June 24, 2010

As many of you may have noticed, Cornerstone Covenant Church is experiencing a season of change; several families and familiar faces are no longer with us, and, at the same time, there are new people coming each Sunday. As the church Chair, speaking for the  Executive Council and Pastoral staff, I would like to assure you that we are aware of these changes and continue to monitor and pray about each and every member and attendee of Cornerstone. The Executive Council and staff have been in contact with the Evangelical Covenant Church and Live at Peace Ministries in order to understand these changes and why they happen. One of the greatest challenges for us is to react and vision in a Godly and biblical manner and it is very easy to look at our church (or others) from the human or worldly perspective. As Christians, we seek shelter in our church family and our church from worldly perception and feelings. Colossians 3:12-14 reminds us to forgive each other as Christ forgives us. I encourage each of you to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, individually and as a church family. We are given the perfect manual of restoration and peace in Matthew 18:15-17:

¹⁵ “If another believer^[d] sins against you,^[e] go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. ¹⁶ But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. ¹⁷ If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.

This year has been a season of change and adjustment for the Council Committee and Executive Council. At this time, we are praying that the Lord leads us to fill the open positions on the Council, which are the Vice Chair position, the Mission Director position and the Facilities Director position. We have formed a committee for the Facilities and seeking interested persons.

The finances for Cornerstone have been and continue to be a challenge that many area churches are experiencing. The Executive Council continues to meet at least monthly to examine our financial situations and look for cost cutting measures. Even with the loss of jobs, increasing costs and lower tithing, Cornerstone continues to meet day-to day obligations; however this is becoming increasingly difficult. At this time, the treasurer and council are working with Covenant Properties to ensure we do not fall behind on our mortgage. Currently, we are paying interest only on our note, using accrual of monies saved so that the treasurer can make a full payment in December.  This is nothing new to Covenant Properties and this financial tool exists for such circumstances. The reality of our financial conditions shows us that we must continue to approach our spending and giving with intent and prayer. God is good and He provides. One way the Lord has provided for us financially is the Stanislaus County Head Start Program. The rental income from this has enabled us to meet many of our financial obligations. While we are thankful for the Lord’s monetary provision, we are blessed to have the opportunity to minister to many families, who may not have a church home.

In closing, I would like to thank all those that serve (or have served) at Cornerstone Covenant Church. On a personal note, I would ask that anyone with cares or concerns feel free to contact me at any time. Please pray that we strive to be the ”beacon of Christ’s light” in north Turlock and an example to the community surrounding us.

In service to our Lord, Jesus Christ,

Todd Anderson

Chair, Cornerstone Covenant Church