Family,

 

Lots of exciting news going on in our church: new babies, big events, and I’d like to add that we officially hired Matthew Smith to begin serving our body as a pastoral assistant (20 hours/week part-time). The elders interviewed Matthew, heard some amazing references, and voted unanimously to bring him on in this key support staff role. Some of you have met Matthew and Patience as they’ve been worshiping with our body since August. Matthew will do a 2 week orientation in December and then jump in with both feet in 2025. Matthew will help lead our youth ministry and serve in various capacities in our church body. (Be on the lookout for an article by Matthew in our early December newsletter.)

 

 

**The Christmas Party is coming (December 8 @5:30PM). Invite people and sign up by Dec. 1 (we have about half of our space already accounted for). To RSVP you send at least the 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.) 

 

   #1: A free Advent devotional is available in our foyer to help you and your family think deeply leading up to the celebration of Christ’s incarnation. (1 per household)

   #2: A 21-day printed “Who’s Your One” devotional is also available. This is sports-themed so a great tool for the athletically-minded people in your home. (Available online too: https://www.whosyourone.com/resource/any-given-weekend-devotional/)

   #3: Be on the lookout for Anne Cunningham’s email about buying Christmas gifts for local Marion kids in need. We’re working in partnership with Marion Cares (https://marioncares.org/). 

   #4: If you desire to share your musical gifts during worship in the season of Advent, please contact Carrie Proctor: mattandcarrieproctor@yahoo.com or 319-981-1525. Submit your song title, lyrics if applicable, and your dates of availability by Nov 24.

   #5: Christmastime Choir: We will be forming a choir to sing an anthem on Sunday, December 22 this year. If you would like to be a part of this, plan to attend rehearsals on the following dates: Dec 1, 15 at 2:30 pm, Dec 11 at 6:30 pm, Dec 22 at 8:30 am. Questions? Please contact Pastor Gary. 

 

Keep praying for the Cornerstone staff. Thank God for this fine team, and then please consider passing a word of thanks to the team members as well. For instance, a big thank you goes out to Meegan for all her extra help for the Christmas Party and other holiday coordination! Meegan is the detail superstar and brings her positivity and joy to the office each week. Pastor Gary invests well in our worship and missions ministries, all the while taking extra Christmas tasks in stride. Gary is the glue guy who brings warmth, encouragement, and wisdom to our team. We look forward to having Matthew Smith join this phenomenal team. And thank you Cornerstone Church for your generous giving, warm encouragement, amazing volunteer time and talents, and your heart to partner for the glory of Jesus Christ.

 

I feel very privileged to partner with you,

Pastor Matt