Pastoral Notes for Sunday, May 20, 2018

Though a growing church of nearly 500 members, we have intentionally kept our staff footprint small. Whenever we see a need, we don’t immediately think, “We need to hire someone.” Instead, we look first to God’s people. The Apostle Paul tells us that church leaders – pastors, elders, and staff – must be committed not to shoulder the entire ministry load, but to raise up and equip God’s people for the work of ministry (see Ephesians 4:11-16).

Taking Paul’s instructions seriously, we rely on the commitment and participation of the Cornerstone membership to serve and lead within the body. This is why we come to you each year to fill scores of volunteer ministry positions and, thanks be to God, you’ve never let us down!

Over the last few months, I’ve had elders, deacons, staff, and others relay to me stories of how your ministry is making a difference. Whether rocking children in the nursery, or retelling a Bible story in 4th grade Sunday school, or baking cookies for a youth event – God is using you to make a spiritual impact in our community. 

As our Sunday morning children’s discipleship ministries wrap up the spring term today, I want to take a moment to say “thank you!” to our faithful volunteers. We could not do what we did this spring without you!

As you read through that list, take time to mark the ways these ministries and volunteers have touched you and/or your family. Please make specific note of people who have played a particularly vital role in you or your family’s walk with Christ. If you haven’t done so already, you might consider writing a brief thank you note just to let them know how much their ministry has meant to you.

Led by our Children’s Director, Martha Brooks, our children’s Sunday School teachers and assistants were Amy Pent, Michelle Marshall, Kristin Lee, Joe and Joy Marlo, Mark Elliott, Katie Ewing, Bob Wolk, Anneke Seely, Julia Grounds, Ronda Laventure

Charlotte Robinson, Mary Lynn Giles

Led by our Elder over Youth Ministry, Randy Allen, our volunteers in youth Sunday School were Brian Phillips, Christian Brewer, Lauren Smith, Marty Smith, Will Kesler, Jay Williams, Kent Coughlin, Matt Michaud, Matt Suits, Jim Payne, Barbara Cheney, Nancy Guthrie, and John Millard.

Led by our Nursery Coordinator, Christy Shurden, our nursery volunteers were Scott Chapman, Missy Chapman, Katie Patton, George Reitz, Celeste Nichols, Kevin McClung, Ronda Laventure, Cindi Wolk, Carolyn Vermilye, Bonnie Snyder, Julie Kesler, Colleen McGarry, Debi Haggard, Mark Haggard, Peggy Mueller, Suzann Allen, Becky Payne, Laura Coughlin, Lindsey Elliott, Karen Koellein, Rachael Zecher, Jan Norris, Sharon Haney, Sue Steffens, Bob Wolk, Eleanor Ware, Carl Ware, Lisa Fiedler, Dan Fiedler, Gari Vernier, Kristen Oakerson, Alli Faulk, Mary Lynn Giles, Katie Ewing, Meredith Suits, Julia Morton, and Lucy Lilly.

Pastoral Notes for Sunday, May 13, 2018

As a part of our worship service today, we will be introducing a handful of new members to our fellowship. These new members completed the Exploring Cornerstone Class, which is our version of an Inquirer’s or New Members Class. Then, they spent time with a ruling elder, sharing their testimony of faith and affirming the five church membership vows.

By way of information or review, the five questions of church membership at Cornerstone are:

·      Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?

·      Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?

·      Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?

·      Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?

·      Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?

These brothers and sisters come before you today as a show of their commitment to Jesus Christ and to identify themselves as a part of the Cornerstone family. After the service, please take time to introduce yourself and welcome these new friends to the Cornerstone fellowship.

While we’re welcoming new folks, let me make one more introduction. Six months ago, the planting pastor of All Saints Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Brentwood, Rev. Matt Bradley, reached out to me to see if Cornerstone would be interested in partnering for a summer intern. After a few discussions and prayer, the elders agreed to partner on hiring a full time summer intern who would share time between our two churches. I’m pleased to announce that, Mr. Matthew Proctor, and his wife, Kelly, will be serving in a variety of capacities at Cornerstone and All Saints from June 3rd to August 12th.    

Let me tell you a bit about Matthew and Kelly. Matthew is a Nashville native. After graduating from Brentwood Academy in 2007, he signed up to serve four years in the Armed Forces. Far away from the Bible belt of the South, his eyes were opened to the tragic reality of what life is like for those who grow up not knowing the Lord. When he completed his time in service, Matthew moved back to Nashville to pursue a missiology degree at Lipscomb University. Before receiving his bachelor’s degree, he somehow tricked his now better half, Kelly Proctor, to both marry him and move with him to Philadelphia, PA, so that he could pursue a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS). Still a student at WTS, Matthew has grown to appreciate the mystery of the Gospel (cf. Eph. 6:19,) more and more and longs to share its richness with others.

Once Matthew and Kelly arrive in middle Tennessee, we’ll introduce them publicly in service. We’ll also share a bit more about the ways Matthew will be involved in the ministry over the summer.

Pastoral Notes for Sunday, May 6, 2018

Changes are underway!

As you arrived at church today, you may have noticed that a few more of our beautiful stained glass windows were removed this week for restoration. The restoration will take an estimated eight weeks. If everything stays on course, the windows should be back in place by July.

You might have also noticed some upgrades to the landscape, especially across the front and side of the chapel. The new flowerbeds and bushes are just the beginning of the big plans the landscaping team has in store! To let you further in on the “resurrection story” that’s begun with the landscape, Ruling Elder Joe Haworth and I are going to talk through the vision for the landscape and how you can partner with us. Stay tuned!

Through your faithfulness in giving, we’ve been able to more than manage the regular repairs on the chapel as a part of our normal budget. Moreover, the Lord has provided ample resources, through your generosity, to take on several small upgrades around the building as well as contribute substantially to increases in ministry—including new staff positions and the new church plant in Spring Hill. We are so very blessed.

