Dear Cornerstone Family,
Whenever we see a need in the body of Christ, we don’t immediately think, “We need to hire someone.” Instead, we look first to God’s people. The reason for that is the Scripture tells us that church leaders and staff aren’t supposed to shoulder the entire ministry. Rather, leaders and staff are to raise up and equip God’s people for the work of ministry (see Ephesians 4:11-16).
Believing that, we rely on the commitment and participation of the Cornerstone membership to serve within the body. This is why we come to you each year to fill scores of volunteer ministry positions. In all our years—I’m pleased to report––you’ve never let us down! More than that, you’ve blessed us in countless ways.
Over the last few months, I’ve had several leaders and members alike relay stories of how teachers, assistants, and nursery workers are making a difference. From comforting a crying child who is new to the nursery, to helping a shy child meet new friends in 4th grade Sunday school, to teaching children the importance of singing on Wednesday nights—God is using you to make a spiritual impact among the “least of these” in our community (Matthew 19:14; 25:45).
Under the leadership of Christy Shurden, Nursery Coordinator, and Meredith Suits, Children’s Coordinator a small army of volunteers have sacrificed their time, energy, and resources to serve our covenant children this year. I want to take a moment today to honor and express thanksgiving for our many teachers, assistants, and nursery workers who have ministered on Sunday morning and Wednesday nights this year.
As you read through the list of names, take time to mark out how these dear servants may have touched your family. If you haven’t done so already, please consider writing a brief thank you note to those servants who have ministered to your family, letting them know how much their ministry has meant to you.
With that said, join me in giving thanks for Talula Adams, Randy & Suzann Allen, Barbie Bankes, Tristan Bankes, Martha Brooks, Mary Latta Brown, Hannah Burge, Ashleigh Chapman, Scott & Jordan Chapman, Debbie Coats, Kent Coughlin, Audrey Driskell, LaNita Eby, Lindsey Elliot, Hannah Finch, Betsy Garland, Courtney Garrett, Mary Lynn Giles, Linda Hart, Bethany Holder, Whitney Hunt, Hannah Johnson, Julie Kesler, Kristen Lee, Lucy Lilly, Laurie Mee, Linda Mello, Jessica Michaud, Allison Millard, Emily Mitchell, Celeste Nichols, Rachel O’Roark, Kris Paterson, Joanie Pittman, Tara Ralph, Andrea Roberts, Kelley Shell, Lauren Smith, Bonnie Snyder, Sue Steffens, Emily Tice, Julie Webster, Jennifer Westerbeek, Debbie Whitney, Sophia Wilbur, Joe & Joy Marlo, Faith Crampton, Ronda Laventure, Teresa Whitaker, Alli Faulk, Carl Ware, Sarah Bingham, Julie Finch, Matt & Rachel O’Roark, Sean Kelley, Dave Raymond, Sabrina Brewer, Jessica Michaud, Karen Holland, Matt & Kimbra Johnston, Nic & Kayce Lane, Rebecca Hassee, Katie Ewing, Emily Mitchell, Joanie Pittman, Emily Jebasingh, James Goddard, Kelly Abercrombie, Lori Tice, and Abigail Hicks.
Your servant,
