A Note From Chris - December 1, 2022

As we approach the end of 2022, I want to offer you a few prayer points as well as an opportunity to maximize a year-end gift for God. If you are considering a year-end gift, would you prayerfully consider giving to Cornerstone Cares? Cornerstone Cares is an effort for our church to designate giving for a specific cause or situation. This year, our goal is to raise $50,000 above our normal giving to fund our Local Outreach partners for 2023.  We are blessed to have so many partners that do great things for the kingdom all around our local area. Here’s a brief description of our 2022 local partners:

Christian Activity Center - is a lifeline for many kids living in East St. Louis, IL. Each weekday after school, CAC provides assistance with homework, music lessons, karate classes, and a variety of other activities. Volunteers help with these activities to show the children the love of Jesus. Currently, we are collecting Christmas gifts for specific families within the CAC to support them this Christmas season. A few gifts still need to be claimed- you can do that here.

The House, Ferguson, MO – is a 3 month old new church plant led by our former Ministry Associate Lenny Barber. Planted in the heart of Ferguson, The House desires to see God’s people break down the walls of the church, figuratively, by being the church to those who may never step foot into the building. They have a strong conviction to impact the kingdom through discipleship, training, and teaching believers to be leaders in their neighborhoods and community.

First Priority – MetroEast - is a weekly club that creates daily impact at many local schools, unites students in our local churches to share the Hope of Christ through their faith story, the gospel message, and acts of service.
First Priority unites parents, teachers, pastors, church members, and community leaders to encourage students to lead their campus to Christ.

Love The Lou - in North St. Louis is all about bringing change to the neighborhood by showing the love of Jesus. Much of their work centers around helping students grow into all that God has created them to be by providing opportunities for leadership and development as well as empowering the community through various outlets like community gardens. Representatives from Love The Lou were present with us recently at Cornerstone for a weekend service. (See the powerful message they shared here.)

R3 Development, East St. Louis - R3 equips the youth of East St. Louis to have better economic futures by employing youth, helping them gain job readiness skills, and use positive strategies for career advancement. R3 seeks to tackle unemployment issues in East St. Louis, and provide Christian principles and relationships to the young people of the community.

Safe Families - is a family preservation movement motivated by radical hospitality, disruptive generosity, and intentional compassion to keep children safe and families together facing hardships and crisis. We bring church and community together mobilizing an army of volunteers to advocate for vulnerable children and socially isolated families.

We love working with these great partners to advance the gospel throughout our community and answer the greatest needs that present themselves throughout our local area. Please prayerfully consider a year-end gift that will help us jump-start giving for these ministries for 2023 and set us up for even greater partnerships in the new year.

Yours and His,
Chris VandeLinde