October 13 - Cornerstone Christian School
Transcription
October 13 - Cornerstone Christian School
OCTOBER Vol.10/No.10 An incredible experience Southern Gospel’s largest event is the National Quartet Convention (NQC). God has certainly blessed the Difference Media artists with an abundance of award nominations and opportunities to be heard on radio and television outlets around the globe. Don’t Miss Feast of Tabernacles & A Night To Honor Israel October 25–27 Fun, Fellowship, Food Booths, FREE RIDES & Special Speakers Ski-Extreme 2014 Join our College & Career and Joshua’s Generation Ministries for an exciting time of skiing and great Christian fellowship. Sign Up Today! Hands-On Bible Program 1st–5th graders, check out our new Hands-On Bible program on Sunday Night. Join us next Sunday at 6:30pm in the Life Center! Fusion Back-to-School Burger Bash was loads of fun! Our special guest was Mrs. Diana Hagee. Many thanks to the more than 400 students & parents who attended! Cornerstone Christian Schools See pages 28-31 2 CORNE RSTONE MAGAZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 contents 04 O c t o b e r VO L . 1 0 / NO . 1 0 29 22 features Are You Living a Life of Purpose and Passion?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04 The Cornerstone Academy of Fine Arts Would Like to Present their Teachers of Private Lessons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 By Philip Fortenberry The Word of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06 cornerstone christian schools By Karen Parks Government of Twelve: Asher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 National Quartet Convention. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 calendars October. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 November. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 children’s ministries Early Childhood Education & Ministries Curriculum for Toddlers through Kindergarten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Wee Little Ones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Children’s Ministries Feast of Tabernacles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GenerationWon: Programs and Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GenerationWon: Hands-On Bible Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GenerationWon: God’s Outdoors with Chester Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 21 22 23 youth ministries Middle School FUSION Back-To-School Burger Bash: Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 High School Trash Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 By Pastor Michael Fernandez College & Career Rise Above Your Enemies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 By Luis “Nino” Gonzalez Contact Numbers Cornerstone Church.................................. 490-1600 Adult Ministries......................................... 477-1550 CCS Elementary......................................... 979-6161 CCS Secondary........................................... 979-9203 CCS Kinder Campus................................... 499-1500 Children’s Ministry.................................... 499-1706 Discover The Difference............................ 493-9560 Early Childhood Ministries........................ 499-1607 Evangelistic Center.................................... 733-5259 Government of Twelve............................. 499-1770 Lost & Found Bibles.................................. 499-1615 Spanish Ministry (Iglesia Cornerstone).... 499-1654 JHM/TV Ministry....................................... 494-3900 College & Career Ministry......................... 499-1742 Joshua’s Generation.................................. 499-1615 Mother’s Day Out..................................... 499-1737 Music.......................................................... 499-1620 Pastoral Ministries.................................... 493-9535 Personnel................................................... 499-1732 Prayer Line................................................. 491-5100 Security...................................................... 499-1735 Reconciliation/Encounters........................ 499-1624 Special Events/Banquet Services.............. 499-1669 High School Youth Ministry...................... 499-1705 Administration In The Spy Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 By Dr. Jerry Eshleman - Superintendent, Cornerstone Christian Schools Elementary CCS New Elementary Teachers. . . . . . . . 30 Sports CCS New Basketball & Volleyball Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Church Office & Pastoral Ministries Hours: M–Th 8:30am–5:30pm Weekly Schedule Sunday Services, 8:30 & 11:00am, 6:30pm Sunday School, 10:15am Sunday Spanish Service, 2:00pm Publishers: Pastor John and Diana Hagee Editors: Pastor Matthew Hagee, Tina Ketterling, Kathy Rudkin, Alan Hulme, Jodee Welch, Tish Tucker, Design: Kathy Rudkin, Alan Belcher, Irene Maag-Hernandez, Joshua Cervantes Logo Design: Asaf Cuellar Photography: Paul Wharton, Michelle Gorden, Jennifer Jennings Produced by: Rudkin Productions, Boerne, Texas www.rudkinproductions.com Circulation: Mailed free of charge to contributors and community. Additional copies $3.00 each. Correspondence: 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78258 www.sacornerstone.org All services offered in Spanish and sign language. JOHN HAGEE MINISTRIES All rights reserved. Pastor John and Diana Hagee Pastor Matthew and Kendal Hagee OC T OB E R 2013 | C OR N E R S T ONE M A GA Z INE 3 Are You Living a Life of Purpose and Passion? by Philip Fortenberry What is God’s will for your life? The short answer to this question (that is pondered by so many) is to serve Him with your best today, because tomorrow is not guaranteed. While that is a scripturally accurate answer, it falls short on how to get this done. It also fails to tell a person where in the church they should serve or to whom their service should be rendered. Many people fail to start out in ministry because they don’t know what to do or where to do it. Some start out trying to pursue somebody else’s vision, but soon find that they aren’t passionate for that vision. That can leave you feeling unfulfilled or like your service to the Lord is a chore. What is the problem? Many just don’t know what to do because they don’t understand who they are; they feel stuck. Are you stuck in a rut? Have you tried to pursue the Lord, but something is wrong? Have you searched for the more abundant life, but the abundance always seems just out of your grasp? Have you gone from dreaming to persevering just trying to make it to the end of the week…or the end of the day…or to the next paycheck? Does it seem like holding on is all you can do? Maybe you don’t even know what to be passionate about. The troubles of this life can derail us from our God-given purpose and passion. Jesus taught us that there would be trouble in this world, but that He had overcome the world. In Him we too can live as overcomers. Jesus came that we may have a more abundant life, so that we can live above the circumstances and not under them. Truthfully, many people who attend church are not living an abundant life, a life of passion and purpose. Many are doing their best to just hold on, some have given up and others have quit coming to church all together. What is the problem? You might think, “I know I’m saved and I have participated in everything at the church and yet hope seems fleeting at best. I have no passion and I don’t have a clue what my purpose in the Kingdom of God is.” When you do not know what to do, the first thing you should do is to ask God to show you what you cannot see, what the root source of your unhappiness is. Keep praying that until you have the answer; once you start praying start searching for the answer. Faith is action. 4 CORNE RSTONE MAGAZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 To live a life of passion and purpose, the first thing you must understand is who you are. How would you answer the question, “Who are you?” You might say: 1. I am a child of God Most High. 2. I am the son/daughter of _____________. 3. I am the father/mother of ____________. 4. I am an accountant or carpenter or whatever profession you practice. 5. I was a marine. But, none of these are who you are. These are roles that you fulfill. These roles help to give you an identity, but they are not who you are. God created you as a unique individual. Not only do you look different than other people, but you act differently, you think differently and your inspirations are different than others. You are a unique creation. God knit you together in the womb and gave you a distinct personality. You are a one of a kind. That is who God created you to be. That is who you are. When you were young you had dreams, hopes and passions, an eager anticipation of a fulfilling life to come. But, as life happens, problems come and dreams begin to dwindle. A life of hopeful expectation can quickly be turned into a life of just getting by. Without the passionate expectancy of life, the purpose of life can dissipate leaving you in a hopeless cycle of despair. To escape this downward cycle you first must realize God has a purpose for your life. You are not here just to take up space. God has uniquely gifted you and given you special talents to be used for His glory. 