue this tradition with our band of merry carolers leading the way as we dress our sanctuary in its holiday finest. Several groups will have special responsibilities as we prepare Cornerstone for the Christmas season. The service begins at 6:00 PM. There will be an informal concert of seasonal music

in the Welcome Center beginning at 5:15.

During this special service we will share some of the myths and legends associated with many of the treasured symbols we use at Christmas. Through music, spoken word and liturgical dance we will be reminded that Christmas is more than red and green ornaments hung on a lighted tree. It is the time God chose to send His only Son; born in a manger.

You and your family are invited to the Family Life Center following the service for a time of fellowship and sharing some delicious holiday fare. We ask you to bring a dessert to add to our festive buffet table. Just be sure it's your Christmas best! Please bring your dessert to the church kitchen by 5:50 that night.

This service is always a great way to prepare our church and ourselves for the receiving of God's gift to us: Jesus, the Christ. Then we can lift a cup of wassail to toast the Advent season. We hope you join us and bring a friend.

All Saints Sunday will take place on November 2nd. This will be a powerful worship

experience as we remember those who have finished the race, and hear a message

from Pastor Tim on heaven.

P A G E 1 1 V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1

T H E C O U R I E R

I'm In Campaign

We have some very exciting news! The I'm in Campaign which we launched in

June is fully funded. Give yourself a round of applause as you read this. The I'm In Campaign focused on three areas of need in 2014 to better equip us to live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for helping make this dream a reality.

Givings breakdown.

50K for the youth room

20K for new Technology

20K for the organ

Many of you worked at the Cornerstone Fair Booth during Trade Days in April and September, and in August during the fair. We so appreciate every one of you. We were able to raise over 15k that went directly to the I'm in Campaign. Thanks to Bob Pierce for leading this team.

These projects should start soon. Again thanks for leaning into the vision and making it become reality.

Leadership Team Highlights from October

•Updating Safe Sanctuary Policy

•MCCI weekend January 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

•Hope of the World Stewardship of Gifts 2015

•Sporting Ministries move from Upward to

Kingdom.

•New shut off Valve coming from Lott’s

Plumbing.

•Leadership Team Opening-Stop by the church

office if interested.

•I’m In Campaign had huge success

Women's 5 Week Study Over 30 women are participating in Priscilla Shir-er's study Breathe. Look for more upcoming op-portunities in the new year.

Hilda Drake at the Fair Booth Architects drawing of the youth room.

V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1 – I N S E R T

T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 10

If you know a high school or college student….please read on! The winter

Chrysalis Flights are coming right up. The Girls’ Flight is scheduled for Saturday,

January 17 through Monday, January 19. The Boys’ Flight is scheduled for

Saturday, February 14 through Monday, February 16.

“What is Chrysalis all about” you might ask! Chrysalis is a three-day spiritual experience for high

school students. Here at Cornerstone we have made special arrangements to accommodate college

students as well. The three-day experience, called a “flight” is designed to bring participants closer to

Jesus Christ. There have been occasions where a young person accepts Christ for the first time during a

flight. But, more often, participants re-affirm a previously made commitment to Christ and discern how

God is calling them to use their gifts and graces now and in the future. The weekend consists of unique

worship opportunities, prayer, fellowship, speakers, small group discussions, singing, great food, and

just plain fun. The weekend leadership team consists of both youth and adults who have been well

trained for the Chrysalis weekend. It has been a joy for the past seventeen years to observe both flight

participants and team volunteers grow as Christian leaders.

If you are aware of students or adults who might be interested in learning more about Chrysalis, please

refer them to Joanne Charles, Community Lay Director for the Southern Ohio Chrysalis community, or

Pastor Tom. Contact information is as follows:

Southern Ohio Chrysalis

Our Very Own Beth Bostick

Insights From Thailand!

Nearing the end of her eleven month overseas mission experience, Beth issues this challenge to us

from her current placement in Thailand. Her challenge? “Don’t Look Away.”

Beth shares with us the following food for thought. “Take a chance on something greater. Stretch

yourself by caring a little more than is comfortable. Don’t be afraid you’re not equipped. You are. Don’t

think you’re not enough to make a difference. You are. Don’t listen to the voice that says you’re not

strong enough. You are. Don’t think you don’t have time. You do.”

Beth is right! We can change the world when we choose not to

look away, when we acknowledge a need and strive to

meet it.

T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 3 V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1 – I N S E R T

Prayer Word For November: Transformation

What if we at Cornerstone were aligned around one word in our prayer life? Scripture tells us "We do not

have because we do not ask God." James 4:2 The word that I invite you to join me praying in November

is "Transformation."

