JANUARY 2016 VOLUME 13 ISSUE

Sunday Services

Traditional Service

9:30 a.m.

Sunday School

10:30 a.m.

Contemporary Service

11:00 a.m.

This is the time of year that news magazines make predictions about the

coming year. Some make predictions years ahead in the future. In 1967

experts predicted that by the year 2000 technology would have taken over to

the point that we would only be working 22 hours per week. Our problem

according to this prediction is what we would do with all our leisure time.

I wonder what kind of predictions would you make for your life in 2016? How would you like to live differently? What new things would you attempt?

On January 3

rd we are going to be looking at a book in the bible called Jude. The style of the letter is

passionate and combative. Jude looks at faith and behavior, and then concludes with a blessing which is

considered one of the most powerful in the bible.

Jude teaches us in this book how to “Restart our Life” with powerful and empowering words. I hope you

will join us on January 3rd

and start your year with the Cornerstone family in worship.

Baptism Sunday January 31st

Baptism is an important step in the life of every Christ-follower. Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist at the very beginning of his ministry, and he has com-manded that all of his followers should also be baptized:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been giv-en to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”– Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

We receive our identity from others, from the expectations of friends and colleagues, from the labels society puts upon us, and from the influence of family. To become Christian is to receive a new identity. You no longer allow others to tell you who you are. Christ now claims you and instructs you. A Christian is one who has “put on Christ.”

Baptism celebrates becoming that new person. That is why the church’s ritual begins with putting off the old, renouncing sin and the evil powers of the world, and pledging our loyalty to Christ.

Baptism is a sacrament. In a sacrament, God uses common elements - in this case, water - as means or vehicles of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is the act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

If you believe that now is the right time to get baptized, please contact any of our Pastors. We believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every Christ follower. If you have made the decision to follow Christ, but have not yet been baptized, we invite you to participate on January 31st.

T H E C O U R I E R

January Worship Highlights

There are many great questions about life. During January we will be answering some of the questions you asked. Join us as we tackle some of the tough issues of the faith. Jan 3 Restarting Your Life Jude 1:20-25 Tim Jan 10 You’ve Got Questions: Tim Why am I here? Jan 17 You’ve Got Questions: John 10:1-6 Tim How can I Hear from God? Jan 24 How Can I Grow My Faith? Wayne Jan 31 You’ve Got Questions James 1:21-27 Tim What about The Bible?

War Room (The Movie) January 31st at 5:30 P.M At Cornerstone

War Room opened nationwide in theaters August 28, 2015 in over 1900 theaters and was the #1 movie in America. Join us to watch this compelling drama with humor and heart that explores the power that prayer can have on marriages, parenting, careers, friendships, and every other area of our lives. Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house. But appearances can be deceiving. Tony and Elizabeth Jordan’s world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family.

Islam and the Bible

People of the Book: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

No one issue in religious history has so influenced the current era as the relationship of these three religions

who are called by Mohammed “the people of the book”. Our headlines and newscasts are daily filled with

problems associated with the interplay of these three faiths. This session is designed to present the classic

tenets of Islam and explain from Dr. Young’s perspective why there is such a huge

problem in our relationship with the Muslim faith. The goal is to encourage

understanding, but the problems are beyond the scope of this, or perhaps, any

study.

Join us at 6:00pm on Monday, January 25th, as we seek to increase our

understanding of this religion which is second in membership to Christianity.

Beth Rice Joins the Cornerstone Staff January 1st

We are super excited to have Beth officially join us in January. Beth has been very involved in multiple ministries for years at Cornerstone and once served as Children's Ministry

Director. Beth will be working on several key areas her first few months.

1) Discipleship helping develop a door-to-the-core process 2) Women's Ministry 3) Global

Missions

Beth will be in a part time role made possible from a grant from the Shawnee Valley District. Give Beth a high five

when you see her. She is an incredible leader and servant and we are blessed to have her.

The Courier is a

monthly publication of

Cornerstone United

Methodist Church. We

welcome any

suggestions and

submissions for our

newsletter. The

deadline for

submission is the

15th of each month.

The editor reserves the

right to edit all articles

for content and space.