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” God has not only uniquely created you, but He has also given you a gift. Notice that your gift is to be used to minister to others, to administer the grace of God to fellow believers. What is your gift? What is your purpose? What unique personality did God create within you? What are you most passionate to see accomplished for His glory? The answers to all of these questions are wrapped up in you. You have everything you need to start out on an exciting life filled with purpose and passion. But where do you begin? First you need to examine who you are? What do you love? What are your unique values? God has created you with a unique set of values which make you, you. Your values are the things that you love and that bring you the greatest joy. Before you can pursue a vision of what you would love to see done you need to first come to a deep and intimate understanding of who you are and what you value. You will be happiest pursuing a vision that matches your values, thus giving you both passion and purpose within your vision. It will not seem like a chore, but will be a pure delight. The place where I see people really struggle the most is they do not know who they are or what they value. Since they are fuzzy on who they are, they cannot have a clear vision of what to pursue for God’s glory. They are saved but have somehow lost their way to their divine purpose. The good news is that it’s not too late. You are still here on this Earth and God is not finished with you yet. Your mission is not over. You can still live a life of passion and purpose. Start by writing down the things you value and then look for the best way to use the things you love to serve the Lord. Then you will have a life filled with purpose and passion. If you feel like something is blocking your purpose and passion, come to the next encounter hosted by the Ministry of Reconciliation Encounter. It will be held on October 17th-20th at Cornerstone Church. The encounter will be in English, and Spanish interpretation will also be available. Please call 210 499-1624 for more information. Space is limited, so call today. You can follow the encounter ministry on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/ MinistryofReconciliationEncounters OC T OB E R 2013 | C OR N E R S T ONE M A GA Z INE 5 The Word of God “If we knew what God knows, we’d want what God wants.” by Karen Parks I love the Word of God! I love how you read a passage one day and then read it a few weeks later and it comes alive in a new way with new meaning. That’s why Hebrews 4:12 is such an amazing description of the Word, “For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Wow! I was thinking about the Scripture Pastor Matt preached from a couple of weeks ago, Proverbs 29:18. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” As Pastor Matt preached, this Scripture can be taken as a nation or as a personal vision. In other words, NOTHING JUST HAPPENS! We need a vision for our lives - for our future. And not only a vision but a God vision. Several translations of that scripture say “prophetic revelation” in place of vision. So, what is God’s vision for your future? I can tell you right now if you have a vision for your future that isn’t in line with God’s vision for you - you are not going to be happy. You know how I know that? I recently heard this statement, “If we knew what God knows, we’d want what God wants.” That’s just the bottom line. We want, no we need to know what God knows. He knows the best possible outcome of the choices we must make. Daily choices. Pastor Matt read 6 CORNE RSTONE MAGAZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 Ephesians 5.10, “Find out what pleases The Lord.” The Message version says, “Figure out what pleases The Lord and do it.” It really is that simple. It means inquiring of The Lord as we read what King David did when he needed to make decisions. It means seeking God’s face - fasting and praying and waiting on Him to direct your steps. I have found when there is a strong desire within me for something GOD related it’s God. The devil isn’t out to give you God assignments and usually your flesh just wants to do what’s comfortable. I’m finding that God is taking us out of our comfort zones - giving us assignments we would not have ever thought of on our own. So what do we do? We get our vision in line with God. We trust Him to open doors, arrange divine appointments and divine connections. We make ourselves available to Him and position ourselves to listen and be willing to adapt to His plans, His ways. And when we’re thrown a curve ball - the unexpected happens - and it will. Just remember this, IT DIDN’T TAKE GOD BY SURPRISE! Get your focus on Him and He’ll show you what the next step will be. I love Psalm130:8, “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” So when your vision needs some perfecting, well, you know. A re you a college student? Maybe a senior citizen? Somewhere in between? The Tribe of Asher has a place for you, no matter the age or stage of your life. We cordially invite you into our home with open arms. Asher has great Bible Study groups all over the city of San Antonio and surrounding areas, and we know how to have a good time. We enjoy food, fellowship and great discussions centered around the Word of God with Believers from every walk of life. If you are weary in the middle of the week and need someone to lift you up, swing by. If you are sick in the hospital, we want to know about it. If you have children that are headed back to school, we want to pray over them. The Tribe of Asher wants to be a part of your extended family of Believers that stands in the gap for you as we face the storms of life together. Do you like to have good, clean fun and enjoy a delicious meal with other Believers? Then call Perly at 210-499-1770 and find out where a Bible Study is being held in your area. Don’t delay; call us today! We have a spot reserved just for you! Group Leaders Ashe, Julius & Stephanie Balagia, Jamie & Masae Cavazos, Bardo & Rebecca Dorsey, Andre’ & Melissa Doxstater, Gary & Pat Ferguson, Ernest & Ashley Fuentes, Rafael & Lilly Gross, Sue Guerra, Jesse & Nancy Hicks, Maurice & Eileen Moore, Criss & Lynn Ramirez, Norma Richey, Waine & Sabrina Trail, Norman & Tujwanda Buckley, Donald & Margaret Houston, Ben & Jacqueline Martinez, Deborah Roberts, Gene & Dina Clark, Vicki City San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio Helotes San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio Helotes Helotes San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio San Antonio Zip 78247 78230 78228 78250 78230 78217 78253 78233 78023 78251 78264 78230 78233 78023 78023 78258 78251 78209 78251 Tribe Leaders: Norman & Tujwanda Trail Meeting Day Thursday Wednesday Thursday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Tuesday Friday Tuesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Wednesday Wednesday TBD Thursday Wednesday Wednesday Notes Ladies Only Ladies Only Ladies Only Ladies Only OC T OB E R 2013 | C OR N E R S T ONE M A GA Z INE 7 Angel Tree Volunteers needed “Truly I say to you, if you did this to the least of them, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40 A ngel Tree is a program that provides Christmas gifts to children whose parents are in prison. For many years, Cornerstone Church has been one of the largest participants in the Angel Tree Program in the San Antonio area. This year, Cornerstone Church will be providing gifts for over 700 children. To accomplish this goal, we need your support! During the months of October and November, Cornerstone Prison Ministry will be distributing “Angels” to our members and congregants who wish to participate in ministering to these children and their families through giving. Angel Tree isn’t just about giving gifts, it is an evangelism tool as well. This Christmas, each family will receive a Bible, and the volunteers who deliver the gifts will have an opportunity to share the message of Christ’s love. Whether you provide the gifts or volunteer, you are a part of this evangelism effort. We Need Help With the Following Activities: • • • • Administrative Duties Data Entry Phone Calls Collecting, Sorting and Delivering Gifts Visit our website: sacornerstone.org/adult/angeltree or call: (210) 477-4711 and leave your name and a number where you can be contacted. Diana Hagee & the Women of Esther cordially invite you to our new semester of... Naomi &Ruth Discipleship School – 2013/2014 Session “Awaking the Lioness Within” Our NEW evening program for women ages 16 to 116. