Let the Madness Begin

March Madness is upon us, and that means that it is time for the 2nd Annual Cornerstone Class March Madness Invitational Bracket Challenge! Melissa Canterbury has the trophy sitting on her fireplace mantle and would love nothing more than for it to remain there another year (Melissa, please tell me you have the trophy). I hope everyone will enter the bracket challenge. To join the challenge, click the link below. You'll be asked to enter the group's password before you can join. The group password is included below.

http://cornerstoneclass.mayhem.sportsline.com/e
Our Group password is: cornerstone

Good Luck to Everyone!

Note: Must enter online to be eligible to win

Follow-up from Class

At the end of class a few weeks ago I mentioned an article about oppressing the poor via our buying of certain merchandise. Here's the article

Thanks,
Eddy

Dodgeball Tournament Needs Your Help

April 3-4 the White Station Youth Group will be sponsoring a dodge ball tournament for area youth ministries to promote. The proceeds of the tournament will help defer the costs of mission trips for our kids to go to Rhode Island and Ghana this summer. We will have a concession stand at the tournament. Over the next few weeks as you grocery shop, if you see pop (and it must be Pepsi products per our agreement with Pepsi due to their donation of the sign) on sale and wish to pick up some extra to donate-any thing we don't have to buy, enables us to give more to the kids who come and work the tournament. If you will mark on the packages, Dodge ball tournament and bring them to George or Courtney's office-or to the Station, I will collect them. Please buy cans only. In the near future, we will be looking for sponsorships for the tournament. If your business is interested or you know of contacts we could make, please let me or Kim Jones know.

Thanks,

Dana Welty

Small Groups through the Cornerstone Class

I wanted to share with the full class the meeting several of us were in last night in regard to small groups through our class…there were 11 who attended this first meeting, but 24 have noted interest in being in a small group through our class!

After very good discussion about time constraints, a range of possible focus areas for a group, and the overall purpose, here is where we landed last night for the “kick off” of a small group through our class.

- We will begin with one small group initially so to help ensure it gets off the ground well, but we desire and hope to have additional groups.
- This first group will meet the 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings (5 pm – 6 pm) in our Cornerstone Class. The group will begin this coming Sunday, January 25.
- While the focus of the group was difficult to land, there was a proposal of one week focusing on our class content for further discussion and application, and the other week focusing on prayer time and personal needs and issues. I feel confident the group will determine its focus after a few meetings.

There were a number of recommendations, i.e., a small group also having a community focus and use one of it’s meetings to reach out to others, try to help begin a small group for those who cannot meet on Sunday evening, etc. I would suggest this first group take the applicable ideas and determine together its “mission.”

I am very thankful for the energy of last night’s meeting. If you did or did not attend, I want to encourage you to come this Sunday night, January 25 to the Cornerstone Class room (5-6 p.m.) to be a part of a small group, if you are interested in doing so. If we are graced with too many for one group, we will immediately break into two groups…we will remain flexible and respond as the need arises.

Finally, three in our class have offered to lead a small group. As that is confirmed, we will communicate that as well.

Blessings on you this week…and, remember the purpose of MLK Day and what it means for the sake of goodness and righteousness in our city and world.

David Jordan

January 11, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Kim and Ryan Enfield-Michael’s sister and brother-in-law are getting divorced. Pray Kim comes to church.
• Jim Hambrick as he has arrived safely in Ghana and for Terri as she is here while Jim is gone.
• Remember Danny and Katie as they prepare for their missionary field.
• Jason and Tina Hall, friends of Jason and Rebekah Smith, lost their unborn child right before Christmas. Remember Sara and Paul Brigg who are Tina’s parents as they all grieve the loss of this child.

Cornerstone Valentine Party Cancelled

Class,

We have run into several conflicts in trying to find a place to meet at the church for our Family Valentine's Pizza/Card-making Party scheduled for February 7. We have even looked at other dates, but the church is just really booked up for the next few weeks. We have decided to cancel the party and instead we are asking you to take this opportunity to either meet with another family or just have your own family make and mail some cards to our shut-ins and FIT families. Kelly Cates will have addresses to pass out in class on Sunday, February 1st. Thanks for your willingness to serve. We will be announcing our next event soon!

In His service,

Ashley Hinton and Rebekah McConnell

Cornerstone Bowl Fest 2008-09

The most wonderful time of the year is here…Starting this Saturday the first of 34 college football bowl games will kickoff. We can’t let this festive time go by without a little friendly competition. So today we are kicking off the Inaugural Cornerstone Bowl Fest. Please sign-up and make your picks for all 34 bowl games: http://free2opc.1.collegefb.sportsline.com/b/52539e735c10d183
Please note picks must be in before the first game on Saturday. A prize for the winner has yet to be determined but it will definitely be better than a fruitcake. Good luck to everyone!

