With a new calendar year comes new leadership. While we have never really had a problem retaining our leaders, this year we have had a huge turnover in leadership. On one hand, the thought of working and teaching so many new people can be daunting. On the other hand, it brings something new to the table. Every leadership team has a different collective personality, and sometimes it refreshing to have a fresh perspective. There seems to be a genuine ere of optimism, and a sincere love for Christ. God is and will continue to do great things through Cornerstone, so please be in continued prayer for them.
Meet the Students
Since day one of college, Cornerstone has been a place where no matter what else has been going on in my life, I would be surrounded by God’s love from students and faculty that truly care about me and other people. That’s something that’s hard to find in even some (supposed) Christian communities. My involvement in Cornerstone has been pretty constant over the past three years if not consistent as far as depth goes. In that time, I’ve come to learn a few different things about my relationship with God as well as what it means for my life. I can say for certain that without Cornerstone my faith would be weaker than when I had started college and I’d be short some really great friends and mentors.
In general, as a person Cornerstone has helped me come out of my shell while at college. Being involved with Cornerstone, whether for orientation events, bible study, worship, discipleship groups and all manner of shenanigans really put me in a place to meet a lot of new people. Despite preferring to keep to myself I’ve gotten much more outgoing with trying to be open with and talk to new people. And while it took some convincing, and I still like to hide in the background, being on leadership has been a great experience as well. Learning to trust and serve God, aware that I don’t need to be perfect but to let him be perfect, has been a huge ongoing lesson because of my time with Cornerstone.
While I’ve always known that spiritual discipline is important, Cornerstone has helped me put it into practice. While doing so I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the work God has done in mine and others lives when he is set consistently as the focus of my day. The presence of a community to help focus on God has been huge for me. And with that comes a stronger relationship with Him that has helped me to be more trusting and vulnerable. The combination of things has led to some of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make and trusting that they were God’s will. Discipline, community, vulnerability and trust. These are the sort of things that I hope to carry with me after college because of Cornerstone.
Financial Update
God has blessed us recently by helping us reach our monthly goal. Now, we are asking for help on a unique way of giving. If you are interested in learning more, please read the picture below:
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 to Winston-Salem, NC 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/8688.
Moore News
We flew back into Pittsburgh on December 28th (Yes, I spent my whole birthday in various airports. It wasn’t that bad.), and we didn’t arrive home until 1:00 a.m. on December 29th. Just a few short hours later, my parents and sister’s family came to Pittsburgh for our “second Christmas.” I’m not sure if frying a turkey on a few hours of sleep is a good idea, but I did it anyway. It was as if the same incredible, relaxing, and joyous time that we had in Colorado transferred over to Pittsburgh. In other words, the party never stopped. Multiple people have been asking me, “What was your favorite gift?” Honestly, its hard for me to single out one. For me, it is way more about the experience. As my parents taught me, “It’s not where you are (or in this case what you get), by who you’re with.”
We pray that you all had a fantastic Christmas, and that God continues to work through you!
In Christ,
Andy Moore
