Dear Cornerstone family,
On November 21, 2021, we gathered as one church for one worship service at the Factory in Franklin for our 10th anniversary as a congregation. We had stirring worship that morning and a rip-roaring party that evening—complete with delicious Italian fare, a bluegrass band, and dancing. It was absolutely amazing!
As an aside, if you weren’t there for the occasion but wished you were, or if you were there and would like to relive it, you can visit the Cornerstone YouTube channel and search for “Cornerstone Anniversary: 10 Years of God’s Faithfulness” and watch the brief (7 minute) celebration video we produced. The video turned out great. It’s also fun to look back and see who is—and who isn’t—aging very well :)
The 10th anniversary celebration sparked a desire among leaders and congregation members alike to find time each year, if possible, to gather as one body for a singular worship service. In God’s good providence, the date that worked best for this year is today.
I am extremely grateful for Battle Ground Academy’s willingness to allow us to worship in the beautiful Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship. It is never easy to have an outside organization come into your space for a big event, but the staff and administration of BGA have gone out of their way to make sure we have all we need. It’s been a joy to work with them.
On the church side, it requires a lot of preparation, organization, and effort to transition from the downtown chapel to another location. For weeks, different staff members have been working at various levels to get ready for today. I want to especially thank Dan Fiedler, Everett Vencel, Christy Shurden, and Greg Wilbur for their leadership and labors. I also want to thank our deacons and the many volunteers on our hospitality, media, and communion preparation teams for doing much of the leg work required to make today happen. As you have opportunity, please take a moment to express your appreciation to these dear servants.
After the benediction, do not rush off! A church-wide fellowship with tasty breakfast food awaits you in the vestibule. And while you’re munching on goodies, pick up some Cornerstone swag. Cornerstone mugs, hats, and—today only—Cornerstone ornaments are available for purchase. Only $5! Get one while you can.
Finally, don’t forget to return to BGA tonight at 5:30 p.m. to hear the Cornerstone and New College Franklin choirs come together for a wonderful Christmas Concert. Led by our own Greg Wilbur, the two choirs will be performing a host of historic and contemporary pieces. I can hardly wait. Don’t miss it!
Your servant,
