Photo Flash!

Do you have some Cornerstone memories to share? We have opened a new photo sharing site at Flickr.

Click here to view the album and/or upload your own photos. Please spread the word.

P.S. Your photos do NOT have to be from Christmas Eve, but should be church-related.

Christmas Eve at Cornerstone

WOW! What a glorious day to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Well over a thousand people from our community came through the glass doors to celebrate together this day. Does it get any better than that????

Soup for the Homeless Soul

(Above) Lynda Kennedy stirs things up, while (below L to R) Suzanne Baron, Lynda Kennedy, Mary Ann Kierych and Karen Pergler discuss their next small group project.

(Photos by Mary Ann Kierych)

Suzanne Baron's Bible study group made soup for homeless men and women served by Operation: HOPE. Thank you ladies!

Merry Christmas Staff and Teachers!

The tables (above) were filled to the edges with foods and desserts as the staff enjoyed a Christmas luncheon together.

Lisa Tyre (above), of the Early Education Center, entertained the diners with her holiday hat.

Christmas Luncheon

(Photos by Randy Cloud)

The Senior Center held their annual Christmas Luncheon today. A delicious meal was served followed up by a quartet of harmonizing voices.

Paaaaaar-tay!

(Photos by Lynette Snyder)

The Children's Ministry hosted a Christmas Party yesterday. If you missed it, you missed a great time!

Come Experience Advent Season ...

Invite a friend or neighbor to church this weekend and share the warm feeling!

Cornerstone Member In the News ...

Photo by The News Journal/FRED COMEGYS

Party gives students a serious lesson

Budding chefs at St. Georges Tech cook, serve and clean up for free

By EDWARD L. KENNEY • The News Journal • December 11, 2008

High school students usually don't get the chance to host a holiday party for a giant department store -- and learn while they're doing it. But that's precisely what happened Wednesday at St. Georges Technical High School, when employees at the Wal-Mart in Middletown partied in the school's Hawk Café.

"This is a nice Christmas party," Wal-Mart employee Carol Bonds said as she dined on baked ziti and chatted with her husband, Warren. "It's nice not to have it at the store." Added Warren, "It's different to be in a school."

Jermaine Williams, (far left in above photo) a culinary instructor at St. Georges Technical, said the partnership came about after Dawn McDowell, a community involvement coordinator at Wal-Mart, gave him a call. (Read on)

Getting into the Christmas Spirit ...

Last night, the children of Cornerstone's Early Education Center put on a delightful Christmas program to the applause of a packed crowd! Congratulations to the kids, teachers and staff for a magnificent evening.

License and Registration Please ....

Photo by Nikkie Bowe

A great big thank you to Officer Gerry Bryda, of the Newark Police Department, for coming over to the Early Education Center Tuesday and talking with the kids about safety and his job as a policeman. Officer Bryda then showed the children the inside of his car and how the lights and siren worked.

Just a Note ...

Photo by Randy Cloud

Behind the glow of the candles, the praise team harmonizes a few notes during yesterday's services.

H.S. Youth Group and Christmas Child

The High School Youth Group took a trip to the dolar store Sunday night and bought numberous items to box and ship to the Operation Christmas Child. Eleven boxes were wrapped and stuffed. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed doing something for such a great cause.

Blood Pressure Screenings

Like sports scores, the higher the number the better, right? Not exactly.

The Parish Nursing team will be offering blood pressure screenings on a monthly basis at Cornerstone. Don't let your blood pressure rise up and get the better of you. This is one set of numbers you better keep track of!

Heath concerns? Contact any member of the Parish Nursing Team or email Maurice Egnor.

One, Two, Tree!

The Angel Tree outreach kicked off today. There are still a few angels hanging around, if you're interested in taking part.

Like to hear more? Call Judy Givens at 836-2862.

Youth In Washington

On Nov. 7th, six of us went to Fairfax, VA. for a Dare2Share conference that was held at George Mason University. We had an awesome time as we learned how to share our faith.

(Pictured left to right - Sandy, Tristan, Alyssa, Kristyn, Daryl, and Tim)

On the way home Sunday we took a wrong turn and ended up in Washington so we went to the mall (the monument area that is). Behind us in the picture above is the White House and President Bush had just came through in his motorcade. It was the day before Barak Obahma met with him at the White House. It was a beautiful day and an awesome way to end our time together.

Down to the Wire ...

Photos by Randy Cloud

Both the Thanksgiving Basket outreach (top photo with Sue Egnor) and Operation: Christmas Child have deadlines coming up Sunday, November 23rd. It's not too late to make a difference. Call the church office at 836-2862 for more information on either of these meaningful ministries.

Do you have an empty shoebox in a size 13?

As a regional drop off location for Operation: Christmas Child, Cornerstone has a very busy weekend ahead. Volunteer Karen Pergler (above) waits inside the front door for the next load of shoe boxes from other area churches and, of course, the Cornerstone congregation.

Have questions? Call Coordinator Judy Givens at (302) 836-2862.

Give Thanks!

Cornerstone Early Education Center (CEEYC) celebrated Thanksgiving with a parent luncheon today. Hundreds of smiles lighted up the campus as families gave thanks and shared a delicious meal!

Recent Baptisms

Congratulations to Anna Owens, in the arms of mom Jessica, and Caleb Owens, with dad Jason, on their baptisms yesterday.

Meet Abraham's Sarah

Today's lesson in the Children's Ministry continued the story of Abraham and Sarah (Sarah portrayed by Shelbey [top] and Jennifer [bottom]).

