Bible Babes. Ash Wednesday Worship Service. A Hello to Cornerstone UMC! Family Bingo Night Mardi Gras Style

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Erik Sims
5 years ago
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I live here in Smyrna and am married to Michael Potts. I am a deacon in the United Methodist Church, which means I specialize in a specific area of ministry for me that is Discipleship.

1 @ C ornerst one Unite d Met ho di st Churc h A Hello to Cornerstone UMC! My name is Holley Potts and I will be working with Cornerstone UMC for the next few months on behalf of the Murfreesboro District. Let me start with some information about myself! I live here in Smyrna and am married to Michael Potts. I am a deacon in the United Methodist Church, which means I specialize in a specific area of ministry for me that is Discipleship. I graduated with my Master of Divinity from The School of Theology at Sewanee (University of the South). I have been able to be in worship with you during the month of February, and it has been great! I have sensed a very peaceful and sweet spirit about this Church. The District has recommended that a Discipleship System be put in place here at Cornerstone. What does that mean, exactly? It means that a church has a very intentional plan for ministries and groups that help people grow deeper and become more committed in their relationship as a Christ follower. I have been working with Kay, the Adult Discipleship Team, and the Evangelism Team to put a system of small groups and workshops in place that will give you opportunities to connect more with one another and in your relationship with God. This system will also be in place as a way to bring new people into this loving community at Cornerstone. Please keep watching for more information about upcoming groups and events and be praying about your involvement. Cornerstone enewsletter Coming Your Way We are going to offer you the opportunity to receive your newsletter via . We will be sending the newsletter as a PDF file. You will need Adobe Reader on your computer to open this file. You can get a free copy of this program from - please contact Tara Spradley at or flywchrist@hotmail.com if you have questions. If you prefer to receive a hard copy of the Newsletter, please Melissa at office@cornerstonetn.org and she will make sure you receive it in mail. Bible Babes March/April Newsletter 2009 In the spirit of Extreme Makeover - Cornerstone Edition, the Bible Babes have decided that after nine years of being a weekly study group, it is time for a change. We are moving our focus for 2009 to more of an outreach group. We are planning a project for each calendar month and will alternate between community service and church projects. For example, in January we provided a meal for the homeless at the Room in the Inn shelter in Murfreesboro. In February, our project is to deep clean the church. In the upcoming months we will be serving at the women's mission in Nashville, working on a Habitat home, refurbishing the church playground equipment, writing to and making care packages for our service men and women, and again serving at Room in the Inn. The Bible Babes hope to recruit others from our church family to join with us as we take on these projects. We are excited about our Extreme Makeover and as Kay mentioned in a message not too long ago, looking for God outside of our four walls. For more information, please contact Katona Kissler at Family Bingo Night Mardi Gras Style Saturday, Feb PM Come out for a great night of bingo fun, potluck food, and great fellowship. Bring an item to share for dinner (see sign up sheet at church). Donate a $5, $10 or re-gift item to be used as a prize for the night. You can wear gold, green or purple to get into the Mardi Gras theme for the night. Ash Wednesday Worship Service...you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19 Mortality. Sin. God's redeeming love in Christ. Repentance. Reconciliation. Begin the season of Lent in worship that makes it all real. Wednesday, February 25 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary In this issue: Black History Month New small groups Youth Retreat Easter Egg Hunt Easter services VBS Dates Summer Camps enewsletter

