CORNERSTONE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

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1 CORNERSTONE Volume 32, No. 3 March 2015 COMMUNICATOR Pastor - Roger Martin Music - Fred Helbling CORNERSTONE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH The Communicator was created in 1985 to provide a way for church and ministry leaders to keep the people of informed about the activities and ministries of the church. While we hope that you will be lifted and encouraged by the articles you find in the Newsletter, the primary purpose of this newsletter ministry is to keep you informed. Love Covers a Multitude of Sins by Pastor Roger I don t know how much longer I will have the opportunity to say what I want to say today. That doesn t mean that my replacement has been located and I know when he s coming. Because he hasn t. And I don t. But the fact remains that one day there will be a new pastor at Church; a pastor who wants to look to the future (Praise God!), not back at the past. So this is the time for me to talk about the foundation that has already been laid; the foundation he will be building upon. I am amazed at how this church has matured over the years. I am amazed at the people we have become! by UPCOMING EVENTS... Sundays (11:00 am) ~ ; Jr. Church for age 3 through High School Mondays (6:30 pm) ~ Women s Bible Study Wednesdays (6:45 pm) ~ Kids Club and RESPECT Thursdays (7:00 pm) ~ Templo Service 1st ~ Potluck 3rd ~ Prayer Meeting (7 pm) 7th ~ Elder s Meeting (8 am) 8th ~ DAYLIGHT SAVINGS BEGINS 8th ~ Congregational Meeting (1 pm) 10th ~ Dream Meeting (7 pm) 14th ~ Food & Clothing Distribution (10 am) the grace of God! I would tell any pastor considering coming to this church that if he were to come here he would inherit from God a mature church. A church full of generous people who have a heart for giving. A church that has a heart for serving, rather than being served. A church that has learned to love others the way God loves them. And I have been blessed by all of this God-given growth! and so much more! I myself and my family many times over have been blessed and humbled by your generosity, your warmth and concern, your tender care, and your love. I have made so many miscalculations and mistakes throughout the years as your pastor. I have tripped and stumbled. And I have hurt a 15th ~ Jr. Church Leaders Meeting (10:15 am) 15th ~ Prayer Small Group Meeting (1 pm) 20th ~ Templo Prayer Vigil (8 pm) 21st ~ Mexico Olympics (10 am) 22nd ~ Birthday celebrations 22nd ~ Cookies due 22nd ~ SPI Meeting (1 pm) 24th ~ Deacon s Meeting (7 pm) 26th ~ Good News Jail Banquet (7 pm) 28th ~ Easter Cookie Outreach Distribution (9:45 am) 29th ~ Blessing of the Children Sunday 29th ~ Mexico Mission Meeting (1 pm) number of people in the process. I have wandered without a compass. I have taken for granted things and people I should never have taken for granted. (An awful sign of disrespect and self-centeredness on my part.) If it s human to err, I am very human; more human than most. But, O my, how you have loved me! I have done things still too painful for me to recount here, and every time you have forgiven me, and stubbornly decided to keep on loving me! 1 Peter 4:8 comes to mind. Do you remember what it says? 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. I am not the same person I was when I first began to serve as your pastor. FEATURED INSIDE... c Roger s Corner... 1 c Prayer... 2 c Calendars c Loving Kids...5 c Life Together...6 c Classifieds... 7 c Hello, Spring!!... 8 March address: cornerstoneefchurch@yahoo.com 1

2 I don t feel the need to hide who I really am hide my shortcomings as a pastor or as a person nearly as much as I used to. I don t feel the same fear I used to feel about falling short or not measuring up. I don t wrestle nearly as much with the fear of rejection. And I really believe that this has all come about because you have loved me when I was right and when I was wrong; when I was weak or strong. Even when I was stubborn or obstinate. Over the years, in so many ways, you have applied to my heat the only salve that has the power to heal a wounded soul: love. And I m so grateful to God for you! You know, the funny thing is, when I was a brand new pastor still in seminary but at the same time serving three little United Methodist Churches in Ohio those people were so mature, so accepting, so gentle, so loving, so kind to me and to my family that we just flourished and grew under their care. And we left there knowing we had been doubly blessed by God! Then we came here. And after twenty-seven years together it turns out that you are just like them! has become a church of mature people who know how to love a pastor (and his family)! (And, in case you re wondering: no, was nothing like that when we first came here. It had gone through two pastors in four years and was in the process of chewing up and spitting out the third one when we arrived! What God has done here in you and through you, as a church is nothing short of remarkable!) Do you know what the next few verses say, after 1 Peter 4: 8? Here, let me show you: 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. That s Church! If a new pastor were to write to me and ask me what kind of church he has inherited, what kind of church is, I would quote to him these four verses and I would say to him (and his wife and kids, because they are probably afraid and apprehensive too!) this is the kind of church God has given you to shepherd. So, lay aside your fears and come, let these good people love you and your family the same way they have loved me and mine for all these years! Yes, we thank God because we have been doubly-blessed by God through you! Prayer at Prayer is the heart of our growing relationship with God, guidance in our actions as a church, and loving each other. Monthly Prayer Meeting: Join us to pray together Tuesday, March 3, at 7 pm, at the church. If you have questions about the prayer meetings, please talk with any Elder (Josh, or Paul). Prayer Small Group: This group is praying about and discussing God s guidance for our prayer ministries. The group meets March 15 at 1 pm after the church service, in the sanctuary. If you re interested, please join us! 2 address: cornerstoneefchurch@yahoo.com March 2015

