Cornerstone Chronicler - Cornerstone Presbyterian Church

Cornerstone Chronicler
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, PCA
645 Bert Lane Road
Brevard, NC 28712
828.884.3305
April 2014
From our Pastor…Andy Silman
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for
you in Christ Jesus.”. The word joy occurs 181 times in the Bible, and the word
thanksgiving, which appears in one of its various forms some 136 times, is
woven tightly throughout the fabric of Scripture.
In the Old Testament, the grace of gratitude was given such prominence that
certain members of the priesthood were assigned the sole task of leading the
congregation in expressing it. When Nehemiah’s workers finally completed
rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, the moment was celebrated with a service of thanksgiving. (See Nehemiah
12:27). Centuries ago, William Law said: “Would you know who is the greatest saint in the world? It is not he
who prays most or fasts most, it is not he who gives alms most … but it is he who is always thankful to God …
who receives everything as an instance of God’s goodness and has a heart always ready to praise God for it.”
Each of us should spend time every day giving thanks to God. Consider a few reasons for gratitude:
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If you own just one Bible, you are abundantly blessed. Most people in the world do not.
If you awoke this morning, more healthy than ill, you are more blessed than one million people who will
not survive the week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture,
or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of more than five hundred million people around the world.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep,
you are richer than 75% of the world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere, you are among
the top 8 percent of the world’s wealthy.
If you prayed yesterday and today, you are in the minority, because you believe in God’s willingness to
hear and answer prayer.
If you have the ability to choose between churches where you may freely worship, you have a blessing
many people in this world do not.
If you are a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, you live with the daily assurance that you will have eternal
life, and that your Savior has gone to prepare a home for you in glory – that you will NEVER have to
leave! Millions believe this sad life is all there is.
Helen Keller once made this compelling observation: “I have often thought it would be a blessing if each
human being were stricken blind and deaf for a few days at some early time in adult life. Darkness would
make him more appreciative of sight and silence would teach him the joys of sound.”
“Giving thanks for all things to God the Father in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).
FROM OUR SESSION by Paul Sawyer
Encouragement. Webster defines this word as “the act of making something more appealing or more likely to happen”
and “something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident” and also “something that makes someone
more likely to do something”. Better yet, the Bible speaks of encouragement as a command in 1 Thess. 5:11: “Therefore
encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing”. Our prayer chain has lately been populated with
quite a number of medical and other prayer needs which remind me to be praying but also to be an encourager as I should.
This can so many times be done as a simple gesture in the form of a kind word, in friendship, food or other gesture that
you sense is appropriate. I’ve been encouraged at times when a close brother challenged me to do something that I had
not considered before, particularly in sharing my faith. May I encourage (and challenge) you to seek out that unbelieving
neighbor or friend with a kind gesture in the name of Christ? So many of you do so and have blessed and been blessed.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, doesn’t need to always be orchestrated perfectly, it just needs you and me. Think of
someone.
Deacon News by Howard Jones
Ushers for April are: Jerry Knight, Fred Hall, Bill Horner, Burt Mullins, Norm Hill
Men of the Covenant by Wayne Thomas
Men’s Prayer Breakfast: Through April 30th, the men meet each Wednesday morning at the church at 7:30 a.m. to eat,
with a DVD study at 8:00 and concluding at 9:00. The DVD is "Exploring Christianity's Ten Toughest Questions” by Lee
Strobel and Garry Poole. Each week a different question will be considered. Missing a week or more should not keep one
from coming as often as possible.
Christian Education
Old Testament is taught by Rev. Tom Osterhaus in the sanctuary.
Wednesday Evenings –The group that meets on the west side of town at the home of Tom and Judy Osterhaus will meet
at 6:00 on the following dates: April 2, 16, 23, 30.
Library/Literature News by Nancy Hall
The April 2014 Tabletalk is here and ready for pick up on the free literature rack. The Daily Word Study continues in the
Book of Romans. The theme for the month is The Great Commission. Featured articles on this subject are:
- The Fall of a Believer by R.C. Sproul
- The Great Commission in the Old Testament by L. Michael Morales
- All Authority in Heaven and on Earth by Roland Barnes
- How Then Shall WE “Go”? by Karl Dahlfred
- Make Disciples by Dave Eby
- “All Nations” and Church Planting by Ed Stetzer
- Baptizing Them by J.V. Fesko
- Teaching Them to Observe by Victor Cruz
- I Am With You Always by Gerrit Scott Dawson
Women in the Church by Chris Griffith
Western Carolina Spring Workshop - Saturday, April 5th - 10:00am - 1:30pm
Just a reminder ladies that this workshop is our Presbytery's Spring meeting for the women in all of Western Carolina. It
will be at Covenant Presbyterian in Hendersonville. Many have signed up, but if you still want to go there is room for you.
