Downtown Cornerstone Blog
Dec 15
2016

Why We Are Gathering on Christmas Sunday

Event | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

When Christmas falls on a Sunday

This year Christmas falls on a Sunday. The next year that will happen is 2022, then 2033. For many churches, the question becomes, “What will we do?” Should we cancel our Sunday gatherings or keep them? Or, should we hold Christmas Eve gatherings on Saturday in addition to Sunday? Or, should we just have Christmas Eve in lieu of Sunday? Or, maybe we should compromise and have a Christmas Eve midnight gathering? There are a lot of options.

Christmas complexities

The factors underlying this discussion are many. First, is the issue of volunteers. It takes volunteers to brew coffee, put out signs, greet and usher, play in the band, run productions, and disciple the youngest kids. Without sufficient volunteers it is impossible to host. Second, and relatedly, is the issue of attendance. Who will actually be in town? For those who are around, when will they be available amidst the many holiday happenings? After all, it doesn’t help to gather if there is no one to gather with. Third, is the issue of family traditions. Most families, have treasured Christmas traditions that involve delicious foods, gifts, and more. This is, perhaps, the hardest element to consider sacrificing or making changes to. Fourth, most importantly, is the issue of what moving Sunday gatherings communicates about our convictions regarding Christ and his purposes in the world. Needlesstosay, it can be complicated. 

“Are we free to move our Sunday gathering?”

Churches are free to choose when and where they gather to worship. Churches are not required to gather on a particular day. (Romans 14:5f; Galatians 4:8-11) Churches that cancel Sunday gatherings in lieu of Christmas Eve gatherings are not sinning nor violating a command of the Lord. In some cases, depending on their specific context or resources, that may be the best thing to do. Ultimately, it is up to the elders of each local church to prayerfully consider what is best for the church entrusted to their care and the cause of Christ in their community. 

The significance of Sunday

However, the practice of Jesus’ church for the last 2,000 years has been to gather on Sunday, the first day of the week, due to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead on that first Easter Sunday. (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2) Gathering on Sunday, week-after-week, millennium-after-millennium, is meant to be a joy-filled, conviction-driven, emphatic declaration to the world that He has risen, death is defeated, sin is forgiven, and we are His. Or, to put it more succinctly, that God has come for us. (Matthew 1:23) 

The significance of Christmas

Now, think about what Christmas is. Christmas is not merely an irrelevant celebration; a hold-over from ancient antiquity. Christmas marks one of the most pivotal moments in God’s redemptive story. Outside Easter, Christmas marks the most important day in human history. The truth celebrated on Christmas was announced by angels (Luke 2:13-14), supernatural cosmic events in the starry host (Matthew 2:10), and long foretold by prophetic witnesses (2 Corinthians 1:20). Christmas marks the day God invaded the story he wrote to save those he loves. (Phil 2:5-11; Luke 19:10) In other words, the truth celebrated on Christmas is infinitely more important, and precious, than what we celebrate on our birthdays, or anniversaries, or civic holidays or, yes, even our beloved family traditions.

The unique gift of Christmas on a Sunday

Christmas falling on a Sunday should be viewed as a unique gift, rather than a scheduling nuisance or family tradition breaker. When you put the significance of Christmas alongside the significance of gathering on Sunday, we get a special day to be welcomed, embraced and enjoyed because it simultaneously points us to Jesus’ birth (Christmas) and his resurrection (Sunday). That’s a lot of meaning packed into a single day. Why would we not want to gather on such a Sunday? Does all of this meaning unravel if we happen to cancel Christmas gatherings? Of course not. Do we lose a unique gift if we do? I believe so. We won’t have another opportunity to do so until 2022. Rather than seeing Christmas falling on Sunday as something that gets in the way of our plans, what if we saw it as a beautiful gift around which we organized our plans? 