The time has come, however, for us to move forward with several substantial upgrades. Here are four upgrades we are in the midst of or looking to do in the days ahead:

·      Stained Glass Windows – Thanks to designated gifts over the last year, we were able to get the four windows facing Church St. restored. We need roughly $46,000 additional dollars to finish the stain glass restoration.

·      Louvered Wooden Panels – In the chapel tower, you’ll notice that the white wooden panels are deteriorated and need to be repaired and replaced. This project is roughly $5000.

·      Landscaping – If we were to address the need for beautification, child safety, and outside fellowship gathering space, the total cost would be somewhere in the range of $120,000-150,000   

·      Chapel Lighting – We need to replace or augment the lighting in the chapel to increase visibility and maintain a pleasing worshipful environment. One lighting technician has evaluated the chapel already. We do not yet have a firm estimate on the cost, but we anticipate receiving one very soon. 

If you take all these projects together, we’re in the neighborhood of $170,000-220,000. That’s a lot of money! Presently, we are unable to meet the needs of these larger projects through our regular budget. This morning we’re asking you to pray with us about all these needs, as together we look to the Lord to provide all we need—in His time and in His way. Further, we ask you to consider giving over and above your tithe to help provide the funds needed for these important projects. In a very real sense, we’re inviting you to join a new “resurrection story,” trusting the God who owns everything will give us all the life we need for the long-term growth and health of Cornerstone! 

Pastoral Notes for Sunday, April 29, 2018

When we purchased the chapel in 2012, we were thrilled at the prospect of being located in the heart of downtown Franklin. With all its quaintness and quirks, we fell in love with the chapel. It’s architectural beauty and its storied history was certainly part of the charm and attraction. More importantly, however, was the incredible blessing to occupy a prominent corner of downtown for the heralding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. And what a tremendous blessing the last six years have been.

When we purchased the chapel, we also knew that maintenance on such an old building would be a continual need. From roof leaks and plaster repairs to replacing fascia boards and foundation supports, we strive to stay on top of the growing number of maintenance needs.

In the weeks and months to come, there are a number of repairs and upgrades that are going to take place on the building. I want to take a minute to make you aware of a few of the most significant ones.

First, through the designated contributions from a number of you, this past year we repaired the four stained glass windows facing Church Street. As a second phase in the project, the large stained glass window in the back of the chapel and all the windows in the narthex will be removed in the next couple of weeks for full restoration.

Secondly, in addition to the stained glass, we are also making preparations to do a significant landscape redesign and upgrade. Next week in service Joe Haworth is going to give a report from the landscape team, informing you on the hopes and dreams for making the Cornerstone grounds beautiful and serviceable. Stay tuned on that.

Thirdly, the chapel lighting is old and needs either to be upgraded or for additional lighting to be added. A lighting technician has come in to evaluate the situation. We are in the process of considering various options for increasing the lighting in the sanctuary in order to enhance visibility and to set a pleasing worshipful atmosphere.

Finally, as we reported the end of last year, the Franklin Fire Marshall’s office required Biscuit Love (next door) and us to put in a sprinkler system. The underground work to tie into the city’s water was finished late last year. We are pursuing final approvals for the city of Franklin and working with the timeline of our contractor for installation. If things continue to go as planned (a big IF in construction!), the installation will happen this summer.

As these various projects get underway and more information comes forth, we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Pastoral Notes for Sunday, May 6, 2018

Changes are underway!

As you arrived at church today, you may have noticed that a few more of our beautiful stained glass windows were removed this week for restoration. The restoration will take an estimated eight weeks. If everything stays on course, the windows should be back in place by July.

You might have also noticed some upgrades to the landscape, especially across the front and side of the chapel. The new flowerbeds and bushes are just the beginning of the big plans the landscaping team has in store! To let you further in on the “resurrection story” that’s begun with the landscape, Ruling Elder Joe Haworth and I are going to talk through the vision for the landscape and how you can partner with us. Stay tuned!

Through your faithfulness in giving, we’ve been able to more than manage the regular repairs on the chapel as a part of our normal budget. Moreover, the Lord has provided ample resources, through your generosity, to take on several small upgrades around the building as well as contribute substantially to increases in ministry—including new staff positions and the new church plant in Spring Hill. We are so very blessed.

The time has come, however, for us to move forward with several substantial upgrades. Here are four upgrades we are in the midst of or looking to do in the days ahead:

·      Stained Glass Windows – Thanks to designated gifts over the last year, we were able to get the four windows facing Church St. restored. We need roughly $46,000 additional dollars to finish the stain glass restoration.

·      Louvered Wooden Panels – In the chapel tower, you’ll notice that the white wooden panels are deteriorated and need to be repaired and replaced. This project is roughly $5000.

·      Landscaping – If we were to address the need for beautification, child safety, and outside fellowship gathering space, the total cost would be somewhere in the range of $120,000-150,000   

·      Chapel Lighting – We need to replace or augment the lighting in the chapel to increase visibility and maintain a pleasing worshipful environment. One lighting technician has evaluated the chapel already. We do not yet have a firm estimate on the cost, but we anticipate receiving one very soon. 

If you take all these projects together, we’re in the neighborhood of $170,000-220,000. That’s a lot of money! Presently, we are unable to meet the needs of these larger projects through our regular budget. This morning we’re asking you to pray with us about all these needs, as together we look to the Lord to provide all we need—in His time and in His way. Further, we ask you to consider giving over and above your tithe to help provide the funds needed for these important projects. In a very real sense, we’re inviting you to join a new “resurrection story,” trusting the God who owns everything will give us all the life we need for the long-term growth and health of Cornerstone!