The Update You’ve Been Waiting For!
- Physical distancing – one of the biggest requirements in this variance is that we ensure physical distancing between households. We know that we are excited to see each. However, we ask that you visit with each other outside to help provide enough space indoors for people to get where they need to go. We’ve spaced out the chairs in the sanctuary to help follow the guidelines.
- Masks – we encourage you to wear a mask while in the building.
- Self-assessment – If you are “vulnerable” or provide care for vulnerable individuals, though we miss you terribly, please consider joining us online instead. If you are ill in any way, please stay home and watch online.
- Children’s Ministry and Nursery – while we are making all these adjustments, we decided to delay the relaunch of children’s ministry and nursery. Kids are always welcome to attend church and we encourage you to make each Sunday a family event. We are working on some new opportunities for summer ministry – details coming soon! Be sure to join the Cornerstone Kids Group on Facebook for all the latest curriculum and resources to use at home.
- Bring Your Own Coffee – The current variance does not allow us to open the coffee bar or to serve food.
The Affected
Special Updates
We will continue to offer Sunday Worship and Celebrate Recovery online only for a season. We are hopeful that we can get back to normal soon. However, no one knows when that will be. In the meantime, continue to connect with us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM and Friday evenings (Celebrate Recovery) at 7 PM. We will continue to stream to Facebook and to our website. This week we are adding YouTube as we know that will work better on some televisions.
Each Wednesday evening at 7 PM be sure to tune in for a live worship and prayer time. Tonight Rebekah and DeAnn will lead this special service.
Each Tuesday and Thursday morning, Pastor Tony and Pastor Cody will share a short word of encouragement from Scripture. These will be available on social media and our website.
- Additional cleaning measures – more frequent cleaning of high contact surfaces
- Modify greeting time – less shaking hands and more air high fives! (Seriously though, we need to minimize hand-to-hand contact.)
- Modify communion – we will use alternative methods that reduce the chance of exposure.
- If sick, please stay home! We would prefer to worship with you in person, but for the sake of the larger community and the more vulnerable please stay home if you are sick. Watch online through our website or Facebook.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
Cornerstone Hosts Mental Health Summit
Senator Barrasso addresses the audience and offers encouragement to keep doing good work.
Sam to hike Mount Blanc
Cornerstone member recognized as critical ski patrol volunteer
Celebrate Recovery gathers stakeholders to battle opioids
I Am the True Vine
Pastor’s Corner
February 27, 2016
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NLT
In the final days before his crucifixion and Easter resurrection, Jesus continued his work of teaching his disciples and preparing them for what was about to happen. Jesus used several metaphors to describe his character. “I am the good shepherd.” “I am the door to life.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the bread of life.” In John 15:1 Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.” How does a vine and a gardener describe Jesus and his disciples?
First, a vine has to be well rooted in good soil. Likewise, Jesus is solidly planted. He is unmovable and unchangeable. Yet he came to us. John 1 tells us that Jesus existed from the beginning and that he is one who brought forth life and light. Disciples know that Jesus is the solid rock and that he is Truth.
Second, Jesus is the true vine that brings life. Without Jesus there is no life. “For apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus is the source of life. All life originates from him and through him.
Third, branches grow from the vine. Branches don’t grow on their own. In fact, Jesus said that branches that are not attached will be gathered into a pile to be burned (15:6). Similarly, we must remain in Christ in order to grow and to produce fruit.
Fourth, the gardener prunes the branches in order to grow more fruit. The goal of a gardener is to have a healthy garden filled with an abundance of fruit. A gardener is not satisfied with a plant that does not produce. The Father Gardener prunes us – not to be malicious, but in order to make us healthy and to grow the best fruit. We are created to be fruitful. Jesus said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” (15:8)
We are to remain in the love of Jesus by doing what he instructed us to do. And what exactly is that? Is it a long list? We have a habit of making “remaining in Jesus” something complicated that guarantees failure. However, that is not the way of Jesus. Multiple times he sums up all his commands like he did in this passage. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” (John 15:12). How much does he love us? “You didn’t choose me. I chose you.” (John 15:16) Out of all creation, he chose you just as you are. He loves you so much that he didn’t wait for you to choose him. He chose you. He loves you.
And now, love each other in the same way that Christ loves you. This command has the power to change the world. Let’s fill this world with the fruit that brings glory to the Father Gardener.
Cody Haar
Associate Pastor
Cornerstone Church