Worship

Community

Serve

Events

5 From the Pastor

6 7 8 9

Cornerstone Christian School Small Groups Prayer List Church Life

10 11 12 13

Military Avenue Christmas From the Field Christmas Invitation Boxes Service Opportunities

Christmas Christmas Concerts Christmas Events Numbers at a Glance End of Year Giving

14 15 16 18 18

Contents DECEMBER 2018 EDITION

As your schedule becomes busier and busier, will you make time for the still, small voice of your heavenly Father?”

FROM THE PASTOR | PAGE 5

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The Christmas season is officially here! A time of joy, family, busyness, snow, shopping, travel, and

eggnog. Amid all the activity of Christmas, I wonder if we’ll remember to make room for the one from

whom, for whom, and to whom the season is centered? When Mary and Joseph came to Bethlehem,

there was no room for them…how about at your house and in your heart? As families gather around

tables to share time and meals together, will you make room for the Holy Spirit to work and be

honored? As children get excited over lights and presents, will they hear about the gift of Jesus as the

true light that has come into the world and gives light to everyone? As your schedule becomes busier

and busier, will you make time for the still, small voice of your heavenly Father to whisper His love and

care for you? These things can so quickly and easily get lost in the shuffle. May we be a people who

keep the main thing the main thing, and may God bless you and your families in this joyous time of

year!

- Pastor Chris Winans

From the Pastor

About Pastor Chris Winans

Pastor Chris Winans joined the staff in 2013 after completing a Masters of Divinity degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. Pastor Chris stepped into the position of Lead Pastor in 2018. He has a passion for engaging and equipping people to have a growing journey in Christ while seeking out the answers to difficult questions that hinder faith in a hostile world. Chris also holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Masters in Music Performance from the University of Northern Colorado, and worked for 5 years as a jazz director and educator before being called to pastoral ministry. He resides in Brighton with his wife Carey and 3 children.

PASTOR CHRIS WINANS

CCS | PAGE 6

Middle School Teaching Position

Cornerstone Christian school is seeking a long term middle school substitute teacher beginning in February! Applicants need a degree in education and need to be a strong believer in Christ. Teacher applications are available on our school website. You may also contact the school office at 810-494-4040.

Now offering violin lessons! We also offer ukulele, guitar, percussion, flute, clarinet, trumpet, piano, voice, tuba, trombone and oboe!

Don’t miss the opportunity to study with professional musicians who love the Lord and love to share the gift of music!

For more information, visit our website, cornerstonechristianschoolbrighton.com/csfa or email Rachel Olson at rolson@cstoneepc.com.

Substitute Teaching Position

Cornerstone Christian School is seeking additional substitute teachers. Applicants may apply online or contact the school office at 810-494-4040.

Cornerstone Christian School

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD!”

— 1 Thessalonians 5:11

SMALL GROUPS | PAGE 7

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This December we are planning our groups that will begin meeting in February. Signups will begin in January. Small Groups will meet weekly from February 3 – April 27.

If you would like to host a Small Group, we will be offering Small Group Training on January 2nd or January 5th. You can host a Small Group in your home, in a classroom at church (if space is available), or you can be a host for a Wednesday Night Discipleship Table. If you are interested in hosting please contact Matt Grimm at 810-494-4062 or mgrimm@cstoneepc.com.

We will be forming groups this semester in the following ways:

1. Home/Church Host – you choose your own topic/book of the Bible with curriculum approved by the church (Right Now media, study guide, book, etc.)

2. Affinity Group Host – you choose a common interest or activity, members of the group would participate in and share fellowship around. Bible Study/devotion and prayer would be part of the group as well.

3. Table Host – you host a table and facilitate a discussion for a study led by a pastor/teacher from Cornerstone on a Wednesday Night.

Small Groups

PRAYER LIST | PAGE 8

Not available for online version.

Prayer List

CHURCH LIFE | PAGE 9

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Thank you FROM DEB MCGURK & FAMILY: Dear Cornerstone Family– Your outpouring of love and compassion surrounding the passing of my dear sister, Denise Baughman, was remarkable! The cards, hugs, and prayers were too many to count! My family and I continue to feel high and lifted up by your faithfulness as we navigate the grieving process.