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm beginning October 1st for dinner, worship, teaching and small group interaction. Childcare provided. Each session includes dinner, journal notes, teaching and child care. 8 Register online at: www.sacornerstone.org or in the Narthex. CORNE RSTONE MAGAZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 EMPLOYMENT Opportunities For Members of Cornerstone Church John Hagee Ministries cornerstone church Producer Employee Daycare Teacher application Developers Personnel Services Specialist John Hagee Ministries | Full-Time Produces and writes spots for broadcast television schedule. Other responsibilities include writing, graphics creation and remote shoot. Expert knowledge of Apple workstation, Microsoft Office, broadcast television cameras, and Adobe Creative Suite is essential. Requires bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience. John Hagee Ministries | Full-time Research, design and implement systems according to user specifications. Implement .net code and other various techniques to create, edit, test and update projects. Requires extensive experience utilizing the following technologies: Visual Studio 2008/2010 IDE, Microsoft Expression Studio, Photoshop, Illustrator, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, J-Query, AJAX, Silverlight, Flash, Asp Classic, ASP.NET, ASP.NET MVC3, Web Controls, C# -.Net Framework 3.5+, and WPF. Broadcast Engineer/IT Technician John Hagee Ministries | Full-time Setup and assist with live productions in studio and on location. Adequate knowledge of video routing system, switcher systems, and audio equipment is required. Assist in the tracking and updating of firmware and software as it relates to production equipment. Responsible for maintaining the infrastructure of an IT file management system. Ability to trouble shoot equipment issues down to a board level is essential. Requires four-year degree or relevant work experience in the IT or Broadcasting industry. Information Systems Technician John Hagee Ministries | Full-time Provide first level support to end users on a variety of hardware and softwarerelated issues in an effort to maintain a properly functioning computer desktop environment. Job duties will include identifying, troubleshooting, researching and resolving technical support problems as submitted to the IT department. Technician will also be responsible for documenting, tracking and monitoring tech support requests to ensure a timely resolution utilizing our advanced help desk ticketing and tracking system. Minimum requirements include basic to intermediate experience and proficiency with Microsoft Operating Systems, Office Application Suites and other mainstream applications and technologies. Requirements also include basic to intermediate knowledge and experience with PC-based computer hardware as well as a fundamental understanding of networking technologies and protocols. Experience with Apple Operating Systems and applications is also a plus. Quality Assurance Software Testers John Hagee Ministries | Casual Status Develop and execute tests programmatically and procedurally to test all aspects of custom software. Analyze test output, identify quality issues and clearly document defects. Communicate with operators to fulfill programming software needs. Cornerstone Church | Full-time Status Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, spiritual and social development. Supervise children’s safety and attend to basic needs including but not limited to feeding, dressing and diapering. Effectively communicate with parents and Daycare Coordinator. Childcare experience is required. Cornerstone Church | Casual Status Coordinate new employee processing. Assist with coordination and processing of employee benefit enrollment. Develop, update and troubleshoot personnel forms as required. Assist with training, implementing and updating personnel software, policies and procedures. Accounts Payable Clerk Cornerstone Church | Full-time Perform accounting and clerical tasks related to the efficient maintenance and processing of accounts payable transactions. Requires 2 or more years’ experience in accounts payable or as a full-charge bookkeeper. Accounting Assistant Cornerstone Church | Full-time Formal education in the accounting field and 1- 3+ years accounting work experience required. Excel and 10-key by touch a plus. Painter Cornerstone Church | Full-time Perform journey level work in the painting, finishing and maintaining of a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces and structures. Operates, cleans and maintains all painting equipment. Cornerstone Christian Schools bus drivers Cornerstone Christian Schools | Full-time Operate various types of buses and vehicles to transport students, employees and guests between locations. Responsible for safety of passengers, maintaining orderliness among passengers and following precise schedules. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger and school bus endorsements required. Substitute Teachers Cornerstone Christian Schools Implement prepared lesson plans and facilitate structured classroom environment for grades K4 through 12th grade. A minimum of two years college course work required. Extended Care Attendants Cornerstone Christian Schools | Casual Status Supervise safety and care of children in after school care program. Assist with homework, arts and crafts, games and outdoor activities. Communicate effectively with students, parents and faculty. Qualified candidates may apply online at www.sacornerstone.org. Contact the Personnel Office at (210) 499-1732 or [email protected]. OC T OB E R 2013 | C OR N E R S T ONE M A GA Z INE 9 FEast of tabernacles/SUKKOT CELEBRAT I O N C e l e b r a t i n g G o d ’ s B l e s s i n g s a n d F a i t h f u l n e s s October 25-27, 2013 T he Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles has become an annual tradition at Cornerstone Church. As Christians, it is important that we understand our Jewish roots, the feasts and how they apply to the Believer. The Feast of Tabernacles or “Sukkot” is known as the feast of the booths or temporary dwellings, when the Jewish males were required to go to Jerusalem. Leviticus 23:33-43, Numbers 29:12-39 and Deuteronomy 16:13-16 all describe the details of this unique feast. “Sukkot” commences the fifteenth day of “Tishri,” five days after Yom Kippur or the day of Atonement. It lasts seven days, with an eighth day, Sh’mini Atzeret, spent as an added day of rest. This feast occurs during late September or October. Families build booths of palm branches, partly open to the sky, to recall God’s blessings toward Israel during the 40 years of wandering in the desert and living in tents. The festival also celebrates the harvest that previously took place at summer’s end, making this feast a time of thanksgiving. The Puritans modeled the American holiday of Thanksgiving after Sukkot. It is always important to remember that the Feast of Tabernacles’ major theme is joy and thanksgiving. So join us for this joyful event – the Feast of Tabernacles. We will be celebrating the joy, goodness and many blessings of God. It is a celebration to be enjoyed by both Christians and Jews alike. It will open your eyes to what the Feast means to all of us. Join us for a special time of celebration with Fun, Food & Fellowship with a Midway full of Games, Food Booths, FREE RIDES and Special Speakers as we Celebrate God’s goodness for the Feast of Tabernacles. Special services each evening as follows: Guest Speaker: Dr. Creflo Dollar Friday, October 25 at 7:30pm Guest Speaker: Dr. Creflo Dollar Friday, October 25 at 7:30pm Pastor John Hagee Sunday, October 27 at 8:30am & 11:00am Guest Speaker: Mike Huckabee “A Night to Honor Israel” Sunday, October 27 at 6:30pm Special music performance by The Isaacs during “A Night to Honor Israel” Cornerstone Church 18755 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio, Texas 78258 Plan on arriving early for a good seat! For more information call (210) 490-1600 10 CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 FREE ADMISSION “For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.” Romans 15:27 “A Night To Honor Israel” is a non-conversionary tribute to the Nation of Israel and the Jewish people of the world. Its purpose is to promote esteem and understanding between Christians and Jews and to emphasize that the things we hold in common are greater than the things we have allowed to separate us. Guest Speaker: Mike Huckabee Special Music Performance by Cornerstone Church 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio, Texas 78258 Plan on arriving early for a good seat! | For more information call (210) 490-1600 Rabbi Scheinberg Pastor John Hagee Glenn Beck O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 11 Join our College & Career and Joshua’s Generation Ministries for an exciting time of skiing and great Christian fellowship. CO , e t ut 4 1 0 2 , 1 1 5 . •C a p S & l e ot H n at i o v e l E ed re s t Jan only $655 Deposit: $100 by Sept. 6th 1st payment: $185 by Sept. 16th 2nd payment: $185 by Oct. 14th Balance payment: $185 