An invitation

Let’s embrace the unique gift of Christmas on a Sunday. I invite you to join us on Sunday, December 25th, at 9:00am and 11:15am. We’ll sing, pray, enjoy the DCC kids “choir”, and learn from the Scriptures. Cornerstone Kids will be provided for kids up to 4 years old. Parking, as always, will be validated and the lots next to the building available for families and visitors. We hope you can make it as we celebrate the living God, in Jesus, and all that He is for us. Our Saving-King has come – and is coming again.

Because the manger is full (Christmas) and the tomb is empty (Sunday),

Pastor Adam

Nov 22
2016

Give and Serve this Advent Season

Advent Drive, City Life, Event, Foster Care, News | by Pastor Craig Sturm

The season of Advent has historically been intended to cause the hearts of Christians to remember and rejoice in the glory of the truth that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us! We celebrate that He has broken into human history to redeem that which was enslaved; restore that which was broken; to renew that which had been dead! The incarnation of Jesus is the single greatest act of love, grace, and mercy in the history of humanity. It is good news of great joy — for the world, and for us as individuals. As we reflect on God’s abundance to us in Jesus, there are two ways that you can partner with DCC to serve and give this Advent season:

FOSTER CARE CLOTHING DRIVE

FosterCareClothingPromo_620x130_1114_CS_green

On any given day there are 1,200 to 1,500 children in foster care in King County. Whether children are picked up from school or removed directly from home, they often don’t have the chance to bring their clothes with them. Consequently, many children come into foster care without coats or sometimes even socks! It can take weeks for DSHS to get foster children these basic winter essentials. Life in foster care can be extraordinarily challenging and disruptive for kids and teens, both emotionally and developmentally. Having the comfort of warm clothes can go a long way in helping children transition into foster care. Downtown Cornerstone has chosen to partner with DSHS this advent season to provide comfortable clothes for foster children entering state care. The items donated will give DSHS offices a supply of winter items to give out to children as soon as they enter care.

How to Participate:
Starting November 27th, donate clothing for elementary-aged children by dropping clothing in barrels on Sunday or by purchasing items online using the Amazon Wish List.

More Details:
More details, including a list of needed items, can be found at www.downtowncornerstone.org/foster-care-drive

VOLUNTEER WITH THE CARE NET MOBILE UNIT

carenetvolunteer_1116_620x130_cs

After Sanctity of Life Sunday this year, a small group of people within Downtown Cornerstone Church felt convicted and called to respond to the alarming statistics of how abortion affects our city. In response, the group began The LIFE Project, which targeted two connected areas of need: Pregnancy Crisis Support and Adoption/Foster Care. The Pregnancy Crisis Support team partnered with CareNet, the largest pregnancy crisis resource in the Puget Sound, to support their strategy of bringing a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) to Seattle. The Mobile Medical Unit is a bus that will serve women and families where there are currently no life-affirming pregnancy service available. The MMU has the flexibility to park near college campuses, churches, and community centers, reaching women right in their neighborhood for free pregnancy testing, ultrasound appointments, and STI screenings. The statistics for the Mobile Medical Unit are staggering: 4 out of 5 women who board a Mobile Medical Unit choose life for their baby. By God’s grace, working through your passion and generosity, Downtown Cornerstone Church helped support the purchase of the first Mobile Medical Unit for Seattle! The next step in our partnership with CareNet is to serve in ways that directly affect the Medical Mobile Unit.

How to Participate:
There are a number of unique ways that you can serve including: Drivers, Marketing Volunteers, Men to give counsel and support to potential fathers, Medical Volunteers, and Medical Professionals.

More Details:
To learn more about these opportunities, our partnership with Care Net, and to volunteer to serve, visit https://www.downtowncornerstone.org/carenet

If you have any questions on these two efforts, please email . If you’d like to participate with the LIFE Project (Foster Care/Adoption or Pregnancy Support), please email .