November 23, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Pray for Theresa’s mom and dad
• Praise for Jennifer Sykes, she starts work December 1st
• Barbie who works at Whole Foods with Fran is really sick. Pray for a quick healing and a good attitude
• Hayden Craig, baby cousin of Laura Culwell, is having sleep apnea (stops breathing) several times a day. His parents Jeff and Jamie need strength and peace. Hayden is now at Vanderbilt
• Amanda’s dad is looking for a job, he had two interviews but found out last week he did not get either job. Please pray for patience and strength for her dad and mom.
• Safe Travel for the Thanksgiving holiday
• Sarah Simmons’ uncle, Mark Howe, is in Afghanistan. She is not sure how long he will be there, please pray for his safety.
• Meagan Canterbury goes back to the ENT tomorrow to check her ears. Pray the infection is gone and stays gone.

November 16, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Pray for Theresa’s mom and dad
• Sarah Simmons’ uncle, Mark Howe, is in Afghanistan. She is not sure how long he will be
  there, please pray for his safety.
• Caleb’s home congregation in Detroit has a lot of members without or losing their jobs with
  the poor economy.
• Friends of Jason and Rebekah Smith, Tina and Jason Hall are expecting a baby girl. The baby has birth defects and mother has diabetes. Prayers for this family.
• Anna Caroline Causey, sister of Rebekah Smith was diagnoses with two more autoimmune
  diseases. Please pray for her and her family. Len Causey was medically released from the
  army. He is Anna Caroline’s husband.
• Meagan Canterbury has had a double ear infection, she saw her ENT last week and he wants to see her again next week (he thinks her tubes are falling out.)

November 9, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Continue to pray for Jamie and Amy’s nephew, Grayson, he had heart surgery this week and is in NICU
• Angie Woods, the sister-in-law is 7 ½ weeks pregnant and is having complications
• The Campbell’s are selling their house and moving into the churches carriage house.
• Meagan Canterbury has an ear infection; pray it will go away quickly.

September 28, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Theresa was home with a headache, pray for to feel better.
• Michael Hennessy, Christy’s brother is in the Police Academy, and should graduate in October. He fell last Monday and injured his knee. He must be cleared by a doctor to stay in the Academy. Pray for patience and God’s hand to get him where he needs to be.

September 14, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Pray for our neighborhood and the ministry our CLC will have for the White Station Community.
• Amber Morgan asks for prayers for my grandmother. She has been in the hospital for several weeks. When one thing is better, something else is happening. Also, pray for my
  mom (Terry) and my aunt (Elizabeth) as they are her caretakers.
• Michael Hennessy, Christy Cooper’s brother is in the Police Academy, Pray for protection and freedom from distraction
• Charlie Griesbeck (a partner in Andy Cates’ firm) was diagnosed with leukemia.
• Christian student center (SOMA) renovation and funds needed- hopefully to open in October.
• Pray for the Langston family, their son Liam, he has had many set backs and infections this week. It is hard for an 11 year old to understand the long road of recovery he has ahead of
  him.
• Continue to remember the Thornton family in the loss of the nephew a couple of weeks ago.
• Kelley Derrick’s grandmother, Liddie Mae Adams is in a nursing home and is not receiving the best care. Please pray that we (Kelley and her parents) can better the situation.
• Jacob and Candace Howell’s brother and sister-in-law, Taran and Jessie Howell are going through training to be foster parents for abused children; They are expecting the first placement in the next couple of months. Please pray for their strength and faith that they may be able to be of great love and service to the child.
• Melissa’s grandfather, Ray Deming, is still in the hospital, he is not doing any better than when admitted Friday. The doctors are trying to figure out what is going on. A thanksgiving is that this time my grandmother (she suffers from dementia or early Alzheimer’s) was able to think clear enough to call an ambulance, last time she was not.