by Nov. 11th includes: transportation, lodging, lift tickets, ski rentals For more information: 210-499-1705 or 210-373-0343 12 CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 B O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 13 National Quartet Convention S outhern Gospel’s largest event is the National Quartet Convention (NQC) which historically has been held each year at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky. This is the final year for this legendary event to be held in Louisville before moving to Pigeon Forge in 2014, and the performances were simply outstanding. Fans of all ages flocked from near and far to hear live performances of top recording artists from the Gospel music industry. Top names like the Gaither Vocal Band, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Guy Penrod and Jason Crabb took the stage to showcase their vocal talents and bring honor to the King. This Southern Gospel event is to Gospel music fans what the Super Bowl is to football fans. It is truly something you have to experience at least once in your lifetime; there is simply nothing like it on the planet. The music filling the rafters is the very best of the best, a true blessing to anyone in attendance. And after the performances, fans can walk to rows upon rows of booths to meet and greet their favorite recording artists. Very few diehard fans are without their cameras and autograph books at the ready. It truly is a time where fans can come from anywhere in the world and meet their favorite artist face-to-face to just hug their neck and have a friendly chat. This year our very own Canton Junction took the stage and brought the crowd to their feet. Singing songs like Dig a Little Deeper and Son Shines Down on Me, they were definitely a fan favorite. Canton Junction also participated in a sing-along with Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band, which is simply bringing together some of the top-ranked Gospel artists in the country. God has certainly blessed the Difference Media artists with an abundance of award nominations and opportunities to be heard on radio and television outlets around the globe. Recently, Aaron Crabb heard a song he wrote, “Glorify,” performed in Portuguese by a choir in Brazil. It is nothing short of awe-inspiring to watch 14 CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 as the Word of God is taken to the very ends of the earth. Our artists truly are making a difference in the lives of others by the almighty anointing of Jesus Christ! Here is a list of just a few of the Dove nominations the artists at Difference Media have received this year: 1. Song of the Year a. Hold On by Canton Junction b. I’m Learnin’ by Aaron and Amanda Crabb c. Take Him to the Place by Aaron and Amanda Crabb 2. Inspirational Song of the year a. Take Him to the Place by Aaron and Amanda Crabb 3. Southern Gospel Song of the Year a. Hold On by Canton Junction 4. Country Song of the Year a. I’m Learnin’ by Aaron and Amanda Crabb 5. Southern Gospel Album of the Year a. Canton Junction by Canton Junction 6. Country Album of the Year a. Mercy by Aaron and Amanda Crabb Aaron and Amanda Crabb have also been nominated for the top Vocal Duo award by the Inspirational Country Music Awards. And Canton Junction won the 2013 Southern Gospel Music Fan Award for New Excelling Artist. Our Difference Media artists are blessed to be a blessing, and God is using them in a very real and mighty way to share His love in song. This year we have released several new projects that will bless you and your friends. They are a perfect birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift. If you want to find a gift that will be the perfect size and will bless someone for years to come, consider purchasing one of these extraordinary CDs from Difference Media by logging onto jhm.org and placing an order or calling our order line at 800-854-9899. May your holiday be richly blessed with the sounds of praise to the King and worship that knows no limits! O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 15 October 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone Mujeres en Oración •Naomi and Ruth 6 •Sunday AM Services 8:30 & 11:00 AM •Sunday School all ages 10:00 AM •IG Cornerstone 2:00 PM •Sunday Night 6:30 PMThe Isaacs in Concert 7 8 •Morning Intercessory •Men’s Mentoring Mtg. •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone Mujeres en Oración •Joshua Generation Prayer Service 13 14 •Sunday AM Services 8:30 & 11:00 AM •Sunday School all ages 10:00 AM •IG Cornerstone 2:00 PM •Sunday Night 6:30 PM 20 •Sunday AM Services 8:30 & 11:00 AM •Sunday School all ages 10:00 AM •IG Cornerstone 2:00 PM •Sunday Night 6:30 PM Guest Speaker: Congressman Tom Delay 27 •Sunday AM Services 8:30 & 11:00 AM •Sunday School all ages 10:00 AM •IG Cornerstone 2:00 PM •Sunday Night 6:30 PM Night to Honor Israel Guest Speaker: Governor Mike Huckabee 16 •Morning Intercessory •Men’s Mentoring Mtg. 3 2 1 15 •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone Mujeres en Oración •College & Career Service •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone •Fusion Service THURSDAY • Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •Reload - High School New Members Class 10 11 12 •Morning •Morning Intercessory •Men’s Power Breakfast Ministry Intercessory •IG Young Adults •High School House Party - Evangelistic Center Fun Night Service •Fusion 16 17 18 •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone •Fusion Service •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •Reload - High School •Morning Intercessory •IG Young Adults 23 24 •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •Reload - High School 28 29 30 31 •Morning Intercessory •Men’s Mentoring Mtg. •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone Mujeres •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone •Fusion Service •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •Reload - High School Ministry Ministry 19 •Morning Intercessory •Super Single Seniors Game Day Ministry •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone •Fusion Service CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | octo ber 2 0 1 3 •Morning Intercessory •Discover the Difference •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •Reload - High School 22 en Oración & Career Big Night 5 9 •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone Mujeres •College •Morning Intercessory •IG Young Adults SATURDAY •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone Family 21 en Oración •College & Career Service •The Blessed Life 4 Ministry •Morning Intercessory •Guys Night Out - Cruis’n Classic and Custom Cars FRIDAY 25 •Morning Intercessory •Feast of Tabernacles Guest Speaker: Creflo Dollar 26 •Morning Intercessory •Feast of Tabernacles Guest Speaker: Paul Sheppard November 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 •Morning Intercessory •IG Young Adults 3 •Sunday AM Services 8:30 & 11:00 AM •Sunday School all ages 10:00 AM •IG Cornerstone 2:00 PM •Sunday Night 6:30 PM 10 •Sunday AM Services 8:30 & 11:00 AM •Sunday School all ages 10:00 AM •IG Cornerstone 2:00 PM •Sunday Night 6:30 PM Guest Speaker Senator Rick Santorum 17 •Sunday AM Services 8:30 & 11:00 AM •Sunday School all ages 10:00 AM •IG Cornerstone 2:00 PM •Sunday Night 6:30 PM 24 •Sunday AM Services 8:30 & 11:00 AM •Sunday School all ages 10:00 AM •IG Cornerstone 2:00 PM •Sunday Night 6:30 PM Thanksgiving Worship Concert •Meal of the Month 4 5 •Morning Intercessory •Men’s Mentoring Mtg. •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone 6 Mujeres en Oración •Naomi & Ruth •College & Career Service 11 •Morning Intercessory •Men’s Mentoring Mtg. 12 •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone Mujeres en Oración •Joshua Generation Prayer Service •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone •Fusion Service 8 9 •Morning Intercessory •IG Elegant Dinner for Intercessory •IG Young Adults Ministry 13 14 15 •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone Family •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •Reload - High School •Morning Intercessory •IG Young Adults Couples 16 •Morning Intercessory •Super Single Seniors Game Day Ministry Fun Night Service •Fusion 19 20 21 •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone •Fusion Service •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •Reload - High School •Morning Intercessory •IG Young Adults 28 29 25 26 27 •Morning Intercessory •Men’s Mentoring Mtg. •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone Mujeres •Morning Intercessory •Ladies Bible Study •Choir Rehearsal •Evening Prayer •IG Cornerstone •Fusion Service en Oración & Career Big Night •The Blessed Life Intercessory •Morning •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •IG Cornerstone Mujeres •College •Morning 7 18 en Oración 2 •Morning Intercessory •Mother’s Day Out •Reload - High School •Morning Intercessory •Men’s Mentoring Mtg. •Singles w/ Purpose •College & Career Service SATURDAY 