Anniversaries We believe marriage is a commitment made before God and proudly celebrate our Church families’ anniversaries! CONGRATULATIONS TO: Donald & Allison Restauri, celebrating 25 years! Larry & Sue Windle, celebrating 55 years!

New Babies CONGRATULATIONS TO: Jesse & Kaitlin Christner, on the arrival of Samuel James Christner, born October 7, 2018.

Samuel & Carissa Darish on the arrival of Selah Darish, born October 23, 2018.

Steve & Ashley Blaser on the arrival of Theodore Frank Blaser, born November 2, 2018.

Josh & Rachel Buchanan on the arrival of Lincoln David Buchanan, born November 9, 2018.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

— 1 Peter 4:8

Military Avenue Church founded in 1902 in southwest Detroit stands as a witness for Jesus Christ in an economically depressed community. Military Ave. is surrounded by all the problems accompanying poverty – broken lives, bad systems, poor choices, all of which combine to create a tremendous challenge for the Church.

The mission of Military Avenue Church is to glorify God through evangelism, discipleship, and compassion ministries, while meeting the challenges of the urban community, and encouraging the suburban Church to partner in the effort.

Saturday, December 15, we have the opportunity to partner with Military Avenue Church through helping with their monthly food distribution and hosting a Christmas Party for the neighborhood children.

An opportunity for ALL to participate:

Pray that God will be glorified as we seek to meet physical and spiritual needs. Pray we will be a blessing to Military Ave. staff and volunteers.

Fill a box with food. Boxes and shopping lists are available in the Celebration Center. Please return your filled box on December 9.

Purchase a gift for a child. Choose a tag from the Christmas tree, purchase, wrap and return your gift on December 9.

Volunteer to serve at the party on December 15. Meet at CEPC @ 7am to carpool to Detroit.

Sign up to volunteer online at cornerstoneforlife.com/Christmas. Contact Amy Rose with questions at arose@cstoneepc.com

Military Avenue Christmas DECEMBER 15 | 8:00AM-12:00PM | 1002 MILITARY AVENUE, DETROIT MI 48209

MILITARY AVE. | PAGE 10

“Be devoted to one another in love.” - Romans 12:10

From the Field THE KOTLARCZYK FAMILY | SERVING IN JAPAN

Steve’s main outreach is Camp Director at Okutama Bible Chalet. He keeps track of his staff, brings vision to the overall ministry, plus is the Facilities and Grounds Manager, making sure the buildings are maintained and the grounds are kept in tip-top condition. Belva Rae is using her gifts of food service in several ways - teaching a monthly cooking class and assisting in meal service at Camp. Brianna studies, does childcare for her nieces and nephews, and helps Mom and Dad in their outreaches. Okutama Bible Chalet (OBC) was founded in 1960 by a missionary and a local businessman. It has developed through the years into a year-round facility and has two full-time missionary units and two full-time Japanese staff. This is a special place in the valley of Okutama where God is changing the lives of young people and adults for His honor and glory. OBC hosts its own programs - International camps, Japanese camps, English camps, adventure camps, concerts, and soccer camps, with a vision of more to come. We also provide the facilities and meals for churches to come and have their own church camps. Most importantly, we try to bring vision and opportunities for the campers to hear the Gospel and make life-changing decisions.

Belva Rae teaches English Conversation one-on-one; her students range in age from 30-83. Some are housewives, music teachers, school teachers, Karate teachers, retirees, and office workers. Why do we do this? We feel as a foreigner it is good to contribute to our local community, but more importantly, this gives us great opportunities to interact with locals and be able to share our faith with them. Some of them attend the Adult English Camp, or the Christmas Concert; while others ask questions where they would not normally have a Christian in their life to ask. An English Bible Class was born out of Steve’s class. It is the neatest opportunity. He uses Egermeier’s Bible Story Book as the lesson. They read God’s Word, take part in a lesson, and have great discussions. We pray that this challenge will bring fruit for God’s Kingdom. All praise and glory go to the Lord God Almighty for He alone orchestrates our ministry opportunities. It constantly humbles us at the commitment that we have with our partners through prayer and giving who have obediently answered God’s call to send us out to fulfill the call that God has put into our hearts. We give thanks to God and each of you! Steve will be at Cornerstone on December 2. Please join him at 10:00 in the Celebration Center Classroom during Hunt thru the Bible to hear more about their work in Japan.