2 Page 2 Dear friends, The past month has been amazing. I had no idea how Cornerstone would respond to the "Extreme Makeover" message of January 18. So far, we are meeting our challenges with enthusiasm and faith. Attendance at Church Council meetings has been close to 100%, and I've been inspired by our Council members' dedication: did you know that they scheduled the "February" meeting for a Saturday in January, just three weeks after our orientation session, because they were so eager to get to work? Now they've scheduled our "March" meeting for a Saturday in February. Our ministry teams are ing, phoning, meeting and taking action. You'll read elsewhere in the newsletter about some of the exciting opportunities they've concocted. I won't go into detail about those here -- but do want to say that the positive energy these teams are stirring up is contagious! I hope we all catch whatever they have. Here are a few of the encouraging signs I've seen in recent weeks: Eight leaders went to Tullahoma for Shepherd's School (leadership training provided by the Murfreesboro District UMC) People keep staying around after worship just to chat, and it fills our building with a happy sound. At least four different church members visited Ms. Amy in the hospital. Our church family provided mountains of food for the McCalls after Beverly's surgery. On several occasions, I've been in a group or with an individual when our cell phone alarms go off at the same time our congregation really is pausing to pray for Cornerstone each day at 9:22 a.m.! I truly believe that we are still being built together on Christ our cornerstone -- not just in theory, but in reality -- and that we are growing into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God. May this simple prayer from New Guinea be ours: Lord, oil the hinges of our hearts' doors that they may swing gently and easily to welcome your coming. With thanksgiving for your partnership in the gospel, Kay What is Lent? In the Christian year, the 40- day season of Lent corresponds with the story of Jesus' 40-day wilderness "retreat." According to the gospels, Jesus prayed, fasted and faced down temptation during this time of preparation for his public ministry. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 25 this year), and ends with Easter. Because Sundays are always "little Easters," they are not counted in the 40 days of Lent. The Lenten season is preparation for celebrating Easter. It is a time of repentance (turning away from sin, toward God) and penitence (making amends, re-establishing right relationship with God) through prayer, fasting, Bible study, selfexamination, and other practices that strengthen our faith. One popular tradition is to "give up something" -- usually a "vice" such as tobacco or chocolate -- for Lent. A newer, growing tradition is to "take something on" for Lent -- a new prayer practice, a weekly service project, patience with a difficult relationship, or another activity intended to build love for God and neighbor. A Retreat for the Season of Lent: Questions God Asks Us Trevor Hudson, an engaging preacher and author whose leadership has been shaped in the crucible of South Africa's journey out of apartheid, will lead a one-day Lenten retreat on Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Brentwood UMC. Trevor will help us explore deeply some questions in the Bible, including "Where are you?" -- the question God asks of Adam and Eve. Trevor believes questions have a greater power to transform us than simple, straightforward answers. His speaking style makes him a favorite among adults, youth and older children, and his penetrating questions enliven the heart. Join with other United Methodists from Middle Tennessee for Bible study, worship, silent reflection, fellowship and holy conversation. Cost of $21.00 per person includes lunch. Registration is due by February 27. You may register at under "upcoming events - Lenten retreats" and pay by PayPal, using an electronic check or charge card. Or, contact the church office for a registration form. Contact Kay Hereford Voorhees if you need a scholarship. JOURNEY TO EASTER February 25 - Ash Wednesday Service, 7:00 p.m. Sundays in March - Worship Celebration, 10:30 a.m. Sermon series: Encountering Jesus Discover the power that Jesus has to change lives as we explore five stories of transformation from the Gospel of Mark. Sunday, April 5 - Palms to Passion, 10:30 a.m. Remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the conflict and trials leading to his crucifixion. Thursday, April 9 - Maundy Thursday Service, 7:00 p.m. Join in this reenactment of Jesus' last supper, the Passover feast of God's saving love. Sunday, April 12 - Easter Sunday Celebrations Worship Celebrations at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Brunch between the two services at 10 a.m. Celebrate the risen Christ!

Page 3 New Small Groups and Workshops Offered This Spring Pastor s Bible Study 5 week Lenten Study on the Gospel of Mark Wednesdays beginning March 4th 6:30-7:30 PM at the church Led by Kay Hereford

3 Page 3 New Small Groups and Workshops Offered This Spring Pastor s Bible Study 5 week Lenten Study on the Gospel of Mark Wednesdays beginning March 4th 6:30-7:30 PM at the church Led by Kay Hereford Voorhees Childcare will be provided as needed If you are interested in a daytime group, contact Kay at Ministry By Strengths & Spiritual Gifts Workshops Led by Holley Potts To be scheduled for various Saturdays in the spring Ministry By Strengths helps you understand how using your Godgiven strengths can enrich your life and others Spiritual Gifts focuses on the gifts described in the scriptures Minimal costs for supplies Weekly Book Study First book is Velvet Elvis (Repainting the Christian Faith) by Rob Bell Mondays beginning March 2nd An 8 week study 7:00-8:30 PM at the church Led by Scott Spradley Childcare will be provided. Cost for book is $11.99 or less Christianity Today reviews this book saying, God doesn't change, but times do, and Rob Bell believes new times call for us to remain open and flexible, living with passion and conviction. An advocate of a postmodern approach to faith, Bell is vulnerable about his own struggles with doubt and understanding Scripture. Joy, awe, raw honesty, and an appreciation for the mystery of faith permeate the pages." One way we experience God s love is through weekly worship. And to continue growing in your faith, you may feel called to take it a step further. You can think of it as entering a doorway to discipleship. Discipleship is about following Jesus, abiding in Him, bearing fruit, and glorifying God. You may have opened many doors in your past trying to know God in a deeper way - some worked but others did not. Thankfully, there is no limit to the doorways that lead to knowing God and loving people better. Where might Jesus be calling you to follow? Youth Bible Study - (6th - 12th grade) Exploring scripture and how it applies to their lives Mondays beginning March 2nd 7:00-8:30 PM at the church Led by J.T. Spradley Adults will be on site to provide support and supervision 30 Days to A Life that Really Matters We are looking for 10 people who are willing to take up this intensive 30 day challenge to be more disciplined in the Christian Life. The Five Disciplines that will be before us are prayer, service, scripture study, giving, and faithsharing. Participants are asked to try their best to do the following for 30 days: 1) Meet once a week to pray together 2) Give two hours in service each week (being involved in a ministry team, helping at the church office, working on the grounds, visiting others, etc) 3) Give God one tenth of your earnings for the 30 days 4) Spend from 5:30-6:00 a.m. each morning in prayer and meditation. 5) Share about this experience with others. Each Discipline will be explained in detail and there will be devotional guides to help us in our prayer and scripture study. At the end of the 30 day experiment, you will be asked to self-evaluate your own commitment. This will be only for you to see and will give you a chance to reflect upon the impact the 30 days have had on you. I think you will find the experience has been a life-transforming one. The small group will meet for 1 ½ hours at Holley s home. The day and time is to be determined. There is an optional book purchase of A Life that Really Matters by Danny E. Morris. A devotional journal will be provided. If you have questions or would like to sign up for any of these groups or workshops, please contact Leslie Carroll, our team leader for the Adult Discipleship Team, at You may also contact the office at or office@cornerstonetn.org.