22 23 •Morning Intercessory Ministry 30 •Morning Happy Thanksgiving CHURCH CLOSED Intercessory CHURCH CLOSED Midnight Prayer Vigil octo b er 2013 | C OR N E R S T ONE M A GA Z I NE 17 Early Childhood Education & Ministries Curriculum for Toddlers through Kindergarten God helps us Follow the adventures of the men and women who conquer and settle the Promised Land. The children will be encouraged to apply Biblical truths in practical ways such as: showing their faith in God by helping others, carefully listening to and follow instructions, trying to do something that’s difficult for him or her and working hard to help his or her family. OCTOBER 2013 October 6 The General: Joshua Leads God’s People After Moses died, God made Joshua a strong, brave leader. Children will: Know – Joshua needed strength and courage to lead God’s people into the Promised Land. Feel – Brave to follow the Lord. Do – Ask God for courage and strength to do what is right. “Be strong and brave to lead God’s people.” –Joshua 1:6 October 13 The Rope: Rahab Hides the Spies Rahab kept the spies safe because she trusted God. Children will: Know – Rahab believed in the Lord, so she hid the two spies and helped them escape. Feel – Confident that they can trust God to help them help others. Do – Show faith in God by helping people who are in need. “Rahab hid the two spies at her house.” –Joshua 2:6 18 CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 October 20 The Promised Land: God’s People Cross the River. God stopped the river so His people could cross on dry ground. Children will: Know – God’s people crossed the dry Jordan riverbed and built an altar to remember His power. Feel – Amazed that God is so mighty. Do – Tell others about the ways God shows His great power. “The water stopped and the people walked across the Jordan River.” –Joshua 3:16 October 27 The Victory: Jericho’s Walls Fall Down The Lord made the walls of Jericho fall down. Children will: Know – After God’s people marched around Jericho, God made the city walls fall down. Feel – Eager to follow God’s directions. Do – Carefully listen to and obey instructions. “The people shouted and the walls fell down.” Joshua 6:20 November 3 The Thief: God knew that Achan had stolen from Him. Achan steals from God. Children will: Know – Because Achan had taken things from the Lord, God’s people lost a battle. Feel – Sad that stealing hurts people. Do – Never take things that do not belong to them. Achan said, “I have sinned by stealing from God!” –Joshua 7:20 November 10 The Treaty: Joshua kept his promise not to fight the Gibeonites. Joshua keeps his promise. Children will: Know – Although the Gibeonites liked to Joshua he did not break his promise to them. Feel – Careful to only make promises they can keep. Do – Keep all their promises. “We will keep the promise we made.” –Joshua 9:19 November 24 The Judge: Deborah and Barak led God’s people to defeat the Canaanites. Deborah delivers God’s people. Children will: Know – God sent Deborah and Barak to lead His people to victory. Feel – Confident that God will help them when they try difficult things. Do – Attempt to do something that is difficult for them. “Deborah went to battle with Barak.” –Judges 4:9 November 17 The Long Day: The Lord answered Joshua’s prayer to make the sun stand still. The sun stands still. Children will: Know – Joshua defeated the enemy because God stopped the sun in the sky. Feel – Assured that God will answer their prayers. Do – Pray for God to help them do what He says. “The sun stood still and the moon stopped.” –Joshua 10:13 WEE Little Ones Curriculum Early Childhood has started a new curriculum for our infants through toddler aged children. Modern research has concluded that babies really can learn. I want our nurseries to be more than just a babysitting service. It is our privilege to introduce the little ones to our great, big wonderful God. Very simple teaching techniques will enable our youngest children to See What God Made and See What God Does. The babies will be taught two foundational principles: • God is the Creator of all things and everything He made is good. • The Bible is true and it is God’s book for them. Our mission is to develop future disciples and touch their lives with the saving knowledge and Grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Month of October the children will learn that God made the Light. During the month of November the children will learn that God made the Sky and Clouds. Visuals, hands on objects, singing and music will be used to instill the Word into the children. Parents will receive a hand out the first Sunday of the month for that month’s lesson. Use the hand out at home to reinforce the lesson the children learned. O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 19 Discover the f o t s a Fe s e l c a n r e b a T Children’s rade th G 5 – t s 1 s e Servic Location: Life Center Gym Friday, October 25 - 7:30 p.m. Feast of Tabernacles Celebration Discover what the Feast of Tabernacles is all about and learn how God will always take care of you. Saturday, October 26 – 7:30 p.m. Simchat Torah Festival Simchat Torah means rejoicing with the Torah. Celebrate God’s Word and enjoy this exciting festival. Sunday, October 27 – 6:30 p.m. Night to Honor Israel Jr. Become a CUFI Kid and demonstrate your love for Israel. Experience the celebration and learn the Biblical reasons we support Israel. Each Celebration includes FREE snacks and Extreme Games every night! Doors open 30 minutes prior to service. Teaching the Future Generation the Importance offlLoving Israel A Night To Honor ISRAEL WEE ISRAEL honor Teaching the Future Generation the Importance offlLoving Israel located in the ark! 20 Early Childhood presents “Wee Honor Israel” program for ages 3 through Kindergarten. CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 Our mission implies movement. Children move from an experience (Salvation), to a discovery (Discipleship), to a demonstration (Service). GenerationWON believes Biblical discipleship is an ongoing process, and we strive to provide services, programs and events that make that possible. We are blessed to serve the families of our church and community by offering these weekly programs and services: GenerationWON considers it an absolute honor to serve the children of Cornerstone Church. Your child will see Jesus presented in a way this is fun and relevant for his or her age. Our mission is to see this generation WON for Jesus Christ! We ministers to the spiritual needs of children in 1st – 8th grade and we accomplish this by creating an atmosphere every Sunday where children: 1. Experience the Father’s love 2. Discover their identity in Christ 3. Demonstrate the love of God toward others REVOLUTION 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade KidZone 1st & 2nd Grade KidZone consists of all children in 1st & 2nd grade. This ministry is characterized by high-impact energy, engaging worship/teaching and intentional small groups. Our prayer is that children fully experience the Father’s Love and build strong relationships with each other. For many children, their experiences in KidZone are their first memories of church. What a blessing it is to be a part of establishing their perception of what church is all about. • Children’s worship service at 8:30 am and 11:00 am in the Life Center • Small Groups at 10:00 am in the Life Center • Children’s Choir available at 6:00 pm in the Life Center • Bible activity program at 6:30 pm in the Life Center One2One is our special needs program for children in 1st – 5th grade. This ministry is characterized by one-on-one relationships and appropriate worship. We structure the program as an inclusion program, which will allow children with special needs to attend our regular elementary children’s services and/or to participate in a small classroom setting with a flexible schedule of activities. It is our desire to meet the needs of every family and child who attends Cornerstone Church. Visit www.generationwon.com or facebook.com/generationwon for more information. REVOLUTION consists of children in 3rd – 5th grade. This ministry is characterized by exciting multimedia, life-changing worship/teaching and lots of interaction. Our hope is that children discover their identities in Christ and become fully devoted disciples of Christ. For children, these pre-teen years are a formidable time of self-discovery. the foundation established in this ministry will prepare them to boldly stand in Middle School, High School and beyond. • Children’s worship service at 8:30 am and 11:00 am in the Life Center GYM • Small Groups at 10:00 am in the Life Center • Children’s Choir available at 6:00 pm in the Life Center • Bible activity program at 6:30 pm in the Life Center • New Revolution Praise Team – Contact Pastor Greg Sarchet FUSION 6th, 7th & 8th Grade FUSION consists of children in 6th – 8th grade. This ministry is characterized by strong relationships, powerful worship and relevant teachings. FUSION is all about US. It’s about a community of middle school youth who have experienced and discovered the life Jesus has offered. Our desire is that young people become so passionate for God that they begin to demonstrate the love of God towards others. We pray that church is no longer just something their parents take them to; rather it is the place they belong. • FuSED Discipleship at 10:00 am in the Praise Center • Cornerstone Youth Service at 11:00 am in the Praise Center • The Difference Service with Pastor Matthew Hagee in the Main Sanctuary • Fusion Wednesday night Service at 6:00 pm in the Youth Center *Tutoring Available for homework • Fusion Worship Band – Contact Pastor David Cameron O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 21 Hands-On Bible Program Come experience the FUN so you can live the TRUTH! 