We will carpool from the church. Just contact Chris Griffith: [email protected]
Bra Recycling Project
During the months of April and May we will be collecting bras to be sent to women around the country who are at women's
shelters. The bras need to be in good condition. There will be a hamper in the ladies room at Cornerstone to collect them.
We have had a great response the last few years. Jerry Redwing is heading up this project. You can contact her with any
questions at: [email protected]
Ladies Lunch Bunch Out - Friday, April 25th
Ladies, we're planning on meeting (weather permitting) for a relaxed time of fellowship and lunch on Friday, April 25th at
Marco Trattoria's restaurant on West Main Street downtown Brevard. There is a sign-up sheet on the Women's Ministry
Table in the foyer of the church. Since we need to make reservations be sure you sign that list or call Betty Sibley
- [email protected]
Women's Sunday School Class
A new Sunday School class which began in March is a very informative and engaging study taken from the book: From One
Widow to Another by Miriam Neff. The class is not just for widows but for any lady who would like to gain empathy and a
better understanding of ministering to widows in our community. You are still invited to join us. The class is led by Joan
Young and Sheri Warren.
Flowers for our church sanctuary
Just a reminder ladies that a sign up sheet is in the foyer for providing flowers for the sanctuary. If each of us signed up
for just one slot, the list would be filled. Thank you to Pam Dashiell and Nicole Noran for organizing this and to all of you
who have provided beautiful arrangements so far. Contact: Pam Dashiell: [email protected] or Nicole
Noran: [email protected]
Ridge Haven Happenings by Stephen Hill
As Ridge Haven’s summer camp season draws nearer, camper registrations have been pouring in. One of our camps, Junior
Great Adventure Week, is already full, while our Family Camp is currently 98% full! We are also seeing strong interest in
Trail Life Summer Adventure Camp, our brand new camp for chartered troops of Trail Life USA. Trail Life USA was recently
formed as a Christian alternative to the Boy Scouts. Please pray that this exciting new camp will give us numerous
opportunities to extend Ridge Haven’s ministry and proclaim the gospel to new groups of youngsters.
Please remember also to pray for all the young adults attending our Quarter Life Retreat (April 4-6). Pray that this inaugural
retreat will serve as a springboard for the success of future Quarter Life events that nourish the spiritual needs of 20- and
30-somethings.
Community Outreach
Sharing House – provides food, clothing, and financial assistance for 21% of our county. Call 884-2866 to find out how
you can best serve in this ministry. CPC volunteers include Tom & Judy Osterhaus, Ann Marie Fennimore, and Warren &
Jerry Redwing.
Bread of Life – serves lunch. Volunteers help prepare the meals. Donations are also helpful. Call 877-3577.
The Haven – provides overnight shelter. Contact Jennifer Flood at 877-2040. CPC volunteer is Paul Sawyer.
Tiger Town Thrift Store in Rosman – income provides hot meals to the elderly. Volunteers work a few hours per week.
CPC volunteers at Tiger Town are: Janie Up De Graff, Judy Aberle, and Jerry & Kathy Knight. Meal delivery person is Barbara
Hill. Contact: Sheila Galloway 828-384-9001.
Habitat for Humanity – builds houses. Currently they are working on building playhouses that can be sold to raise money
for new houses. If you like to work on wood projects such as this, contact Mr. Luck Shepherd – 883-8910. CPC volunteers
are Bill Dashiell and Jerry Knight.
Meals on Wheels: “We deliver food and comfort to the homebound”. If you are interested in delivering meals one day
per week, please contact Andrea Heidmann at 883-3743. Included in the 75 volunteers who deliver meals are CPC
members Jerry and Warren Redwing.
Ridge Haven Upcoming Event: The PCA outreach to North America (MNA) is organizing an RV gathering at Ridge Haven
on April 7-11 to assist the camp in getting ready for the summer activities. For more information you can check the
website: www.pcamna.org/second-career/opportunities/rv-outreach.
Cedar Mountain House: Worship service on March 31 at 3:00. Call Eric Moore for more details.
Other: If you would like to share in this newsletter about the volunteering work in which you are involved, please let Fred
Hall know.
Missions
th
by Dick Young
th
Mark your calendars and save October 4 and 5 for the Cornerstone Missions Conference. The theme will be the PCA
campus ministry, Reformed University Fellowship or RUF. Speakers will be: Chris and Sarah Jane Horne, RUF ministers
at Appalachian State University, and Brian and Jessica Thomas at Western Carolina University.
The following, written by Audrey Fields, seems to capture the special essence of our PCA brand of campus ministry:
A Note on RUF (written by sophomore Audrey Fields)
“There is a credibility that comes if you are consistent in your behavior…that comes if people
love RUF. This isn’t anything that would surprise if you knew me. I love teaching. I always have.