For His glory,
Pastor Craig

Oct 5
2016

A Pastoral Invite to Man Camp

, Event | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

ManCamp_05.16_620x130Men of DCC,

By now you’ve heard we are holding a men’s retreat, aptly titled Man Camp. This is a pastoral invite intended to stir us to faith and action around this important event we have lined up next weekend. 

DETAILS:

When: Oct 14th-16th. There are also Fri-Sat or Saturday only options.

Where: Island Lake Camp on the Olympic Peninsula. 

Cost: $100 covers room, all meals, and supplies. Other recreational activities will be available, but at additional cost. If you need financial help, or would like to offer it, please let us know when you register. 

How: You may register here. 

WHY MAN CAMP?

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity” – Ps 133:1

But, you may be thinking “Why pull all the men of DCC away for a weekend in the middle of October?” Answer: It’s good for us. Though we don’t like to admit it, we need one another. We are God’s ordained tools for sharpening (Pr 27:17), encouraging (1 Thess 5:11), correcting (Gal 6:1), serving (Gal 5:13), and pointing one another to Jesus (Heb 10:24). How can we do that if we’re never together in an intentional way? 

It has been four years since our last Man Camp. The vast majority of you weren’t with us then. We need a time to gather around the Word, in the woods, and consider afresh God’s call on our lives, families, church, and city. This past Sunday I offered four reasons to attend, I will repeat those here: 

#1 It is good for our souls. If we regularly take our cars in for oil changes, or visit our doctor for annual physicals, or regularly sit down to manage our budget, doesn’t it make sense to carve out intentional time to tend to our souls? As Paul instructs Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you wills save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Tim 4:16) At times we need intentional time away to examine our life and consider where we are at. 

#2 It is good for our relationships. Times away from the normal hustle-and-bustle of life serve to build and strengthen relationships in ways that few other things can. Men bond over shared experiences, particularly if they involve the woods and campfires. An intentional weekend away, like this, is much more relationally fruitful than an entire year of quick, surface-level Sunday greetings. Speaking to the church in Rome, Paul writes, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Rom 12:10) It is hard to live out what these verses are calling us to if we don’t even know one another. 

#3 It is good for the church. There is much that could be said here but, put simply, when men take responsibility for their souls, relationships, families…a local church flourishes. Times like this create space for us to consider who God is calling us to be and how He he has gifted us to build up his church (1 Cor 12:4-11; Eph 4:11-16)

#4 It is good for our city. What our city needs, though it doesn’t know this, is more men who’ve surrendered their lives to Jesus. Our city needs humble (Phil 2:3) men of courage (Josh 1:9), integrity (1 Tim 3:2), self-sacrifice (Eph 5:2), that serve women not consume them (1 Tim 5:2), who know their life is not their own (Acts 20:24). Intentional, time away with other men who are pursuing Jesus helps to stir godly aspirations in our souls for our good, the good of the city, and the glory of God. 

OBJECTIONS

Objection: “Well, it costs too much”

Response: Actually, it doesn’t. We’ll do what it takes to get you there.

Objection: “I’m busy.”

Response: There may be things that will hinder you from participating. We understand that. But, for the majority of us, we need to consider whether we will allow ourselves to be pulled along by the subtle undercurrent of hurry, or whether we will we stand against the current. Most things are flexible. In the majority of cases we can make it work, even if it requires some creativity. 

Objection: “I don’t know anyone” 

Response: You might not realize this, but most of the men in the church feel that way. That’s actually a reason to go, not stay behind. Man Camp is a great opportunity to meet other men. Who knows what kind of new relationships may emerge or how existing relationships may be strengthened through a time like this? 

Objection: “I have to help at home with our kids” 

Response: That is a good and admirable desire. Depending on the age of your children, that may be true. But, unless you have newborn twins or triplets, your wife probably wants you to go. You should ask her. 