1st – 5th graders, check our new Hands-On Bible program on Sunday Night. Every Sunday we take over the Life Center to create a fun Bible activity program. Our teachers have learned to teach like the Ultimate Pro – JESUS! When Jesus taught, He used everyday objects like coins, fish and plants to help people remember God’s truth. Our Hands-On Bible program does the same thing. We use everyday items that we like to call “gizmos” to help kids learn the Bible. In addition to an exciting hands-on Bible activity, children will also enjoy games and activities in the Life Center Gym that re-enforce the lesson. Join us next Sunday at 6:30pm in the Life Center! 22 CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 GenerationWON hosted wildlife expert Chester Moore during our morning children’s services. Chester hosts the TV show God’s Outdoors which is a cutting-edge Christ-centered program that glorifies the Creator by giving the viewer unique insight into the world’s wildlife. Chester traverses the wild grounds, encounters nature’s most majestic and frightening creatures and shares an intense passion for Christ and His Creation. Chester and his God’s Outdoors team delighted the children of Cornerstone with snakes, spiders, turtles, hedgehogs, ferrets, and more. He engaged the children with the animals all the while depositing the truth of God’s Word in their hearts. It was an honor to host a man with such passion for God and His creation. God’s Outdoors is available on GETV. It airs at 10:00am Saturday mornings. O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 23 O ur back-to-school burger bash was loads of fun! We loaded up our plates with every hamburger topping imaginable and filled our hearts with a great word brought to us by Mrs. Diana Hagee. A special thanks to the more than 400 students and their parents who joined us for a night of fun and worship. What a great way to pray in the new school year! You have to know that all of heaven is smiling when they see the kids of the Kingdom celebrating the goodness of the Lord! Outside in the beautiful Texas sunshine, we had lots of inflatables, a foam pit, all kinds of sporting events and plenty of burgers to go around. Even the triple-digit heat couldn’t deter us from having a blast! The following week we took a quick break from our normal Wednesday night service to allow the students a chance to get used to their new school schedules. For two Fridays in a row, we enjoyed Fusion under the stars. No one wanted to go home we were having so much fun! We had a shaving cream fight that made most everyone in the parking lot completely unrecognizable! Aaron Crabb blessed us by speaking and then joining in on the shaving cream mania. We held this spectacular night outside so that the shaving cream didn’t creep back into the building, and by the end of the night we all needed an extended shower. What didn’t wash off that night was our deep desire to praise the Lord in all that we say and do, to show Him how much we love Him and to reach out to the new visitors that continue to show up at Fusion week after week. If you haven’t joined us for any of these great events, please call our office at 210-499 1736 to find out about our upcoming events. Once you try us on for size, you won’t want to leave. Fusion is taking fun and worship to a whole new level. Come on by and bring a friend! You will be so glad that you did! 24 COR N ERSTONE MA GA ZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 25 Trash Talk by Pastor Michael Fernandez T rash talking is usually seen in the area of competition, where someone tries to gain a mental advantage over their opponent by speaking negatively and arrogantly about them. This type of talking is meant to beat down, discourage and plant seeds of doubt concerning their abilities. It’s called Trash Talk because that’s exactly what it is, trash. There is nothing positive, uplifting or encouraging about it. There are Trash Talkers all around us that take joy in speaking negatively about people in order to make themselves look good. This is not only hurtful but ungodly because we are to be people that display the character of Christ. Whoever said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” was wrong. The truth is, words are powerful and have the ability to build people up or destroy them. There are at least two things we must understand when dealing with Trash Talk: 1.) We Can’t Underestimate the Power of Words—Proverbs 18:20-21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. According to Scripture, words can give and take away life. The things we declare over others can slowly kill or build people up. Others don’t choose our words, we do that ourselves. We must choose to be life-givers through what we say. Our words are seeds that grow into actions and identities. This is important to understand because what we say or declare over someones life may shape his or her belief system. Words affect our attitudes and perspective. They are powerful because the have the ability to shape the way we view ourselves and others. I Kings 19:2-4 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deals with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, I am no better than my ancestors.” The great man of God, Elijah ran away from a woman because of her 26 CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 words towards him. She tried to throw seeds (words) of death on him, and he accepted those words instead of rejecting them. Don’t allow people to declare curses on you, rather reject them and accept what God’s Word says about you. Elijah spoken negatively over himself, while receiving the same from his enemy, when he wished that he were dead. He was speaking and acting defeated even before anything happened. He was defeated mentally through the Trash Talk of Jezebel. Reject Jezebel’s Trash Talk and receive what God says about us. Lastly, when dealing with Trash Talk we must remember that: 2.) Trash Is Meant To Be Thrown Out—Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Our response to someone’s Trash Talk is up to us. We can receive or reject it. As in a lot of things in life, we must take in the good and leave the bad. We may not be able to stop the attempts of verbal trash being thrown towards us, but we can make up our mind to reject those words. Our soft answer will filter the negative attempts of others over our lives. Since words can stir up emotion and attitudes, we would do well to respond in love. The expression of “killing them with love” certainly applies here. I’m reminded of the actions of Boaz. He choose to speak and act kindly towards Ruth and how those words impacted her forever. What we say over people can positively change someone’s life forever. Ruth 2:13 Boaz speaks blessing over her life to a need-driven Ruth “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant-though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.” In closing, I grew up in a Mexican family that regularly ate rice and beans. As a child, I would help my grandmother separate the uncooked beans before they went into the pot. We had to examine and remove beans and objects that could not be cooked (like rocks or cracked beans). In the same way, we must accept what is good and reject what does not belong. Words are powerful and can’t be underestimated. When dealing with Trash Talk, remember we are to throw out trash and not keep it. Rise Above Your Enemies By Luis “Nino” Gonzalez I n life we are confronted with people who oppose us, disagree with us and sometimes take advantage of us. I think we can agree such people are difficult to associate with. However while what others do to us may be wrong we are instructed through scripture to respond to our enemies in a certain way. 1. Love your enemies: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:20-21 2. Do good to your enemies: The greatest way for us to rise above our enemies isn’t to respond with hatred or animosity, but to respond with what is true and good. So how can we rise above our enemies? We’ve shared six ways to our students found in Luke 6:27-31. While we don’t have to love their actions, we are called to love them. Jesus told his disciples in John 13:35 that others would know they were followers of Him through their love. When your enemies see the love of God through you it will soften their hearts. Your enemies will continue to do the same thing if they see they get the same negative response out of you. It assures them that whatever they’re doing is working. So take the high road. 1 Peter 3:11 instructs us to turn from evil and to pursue peace. 