September 7, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Pray for our neighborhood and the September 13th CLC open house
• Amber Morgan asks for prayers for my grandmother. She has been in the hospital since last Sunday for many different things. She is still there and will be there at least until the rest of the week. When one thing is better, something else is happening. Also, pray for my mom (Terry) and my aunt (Elizabeth) as they are her caretakers.
• The Coopers will be traveling this week, pray for safety and patience
• Michael Hennessy, Christy Cooper’s brother is 70% complete in the Police Academy, Pray for protection and freedom from distraction
• Charlie Griesbeck (a partner in Andy Cates’ firm) was diagnosed with leukemia about 2 weeks ago. He has completed the 1st round of chemo
• Katie and Danny in the birth of the new daughter( will happen soon and Katie will be safe)
• Jennifer Sykes husband’s grandmother is on a downward spiral and prayers for God to shower all with peace.
• A good friend of the Sykes, Xaviera, husband’s 17 y.o cousin dies last week from a kidney plant transplant complications
• The Sykes are asking for prayers for guidance about a decision for trying to have a baby.
• Prayers for the Canterbury’s, Melissa is traveling most of the week, pray for safe travel and for Colby for patience as he will be home with both girls by himself for several days.
• Christian student center (SOMA) renovation and funds needed, the need 95,000 by the end of the year
• Pray for the Langston family, their son Liam (a close friend of my nephew), fell over 30 feet from a tree on Sunday, his kidney was shattered on impact, his spleen is bleeding and many other serious internal injuries. He developed an infection in his lungs today, He is 11 years old and has long road of recovery.
• Remember the Thornton family in the loss of the nephew a couple of weeks ago.

July 27, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Michael Hambrick- begins Marine Corp recruit training 54 hr crucible Thurs-Sat. Notice new address.


• Lisa Lockhart-dislocated shoulder


• Sharon Goforth (neighbor of Ordis and Patti) has pancreatic cancer


• Pray for Ordis’ new job


• Pray for Theresa as she transitions to her new position and for the search for a new children’ minister.


• Pray for the Mays as they are moving this week, and for Spencer’s appointment with the surgeon next week.


• Pray for the cousin of Laura Culwell.


• Wes had his wisdom teeth removed this week in Alabama.

July 13, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Friends of Colby and Melissa from Chattanooga, Jimmy, Tanya and Samantha Parker will be moving to Portland TN. Jimmy and Samantha will move to be there for the start of school but Tanya will not be able to move till the end of August due to job obligations. Pray for them as they move (they have been in Chattanooga for 12 years) and for the transitions they are going through.
• Pray for the group at FIT for Lightshine this week.
• Pray for Sherah’s brother Paul, he is dealing with some difficult life/relational situations.
• Amanda is having her wisdom teeth removed today (Thursday)
• Danny came back home this weekend
• Janet Cagle’s aunt’s family with the death of her aunt.
• Remember Shana’s friend who is pregnant
• Remember the Simpson family with the death they have experienced
• Pray for Clay Culwell as he is in school and the demands it places on his time.
• Michael Hennessey was able to continue with training for the police department
• Pray for the people who went to Ghana, help them to take the experiences they had there and take it to the people here in Memphis.

Class Project at FIT

WHEN: Saturday, August 2nd

WHERE: FIT Property (parking lot at corner of Jackson and Springdale)

WHAT TIME: Yard work/Children’s Bible activity 4:30-6:30
Picnic style dinner 6:30-7:30

WHAT TO DO: We will be cleaning out flower beds and planting perennials at 14 FIT units. There will be children’s activities that will be going on during this time. We will then all get back together to eat around 6:30 and pack up by 7:30.

WHAT TO BRING: For those doing yard work (versus helping out with the kids), bring work gloves and a yard tool of your choice for clearing out the beds and planting new flowers.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: I need for a couple people to organize a few children’s games/Bible activities for Cornerstone and FIT children. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate but just something to keep them occupied for a little while. There is a play area at the FIT property so balls or outdoor games are definitely appropriate. We will be outside the entire time.

COST: For $25 per family, you can have a fun filled evening with family and friends while getting to meet some very special families at FIT. The $25 will cover all the food your family can eat, as well as for the 10 FIT families, and the plants that we will be planting.

RSVP: Let me know how many will be attending from your family by Sunday, July 27th. Also, please let me know if you can coordinate activities for the kids.

