First off, I want to send a big thank you to so many of you who made space for new faces this past Sunday. I asked at our congregational meeting to park a little farther (there are some great spots behind our building and at the edge of the parking lot) and to move up a row and over a section (closer to the far wall). It was super cool to see new faces to our church have those prime seats by the entrance, and then for them to be welcomed by so many of you! I love how hospitable our church is. My family received your warmth 14 years ago, and you still keep rolling out the welcome mat to new attenders, new members, and new friends. Thank you for serving…thank you for sacrificing. This is just a small reflection of Christ’s more glorious work–Jesus left the comforts of heaven to procure us seats in His Father’s house.

 

The Christmas Party ramp up has begun–the big event is 5:30PM December 8! This is one of the best places to invite people you’ve been praying for and ministering to. The fried chicken will be back from Sally’s. The program will be quality, meaningful, and fun. We’ll have invite cards the next several weeks, and like last year, we will probably run out of space. The first 180 people have a seat and meal. (#181 gets a really nice apology and an early invite to the 2026 Christmas Party.) Start inviting friends and family now. To RSVP you send at least that last name of guests and how many are coming to christmas@cornerstone-marion.org or text 319.573.2570. (You will find the invite card attached to this email.)

 

SAVE the DATE – Monday night January 13th, 6:30-8:30PM – In our efforts to do some long-range planning in early 2025, we want to start with an all-church meeting. Every attender, every member, and any person who believes Cornerstone is their church home–we want you! Our very own, Jeff Scherer, is going to lead us through an exercise that will help our congregation discern our strengths and weaknesses. We’ll also look at future opportunities and potential threats to us being faithful to God. Please pray in advance for this meeting. We won’t make any decisions or set down any plans. But we will listen to each other and learn from one another. 

 

One other note: since the members passed the 2025 budget on 11/3, the elders have been actively pursuing/interviewing/hiring a new support staff position that will help oversee youth and assist in other ministry roles in our body. I’m attaching the job description just in case you have any friends/family/ministers in mind to recommend. Many of you have been praying for our next staff person for quite some time; please continue to pray for the elders in this important hire. As soon as we bring someone on board, we’ll let the congregation know! 

 

Love to you in Christ,

Pastor Matt