As with every new calendar year, there comes new leadership. This year, however, Cornerstone will be having its smallest leadership team...and I don’t say that as if it’s a bad thing. The thought of supervising a lot or people can seem daunting, so the lesser number will be much easier to manage. This year, I will be in charge of the planning team and the worship team, supervising the team and trying to figure out new ways to organize, facilitate, and worship in our large group fellowship on Wednesdays.
The Planning Team (led by Zack Miller, Nathalie Yurisic, and Jules Saviola) is responsible for everything a student might encounter from the time they arrive at Cornerstone to the time they leave. This includes facilitating the overall flow and quality of Cornerstone, meeting weekly with staff, working with the worship team on planning center, supporting other AoM’s on Wednesday, coordinating tech, updating the Cornerstone Calendar, and designing creative ways to foster relationships either during or after Cornerstone. They are certainly a busy (and well organized) group.
The Worship team (led by Sophie Cosentino, Sean Justice, and Morgan Medvedz) is dedicated to praising God using the spiritual gifts he has bestowed upon each of us. They forge strong relationships with one another while sharing their love of music and their passion for God with our brothers and sisters in Christ, engaging the congregation in glorious praise. Through worship, they grow deeply not only as friends, musicians, and leaders, but as followers of Christ.
It is an honor getting to serve and help plan the Cornerstone service with the planning team, as well as use my musical gifts (which few know I have) to serve the worship team.
Meet the Students
1. What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memory was when my grandparents took my parents and I out west when I was 8 years old. We visited Las Vegas in Nevada, the Grand Canyon and Death Valley in Arizona, and ended the trip with LegoLand in California! Being a huge Lego fan, I felt like I died and went to heaven! I also remember staying in a hotel in Vegas with a roller coaster that went around it, and spending one afternoon with my grandmother while bawling my eyes out in fear of my parents going on it!
2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? With Cornerstone, I have been involved with several service and outreach events, such as ALIVE with Living Ministry, small volunteer events, and several Bible studies and D-groups. Now that I have assumed a leadership position as part of the C.O.P.S. (Cornerstone Outreach, Prayer, and Service) team, I hope to play a strong role in organizing and helping with all sorts of events, especially those that reach out to other service groups on campus and to those in need. Also, being a prayer leader, I hope to be involved in ways that strengthen the church’s pursuit of meaningful prayer.
3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Originally from the Pocono Mountains in eastern PA, I transferred to Pitt from Bloomsburg University and began my studies, and my involvement with Cornerstone, in the spring of 2016. Having already been a Christian before coming, I knew what to expect, but have still grown in ways that I wouldn’t have imagined. I wouldn’t have thought I would make the friends that I have, and uncover the wisdom that I did, while adjusting to a new lifestyle and handling increasingly difficult academics. Being in Cornerstone has shed more light on following Christ in all areas of life, not just in my career. So far, I have gained the most wisdom in actively pursuing the good of Christ’s Kingdom, and being the one to step out in love for those in need. I hope to be transformed in so many more ways!
Financial Update
Habitat for Humanity Spring Break Trip
As many of you know, I am the adviser for the Pitt Habitat for Humanity. This role has given me the unique opportunity to meet and work with students. One such opportunity is taking part in an amazing Spring Break trip Birmingham to help work on houses. The trip costs $300 per student. The expenses include transportation, housing, and food for the week. If you are able and willing, I’m asking for your support or help to cover trip expenses. If you would like to help support students on this trip, please go to the following website: https://engage.pitt.edu/project/4661.
Moore News
In other exciting news, Joshua has had the privilege of being nominated by his teachers to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM, which is to be held in Trenton, NJ on June 26 through June 30.
We whole-heartedly support Josh in this fantastic achievement! This opportunity, however, is a costly venture. Joshua is fundraising $2,500 to be able to attend. This price includes the program as well as traveling, food, and hotel costs.
We know that we cannot afford to send Joshua entirely by ourselves, so we are asking that you consider donating by May 31st, so that he may be able to attend the NYLF program. If interested in donating, please go the following website: goo.gl/eS08Rz.
We Pray that his letter finds you well! Thank you, and God bless!
In Christ,
Andy Moore