QUESTIONS: Feel free to e-mail or call Kelly Cates on her cell at 229.4837

June 29, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Terri, Kevin, Lindsey H, Brittany, Lindsey C, and many others will be traveling home from Ghana this week. Pray for safety, good health and that they can be the hands and feet of Jesus at the VOH
• Continue to remember the Campbell family during their family losses.
• Continue to pray for Michael Hambrick- he is doing well at Marine Corp basic training.
• The Reese's ask that the class please pray fervently for God’s blessings on our mission survey trip to Angola. Our team that will be with us includes 6 other adults and a 2-year-old. Katie will return June 29, and will be seven months pregnant by then. I will stay two weeks longer to teach a course on ethics at Mapepe Bible College in Zambia.
• The Smith family is traveling to Denver; this is the first flight for the kids, pray for low stress and safe travel.
• My (Rebekah Smith) parents Edward and Martha Roland, have a court date to recover lost income from my father’s last job, my brother, David Roland is their lawyer. My brother-in-law, Len Causey, will be receiving a medical discharge from the army; his MRI revealed that surgery could not be performed. My sister, Bethany Parlier is selling her house and moving. Prayer of thanksgiving for them please.
• Michael Hennessy, Christy’s brother is in the Memphis Police Academy, he has injured his shoulder. If he does not get doctors clearance by Monday he will be out of the academy.
• Michael McConnell’s sister and brother-in-law are moving back in together.
• Pray the opening of the community center and the lives it will impact.

June 15, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Terri, Kevin , Lindsey , Brittany and many others leave for Ghana June 19-July 3. Pray for safety, good health and that they can be the hands and feet of Jesus at the VOH
• Sherah’s maternal grandfather, Bill died last week, she returned home late Sunday night and on Monday received word that her paternal grandfather had passed away, Keep the family in your prayers, arrangements have not been made yet
• Thanks for Michael’s sister and family, Ryan and Kim Enfield-pray to get them here.
• Rebekah McConnell’s C-section is scheduled for June 17th @ 1 pm, pray for recovery and the hospital staff.
• Continue to pray for Michael Hambrick, He is doing well and his letters are upbeat. I know this is due to all the prayers that go up each day for him. 52 days left.
• The Reese's ask that the class please pray fervently for God’s blessings on our mission survey trip to Angola. Our team that will be with us includes 6 other adults and a 2-year-old. Katie will return June 29, and will be seven months pregnant by then. I will stay two weeks longer to teach a course on ethics at Mapepe Bible College in Zambia.
• Michael Hennessy (Christy’s brother) is in the Memphis Police Academy, pray for spiritual, mental and physical strengthening.
• Pray for Maryanne Rieder– Sarah’s sister who will leave for a 6 week mission trip to Australia on June 19th.
• Pray for Rebekah Smith’s 2 y.o. niece, she had a CT scan showing polops in her sinuses. She has been placed on predisone and the medicine has greatly affected her behavior.
• Pray for Theresa’s dad, Charles Smith as he lives with the cancer in his body.
• Pray for Liddie Mae Adams, she is in rehab/nursing home.
• Amber Morgan sprained her ankle on vacation. Lance is coming back to Memphis and she is going on to Miami with the 2 boys
• Pray the opening of the community center and the lives it will impact.
  
  

June 8, 2008 - Prayer Requests

• Kevin Schon's trip to Ghana June 19-July 3—Please read Kevin's’ email from this week
• Sherah’s maternal grandfather, Bill died last night. Keep the family in prayer especially grandma Betty whose health is already poor. Sherah will be traveling there (Colorado) this week.
• Thanks for Michael’s sister and family, Ryan and Kim Enfield-pray to get them here.
• Rebekah McConnell’s C-section is scheduled for June 17th @ 1 pm, pray for recovery and the hospital staff.
• Kelley Spurlock lost her husband a week ago in a car accident. Pray NASA awards death benefits to Kelly . Pray for Kelley and her children especially as fathers day is approaching. Kelley is a friend of Rebekah Smith
• Michael Hambrick
• The Reese's ask that the class please pray fervently for God’s blessings on our mission survey trip to Angola. Our team that will be with us includes 6 other adults and a 2-year-old. Katie will return June 29, and will be seven months pregnant by then. I will stay two weeks longer to teach a course on ethics at Mapepe Bible College in Zambia.
• Brandon Cooper, David Hill, Steve Hill, Neesha Powers are in Guaymas, Mexico. They are returning this week. Pray for successful work and a safe return
• Michael Hennessy (Christy’s brother) is in the Memphis Police Academy, pray for spiritual, mental and physical strengthening.
• Pray for Maryanne Rieder– Sarah’s sister who will leave for a 6 week mission trip to Australia on June 19th.
  

Dudes Night Out

Dudes Night Out is going to be this upcoming Thursday Night, June 12th beginning at 5:00. We will meet at Buffalo Wild Wings on Poplar and eat BONELESS wings for 50 cents. That way we don't have to eat around the bone and feel the burn! After dinner we will adjourn to the Paradiso for the 6:45 showing of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull".

Let me add this:
Folks, if you only want to come to dinner, that's fine. If you just want to come to the movie, that's fine. If you want to do both, that's fine. In other words, if you can't make it for all of it, we would just love to see you for a little bit.