Page 4 Mark Your Calendars for Vacation Bible School Camp E.D.G.E. VBS Date: July 6th - 9th Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Cornerstone UMC Daily E.D.G.E Pledges God is with me.

YOUTH STUFF Sun, March 1st - Reach Up - 4 PM March 6-8th - Youth Spring Retreat Sun, March 15th - Winter Jam Concert - Leave church at 3:30 PM Cost $10 Sun, March 22nd - Reach Out - 4 pm Sun, March

cuz things just get a bit crazy at times and you just have to roll with it!

Our theme this year will be Camp E.D.G.E.. Our children will Experience and Discover God Everywhere!

4 Page 4 Mark Your Calendars for Vacation Bible School Camp E.D.G.E. VBS Date: July 6th - 9th Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Cornerstone UMC Daily E.D.G.E Pledges God is with me. I will stay close to God. God guides me. I will follow. God teaches me. I will learn. God loves me. I will love God and others. God sends me. I will go. YOUTH STUFF Sun, March 1st - Reach Up - 4 PM March 6-8th - Youth Spring Retreat Sun, March 15th - Winter Jam Concert - Leave church at 3:30 PM Cost $10 Sun, March 22nd - Reach Out - 4 pm Sun, March 29th - No Youth Today Sun, April 5th - Reach In - 4 PM Sun, April 12th - EASTER - No Youth Today Sun, April 19th - Reach Up - 4 PM Sun, April 26th - Fun Activity - YOU PICK Dates subject to change cuz things just get a bit crazy at times and you just have to roll with it! - Tara & Scott Easter Egg Hunt Date: Saturday, April 4th Rain Date - April 11th Time: 2 PM - 3 PM Place: Cornerstone UMC Bring your Easter baskets & smiles and be ready for fun. Our theme this year will be Camp E.D.G.E.. Our children will Experience and Discover God Everywhere! Mark your calendars for our kids to learn through Extreme Adventure that their strength and might come from God. This year Monica will be taking a much needed and deserved break from directing VBS. Melissa will also be a little preoccupied with the arrival of her baby, so Renee Hopper and I will be directing VBS this year. We are already seeking volunteers to help serve our children and God during VBS. We need assistance with everything from group leaders, set designers, to story tellers and Scientists. If you are interesting in helping with VBS, please contact Renee ( ) or myself ( ). Our first meeting will be on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Thanks, Leslie Carroll Youth Spring Retreat for 6th - 12th graders. Let Scott or Tara Spradley know if you d like to register for this event. Call Tara at or flywchrist@hotmail.com Children s Summer Camps - There are so many choices available for our summer camps. Tommy and Anthony had a great time last year and plan to go again. If your child is interested in attending, please contact Monica VanLangen, our Children s Ministry Director at monicavl@comcast.net.