Cornerstone United Methodist Church

808 Offnere Street

Portsmouth, OH 45662

740-353-2548

www.cumc-portsmouth.org

cornerstoneofportsmouth@yahoo.com

Non-Profit Organization

Permit No. 46

U.S. Postage Paid

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

January

1st New Year’s Day

Office Closed

5th St Anne’s/St Andrew’s Visitation Meeting

8th Foodbank

10th Annual Soup Cook-off

16th-18th Girl’s Chrysalis Flight

18th Office Closed in observance of MLK Day

26th Chrysalis Board Meeting

HOOT

31st War Room Movie Night

February

2nd St Anne’s/St Andrew’s Visitation Meeting

12th Foodbank

13th-15th Boy’s Chrysalis Flight

21st Youth Pancake Breakfast

23rd Chrysalis Board Meeting

HOOT

28th Scout Pancake Breakfast

Upcoming Events

address label here

T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 3 V O L U M E 1 3 , I S S U E 1 – I N S E R T

The officers and leaders for 2016 are President-Carol Mascari, Vice-President-

Mary Beth Fike, Secretary-Fay Stewart, Treasurer-Becky Climer, Assistant

Treasurer-Connie Massie, Spiritual Growth Coordinator-Becky Parks, Social

Action Coordinator-Shelby Powell, Education and Interpretation Coordinator-

Ann Frazier, Membership, Nurture, and Outreach Coordinator-Helen Wolery,

Program Resources/Reading Program-Stephanie Wright, Church Women

United Representative-Sherrill Day, Caring Committee-Stephanie Wright and

Carol Mascari, Red Cross Representative- Ruth Gilmore, Festival of Sharing

Representatives-Sherrill Day and Karolyn Ketter, Nominating Committee-Barb Wagner, Chair,

Eva Wolery, and Marge Otworth.

The officers were installed November 30 by Shawnee Valley District UMW Team member,

Carolyn Bethel. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Lynnsey Williams and

Robbie Shugert, accompanied by Becky Climer. Their performance was absolutely beautiful!

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Woman of the Year” Special

Mission Recognition Award by Stephanie Wright, last year’s recipient.

Becky Climer was honored as the “Woman of the Year” Special Mission

Recognition for 2015. Becky has served as the UMW treasurer for the past

three years and will continue in that office for 2016. She is the Director of

Music for Cornerstone UMC, Chancel Choir director, Hand Bell Choir

director, organist, plays keyboard for the Praise Team, and one of the

directors of the Knost Music Workshop. Congratulations Becky! Well

deserved!!

We would like to report our profit on the Snowflake Bazaar as $3,076.28. Our final figure was

not available at the printing of the previous newsletter.

The UMW executive board will meet Tuesday, January 5 at 10:00 am in room 103.

Rebekah Circle led by Marge Rodeheffer and assisted by Freda Billiter will meet Tuesday, January 19 at Hill

View at 1:00 pm. Maxine Hoffman Circle does not meet in January.

A new year brings new challenges and blessings. Let us continue to grow spiritually as a group and personally,

as we work together in local and global missions. May God Bless each one.

~Carol Mascari, President

Cornerstone United Methodist Women

Cornerstone Foodbank The January foodbank will be held on Friday the 8th. Strong help is needed to set up at 7:30 AM that day because of basketball in the gym the night before. Donations of these items would be greatly appreciat-ed: tomato sauce or canned tomatoes for chili, Jiffy cornbread mix, soup, saltines, tea, hot chocolate.

Men’s Group

The Cornerstone Men's Group meets every Saturday morning at

7:30AM. The Men's Group is working through the Gospel of John. The

Gospel of John was written to prove that Jesus Christ is the Son of

God. John gives us an up-close and personal look at Christ's identity as

an eyewitness. Join us for a cup of coffee, great discussion, and awesome fellowship. Contact Rick

Morgan 740-858-2927, Jay Darrell 717-327-6683 or Jeff Bradley 740-821-1289.

Congratulations Cornerstone! The Golden Sneakers are back where they belong! Cornerstone raised the most money as well as had the most walkers at this years Crop Walk!