That the Holy Spirit would revive and transform Cornerstone unleashing new life.

Every person who walks through the doors of Cornerstone would be transformed

with the miraculous message of Jesus Christ.

Please consider boldly going before God in the month of November praying for

transformation every day.

Cornerstone United Methodist Women

The fall rummage sale was a huge success! Thanks to all who donated items for the sale, all who worked to set it up, worked the

sale days, and to all who shopped and purchased! Our profit was $3,284.24, one of the largest rummage sale profits in re-

cent history!! We are thankful for the funds to support ministries at Cornerstone UMC as well as in our community and global

missions. Praise God!

Helen Wolery and Carol Mascari attended the Shawnee Valley District UMW Leadership Training and Annual Meeting October

11 at Tyler Memorial UMC in Chillicothe. Marlene Carson, founder of Rahab’s Hideaway was the guest speaker.

The Snowflake Bazaar is Friday, November 7. There are still luncheon tickets available in the church office or from UMW mem-

bers, if you have not purchased yours yet. There will be a limited number of tickets available at the door the day of the luncheon,

so be sure to buy your ticket ahead of time. Lunch will be served from 11 am till 1 pm. Shop the Crafts, Attic Treasures, Sweet

Shop, Yard Sale, and unique vendors from 10 am till 3 pm. A great way to start the holiday season!

UMW members will observe World Thank Offering at the unit meeting on Wednesday, November 12 at 10 am at Hill View. All

Maxine Hoffman and Rebekah Circle members are asked to attend.

Dates for November

November 4 Executive Board –Room 103 -10:00 am

November 7 Snowflake Bazaar 10:00 am-3:00 pm

November 8 WOC/UMW Annual Celebration –Powell UMC

November 12 Unit Meeting-World Thank Offering-Hill View- 10:00 am

Carol Mascari

~Festival of Sharing

We sent 208 kits. Our thanks to Ruth Boden and daughter Linda, Faye Stewart, Carol Mascari, Helen Wolery, Doris Littleton, Hel-

en Burke, Sherrill Day, Marge Otworth, Becky Climer and Karolyn Ketter for making this possible. Anyone wanting to help with

the shipping cost, $2 per kit, would be greatly appreciated.

~Labels

Thanks to all who have been saving Campbell soup labels and other products that have the school coupons. In early summer a 6

month collection was sent to Wesley Family Center in Cincinnati. We will send another collection in January.

Karolyn Ketter

V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1 – I N S E R T T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 4

Preschool Elementary

First Service

9:30-10:30

Teacher: Courtney Adkins

Assistant: Beth Rideout

Teacher: Ann Dissinger

Assistant: Kathy Rideout

Teacher: Robbie Shugert


Assistant: Brenda Covert

Teacher: Jennifer Roth

2nd Service 11:00-

12:00

Teacher: Cindy Morrow

Assistant: Hetty Phillips


Assistant: Jessica White


Assistant: Olivia Williams


Assistant: Amanda Jacks


First Service 9:30-

10:30


Assistant: Linda Berry


Assistant: Lisa Kepler

Teacher: Kendra Tener

Assistant: Donna Dietrich

Teachers: Matt Taylor

Assistant: Danielle Mitchell

Taylor


2nd Service 11:00-

12:00


Assistant: Katie Anderson


Assistant: Kerri Galloway

Teacher: Tiffany Newsome

Assistant: Cassie Morris


Assistant: Amy Johnson


Kids Schedule November

Nov.

2nd

Nov.

9th

Nov.

16th

Nov.

23rd

Cornerstone Kids

This month we will be looking at lives that were TRANSFORMED when they came

face to face with Jesus.

Nov 2—Jesus Calms the Storm

(Disciples in the Boat)

Nov 9—Wrestling with the Devil

(Demon Possessed Boy)

Nov 16—All or Nothing

(Rich Young Ruler)

Nov 23—Thanksgiving

(Us)

Nov.

30th


T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 9

MCCI Refocus Event

Monday, November 17th

6pm to 8pm

Everyone is invited to this exciting night of dreaming about the next season of ministry at

Cornerstone. We'll be considering where we have been, and where we are going. Light refreshments

will be served.

The Word MCCI stands for Missional Church Consultation Initiative. We were chosen by the West Ohio

Conference as a consultation church in 2014-2015. This is really exciting news for Cornerstone as we

jumpstart a new season where the power of God will be unleashed in our lives and at Cornerstone.

Look for the Christmas Giving Tree in the Welcome Center on Sunday,

November 16th. Choose a tag of an area child in need and share the spirit of

Christmas. Pair with a friend, from a Sunday school or other group, or shop on

your own. Merry Christmas! Contact Pat Vacaro 858-6439 or Lynne

Rodeheffer 354-5467 for more information.