5 Page 5 March & April Birthdays Zachary Garnett March 4 Colleen Bather March 5 Cheryl Chris March 8 Jacob Atwood March 10 Faith Gentry March 15 Kerrie Sullivan March 17 Kenny Hunt March 18 Linda Hembree March 19 Grace Voorhees March 20 Jodi Kraay March 27 Christian Bozman March 31 Doug Rashi March 31 Dot Sullivan April 2 Jaime Roberts April 2 Jim Drew April 3 Shelia Hodges April 7 Molly Guest April 8 Valarie Glasgow April 9 Mary Jo Yeager April 12 Matt Denton April 13 Lindsay Garnett April 14 Beau Agee April 15 Michael McCall April 17 Stacee Meadors April 18 David Chris April 20 Doug Eley April 21 Hunter Graves April 21 Leah Anderson April 23 Johnny Atwood April 23 Ginger Souviron April 23 Eric Garnett April 25 Trevin Glasgow April 28 Michael Denton April 29 Vicky Blackmon April 29 April Anniversaries David & Cheryl Chris April 21 Black History Month - an excerpt from a United Methodist News Service Commentary - By the Rev. Sheron Patterson One of the best things about being a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church is the feeling of inclusiveness that I sense. There is an unabashed enthusiasm about recognizing racial diversity. Whether one is red, yellow, brown, black or white, everyone has a place at United Methodism's table. Each group comes to the table with its unique perspective and past, and all are honored, accepted and appreciated just as they are. This is one of our great denomination's undeniable strengths. Historian Carter G. Woodson created "Black History Week" back in Known as the "father of black history," Woodson sought to spread the word about the accomplishments of African Americans. Black History Month is a positive time for us all. We should salute the greatness of Americans such as George Washington Carver, the inventor of peanut butter and numerous other peanut products. Mary McCloud Bethune, who founded United Methodism's Bethune-Cookman College in Florida on what we would consider pocket change today, deserves a collective standing ovation. These and other remarkable accomplishments have not always been taught in schools; therefore, we are in a catch-up mode together. As United Methodists, we can reach the goal of eradicating hatred, bigotry and racism. Black History Month is one of our tools to accomplish this. Close-minded people thrive on the untruths and stereotypes that are born in ignorance. During February, we can educate and inspire our nation. I thank God for Black History Month. It is a time for shining the light of knowledge on everyone, and it keeps us moving ahead. News From The Trustees Team On January 26 at their first meeting of the year, our Trustees said "farewell" with many thanks to Kathy Emberton as the outgoing Chairperson, and elected Richard Sullivan to lead the team in As an engineer, Richard brings valuable knowledge and experience to his leadership role. His sense of humor will come in handy, too. After consulting with our Finance team and the director of the United Methodist Development Fund (which holds our building loan) as recommended by Church Council, our Trustees have decided to move to an interest-only payment plan on our loan. At the end of a year, we can either renew or refinance the loan. For now, the adjustment will bring us a bit closer to meeting our 2009 expenses. In the coming year, our Trustees will review our insurance coverage, research loan options, and continue to oversee care of our building and grounds. Thanks to Steve Moore for spearheading our ministry of park maintenance. How To Contact Staff & Leaders: Office phone: office@cornerstonetn.org Chaney Road Smyrna, TN Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Kay Hereford Voorhees Pastor kay@cornerstonetn.org Melissa Rogers Admin. Asst. fandango1972@yahoo.com Beverly McCall Finance Secretary tmccall9@aol.com Mark Cline Music Director markc60798@aol.com Monica Van Langen Children s Director monicavl@comcast.net Scott & Tara Spradley Youth Directors flywchrist@hotmail.com

Page 6 Your Creative Giving Makes Cornerstone Even Better! Thank you all for finding ways to help Cornerstone run smoothly in the midst of a tight financial year.

Melissa keeps everyone up to date on the items we need to run the church such as toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, copy paper, cleaning products and so much more.

6 Page 6 Your Creative Giving Makes Cornerstone Even Better! Thank you all for finding ways to help Cornerstone run smoothly in the midst of a tight financial year. You have overwhelmed us with your donations of the little things and a few of the bigger things. Melissa keeps everyone up to date on the items we need to run the church such as toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, copy paper, cleaning products and so much more. More costly items include toner, stamps, and even covering the cost of exterminator service. Check out the bulletin board in the Gathering Area of items needed - grab a post it note with the item listed and add it to your personal grocery shopping list. It is that easy! You may have noticed our new altar table and music stand that Kay is using during worship. These items were also donated. The church has done a great job of sticking with our freeze on spending. And you are helping make it happen!! THANK YOU!! Painless Cornerstone Most of you already know how we can use Kroger Gift Cards to raise funds for the church. It is even easier with Food Lion MVP cards. You must register your MVP card online or with forms you can get from Beverly, our finance secretary. Every time you use your MVP card at checkout, Cornerstone will receive funds based on your purchase. How to register online: Go to Scroll down to Food Lion in the Community Click on Lion Shop & Share Fundraising Click on Register Your MVP Card Click on Select Organization Select State: TN Select City: Smyrna Select Organization: Cornerstone United Methodist Church Click OK & Add your MVP # and personal information Contact office ( )if you have any questions about the Food Lion or Kroger fundraising programs. C O R N E R S T O N E U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H 349 Chaney Road Smyrna, TN

May/June Newsletter 2009

@ C ornerst one Unite d Met ho di st Churc h May/June Newsletter 2009 The guest speaker for our May 17th Worship Service will be the Rev. Dr. Fred A. Allen, the National Coordinator of Strengthening the