Kid’s Schedule

January 2016

V O L U M E 1 3 , I S S U E 1 – I N S E R T T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 4

___________Preschool______________

____________Elementary___________

First Service 9:30-10:30 Second Service 11:00-12:00 First Service 9:30-10:30 Second Service 11:00-12:00

January 3

Teacher: Courtney Adkins

Assistant: Beth Rideout

Teacher: Hetty Phillips

Assistant: Bethany Flan-

nery

Teacher: Linda Berry

Assistant: Rachel Perry

Teacher: Robbie Shugert

Assistant: Becky Caplinger

January 10

Teacher: Sarah Betten

Assistant:

January 17

Teacher: Jenn Roth

Assistant:

January 24

Teacher: Sarah Betten

Assistant:

Teacher: Sarah Betten

Assistant: Olivia Williams

Teacher: Amanda Jacks

Assistant: Jen Richards

Teacher: Sarah Betten

Assistant: Katie Anderson

Teacher: Jenn Roth

Assistant: Lisa Kepler

Teacher: Jenn Roth

Assistant: Kerri Galloway

Teacher: Kendra Tener

Assistant: Tener kids

Teacher: Tiffany New-

some

Assistant: Cassie Morris

Teacher: Jenn Roth

Teacher: Jessica James

Assistant: Debbie McGinnis

Moms Connect—If you are looking for a point of

connection with other moms, join us on Fri, Jan 29 at

10:00 in Rm 122. Casual, childcare provided.

January 31

Teacher: Sarah Betten

Teacher: Sarah Betten

Teacher: Jenn Roth

Teacher: Jenn Roth

T H E C O U R I E R

What a year! 2015 was an amazing year at Cornerstone seeing God’s hand at work. The highlights are

too numerous to count. We have a brand new youth room!

Weekly worship attendance is the highest that it has ever been.

Our children’s ministry continues to grow with over 60

children per week.

Our United Methodist Women, Men’s ministry, and Sunday

School continue to make disciples in powerful ways.

We are helping over 160 families per month through

the food bank.

Fifty nine people were baptized in 2015.

Over 50 people participated in our Lenten Prayer Challenge Draw the Circle.

The fairbooth had another great year.

We had a wonderful Lenten Series called “God of the Broken” that resulted in a new mural in

the Welcome Center.

Worship Center improvements occurred with an organ tune-up and new projectors.

We celebrated 10 years in the building in September.

Our Youth took a mission trip to Washington D.C.

Ted DiBiase spoke to large crowds at Cornerstone and Portsmouth schools.

We packed over 500 boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

A new prayer shawl ministry was launched.

We had our huge vision casting weekend in February called MCCI with tons of positive things happening

from the weekend.

A new operations team is in place.

Rejoicing in Recovery is reaching hundreds of people with the good news of Christ.

We provided lunch for the teachers of Portsmouth City Schools to thank them for all

they do.

We once again had a very positive year financially enabling us to be more missional

than ever.

The music ministry continues to shine as it has through the years.

We had great fellowship thanks to the radical hospitality team. The church picnic, harvest dinner, hanging

of the greens, new consecration Sunday, advent lunches, and much more.

We acquired another property across the street.

Dr. Wayne Young, Sarah Betten, and Rhonda Amato joined the Cornerstone staff.

Our Kingdom Sports Ministries reach 250 children each year and continue to

grow. We had 12 students in confirmation.

Discover Cornerstone (Formerly Cornerstone 101)

January 3rd at 4:30 P.M.

Are you are Interested in membership at Cornerstone? Do you desire to learn more about small

groups, serving opportunities, or connecting with others? Then Discover Cornerstone is for you.

Discover Cornerstone is the “Front Door” at Cornerstone. At Discover Cornerstone you will meet new people, learn about

our passion, hear the incredible story of Cornerstone, and learn about what it means to be a Christian. Refreshments are

served and reservations are not required. This two hour class is offered bi-monthly and is a pre-requisite to becoming a

member.

V O L U M E 1 3 , I S S U E 1 – I N S E R T

T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 8

As you read this January Courier, our winter Chrysalis Flights are right around the corner.

The Girls’ Flight is Saturday, January 16 through Monday, January 18 and the Boys’ Flight is Saturday,

February 13 through Monday, February 15.