3 March 1 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11:00 and Jr. Church Potluck (1 pm) Rickie Crandall :00 and Jr. Church Congregational Meeting (1pm) Daylight Savings 2 3 Women s Bible Study (6:30pm) Prayer Meeting 7 pm Paul Owen Kids Club and Youth Group (6:45-8pm) :00 and Jr. Church Jr. Church Leaders Meeting (9:45 am) Prayer Small Group Mtg (1 pm) Anna Taylor Denny Taylor :00 and Jr. Church Women s Bible Study (6:30pm) Women s Bible Study (6:30pm) Jacob Burton Dream Meeting (7 pm) Kids Club and Youth Group (6:45-8pm) Kids Club and Youth Group (6:45-8pm) Jackie Mabe Rudy Webb Karen Thomas Templo Prayer Vigil (8:00 pm) Aaron Burton Elders Meeting (8 am) Food & Clothing Distribution (10 am) Mexico Olympics (10 am) Cookies Due SPI Mtg (1 pm) Blessing of the Children Sunday Mexico Meeting (1 pm) Grace Fuhrken Deacon s Meeting (7 pm) 31 Sharon Edwards Isaac Aleman Kids Club and Youth Group (6:45-8pm) Good News Jail Ministry Banquet (7 pm) Easter Cookie Outreach Distribution (9:45 am) The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. -Lamentations 3:22-23 March address: cornerstoneefchurch@yahoo.com 3

4 March PRAYER CALENDAR Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat Prayer Planning Pastor Search Prayer Planning Pastor Search 31 Prayer Planning Prayer Meeting 7:00 p.m. Carol Austin SPI Earl Brown Food Pantry and Clothing Closet Vickie Brown 4 Grounds & Facilities: Elda Church Office: Becky Finance: Denny Our future pastor Carmella Brown Pastor Roger Linda Burrola Chris Brown Marché Carton Fellowship: Rickie Christian Ed: Leanne Bill Case Church Office: Becky Jr. Church Director: Leanne Deacons of Missions: Taylors Jr. Church Teacher: Nancy Pastor Roger Chuck Austin Our future pastor Hope Case Youth Club Leaders: Taylors Kids Club Director: Becky Jr Church Teacher: Heather Kids Club Director: Becky Jr. Church Teacher: Pam Bert & Mary Challier Music Minister: Fred & the Music Stephens Minister: Paul Music Minister: Fred & the Music Discipleship and Evangelism Music Minister: Fred & the Music Stephens Minister: Paul Music Minister: Fred & the Music Pastor Search Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. -Psalm 139: address: cornerstoneefchurch@yahoo.com March 2015

5 LOVING CHILDREN Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry Becky Speulda Thank you all so much for all that you ve donated to the shoebox ministry thus far. As I write this article, we ve collected 8 pillow cases that we will convert into tote bags for our boxes; a person has committed to make 10 security blankets for our tiny kids; another person has committed to making all 42 of our hats; 10 scarves have either been made already or someone has committed to make; we ve collected 15 pairs of gloves, 16 washcloths, and have collected enough money to ship 7 of our 42 boxes. We are well on our way to meeting our goals THANK YOU!! For the month of March, I would like to repeat the highlights for non-melting candy, SMALL stuffed animals, pillowcases (secondhand purchases are encouraged for these pillowcases), scarves and gloves. In addition I would like to include picture books for our 10 boxes for kids ages 2-4 years old. So please watch for sales (more will likely come in April, after Easter) and purchase what you can. As a reminder, we will also be needing hygiene items, school supplies, accessories (like socks, sunglasses, hair items, etc.), and small toys. So please be on the lookout for sales on these items too. You don t have to stick to purchasing the highlights each month. If you find a good deal grab it! Questions? Talk with Becky Speulda. Blessing of the Children Sunday, March 29, 11:00 a.m Children are invited to attend a worship service catered just to them! Invite the kids in your life to come worship the Lord by singing Kids Club worship songs, hear an ageappropriate Bible lesson, and have a time of personal prayer and blessing for each child. Watch carefully the children around you. In precious moments you will catch a glimpse of your Savior s face. Listen intently and you will hear his voice. Walk gently among them; his footprints are all around you. Embrace them, for you are embracing him. Respect them, because they are sometimes God s agents exactly the kind of instruments he needs. At such times, only a child will do. Wess Stafford, Too Small to Ignore: Why Children Are the Next Big Thing March address: cornerstoneefchurch@yahoo.com 5