3. Bless your enemies: The word bless can be translated: to speak positively about. As believers we must realize the power in our words. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21 that our tongue has the power of life and death. Speaking negatively about others will never change them. But speaking positively releases God’s work over their lives. 4. Pray for your enemies: Prayer not only helps our enemies, but it also helps us. Prayer gives us peace in the conflicts we face while petitioning God to intervene. James 5:16 says the prayers of the righteous are able to heal and have great power as they are at work. 5. Give to your enemies: For some of us that may sound crazy. After all why should we give to people who don’t deserve anything? Consider our lives before Christ. We didn’t deserve God’s redemption, but Romans 5:8 says while we were sinners God gave us His son to redeem us. Our enemies may not deserve anything, but giving to them will often lead them to repentance. 6. Respect your enemies: When we watch movies or TV we often expect the worst when it comes to enemies. But we must realize enemies are people with feelings and emotions. Our enemies often hurt others because they themselves are hurt. So rather than expect the worst for them, show them you respect them. Be encouraged to be the difference maker in your enemy’s lives by demonstrating an attitude like Jesus. In doing so you will rise above the relational conflicts you face and will demonstrate to those around you that evil can be conquered by good. Luis “Nino” Gonzalez Associate Youth Pastor O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 27 The Cornerstone Academy of Fine Arts would like to present their teachers of private lessons Monica Kiss -Voice Monica Kiss is a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She began her music career at the age of twelve playing clarinet in junior high school. After suffering a knee injury her freshman year in high school and unable to participate in marching band, she chose to participate in choir as an alternative. This choice led her to discover her gift for voice. At the age of fourteen, she began studying classical voice formally. Ms. Kiss earned her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Texas State University and has over twenty-four years of voice training specializing in operatic voice. She has had performance experiences in opera theatre with Texas State University, the University of Memphis, Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble, and Opera Memphis as well as solo performances at other venues. Ms. Kiss now devotes her time and talents to her Lord Jesus Christ in vocal performance and the training of her private students here at Cornerstone. Shelby Stevens - Dance Shelby Stevens has been dancing for 17 years and teaching dance professionally for 6 years. She is a full-time student at San Antonio College. At the age of nine, she danced as a snowflake with the Moscow Ballet in their production of the Nutcracker. In 2006, she was awarded the Demitria Linares Memorial Ballet Scholarship, which furthered her passion for dance. Shelby trained under the instruction of Rosemary Tatum, Doria Avila, Nicole Zezima, Reggie Milam, Natalie Ortiz, Julie Morton-Simpson, Lanore Hensley and Scott Conway. In 2010, she attended many different dance conventions where she studied Lyrical, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Ballet from Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Joey Dowling, Dave Scott, Cris Judd, and Judy Rice. Shelby is currently heavenly involved in the Music Ministry as well as the Visual and Preforming Arts Ministry of Cornerstone Church. Shelby is excited to spread her love of dance to the Cornerstone Academy of Fine Arts. 28 CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 Lawrence Alaniz- Guitar, Drums, and Wind Instruments Lawrence Alaniz is a veteran Band Director with over 35 years experience in playing and teaching oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone, percussion, guitar, piano and beginner violin. He has been a director of bands at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. He obtained Certification, through The Naval Amphibious Base, Military School Of Music in 1987. He has been a member of Cornerstone Church & Orchestra since 1999. Arkadiy Grinman- Piano Originally from former Soviet Union where we got his Master’s degree in Piano and History, Mr. Grinman came to the United States in 1991. After making San Antonio his home he became an American Citizen in 1997. Education has been his passion and core activity during the last 20 years. He enjoys teaching piano to students of different ages and wide variety of levels. He developed a carrier-teaching piano at San Antonio School for Performing Arts (SASPA) where besides his dedication to students he has participated on several plays supporting the music department. He is the Choir Director at Oak Meadow Methodist Church, and supports services as accompany piano at Temple Beth-El Sinagogue. During the last 5 years he has been teaching piano at Cornerstone Church. He is married and has two children. For more information on the Cornerstone Academy of Fine Arts, please contact Lauren Garcia at [email protected] or at 210-499-1771 Spy In the Long before the NSA or WikiLeaks ever came along people have been in the spy business. The Bible is a great source for stories of espionage. One of the greatest was the story of Joshua and Caleb and the report they brought back after spying out the land. Let’s examine 3 unique phases of that story and see what it may mean to us today. Let’s begin at the beginning...Numbers 14 The Promise – You probably remember the story. Moses sent 10 spies into the land to determine what was there and what the enemy was like. Eight of the spies focused on the size and ferocity of the enemy. While only two of the spies looked at what could be gained. In Numbers 14 we come upon the scene in which the eight have given their sad, dreadful report and fear swept over the people. However, let’s take a look beginning with verse 6, “Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” It gets even better. God sees Caleb’s heart and gives him a promise. Verse 24 states, “But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” Wow what a promise! With that God’s people begin to wage war. The Victory – Next, we flash forward 45 years Joshua 14. The battle is over. God’s people have been victorious. Moses is dead and Joshua now leads Israel. Next we see Caleb come back into view. Let’s take a look, beginning in verse 7, at what he says as the victorious, battle-hardened general says to his commander and chief, Joshua. “You know what the Lord said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly. Now then, just as the Lord promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the wilderness. So here I am today, eightyfive years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this mountain that the Lord promised me that day.” That “mountain” Caleb wants is known as Hebron. Let’s jump forward one more time and see what significant figure we find living in Hebron. Business The Legacy – In 2 Samuel 5, starting with verse 1, we see David’s rise to power. “All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler. When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.” From there, we know the rest of the story of the tremendous exploits of David and what a special place he had in the eyes of God. Here’s the point. First, in order to see God’s promises for us, it often requires vision. In Numbers 14, 80% of spies reported that they could not take the land! How well do we handle negative, overwhelming reports? Caleb, however, had vision. He saw what could be. He saw life the way God saw life and was blessed for it. Second, victory almost always requires a fight. Joshua 14 shows Caleb, then 85 years old and no doubt scared from years of battle was still ready for more. Your family, your children, your home and your God are all definitely worth fighting for. However, don’t be surprised if the battle isn’t over in a day, a week or a year. Caleb stayed with it for 45 years! Lastly, because of Caleb’s vision and his willingness to fight for the victory, we see a legacy established. We find David in the very spot Caleb was promised. However, the legacy David’s reign set in motion for all of Israel was there because of a predecessor. That person was Caleb. What legacy are you giving your children and grandchildren? What will they become because of your willingness to have vision and fight for them? Who will they, in turn, influence for the Kingdom? What great things will they