Preparation for the two flights began shortly after our summer flights concluded back in July. During the

months following the summer flights, two leadership teams were built, one for the Girls’ Flight and one

for the Boys’ Flight. Both leadership teams include adults and high school/ college students. Folks

serving on the leadership teams arrive on Friday night before the flight and live here at Cornerstone until

the following Monday evening when the flight concludes.

Once the leadership teams were determined, each team met several times independently in preparation

for the actual flights. An extraordinary amount of preparation goes into each Chrysalis Flight. This prep-

aration insures that everyone on the leadership team is well-trained and fully prepared for the weekend.

In addition to those serving on the live-in leadership team, hundreds of folks serve behind the scenes

praying, working in the kitchen, cleaning, managing logistics and attending special events that are part

of the weekend. The Body of Christ supports Chrysalis participants in so many amazing ways. What a

blessing!

If you have heard about Chrysalis and want to know more, you are invited to contact Joanne Charles.

Joanne presently serves as Community Lay Director for the Southern Ohio Chrysalis community. Or,

***Southern Ohio Chrysalis***

December Leadership Team Highlights

The leadership team met on December 14th to discuss all that God has been doing in our midst. It has been an amazing year at Cornerstone! We also began to dream and plan for another great year in 2016. Highlights of the meeting;

Dr. Young Shared a devotional and spiritual gifts inventory.

Brad Aycock will be our door-to-the-core coach from our consultation weekend. This is very exciting.

Doug Shugert is stepping out of his Monday office and technology role. He will still be involved in youth and sporting ministries. Renee will now be in the office on Mondays.

Our fall stewardship campaign was the best we have ever had. In 2014 there were 118 pledges and $369,520 In 2015 there were 164 pledges and $504,436

The leadership team gives a huge shout out to Cornerstone for this!!! Thank you! The budget was approved for $521,686. A long range facilities team will begin to meet in January per an MCCI prescription.

Class roll off years were established for the leadership team. The most important thing the team does every month is to pray. We spent some time praying in

the Worship Center for our Christmas Eve services and the many folks who will attend Cornerstone on that special night.

V O L U M E 1 3 , I S S U E 1 I N S E R T T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 5

REAL LIFE Youth

As this calendar year winds down and a new year begins, our youth have just begun nurturing the

friendships they made at the start of the school year. Our regular meetings, as well as some

icebreaker events, (Back to School Bash and Pumpkinfest) have allowed these friendships to grow into

relationships. But getting to know someone, really know someone, doesn’t happen two hours at a time.

You need to spend hours together to really grow a relationship. So we schedule some events that let us

do just that.

Our example is found in Acts 2:42… All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’

teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper[i]), and to prayer.

Our New Year’s Eve Lock-in, Super Bowl Sunday Ski Trip and OSU Hockey game grow these

relationships like few other events can. Hours spent on a bus lead to great conversations and silly

experiences; both of which are very memorable. Spending time playing, laughing and sometimes crying

together are perfect ways to build bonds that become very hard to break. And last but not least, when

you throw God in the mix these relationship bonds grow even tighter.

So listening to the message, reading His word and prayer are all great ways to know God more,

but the fellowship of the believers is where your relationship grows from being a personal part of your

life to being a part of every aspect of your life. We want these young men and women to know that

Imagine No Malaria

Elementary Kids Church—

Lesson 1: “You Matter”

Lesson 2: “I Have A Plan For You”

Lesson 3: “Take Out The Trash”

Lesson 4: “Slow Down”

Preschoolers

Look what we’re learning in January...

Our Elementary Kids have raised $385

this year toward Imagine No Malaria.

That’s 38 families who are sleeping

safely under a mosquito net tonight.

Great Job Kids!

V O L U M E 1 3 , I S S U E 1 I N S E R T Page 6

More than two years ago a great thing happened at Cornerstone. Our

congregation was in desperate need of a Visitation Pastor. Seeking what God

would have us do, Cornerstone’s prayers were soon answered! Rev. Greg Carter

and his sweet wife Carol had been praying as to where God was calling them to

serve. Where could they best use their gifts? They both felt a call to visitation

ministry but were not yet sure as to how God was calling them to respond. Well,

as you might imagine, God already had a plan. Cornerstone’s visitation needs and the Carter’s call to vis-

itation ministry were soon matched, and the rest is history!