FROM THE FIELD | PAGE 11

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CHRISTMAS BOXES | PAGE 12

Christmas Invitation Boxes

The Christmas season is the perfect time to invite family, friends, and neighbors to come meet Jesus.

This Christmas we will be providing gift boxes, with an invitation tag to our Christmas services, for you to fill with sweet treats and give to someone in your life who needs Jesus this season. There are so many people in our community who need a savior and feel lost and hurting this Christmas. We ask that as a church, we extend the love of Christ by not only giving a kind gift, but that we open the door for people to accept the gift of Christ. Will you join us?

Boxes will be available for pick-up in the Celebration Center.

Let’s shine the light of Christ this Christmas. Let’s do it together.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES | PAGE 13

Guatemala Jean Collection

We are collecting children and teen sized jeans for our Guatemala Mission Trip team to take with them to the Casa Bernabé Orphanage. Jeans are due at the church by December 23.

Gift Tags

Provide Christmas gifts for children in need this year! Gift tags for Salvation Army and Military Avenue are available in the Celebration Center. Gifts are due at the church by December 9.

Decorating Day

Help us bring a warm atmosphere of Christmas to Cornerstone as we decorate our building inside and out. Many hands are needed, especially men to help hang outdoor lighting. We hope you’ll join us on November 29 from 2:00-7:00pm. Come when you can and leave when you must.

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“Come encounter Jesus this Christmas”

CHRISTMAS | PAGE 14

Christmas Eve Services

DECEMBER 24, 6:00 & 8:00 PM Come encounter Jesus as we celebrate the birth of Christ during our two identical Christmas Eve services. Our services will be filled with worshipful Christmas songs, a message from Pastor Chris Winans, and a time to reflect on the true meaning of the Christmas season. Both services are open to the entire family. For your convenience, kids programming will be provided for infants—3 year olds.  

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS | PAGE 15

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Christmas Concerts DECEMBER 8 & 9, 6:00-7:30 PM

As we look to encounter Christ this Christmas season, we rejoice that Love Came for Me! We invite you to join us for our annual Christmas concerts as we fill our Sanctuary with heartfelt new music to remind us of the meaning of Christ-mas. Following the concert, dessert will be served in the Celebration Center. Kids’ programming will be provided for in-fants—3 year olds. We’re a very blessed congregation with an abundance of gifts, including great cooks, and very talented musicians & choir. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the love of God and His blessings with our neighbors and friends.

“Love Came for Me”

CHRISTMAS EVENTS | PAGE 16

GriefShare - Surviving the Holidays DECEMBER 10, 7:00-9:00 PM IN THE CHAPEL

In past years, the Christmas holiday season may have been a time of great anticipation and excitement, but this year, the prospect of facing the holidays without your loved one may cause anxiety and dread. You are not alone. Here you can connect with others for support and encouragement to survive the holidays. For more information visit cornerstoneforlife.com/events.

See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

— Matthew 18:10

Family Movie Night NOVEMBER 30, 7:00-8:30 PM

Join us as we connect with each other and get in the Christmas spirit as we view the animated movie "The Star" in the Chapel. Bring your own beverages and a snack to share. All are welcome. Invite a friend to join in on the fun! Hope to see you there!

Student Christmas Party DECEMBER 19, 5:30-8:30 PM

Students 5th-12th grade, you won’t want to miss our annual Christmas party. Invite a friend and bring on the Christmas cheer! We will gather in Hess Hall, hope to see you there!

Parents of Hope—Day of Remembrance DECEMBER 9, 7:00-8:30 PM IN THE CHAPEL

Parents who have lost a child, join us as we gather in the Chapel for International Day of Remembrance. At 7:00 p.m. in every time zone around the world, families gather for a candle lighting in remembrance. Please register by emailing ellyjcairns@comcast.net.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS | PAGE 17

Women’s Advent Brunch DECEMBER 1, 9:00 AM-1:30 PM

Ladies, join us December 1 for our annual Advent Brunch. Doors open at 9 am for a delicious, fair trade coffee bar and early bird shopping with some of our favorite ministry vendors that support care and resources for people at risk. Brunch will be served at 9:45. Our program, "Love Opens the Door," is a powerful message that helps us explore the implications of the humble beginnings and revolutionary ministry of Jesus Christ on the practice of hospitality. Guest speakers Carey Winans and Mariah McDonald will share on the essentials of hospitality and the role hospitality plays in preventing human trafficking, with plenty of time left for Christmas shopping! Cost is $7 per person, which covers brunch and fair trade coffee. Register at cornerstoneforlife.com/events or at our Registration Center.