Extreme Church Makeover

William Davies works on readying the Mall Area men's rooms for this weekend's celebration.

Coincidence? I think not ....

From Joann Campbell ...

"I was at a general store in North Myrtle Beach, SC last week and when I went to sign my charge slip, the cashier handed me a Cornerstone Church pen!"

Do you have a Cornerstone story to share? Email us today!

Gobble! Gobble!

Each year, at this time, God's people donate, assemble and deliver "Thanksgiving Day Baskets" to needy families in the Bear area so they can have a hot meal on Thursday, November 27th.

If you'd like to be part of this generous mission, contact Vicki Lyons at (302) 836-6463 for more details.

Below is the official list to be included in your "laundry basket" donation:

• 1-frozen turkey
• 2-bags stuffing mix
• 5-lbs white potatoes
• 1-can gravy
• 1-lg can sweet potatoes
• 2-cans green beans and/or corn
• 1-can cranberry sauce
• 1-doz. fresh rolls
• 1-tub butter or margarine
• 1-lg can juice
• 1-fresh pie

Flying High

Special thanks to the clever Ed Baker for custom manufacturing flag holders that mount to the top of the our stand-up tables and display "Small Groups" and "Volunteers" banners.

(above) A wrought iron banner holder that attaches to a standup table. The intricate fabrication's top is shown below for detail.

Shack Attack

Kevin Clair (l) and Dave Billic, along with (missing from photo) Wayne Duncan and Donna Billic, put up the Christmas Shack in the Mall Area for this year's alternative Christmas display.

Be sure to stop by and check out the completed building this weekend.

Bible Parade

It was time again for the annual Bible Parade this morning. All the classrooms designed their own costumes and masks to parade around the Cornerstone campus to the delight of their parents and guests.

Life Without Parole

(L to R kneeling) Bill Risley and Bob Rochester;
(L to R standing) Chris Siple, Chris Jackson, Pastor Paul, Jason Owens, Randy Cloud, Josh Line and Monnie Givens.

Several men from Cornerstone ventured to the Delaware Correctional Facility last Sunday to deliver the message to those behind bars. This is an annual trip organized by Monnie Givens.

Sturdy Ground

The middle school youth learn a lesson on what happens when you build your trust on any foundation other than Jesus.

Communion this Weekend!

Join us for Holy Communion this weekend during every Celebration time.

Children's Ministry Calendar

Stamping for the Troops

A Christmas card stamp camp for the Delaware National Guard deployed to Iraq. Inspired by Ken Fowler, Sharon's husband, who was deployed earlier this month.

What is it? Making blank, stamped Christmas cards to send to the troops so they have something nice to send back to their loved ones at Christmas time.

When is it? Saturday, November 8th from 9:00am until 4:00pm.

Where is it? Shear Magic Hair Design II, Middletown Square Shopping Center, Middletown (Phone 302 378-0266).

No Experience Necessary!

No Creative Talents Necessary!

This is an open house. During Shear Magic II's working hours, we will ahve a room set up where you can stop by and help us make some Christmas cards to send ot our local troops serving in Iraq. If you have a hair appointment that day, please consider taking some time before or after to visit us. If you do not have an appointment, please stop by at any time during the days to donate your time.

You will want to be part of this remarkable experience. We have gotten tremendous response from the troops in the past and you will be amazed at how great it will make you feel to brighten the lives of men and women who are away from their families. Questions? Email Robert Jasinski or call the salon at (302) 378-0266.

There is no charge to participate, but donations are appreciated to offset the cost of supplies.

Please share this story by forwarding the link below to all your friends and family.

Early Education Picture Day is Wed, Oct 29

Just a reminder that Wednesday is picture day at Cornerstone Early Education Center.

Click here for some handy tips on getting ready for picture day. Questions? Contact the Early Ed Office at (302) 836-6445 or email Ralynn Norris.

Recent Baptism

Just baptized Isaac Michael Rittenhouse reaches for Pastor Paul as mom, Hannah, looks on.

Flood Buckets Galore!

Thanks to all who supported this year's Flood Bucket program. The buckets started spilling in today and filled up the mall area. There's still time to return your filled bucket, too!

Recent Baptism

Saturday night, 3-month old, Stephanie Marie Calvetti was annoited with oil and prayed for by the caring hand of Pastor Paul and a room full of supporters.

A Simply a-MAZE-ing Time!

(Photo by Randy Cloud)

Friday, Ms. Katie's kindergarten class took a field trip to a Corn Maze in Strasburg PA.

Open House

(Photo by Randy Cloud)

Volunteer Robert Jasinski (l) serves Mary Beth Durham a sampling of the many delights available at Sunday's "Open House."

• For Lawrence Williams' photo album, click here.
• For Randy Cloud's photo album, click here.
• For Sandy Duncan's photo album, click here.

And We're Off!

Registrants start checking in early this morning for the 2008 Healthy Church conference at Cornerstone. Participants from as far away as New York City and West Virginia descended upon Bear, Delaware for three days of workshops and presentations on how to grow their own churches in this post-Christian world.

Even more conference pictures:

See volunteer photographer Lawrence Williams' photo album here .
See volunteer photographer Randy Cloud's photo album here.

Is there a Nurse in the House?

(Photo by Randy Cloud)

The student nurses at Delaware Tech attend a training seminar at Cornerstone Wednesday.

Recent Baptism

Pastor Paul with one-month old Isabella Genevieve Armknecht and her parents, Lisa and Cory.