Dear Cornerstone family,
Before we worship this morning, I want to take a moment to update you on a few recent changes in our leadership and staff.
First of all, I want to say how great it is to welcome two of our deacons, Mr. Jim Robinson and Mr. Mark Elliot, back into active service. It is customary at Cornerstone for our elders and deacons to take seasonal sabbaticals for spiritual refreshment and to give attention to other important aspects of their lives. After just such a season, both of these dear brothers were recently reinstated to active service on our diaconate. Needless to say, we are thrilled to have Jim and Mark serving again.
Second, Mr. Kevin McClung has served as a deacon at Cornerstone for nearly eight years. Kevin joined the diaconate at a time when Cornerstone was particularly needy of officers. Kevin’s friendliness and eagerness to do whatever is needed was such an answer to prayer. Within the last year and a half, Kevin changed vocations, and is now working in the medical field. His new post, though very rewarding, is far more demanding of his time and energy. Given this, along with a desire to care well for his family, Kevin decided it’s time to step away from the diaconate. With sadness and gratitude, the session received Kevin’s resignation this past week. Please take time to thank Kevin for his service as a deacon and pray for him as he acclimates to a new vocation.
Finally, Mr. Taylor Thompson has served our youth ministry for five years. The last four of those years he’s been our Youth Director. Under Taylor’s leadership, we’ve seen the youth ministry flourish both in size and in spiritual impact. Back in the summer, Taylor let us know that his time as Youth Director was drawing to a close. With starting a master’s degree program, increased work responsibilities, and the arrival of baby #2 this fall, he knew he couldn’t continue to give the Youth Director position the time it needed and deserved.
After receiving this news, we began praying about next steps. Given the relatively short window for finding a replacement and the fact that we’re in the midst of an expansion initiative where our future staffing needs aren’t completely clear, it seemed wise to consider hiring an Interim Youth Director––if possible, someone “in house,” someone the students already know and love, someone who could carry us through this season until we find a more permanent solution.
It didn’t take long for the name “Preston Brooks” to be mentioned. Preston has served as a volunteer with the youth group for two years, possesses gifts for the role, and already has a great rapport with the students. On top of it all, he was willing to serve the church in this way! On Tuesday of this week, the session unanimously voted to hire Preston Brooks as Interim Youth Director beginning November 1.
Don’t you love seeing how the Lord takes care of his church? Taylor was truly God’s gift to us these last four years. Now, with Preston transitioning into this role, the foundations that are already in place can be built upon as we look in faith to God’s future provision. Our God is so good. Rejoice!
Your servant,