Objection: “I’m kind of a big deal”

Response: Few would actually verbalize this, but the reality is that we have many skilled men who operate at a very high level in their field among us. So, the reality is that it can feel awkward to go from business prominence to being unknown, in the middle of the woods, sleeping on a plank. But, if this is you, deep down you know this kind of thing is good for us. We all need to be reminded regularly that we are just people too. That means, at times, we need to intentionally put ourselves in humbling circumstances for the sake of our heart. 

Objection: “I’ve been to one before” 

Response: I understand the sentiment here. It easy to commodify something like this and think of it as a good to be consumed, rather than a unique experience in which we are trusting Jesus to uniquely work. We don’t want anyone to miss out on what Jesus may do here. Just like we don’t settle for changing the oil in our cars once nor reading our Bible one time, in the same way, we don’t settle for a past spiritual mountain top experience but continue to look to Jesus in faith in the present. 

If you have any other questions, just let us know. 

I encourage you to register today and invite a friend

With brotherly affection and pastoral care, 

In Christ,

Pastor Adam

Sep 15
2016

2016 BBQ & Baptisms | Recap Video and Photos

, Event

On September 1st, we gathered for our sixth annual BBQ and Baptisms where four people shared their testimonies of God’s radical grace in their lives and were baptized! Though the rain moved the event from the park to DCC’s Building, the weather didn’t dampen our celebration – we grilled out in the parking lot and picnicked on the Auditorium floor. Below are some snapshots and quotes from the evening:

I believe that Jesus was God’s son who lived a perfect life and died on the cross to take the wrath of God I deserve for my sin and bring me into relationship with God.” – Conrad

“I now know that my identity doesn’t depend on how successful or how smart I am, my true identity lies in Jesus Christ.” – Colin

“Because of what God has done, I don’t worry like I used to, there’s this natural feeling that I’m going to be ok, Jesus has it covered.” – Matthew

“Through Jesus Christ, God has brought me from death to life and has adopted me as His own.” – Jen

BBQ&Baptisms_2016

Special thanks to all the communities and volunteers who provided food, came early to set up, and stayed late!

Aug 31
2016

BBQ & Baptisms Moved to DCC’s Building!

, Event

BBQBaptisms_0716_LD_620x_RAIN
The location of BBQ & Baptisms has been moved to DCC’s Building due to forecasted rain for the afternoon and evening!

The weather won’t dampen this party – we will still be grilling out, celebrating baptisms, and enjoying time together as a church family. Bring your blankets and appetites – we will be “picnicking” in the Auditorium!

Parking: We’ve reserved the lots next to the building starting at 5:30pm. Street parking in the area is pay until 8 pm at $1.50/hr. Validation is not available for the Art Institute Garage.

Aug 30
2016

BBQ & Baptisms This Thursday!

, Event | by Pastor David Parker

BBQBaptisms_0716_LD_620x130

Friends,
It’s hard to believe we’re already knocking on the doors of September, but in just two days we’re going to be celebrating God’s grace to us through our end of summer BBQ and Baptisms event! As I’ve been praying and looking forward to this Thursday, I wanted to send out one last pastoral note and invitation.

Join us

We don’t often get many opportunities to be one church, in one place, all meeting together, but this Thursday at 6:00pm we’re going to have that opportunity as we gather down at Myrtle Edwards Park for our 6th annual BBQ and Baptisms. It is going to be a great night in spite of whatever weather we have (more on that below) and I hope you’ll be there to join in the celebration.

The grills will be hot and we’ll begin serving food at 6pm. There is no need to bring anything other than your friends and your appetite (Unless you’re part of a Cornerstone Community that is bringing food to share). Around 7:00pm I will share a brief gospel word which will be immediately followed by testimonies and baptisms.

Why are baptisms such a big deal?