During the past two years our visitation needs have been met in the most extraordinary ways.

Pastor Greg and Carol regularly visit parishioners and others in retirement villages, nursing homes,

private residences and hospitals. In addition to these frequent personal visits, Greg and Carol show a

weekly DVD of our Sunday morning Traditional Worship Service to residents at the Hill View

Retirement Community, Hempstead Manor, Heritage Square, and Concord Health and Rehabilitation

Center.

These weekly gatherings are a special time of worship for the residents, many of whom cannot

leave the facility to attend church in another setting. The special touch Greg and Carol bring to these

gatherings is greatly appreciated.

In addition to personal visits, phone calls, cards and DVD presentations, Pastor Greg regularly

attends Cornerstone’s St. Anne’s Visitation Team meetings. This team of Cornerstone parishioners

volunteers their time visiting, making phone calls, and sending cards to parishioners in need of a

personal touch from a caring Christian. You see, Greg and Carol cannot do it all! What a joy it is that we

have a team of parishioners committed to reaching out in love as Jesus did.

You may have noticed that Greg and Carol periodically facilitate the “Grief Share” ministry here

at Cornerstone. This time together has assisted several parishioners dealing with the grief that

accompanies the death of a loved one. Grieving is a natural part of our life experience, but it can be a

very challenging time. Special opportunities such as “Grief Share” help us negotiate the rough waters.

Greg and Carol’s special touch in this regard is a blessing.

Congregational Care at Cornerstone

Informational Missions Meeting

Sunday, January 3rd at 12pm

Join us as we share some possibilities for mission trips in 2016. We

plan on going on one international trip and one local trip. Mission

trips are life changing and the experience of a lifetime. Please pray if

God is calling you to consider taking a step of faith in 2016 to go on

a mission trip and show up on the 3rd!

V O L U M E 1 3 , I S S U E 1 – I N S E R T

T H E C O U R I E R

PAGE 7

Sunday morning Church Will Not Be Cancelled

"Will there be church?" The answer is "Yes church is on!" There are a couple

reasons. One reason is that it has always been the policy to hold services no

matter how bad the weather. The second reason is in this picture. Trent

Williams has a large Jeep that will be picking up Pastors Tim and Tom in any

storm that comes our way. Thanks Trent!!! We know not everyone is able to

make it out of the house when the weather is bad. If you are able to make it

out of the house and the weather is bad be assured, "Church is On!"

Cornerstone’s (office) Inclement Weather Policy When Portsmouth City Schools are delayed or cancelled due to

inclement weather, then our office is either opening late or closed as well.

Soup Cook Off For Missions

January 10th at 5:30 P.M.

Join us for this all church event for a great cause. We’ll share food and fellowship

as we raise awareness for Imagine No Malaria which is our global missions focus.

This is our 3rd

annual cookoff and you are invited to bring any kind of soup.

Consider looking up a favorite recipe between now and

January and bringing a pot of it. Donations will be accepted

for this great cause. If you choose not to make a soup please come anyway. We

need folks to consume the soup and share fellowship as a church family. There will

be a first, second, and third prize for best soup. Will things get spirited again this

The Christmas Season at Cornerstone

It was another powerful season of Advent at Cornerstone. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

A few highlights.

Hanging of the Greens kicked things off with “Christmas Through The Eyes of a Child.” We had our highest attendance ever and the music was fantastic.

Pastor Tim shared a series of messages in Sunday services on Luke 2.

Our Cornerstone Kids had a party where we celebrated Jesus. The gym was packed with people as the kids decorated cookies, played games, and talked to Santa.

Many folks participated in blessing others through the Giving Tree, the food pantry, and the Alternative Christmas Market.

The West Choir was with us on December 13th and they were fantastic.

Christmas at Cornerstone was a wonderful night of music. We are truly blessed by our music ministry at Cornerstone.

The Symphonic Band joined us on Dec 20th which is a favorite Sunday of many.

Christmas Eve is the highlight of the month as we ushered in the birth of Christ with three services, wonderful music, and a message from Pastor Tim on the Incarnation.

Wayne Young had a challenging study

on "The Gift We Never Expected"