Dear Cornerstone family,
It was a joy last week to focus on the ministry of Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), our denomination’s college ministry, and to sit under the ministry of Will Cote, Campus Minister at Austin Peay University, and to hear a report from Mr. Ryan Angel, Campus Minister at Tennessee Tech University. It was particularly meaningful to hear Rev. Ben Griffith speak personally during Sunday School about his history with RUF and his love for RUF as he prepares to serve with RUF at Samford University. If you missed Ben’s report, I encourage you to check it out. You’ll find it on our church website on our livestream page.
We have a little over two weeks left with Ben on staff. On Sunday, March 12th, Ben will preach his final sermon at Cornerstone. That same Sunday, we will have a reception for the Griffiths between services in the church yard (weather permitting). Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend.
As you’d imagine, yours truly has been working with our Personnel Committee on a plan for filling the holes on staff that will be left when Ben departs. We’ve been deeply encouraged by all the ways the Lord has guided that work, providing answers close to home for so many of our needs.
One of the answers was found in our brother and friend, Rev. Tony Giles. Tony has been serving on a part time basis (20 hours a week) for the last couple of years. During this time of need, and for however long it’s needed, Tony has agreed to scale up to three-quarters time (30 hours a week) at the church. In his revised role, Tony will assist in worship more, teach more, preach more, and (most significantly) will be pastoral oversight to all our Discipleship Ministries. Words fail to express how grateful I am for Tony’s eagerness to serve us in this increased way. Truly, he is gift from God to us. I am utterly delighted to partner with him in ministry.
There are other “answers” in process staff wise. As those come together, I will be sure to communicate to you. In the meantime, will you pray for the church? It’s a wonderful, hectic time in the life of our body. God is at work in beautiful ways! (Oh, the stories I could tell) But at the same time, we’re spread thin. We appreciate the tremendous patience and grace you’ve extended to us as we strive––often stumbling and bumbling––to care for you, God’s precious people, during this time of exponential growth. Your kindness is not lost on us. Please know we love you, and that your prayer support is needed and cherished right now in a special way.
In next week’s Pastoral Note, I’m going to update you on our search for a Minister of Youth and Families. In addition, I will share some developments that are coming together for modifying the chapel. Stay tuned!
Your servant,