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August September

Average Weekly Attendance: 1,067 1,140

Average Weekly Offerings: $59,973 $61,852

Year to Date Giving Actual: $539,755 $895,931

Year to Date Giving Target $666,342 $962,500

Weekly Giving Target: $74,038*

Year to Date Spending Actual: $554,442 $850,538

Weekly Spending Needs: $71,154*

October

1,141

$63,555

$1,143,994

$1,283,333

$1,037,544

Numbers at a Glance

*Consistent with budget approved in June 2018.

Year End Giving Considerations It has been an exciting year at Cornerstone EPC. Earlier this year, we welcomed Pastor Chris Winans as our new Lead Pastor. Since that time, we have been challenged to better connect with God, One Another, and the World, all through the LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST. As we approach and look forward to the coming New Year, let’s remember the financial needs of CORNERSTONE and the resources necessary for the (i) day-to-day operations, (ii) ministries of CEPC, and (iii) ongoing ministries of the many Missionaries we support. Financial gifts made to CORNERSTONE may be tax deductible depending on your situation. There were significant changes made in the tax laws for 2018 and later, and some of them may have an impact on our respective personal charitable giving. Further discussion and illustrations fir those 70.5 years and older are on the next page.

Please note the following key dates as you consider year-end giving: To be credited in 2018, all gifts must be received by CORNERSTONE no later than the end of the

business day on December 31, 2018, or be postmarked December 31 or an earlier date; For gifts of stocks, please contact Pam Hill in the Business Office; phill@cstoneepc.com or

(810) 494-4012; If you have additional questions about year-end gifts, please contact Pam Hill.

CORNERSTONE encourages you to consult with your Tax Advisor or Financial Planner regarding all tax matters and particularly to ask about a QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION (“QCD”). It is important to properly anticipate these gifts so that you can enjoy the tax savings which may be available.

END OF YEAR GIVING | PAGE 18

END OF YEAR GIVING | PAGE 19

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Qualified Charitable Distribution (“QCD”) For individuals over 70½, there is a requirement to start making distributions from Retirement Accounts including any IRA Accounts.

As Year-End gifts are considered, as well as planning for 2019 and beyond, one important aspect of charitable contributions is a Tax Planning Strategy called a QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION (“QCD”). Points to remember are as follows:

1. Careful planning can (i) save income taxes and (ii) provide an opportunity to bless CORNERSTONE or another qualified charity.

2. Examples of using a QCD, as are follows:

Married

Without Tax Planning With Tax Planning Without Tax Planning With Tax Planning

Interest, Div. SS Etc. $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000

IRA (RMD) 40,000 40,000 40,000 40,000

Adjusted Gross Income $80,000 $80,000 $80,000 $80,000

Less: QCD $0 $(8,000) $0 $(8,000)

Revised Income $80,000 $72,000 $80,000 $72,000

Itemized Deductions:

Other than Charity 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000

Charity 8,000 0 8,000 0

Standard Deduction 26,600 26,600 13,600 13,600

Larger Itemized or Stnd 26,600 26,600 18,000 13,600

Taxable Income 53,400 45,400 62,000 58,400

Federal Income Tax $6,027 $5,067 $9,579 $8,787

Potential Tax Savings $960 $792

Single

Assumptions: 1. Taxpayer is over 70½, 2. Interest, Dividends, Taxable Social Security and Other income = $40,000; 3. Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) = $40,000; 4. Charitable Contributions = $8,000; 5. Other Itemized Deductions = $10,000 6. Standard Deduction is increased for age

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

CONNECTING TO GOD, ONE ANOTHER & THE WORLD

Through the Love of Jesus Christ

Cornerstoneforlife.com | 810.227.9411 | 9455 Hilton Road, Brighton MI

@CornerstoneEPC