Dear Cornerstone Family,
I have good news! After months of construction, we received a certificate of temporary occupancy to the downstairs Fellowship Hall from the city of Franklin. What that means is we can use the space for ministry while we continue to prepare for a final walk through and (hopefully!) a certificate of permanent occupancy.
We are utilizing the new Fellowship Hall today for the new Classics of Personal Devotion adult Sunday School class. But if you’re not in that class, take a moment soon to venture down there and check out the space. For the next few weeks, worship overflow will remain on the Third Floor while we’re working on getting the Fellowship Hall completely finished. We’ll notify you as soon as we’re ready to move overflow from the Third Floor to the Fellowship Hall.
But it’s not just spaces and classes that are new. We also have exciting news about new staff! But, some sad news first. After four faithful years of service, our sister, Robin Spychalski, is stepping away from her role as Office Administrator to address some ongoing health issues. We are going to miss Robin’s friendly demeanor and servant’s heart. We praise God for the last four years we’ve shared with her, and we’re prayerful for her health and continued effectiveness as the Lord’s servant in the days to come.
On the positive side, we are adding two part-time positions to the church to fill the vacancy left by Robin’s departure. First, Tammy McCoy is joining the Cornerstone staff as our bookkeeper. Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Tammy is no stranger to many of you. She joined the staff of New College Franklin in 2008 as Admissions Officer where she now serves as the Head of Operations. Tammy has been married to her husband, Tim, for 37 years, and they have four grown children and 2 grandchildren. In 2018 Tammy, Tim, and their two Canadian-born children became U.S. citizens. Tammy brings all the requisite financial skills to keep us running smoothly and is eager to be a blessing to the church. Welcome, Tammy! You are an answer to prayer.
Second, we welcome Whitney Ruff to the Cornerstone staff as Interim Office Administrator. Born in Memphis but growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Whitney moved to Franklin in 2020. Whitney studied at both the University of Mississippi (1986) and Vanderbilt (1988). She has 3 grown daughters in FL, KS, TX and 5 grandbabies with 1 on the way. Whitney is a servant of servants! She is excited about the opportunity to support the staff and the church. As those of you who know her can testify—you won’t find a kinder person. I’m looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses Whitney in our midst.
Last but not least, Jonathan Crampton is coming on as a new Youth Intern. Born and raised in Tupelo, MS (but that is in question since he prefers biscuits without gravy), he moved to Franklin to attend New College Franklin, where he graduated in 2023, and he now works at Renasant Bank. He and his wife Faith were married in October. One of his six siblings, Kelley Shell, is on staff with us already as our Administrative Assistant for Discipleship and Youth Assistant. Jonathan has been a youth volunteer for a couple of years and is already beloved by the students. He is excited about testing gifts and aptitudes for ministry as he seeks the Lord’s face for wisdom regarding a call to ministry.
Please pray for these new additions to the staff and this exciting season of growth and transition!
Your servant,