Each baptism is far more than a person getting wet, but a story, a testimony of a person being united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and being transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Gods beloved son (Col 1:13). So, no matter how long you have followed Jesus do not lose sight of the significance, beauty, and dramatic truth portrayed in baptism. It is a picture of passing through the waters of judgment to safety, through Jesus. It is a picture of leaving behind our old self, our old ways of life and eternity without God, through Jesus. It is a picture of rising to new life, a new family, and a new future with God, through Jesus. It is a picture of having all of our sin, guilt and shame washed away, through Jesus. Every time we get to celebrate a baptism, it’s a reminder that God is at work, saving, redeeming, and sanctifying his children — and that is why baptism is such a big deal, and what we are going to celebrate this Thursday!

Be praying and see you there!

Will you join me in praying for those sharing their testimonies and getting baptized later this week? Join us on Thursday, not only to support those getting baptized, but for the good of your own soul – and those you invite.

A note about the weather

The forecast has fluctuated over the last few days. Currently, they are calling for some showers on Thursday, but as of this morning that chance is now down to 20%. The plan right now is to move forward with our plans at Myrtle Edwards, but in the event it’s looking like more than a brief shower and more of a steady rain, we’ll move our celebration to the church’s building. If you don’t hear any more updates from us, we’ll see you all at the park, otherwise we’ll push out some more communication Thursday morning if it looks like we need to move indoors.

For the glory of our King,
Pastor David

Aug 5
2016

Pastoral Invite: BBQ & Baptisms!

, Event, News | by Pastor Randy Lundy

BBQBaptisms_0716_LD_620x130

Mark your calendars – our 6th annual celebration of BBQ & Baptisms is less than a month away! You are invited to join us on Thursday, Sept 1st, as we celebrate the redemptive stories of those who will be baptized in the name of Jesus, our Savior and our King! It’s going to be awesome.

On behalf of all the pastors and leaders, I want to personally encourage all of us to make this night the crescendo, the climax, the highlight of our summer! What could Jesus do through literally hundreds of people coming together to celebrate the gospel through physical baptisms and testimonies telling of the immeasurable worth and greatness of our Jesus – all smack-dab in the middle of Seattle’s most heavily-trafficked, stunning waterfront park? We’re praying BIG. Please join us.

WHY DO WE DO BAPTISMS?

The short answer – because Jesus wants all Christians to be baptized (Matt 28:19).

But it’s more than that. Baptism is one of the primary means by which we experience our new life in Christ. In baptism we physically identify with Jesus in his death (being immersed under water) and his resurrection to new life (being brought out of the water) for the forgiveness of sin (Rom 6:1-10; Col 2:12). It is an outward symbolic act that demonstrates the inward reality of what God has accomplished on the cross through His Son. In so doing, we are identifying ourselves with Jesus (Acts 10:48; Rom 6:3; Gal 3:27), the universal church (1 Cor 12:13), and the local church (Acts 2:41). It’s about getting dunked, yes. Following Jesus’ command, yes. But more than that? Oh YES! The gospel realities in play in baptism are almost impossible to overstate.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE THIS NIGHT AMAZING?

#1 We need to pray. For baptisms, for relational encounters, for providential conversations, for spiritual fruitfulness. For there to be an over-abundance of food, laughter, and fun. Jesus reminds us that “we do not have, because we do not ask” (Matt 7:7, Ja 4:2). Let’s ask him for everything that would make this night special and memorable.

#2 If you have not been baptized, this night is for you! Believe me, it’s awesome. And your step of faith will bring joy and fruit in ways you can’t even anticipate – in your life, in the life of our church, and the city that we love. Join us for the class this Sunday to learn more about getting baptized (more info below).

#3 If you would like to serve the church by helping with set up, tear down, or grilling for this event please sign up for a role here! Use your time or resources to serve Jesus and the church in this way, and make it something especially delicious and fun, just because you can. And just because Jesus is that good.

#4 Invite friends, coworkers, neighbors, carpool buddies, everyone you can think of! Spread the word, and let people know something’s really going down at Myrtle Edwards on Sept 1. The website is updated with the most current information, so you can direct people there as you’re extending the invitation to others.

