September 2016 Newsletter

Cornerstone Update
This summer we held our annual summer large group gathering, Common Ground. Common Ground takes most of the CCO groups in Pittsburgh, from various campuses, and combines them into one large group which meets once a week. We decided to do Francis Chan’s “Basic” series this year, as a way to get new perspective on the many Christian truths we already know (Fear, The Holy Spirit, Fellowship, etc.). Common Ground had a great turn out with some great discussion on the BASIC series.

After Common Ground, and an extended vacation, came the time for planning the upcoming school year. This meant that orientation week was soon coming up, complete with multiple fun activities and tireless hours spent working. Here our student leadership took on orientation week events, as well as events scattered through the upcoming semester. We have a great group of leadership students, who came up with some big (and new) ideas. Orientation week went off without a hitch, and we had phenomenal turnouts to all of our events.

Now we are part way during the semester, and I am just trying to catch my breath. It has been, by far, my busiest semester to date. Granted I am taking two seminary classes on top of working, which (of course) makes it busier. Bobbi, Mark, Meagan (our new fellow), and I are all still finding out what does and does not work to our individual strengths. Cornerstone has been great so far, though. We are exploring new ideas and trying new things, constantly seeking God though out all of this. God has certainly been moving here.

Meet the Students

Meet “Backwards Hat” Nick Pezzuti, a junior Mechanical Engineering major from Mechanicsburg, PA. Nick has been part of our ministry since the orientation week cookout his freshman year. Read more about him:

1. What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memory has to be playing games with my family. We had a soft mini ball when I was little. My brother, sister, dad and I would run around the house and play ball tag. Sure a few lamps were broken, and a few bumps on the head were given, but the memories will last a lifetime.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I've been involved in Cornerstone for two years, and have been on leadership for one. As a small group leader, I've really enjoyed leading a bible study and getting to know the people that come to Cornerstone even better. Being involved in Cornerstone has been a huge blessing in my life, and I've learned a lot through my experiences there.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone has taught me a lot about my faith in Jesus, and has really helped me understand the Gospel and what it means and looks like to find my identity solely in Jesus Christ. Through the talks, bible studies, outreach events, hangouts, and everything in between, Cornerstone is helping me bring Glory to God throughout my life each and every day.

Financial Update

As you may have noted from the chart that our monthly giving is $3,681, 94% of where we need to be. I have been raising these funds so I can minister to students like Nick, and see how God has worked in his life during his years at Pitt. It is because of God working through you that all this is possible, and I am completely in awe by all of your graciousness. If you would like to help this ministry, we are always looking for new supporters. If God leads you to prayerfully do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through gift. Remember that any gift is a good gift. We trust that God will provide. He always has, and He always will. We thank you, and may God bless you richly because you have given to advance His kingdom! Please be in prayer that God will continue to build our support team and that we would be faithful in doing our part.

Moore News

It seems as though the entire month of July was spent in vacation, and it was (for the most part) relaxing. We started July by going to Vermillion, Ohio to Family Camp at Beulah Beach. Here we, were joined by my entire family (my parents, and my sister and family). It was a great five days of playing outdoors, as well as learning some biblical wisdom and meeting new families. There were a lot of great times and memories on that trip, but very little down time.

Immediately after the Beulah trip, we went back home, packed up our things, got our dog, and headed to Colorado to see Emily’s family and friends. We had a great time as the boys played on the farm and we visited various places, like the Denver Museum and a Trampoline park. My favorite part of the trip was when I preached at Emily’s church on the resurrection of Lazarus. It was really a blessing to be able to speak to a church that has supported us for so long.

Now the kids are back in school, and we are trying to settle in to new schedules. Benjamin and Joshua have decided to pursue fall baseball, and will actually be on the same team this time...which makes coaching much more manageable. Asher toyed with the idea of playing Fall Ball, but decided that baseball wasn't his thing (which is absolutely fine). He has decided instead to pursue art classes. He is a fairly gifted artist for a 6 year old, and is really excited about it. He has started drawing constantly, and just keeps getting better and better.

We thank you all for your love and kindness, and pray that you continue to advance in the knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ. Hopefully, these newsletters and updates will be a bit more frequent.

In Christ,
Andy Moore