6 LIFE TOGETHER Mexico Olympics Fundraiser Our mission team is hosting their competitive Olympics fundraiser on Saturday, March 21st, in the gym, starting at 10 a.m. The mission team members are looking for individuals to sponsor them per nail they hammer, per board they saw or per lap they run hauling a bag of sand in a set amount of time. (OR you can offer to pay a lump sum of money to support the members.) You are also encouraged to attend the fundraiser to cheer on the teams as they hammer nails, saw boards, haul sand, and compete to raise money for their home-building mission trip this summer. Baptism at Easter Every Christian should be baptized after becoming a Christian because Jesus said so! In Matthew 28:19, Jesus says, Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. If you did receive Christian baptism but you want to be baptized again, that s a possibility as well. If you were baptized as a child and want to receive baptism as a believing adult, you can do that. Or, if you just went through the motions the first time you were baptized, due to parental or peer pressure and you d like to experience it again as a willing and serious participant, that would be appropriate too. In fact, if you would like to experience baptism again as a sign of renewal or renewed commitment to Jesus, that would be fine too. We re giving you an opportunity to receive Christian baptism during the worship 11:00 a.m. worship service on April 5, Easter morning! (Yes! this is something that you definitely should invite friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and casual acquaintances to!) Please tell Pastor Roger or one of the elders if you re interested in being baptized on Easter Sunday. Easter Cookie Outreach Last year, around Easter, we reached out to our neighbors with a sweet invitation. We brought them a package of cookies, with an invitation to attend our Easter breakfast and Easter service. And it was a great experience. We met people and got to know them, and several families attended the Easter celebration as a result where they could hear about Jesus and we could get to know them better. We plan to reach out again this year. Here s how you can take part: Bring packaged cookies to be used in this outreach by March 22. You can place them in the bin that will be located in the foyer. Donate funds by March 22 to purchase cookies. (Checks may be designated as, cookies.) Join us on March 28 to walk the neighborhood with this friendly, sweet invitation a week before Easter. This outreach is a friendly, caring way to get to know our neighbors better and invite them to celebrate Easter with us, and get to know Jesus better. 6 address: cornerstoneefchurch@yahoo.com March 2015

7 CLASSIFIEDS... Can You Help the Food Pantry? (If you can, PLACE DONATIONS IN THE BLUE TUBS at the front entrance.) For March, no later than Tues, March 10th. For April no later than Tues, April 7th. Items needed include those listed below: Bath soap bars Canned fruit Canned tuna Canned veggies Dish soap Mac & cheese Pinto beans Ramen noodles Shampoo Spaghetti pasta Toilet paper Toothbrushes Toothpaste Tomato paste & sauce White rice Financial contributions are always appreciated! Just mark your donation as Food Pantry and put it in the offering. Questions? Talk to Carol Austin ( ). Please bring donations on a Sunday or call the church office ( ) to be sure someone will be available to let you in. NEEDED: WINTER/SPRING CLOTHING DONATIONS The following items are needed:. Good-condition, clean clothing. Clean & polished shoes (with laces if appropriate). Clean bedding Suggested donations include: pants, socks, shirts, skirts, blouses, sweatshirts, sweaters, coats, jackets, shoes, work boots, & bedding. We especially need children s and babies clothing. Donations are due by March 10th for the March distribution, and by April 7th for the March distribution. Please be sure your donations are washed and in good condition before placing them in the bins in the northwest corner of the gym. We thank you for your gifts and your giving heart. Blessed Home Do You Need Home Cleaning Services? Elda can help! Call Elda Davila at for Free Estimates. (Elda uses eco-friendly products.) I specialize in small commercial and residential real estate. If you have real estate needs or questions, please feel free to ask. Want to advertise in the classifieds? Just send an to Sherri at sherrivance@gmail.com. Donations for Worship CDs We encourage you to donate $1 per CD copy of the Worship service. Please designate gifts as Worship. Contact Marty Lopez with questions. Thank you! Hosting a get-together or looking to surprise someone with a yummy treat? Rickie Crandall is looking to raise money for their Adoption Account by selling her amazing cupcakes. Purchase cupcakes from her for your next event and your guests will be delighted with your treats and the money you spend will go to a great cause. Contact Rickie at to order your cupcakes today! Sandy Arana is taking orders for Avon if anyone is interested. She will provide books as needed or requested. Call or arana94@msn.com March address: cornerstoneefchurch@yahoo.com 7

8 Helloooo, Spring!! THE CORNERSTONE COMMUNICATOR PUBLISHED MONTHLY 7762 S. 700 W. Midvale, UT Website: cornerstoneefcslc.com articles for publication can be sent via to: (Before the 25th. would be nice.) 8 address: cornerstoneefchurch@yahoo.com March 2015