Sunday morning Church Will Not Be Cancelled

With winter quickly approaching the question will be asked, "Will there be church?" The

answer is "Yes church is on!" There are a couple reasons. One reason is that it has always

been the policy to hold services no matter how bad the weather. The second reason is in this

picture. Trent Williams has a large Jeep that will be picking up

Pastors Tim and Tom in any storm that comes our way.

Thanks Trent!!! We know not everyone is able to make it out

of the house when the weather is bad. If you are able to

make it out of the house be assured, "Church is On!"

Holiday Office Hours

Thanksgiving November 27th Closed

Christmas Eve, December 24th, 8:00am-12:00pm

Christmas Day, December 25th, Closed

New Years Day, January 1st, Closed

Cornerstone’s Inclement Weather Policy

As a rule when Portsmouth City School are delayed or can-

celled due to inclement weather then the office is either

opening late or closed as well.

*This only applies to office hours not Sunday services!

V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1 - I N S E R T

T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 8

Dear Pastors Tim and Tom, Staff and the Congregation of Cornerstone UMC,

On behalf of the children served through the ministry of HOPE that is Operation Christmas Child, thank you

for once again graciously providing the use of the church to host the 2014 OCC Community Packing Par-

ty which included full circle speaker, Elvina Arventii, who, as a 7 year old in the Ukraine, received a shoebox.

God answered prayers by sending Boy Scouts and volunteers from STAR Community Justice Center, the CAPE

Program and Marsh House/Second Chance to assist in the monumental preparations, as well as experience Jesus’ love for

them while serving aside returning volunteers. This year 7,248 “Gospel Opportunities” were packed in fewer than three

hours by almost 300 volunteers, including STAR CJC, who not only touched these “Gospel Opportunities”, but were touched,

on this side of the box, by Elvina’s life changing shoebox story.

Since 2008, 45,454 shoeboxes have been packed at Cornerstone. This year, the 7,248 prayerfully packed gift boxes contributed to the Mega Packing Party total of 20,250 packed at 6 sites in our South East Ohio Team Ar-ea. It has been estimated that for every child that receives a gift and is given “The Greatest Gift of All” Gospel booklet, that at

least 10 others will also read the “Good News”. Only our great God knows how many thousands of children and their fami-

lies will experience the Good News and Great Joy because of this event. We could not have done this without the open hearts of Cornerstone’s church family.

We look toward National Collection Week, November 17-24 and the collection of more than 25,000 shoebox gifts in our

10 county OCC South East Ohio Team Area. Packed shoeboxes can be dropped off at Grace Community Church at Bigelow,

415 Washington St. during NCW.

Please continue to pray for OCC, year round volunteers and the children and families who will be touched by the Savior’s love.

For more information please log onto samaritanspurse.org.

With Hearts Full of Appreciation,

The 2014 Operation Christmas Child Community Packing Party Team

Thanksgiving Offering

This years thanksgiving offering will go towards two great causes.

1) Rejoicing in Recovery. A ministry at Cornerstone that is changing lives. God is blessing this

ministry in many way with a huge results for the Kingdom.

2) Imagine No Malaria. Every 60 seconds a child dies from malaria. For a family in Africa, a net

can mean the difference between life and death. For just $10 per net, we can protect a family

and save a life.

The Claude Estepp family wishes to thank everyone for all of the cards

and sincere condolences.

T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 5 V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1 - I N S E R T

Youth Pancake Breakfast~November 16th from 8:30-11:30am

Kingdom Soccer

Our first year of soccer at Cornerstone was a

huge success! Over 75 kids participated in the

most popular sport in the world. A huge thanks

to all participants and coaches who helped

make it such a great first year.

Staff Christmas Gifts!

As in the past, envelopes for staff Christmas

gifts will be available in the Narthex. We are

starting a little early this year to give everyone

ample opportunity, plus we plan to give the

gift a little earlier as well. You can put the

envelope in the offering plate or send your

donation to the church office. Be sure to

designate “Staff Christmas Gift” on your

checks or envelopes. We ask that all monies

be turned in no later than December 15th.

~Thanks

SPPR Team

As the youth prepare to go in mission to Washington DC in 2015, we are start-

ing our fundraising efforts with a pancake breakfast Sunday November 16,

2014 from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Please join us for all you can eat pancakes. We

will also be serving sausage links, milk, juice and coffee. All of this food

and fellowship is yours for a donation of only $5.00. Without your support

we would be unable to do all the things we do that introduce young people to

the love of God and help them grow into the Godly adults this world so des-

Rejoicing in Recovery Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 20, 5:30-8:30 pm

Cornerstone is blessed to have an opportunity to host a Thanksgiving

Dinner for folks who attend our Rejoicing in Recovery program. For

many who attend RnR this will be their only Thanksgiving Dinner. We

are their family, and we need to step up as volunteers to make this a

successful evening. First, we should prepare a favorite Thanksgiving

dish; salad, casserole, vegetable or dessert. A sign-up sheet is on the

counter in the Welcome Center. Second, we need to help serve dinner

to the participants and to clean up following the dinner. There will likely

be about 250 people in attendance, so lots of helpers are needed.