I want to be a teacher for goodness sake. But I have always loved being taught. RUF provides
this teaching. And it isn’t just about how to write a better essay, or why Freud is mostly crazy
but also a little right. It is about how I am a sinner. I am more sinful than I will ever know. But it
is also about how Christ loves me and has covered me in grace by dying for me. And that He
loves me more than I will ever comprehend. (see “The Gospel Transforming You.” –Tim
Keller)
RUF talks more about sin than any other campus ministry I have ever visited, been a part of, or heard about. Let’s be real,
the back of my RUF t-shirt says, “Because we are all a little RUF around the edges”…and might I add, “and to the core of
our being.” Because our sin is so emphasized, the grace that we have received is seen as even bigger, even more expansive.
The quote above was used in a bible study I am a part of with freshmen in RUF. Thinking on it more, and talking with a
freshmen and my intern, I realized how it applies so well to RUF. It even speaks to the structure and foundation of RUF.
Large group meets every Wednesday at 8:30. Every Wednesday. Very consistent. Freshmen Bible study is every
Monday…Community group every Tuesday…Bible studies that are scheduled meet at those places and times during the
week…every week. Credibility in RUF is established through this. As a college student, a form of structure and consistency
is lacking in everyday life. To have something solid, which does not change, that you can be sure will be there each
week…that makes a huge difference. In a life of chaos and inconsistency, to have a form of sameness is very comforting
Missions, Cont’d…
and encouraging. This structure only works to mirror the true foundation we have in Christ and through His word. The
Word being the only true thing that will never change, that will always be true, and what we can fall back on again and
again. This is what we are to live in daily.
RUF does more than just provide a form of structure for college students. RUF has a staff. It has a campus minister who
is a minister. He is ordained by the church, went to seminary, and His commitment is to the college student body as their
pastor. He is not there for a year or so. He does not come in with a college degree in communications and a love for “those
crazy college kids.” Credibility. There are interns who are not just college students who “help out” with the ministry. They
are college graduates who have committed two years of their life to not “work with” RUF, but to work for RUF. They study
the bible, lead bible studies, read about every book on the shelf, and develop true relationships with students. Credibility.
But this credibility does not stem from perfection. It comes from a willingness to be vulnerable, to speak truth, and, most
importantly, to ask forgiveness. My campus minister received my support, love, trust, and respect the first time he asked
for my forgiveness. Because he was honest about his sin, brought it to me, and asked for my forgiveness immediately,
gave him credibility. This is not something I see every day. The credibility comes because I see the gospel transforming
him. I see the gospel transforming my interns. And, little by little, I see the gospel transforming myself.
Our Missionaries
Dye, Roger & Laura (MTW Chile)
Gutierrez, Gerry and Julie (MTW Peru)
Harrell, Joe & Becky (MTW Colombia)
Hart, Sandra (MTW Philippines)
Hatch, Alice (MTW Atlanta)
Lupton, Andrew & Laura Kate (MTW Colombia)
McCafferty, Andy & Priscilla (Taiwan)
Monroe, Allen & Beverly (ELI/Library Ministry)
Quarterman, Clay & Darlene (MTW Ukraine)
Calvin & Susan (Africa)
Jonah & Jennifer
Communications update
Our world is changing. One big area of change is in our means of communication. Many of our members now use
electronic means to some degree to communicate. Another change is a growing mobility. Our members and friends are
“on the move” and want to stay connected while going! To accommodate these changes in how our members live their
lives, Cornerstone has a Facebook page and has updated our website.
Our Facebook page is now enjoyed by as many past members and friends as current members! Facebook is a great way
to stay connected and so can foster the growth of relationships, even if a long-distance one. My hope is that we will share
this Facebook connection opportunity with our young summer visitors as well as any visitor who wishes to stay in touch
with our Cornerstone Family. The page features great photos of members enjoying many church activities as well as “status
updates” and is interactive as you may post your own comments and/or register a “Like”.
https://www.facebook.com/CornerstonePresbyterianChurchBrevardNC
Our website has been redesigned to also be interactive with blog capabilities. Many people searching for a church will use
church websites as a way to determine where they will visit. One source says 97% will first check out a church's website
before making a decision to visit! Our goal has been to keep the website fresh and alive. You will find the usual facts about
our church but you will also find postings of upcoming events. Also, for registered members only, you will find the church
directory, sermons, and mission’s reports. Members may register and create their own password protected log-in. If you
are out on the road, whether as a snowbird or just traveling, you will not miss any sermons and can find members contact
information for your convenience. http://cornerstonebrevardpca.org/
I hope you will check out both our new Facebook page and updated website for future use. If you have an interest but
not sure how to navigate either site please do not hesitate to contact Fred Hall for guidance.

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