#5 Finally, come worshipful and anticipating a spiritual and physical feast together. We are a family, and God is our Father. He loves to give good gifts to his kids (Matt 7:11). Let’s come anticipating a feast of his goodness together – in truth, in grace, in friendship. And lots and lots of ground beef and hotdogs. It’s grace upon grace, my friends.

WHAT IF I WANT TO BE BAPTIZED (OR LEARN MORE)?

We will be holding a Baptism Class this Sunday between the first and second gatherings (10:30-11:15am). If you have not been baptized as a follower of Jesus, please come and attend, learn more, and consider this step of faith and obedience to Jesus in your life. We’ll meet in the MPR room downstairs. This class is required for anyone who would like to be baptized at BBQ & Baptisms on Sept 1st.

[Update] If you are interested in being baptized or learning more, you can read more and sign up here! And as always, please feel free to email us at if you need any additional information or have any questions.

HERE WE GO!!

Sept 1st. Myrtle Edwards Park. It’s happening. Let’s come ready to enjoy one another, enjoy Jesus’ grace, and enjoy this beautiful city that he’s given to us. See you at BBQ & Baptisms, friends!

All grace,
Pastor Randy

May 5
2016

Women’s Discipleship Day: What to Expect

, Event, Women's Retreat | by Laura West

WomensDDay_0316_620x130_CS

Hey ladies,

I’m really looking forward to spending Saturday, May 14th, with y’all! As the date gets closer, I want to answer a few questions about the day and invite you to join us:

Q: I’m not sure what to expect. What will the day be like?

Our hope for the day is to grow together as sisters-in-Christ, equipped and encouraged for what God has set before us. Practically, this means the day has time set aside to meet and build relationships with other ladies, interactive sessions to hear about topics deeply relevant to us all, and space to take it all to Jesus. To give you an idea of what this will look like, a basic outline for the day is:

Breakfast and social
Worship and welcome
The Word and Our Worldview, Stacy Borkert
Roundtable Discussion
The Word and Our Relationships, Katie Krombein
Roundtable Discussion
Lunch
The Word and Our Witness, Tiffany Butler
Roundtable Discussion
Prayer and reflection
Panelist Session
Worship and close

Q: What will the speakers talk about?

The Word and Our Worldview (Colossians 3:15-17)
What shapes our worldview? What influences our reactions and what do we do with our fears and struggles? We will be looking at Colossians 3:15-17 and how when we look at our lives through the lens of the Word of God, we can rest in the peace of Christ and worship God, with a spirit of thankfulness.

The Word and Our Relationships (Romans 12)
What does it mean to live sacrificially as part of the body of Christ? Who are you in Christ and how does your identity inform the way that you love, and how you live with others in the church? In our second session, we will look at Romans 12, and what it means to humbly participate in the life of other believers.

The Word and Our Witness (John 4:1-30,39-42)
What comes to mind when you think about sharing your faith with others? Does sharing your faith come easy to you or is it something you struggle with? During this session we will seek to demystify what it looks like to be a witness for Christ. We will consider the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan women which subsequently compelled her to be a witness to others about Jesus that they in turn would “come and see” for themselves.

Q: What is included in the cost of registration?

Your registration helps us cover the costs of this mini-retreat, including breakfast, lunch and refreshments, as well parking validation and materials for the day. We’ll also be giving away two books to encourage and equip you.

Q: Can I bring my friends?

Yes! This day is for all ladies seeking after Jesus.

Q: What if I can’t afford the registration? What if I can’t find childcare? What if I don’t know anyone?

If you don’t have $35, we have scholarships available and would love to invite you to participate – register! If you can’t find childcare, we’d love to help you find help – email us! If you don’t know anyone, that’s perfect. You’ll know a ton of amazing ladies at the end of the day – register!