accomplish? We are proudly in the spy business at Cornerstone Christian Schools! At CCS we help YOU build legacy everyday because we have the same heart. Come to CCS and be...a spy like us! by Dr. Jerry Eshleman - Superintendent of Cornerstone Christian Schools O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 29 elementary Aloha Dominguez is a new second grade teacher at CCS. She brings over six years of experience in the education field. She received a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and is certified in early childhood education. Jordan Jones graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English and minor in communication. She completed an alternative teaching certification program called iTeachTexas and is currently in her first year of teaching K4. Julie Hawkins is a new K4 teacher. She earned a B.A. in Speech Communication at Baylor University and is proud to join CCS after completing her first year of training at ESC Region 20. Julie is certified in early childhood through 6th grade. Hannah Snow is a new kindergarten teacher. She joins CCS as a first year teacher after graduating with her B.A. in Elementary Education and an A.A. in Early Childhood Education from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Miss Snow is certified by the state to teach pre-k through 6th grade and holds full certification through ACSI. Hannah Snow has also served as president of the local chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honors Society for Educators for the last two years. Valerie Reavis is a new second grade teacher. Prior to teaching at CCS, she taught in the early childhood grades for five years in Somerset, Texas. She also spent three years as an early intervention specialist with Easter Seals in San Antonio. This past year, she taught fourth grade in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mrs. Reavis earned a B.A. in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University and a M.S. in Psychology from Walden University. She earned her teaching certification for grades pre-k-6th through the University of Texas at San Antonio. For the past six years, she has had the opportunity to live in Costa Rica, Republic of Georgia, Germany, and Hawaii. Caitlin Burress is a new K4 teacher. She joins our faculty at CCS after student teaching with us last year in K5. She earned a B.A. in Communication from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, and a M.A. in Education from Schreiner University in Kerrville. She is certified to teach early childhood through sixth grade. Nicole Petrarca is a new second grade teacher. She joins CCS after serving for three years in elementary schools in Brownsville and San Antonio, Texas. She earned a B.B.A in Marketing and Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas at Brownsville and is certified in bilingual early childhood through fourth grade. Before being called to teach, she and her husband worked with youth and were motivational speakers across the country for Silver Ring Thing. She is also the proud mother a beautiful little girl. 30 CORNERSTONE MA G AZI N E | O CT O BER 2 0 1 3 Anna Silva is a new first grade teacher. She joins CCS after serving for five years in elementary schools in San Antonio, Texas. She earned a M.S. in Reading from Texas A&MSan Antonio and is certified in early childhood through eighth grade. Maggie Suarez received a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in early childhood education from Texas State University. She also obtained a Master of Education from Park University in 2009. She is certified to teach grades prekindergarten through sixth grade in the state of Texas and has experience working with kindergarten through third grade. As a Marine wife, she moved three times in the last 10 years while raising her two children, Alyssa, 8 and Gage, 4. The family has recently moved back to their hometown, San Antonio, where she currently teaches third grade. Lauren Tuckett is a new first grade teacher. She joins CCS after serving for two years in elementary schools in Hearne, Texas. She earned a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M University and is certified in early childhood through fourth grade. new teacher bios Ruth Humbert is a new third grade teacher. She earned a B.A. in Christian Education from Northland International University, Dunbar, WI, a M.S.E. in Literacy and Language K-6 from Kaplan University and at the present she is working on her ED.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. She is certified to teach K-6 grade. She is married to Kenny Humbert and has two sons, both in college. She is blessed to be teaching at Cornerstone Christian Schools. Pat Crow is a new fifth grade teacher. He joins CCS after 32 years in public school where he taught many different grade levels and assignments. He earned his B.S. from TCU in elementary and special education. His master’s degree from TCU is in computer education. He was a founding member of Cornerstone Christian School (of no relation to CCS) in Fort Worth, Texas. Zoë Bell is a new fourth grade teacher. She joins CCS after earning a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and A.A. in Bible from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. She is certified in early childhood through sixth grade. Tiesha Bell is a new physical education teacher. She joins CCS after serving for one year at Alamo Heights ISD. She earned a B.S. in Kinesiology from University of Texas at San Antonio and is certified in physical education EC-12. Beverly Martinez Montalvo is a new first grade teacher. She joins CCS after serving for five years in elementary schools here in San Antonio, Texas. She earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is certified in early childhood through fourth grade. Theresa Munguia is a new third grade teacher. She earned a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of Texas at San Antonio and is certified to teach EC-6. She has been married for 20 years and has two sons, one in college and the other in first grade. She is blessed to be a part of Cornerstone Christian Schools. Christine Brinkman is a new CCS teacher and is teaching third grade this year. She just moved back to her hometown after spending eight years in Austin. This is her fifth year teaching and ministering to children and she is so blessed to be a fellow Warrior and looks forward to what God has planned for the school year. new coach bios Andrew and Corine Baker Andrew Baker joins CCS athletics after relocating from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has six years of experience as a basketball coach. Five of those years he was the head coach of a 4A program in Tulsa where the program had four local appearances and two state tournament appearances, including a semi-final showing. Prior to coaching, Andrew played collegiate basketball at Howard Payne University. Andrew believes that coaching is a ministry in which he can teach players skills they can use on and off the court as ambassadors of Christ. He looks forward to the coming season and the opportunities God has for CCS basketball. The athletic department also welcomes Corine Baker, who will be teaching middle school computer as well as coaching the varsity volleyball team and assisting with girls basketball team. Corine graduated from Victory Christian High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she was awarded all-state in basketball and volleyball, and then went on to play basketball at Oral Roberts University. After graduation, she was blessed to continue to play basketball in Iceland, as well as travel with ORU, Athletes in Action, and Crossover Ministries to share the gospel with children in Germany, Mexico, and the Czech Republic. This opportunity helped her realize her passion for coaching and teaching, so she returned home to teach and coach at a 4A Christian School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was during that time that Corine and Andrew met, and now they have two amazing kids, Noah (3) and Kyla Joy (1). O C T O B E R 2013 | C O R NE R S T O N E M A G A Z I N E 31 cornerstone CHURCH Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PERMIT #2973 18755 Stone Oak Parkway San Antonio, TX 78258 www.sacornerstone.org Pa i d CORNERSTONE CHURCH Join pastor Matthew and his special Guests at cornerstone church Sunday Service 6:30 pm Congressman Tom Delay October 20, 2013 Tom Delay is a former member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Texas’s 22nd congressional district from 1984 until 2006. Senator Rick Santorum November 10, 2013 Rick Santorum was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States in 2012 and became known as a voice for conservatives who didn’t feel their voice was being represented. Prior to running for President, Rick served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1991 to 1995, and in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007 where he was known as one of the most successful government reformers in our history.