Please consider helping out as Cornerstone continues to play a part

in transforming lives through this ministry.


T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 6

Kingdom Sports Ministries

As we wrap up our first season of Kingdom Soccer, we realize there is still more we can do.

We were able to minister to 66 young men and women as well as their families. But as the

season wore on we realized there was an entire neighborhood that was watching everything we

were doing. As we move forward with Kingdom Sports, it is our goal to reach this community

of people that have no understanding of sports or Christ.

It is our responsibility to reach out to those who don't know Christ or the love His church

has for them. Hopefully, we can get the community involved in our activities by inviting

them purposefully to be a part of what we are doing. Be on the lookout for new and exciting

ways in which we as a sports community will be sharing the Love of God with our neighbors.

This year was a great success despite the issues that tried so hard to derail our season.

With no rain before the season and too much rain as the season came to a close, our field

held strong. And next year we will start earlier getting a port-a-potty near the field.

And last but not least, we will address the issue of having a public alley right next to our

entrance on and off the field.

Thank you so much for helping us build a place for soccer and so much more!

Registration going on now.

Evaluations will be November 17th & 20th from 4-7pm and the

22nd from 10am-2pm.

For Children 4 years through the 6th grade.

Registration cost, basketball-$30, cheerleading-$45.

I would like to thank you for your help with my Eagle Scout Project. I was

about to send 72 boxes to the 1191st Engineering Company. They were

mailed on September 29, 2014. Sgt. James Charles has received them at the

FOB Marmal in Afghanistan. He will be distributing them to the troops.

The boxes were packed with personal care items, newspaper articles, puzzle

books, magazines and lots of snacks. I was even able to send 7 cases of Girl

Scout cookies, football, Frisbee and plenty of playing cards. Also inserted in the

boxes was a list of all the people, businesses and churches that helped with the

project.

I know this could not have happened if not for wonderful people like you that

donated items, money and allowed boxes to be placed in your business or

church. I know that hundreds of people dropped items in the boxes to support

the 1191st. The project took over three months but it has been a great experience for me to help the

1191st. Again I cannot thank you enough for your generous contribution to my Eagle Project for the

1191st Engineering Company.

I had my Eagle Board of Review on October 5, 2014 and have been approved for the Boy Scout rank of

Eagle.

Sincerely,

Dakota Free

~Congratulations to Dakota for this huge accomplishment!

V O L U M E 1 1 , I S S U E 1 1 - I N S E R T

T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 7

Grief Share

No matter how long it’s been since your loved one died, grief

can make the holidays a painful time. When you’re grieving

the death of a family member or friend, you may even dread

the holiday season. Just the thought of social and family

gatherings, family traditions and obligations leave you anxious and overwhelmed. Your

sadness may seem unbearable. You may wish you could skip these next two months and

go straight to the routine of the next year—but you can’t. However, there is hope. Join us

for an encouraging seminar on Sunday November 9th from 4-6 pm. that will help you

survive the holidays and discover new reasons to enjoy them again.

Donaldson Family Organ Fund

The Donaldson Family Organ Fund was established as an endowment memorial for James

Storck Donaldson and Clara Frances Elkins Donaldson by their children. Linda Donaldson has

worked with the Endowment committee to begin a fund for the preservation of the Holtkamp

organ. Jim was the chairperson of the Organ Committee and was extremely proud of the 1978

Holtkamp Pipe Organ which now is home in our sanctuary.

Jim and Clara met while playing in the orchestra at Portsmouth High School. Music became

the activity that they could do together. After having their family, they and their children were

active in choirs at Trinity/Wesley/Cornerstone UMC. Jim and Clara combined to serve more

than 130 years in the music department.

Linda felt that there was no ministry in the church that meant more to Jim and Clara than

music. Linda also was confident that her parents would be very proud to have their names

associated with the preservation of the organ. This generous gift is a wonderful tribute to two

very special people!

Additional contributions to this fund are welcomed and should be denoted as Endowment

Gifts to the Donaldson Family Organ Fund. This sustaining money will ensure the continuation

of music at Cornerstone.

Keeping our

Mission Before Us

hope of the world campaign - clover...

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