Q: I’m on the fence. Should I register?

It’s understandable that many would be unsure about what to expect and if they should make time. In short, come! What do you have to lose? What would really stop you from spending a day with other ladies, growing together, learning about God’s word, and trusting in Jesus?

Q: Okay, I’m in. What’s next?

Register online in advance! We’ll send an email reminder the week of the event with details for the day. Encourage ladies in your community to join you. Doors open at 8:30am and breakfast begins at 9am. Come prayed up, expectant and ready for God to move. Park in the lot next to the building (for free). Give Jesus your concerns for the day and embrace all that He has waiting for you. Meet someone new and be known. Participate in the sessions and reflect on what God is teaching you. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you afresh and be ready with thanksgiving when He does. Sing loud because God is with us.

Whether you’re registered, still considering, or unable to join that day, I’d encourage you to pray for this time – it’s going to be good, by God’s abounding grace. I hope to see you on May 14th!

Apr 21
2016

An Invitation to Women’s Discipleship Day

, Event

WomensDDay_0316_620x130_CSLadies of DCC, we are holding our Women’s Discipleship Day on Saturday, May 14th – and you are invited!

The purpose of this discipleship day is to provide a unique opportunity for the women of DCC to connect and consider what it means to trust Jesus together. Our hope for the day is to grow together as sisters-in-Christ, equipped and encouraged for what God has set before us. Practically, we have set aside time during the day to meet and build relationships with other ladies, to enjoy interactive sessions to hear about topics deeply relevant to us all, and space to take it all to Jesus!

The theme of this year’s event is “Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly” taken from Colossians 3:16. The day will include three women from our body speaking on “The Word and our Worldview,” “The Word and our Relationships,” and “The Word and our Witness.”

WHEN. Saturday, May 14th 9am – 3:30pm | Doors open at 8:30am

WHERE. Auditorium (2333 Western Ave)

REGISTRATION. The cost of attendance is $30/person if you register by April 30th and $35/person starting May 1st (including day-of registration). Your registration helps us cover the costs of this mini-retreat, including breakfast, lunch and refreshments, as well parking validation and materials for the day. We’ll also be giving away two books to encourage and equip you. Please register HERE!

PARKING. We are offering parking (for free) in the lots next to the building. If those lots are full, we will provide validation for the Art Institute garage.

KIDS. There will not be Cornerstone Kids provided. As we’d love for this time to be a retreat for the ladies, we encourage the men to help care for children during this time. If you’re having trouble finding childcare, please email and we will be happy to help.

If there is anything that would prevent you from being able to participate (Don’t have $30? Can’t find childcare? Don’t know anyone?) please let us know by emailing  and we will do all we can to come alongside you.

 

Sep 24
2015

2015 BBQ & Baptism | Recap and Photos

, Event

On August 27th, we gathered as a people at Myrtle Edwards Park for our fifth annual BBQ and Baptisms! Seven people shared their testimonies of God’s radical grace in their lives and were baptized. What a stunning celebration highlighting the stories of people changed and changing by the good news of the gospel!

“I was rescued from a living death. I know today that there is nothing I can do to make God love me any more or any less. In Jesus, my sins are washed away” – Jessica

“God saved me, I didn’t save myself… God says that by faith in Jesus I’m saved and I can finally rest.” – Betsy

“I deserve God’s punishment for my sins, but Jesus saved me. He died on the cross for me – He is my Savior and He has authority over my life” – Diogo

“It’s amazing that the God of the universe who created everything would come down for me…” – Aaron

“I deserve God’s wrath for my sin, but Jesus bore that wrath for me and died for me on the cross” – Colin

“When we trust Christ, we are not defined by our relationships, we are defined by Jesus” – Nick

“God called me from death into abundant life with him…” – Celiz

BBQ&Baptisms_2015

Special thanks to all the communities and volunteers who provided food, came early to set up, and stayed late!