September 2017 Newsletter

Cornerstone Update
The new school year is officially in full swing. At the end of August, leadership students moved back, freshmen moved in, and the whirlwind known as orientation week began. Orientation week is truly like no other, and this one was exceptional. We didn’t have the most grandiose events, but the staff and leadership team had more conversations with freshmen than ever before. The week always begins with our “water giveaway,” in which we hand out 6000(!) bottles of water to students moving in. From here, we played games, had a campfire night in Bellefield’s parking lot, and topped it off with our annual “Welcome Back Picnic” complete with a giant inflatable Slip ‘N Slide. Here, we could meet and have conversation with student upon student. Even when our leadership became uncomfortable, they forged ahead and met new people. There is no other week quite like it!

Meet the Students

Meet Nick Vezzuto, a sophomore that helps to lead our Freshmen Bible Study. Read more about him.

The scariest part of moving to college six hours away from home is that you start school knowing absolutely no one. With all of my closest friends and family still in New Jersey, I started freshman year totally alone in a city that the last time I visited, I was three years old. For as social of a person as I am, I often found it difficult to be the one who approached people to make new friends. Then, about two months into my first semester, as I was rushing to class twenty minutes late, I was stopped by some members of Cornerstone who were handing out coffee along my route and talking about what Cornerstone is. These people were some of the nicest people I had met since being away at school. Walking away, I thought to myself “If everyone in that ministry is as friendly as these people were, then this is where I belong.”

Once I started going to Cornerstone the following week, Pittsburgh—a city that is so far from my house in Jersey—finally started to feel like home. I have been lucky to grow up in a Christian household and to have strong faith-based friendships for all of my life. Having to leave all of those friendships and family in Jersey wasn’t the easiest thing, but I suddenly found myself a part of a new family with all of the students and staff in Cornerstone. I was welcomed by lots of friendly faces as if I had been a member of Cornerstone my entire life. I immediately started to make friends as I felt drawn to hang out at Bellefield (the church where Cornerstone is housed) more often. I learned so much about my own faith from all of these new people, and by the end of my first semester, I was a part of the Freshman Ministry Team, which runs weekly bible studies for freshman, as well as other activities.

An important way in which I have grown in my faith over the years has been through lengthy discussions with my family about what we believe as Christians, and why we believe it. The environment that Cornerstone creates made me feel comfortable having these kinds of discussions with anyone I saw while hanging out at Bellefield. Not only have I learned so much about my faith over the past two semesters, but I have also started to lead a more prayerful life, both in the quiet of my mind and around other people. I recall one night especially where I was stressing over a large assignment I had while doing homework in Bellefield, and everyone in the room started to pray for each others’ anxieties, homework or otherwise. It was one of the coolest moments of my freshman year. If these are the kinds of experiences that I have to look forward to for the rest of my college career, then I’m excited to see what God has in store for me.

Financial Update

August was a wonderful month for us! As you can see from the chart, we made $3,726; 96% of our monthly goal! Thank you to everyone who has supported us in our ministry. My ministry to College students, like Nick, would simply not be possible without you. Just because we are close to our goal for a month does not give me an excuse to rest or be lazy, however. If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through your giving. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra $5 to $25 on top of their usual giving. This will help to make up the difference and reach my goal. We are always in need of help financially, and are always looking for new supporters. Remember that any gift is a good gift. 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

Summer vacation is now officially gone. It ended with my father-in-law, LeRoy Winter, coming out to visit us for a week. It has been a while since LeRoy has come to Pittsburgh, so this was a real treat for Emily, the boys, and me. We took him to quite a few “classic” Pittsburgh locations, and had a lot of fun doing so! To top tings off, he bought the family an Xbox One as a belated Christmas present! I wish I could say that I has only been the boys playing it, but I seem to be hooked. I have especially had a small addiction to Star Wars: Battlefront. Don’t worry, I have made sure to take a step back from the Xbox when I get too obsessive.

The school year has not only started for myself, but for the boys as well. Benjamin is now in the fifth grade (this is his last year at Fulton Elementary School), Joshua is in fourth grade, and Asher is in second grade. I wish I could say that they were as excited as me to start the school year, but I cannot. It is always a chore to get them out of bed after summer. During the summer, they would get out of bed every morning at 6:30 to play, but now have trouble getting up at 6:45 for school. Interesting, right?

I pray that you are doing well. God Bless!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

January 2015 Newsletter

Guilt and Shame
“Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.” –Genesis 3:7

We often see guilt as a bad thing, and it can be. I believe, however, that true guilt is a grace: it brings the guilty to seek forgiveness and to repent. We must remember that if it wasn't for guilt, none of us would have come to Christ. Guilt is the realization that we are in need of forgiveness, and if it wasn't for the realization of our wrongdoings against God, we would never realize that we need forgiveness. Guilt is a good, and at times great, thing.

But what happens when guilt becomes a bad thing? What happens when guilt escalates and becomes shame? We see a story of shame and how God deals with it beautifully in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve realized they were naked and desperately sought to cover themselves when their innocence evaporated. Guilt, fear and shame gripped their hearts. Their nakedness represents their sinful vulnerability before God. So, they tried to cover their nakedness, their shame, with fig leaves.

Leaves wither away. They crumble. They do not last. Fig leaves were a temporary solution to a permanent problem. We too, like Adam and Eve, try to cover and mask our shame with fig leaves, only to have them wither away, leaving us naked, exposed, and vulnerable. So we replace fig leaf with fig leaf, temporary with temporary, and we mask our shame.

But then God did something beautiful: he performed an act of magnificent grace. “And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them”. (Genesis 3:21) Adam and Eve’s self-made attempts to cover themselves in inadequate fig leaves were replaced with clothing made by God. God's provision recognized their sin and shame, their nakedness, and covered them with grace. Just as an animal was sacrificed to cover the shame of Adam and Eve, Christ sacrificed himself to cover our shame for good. Are you suffering from shame that you just cannot let go? Quit trying to cover yourself with fig leaves, and give it over to God. He will cover you.

Spring Break
As many of you know from reading past newsletters, I took over as the advisor for Habitat for Humanity in the Fall Semester. 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 Orange Park, Florida to help work on houses. I cannot, however, do this alone. The trip costs $300, so I would like for you to prayerfully consider supporting me in this endeavor. 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. I realize that some of you already support me and I am thankful. So, I am asking that you to pray about giving an extra $10-$50 on top of your usual contribution. If you would like to help support me on this trip, please make a separate check out to:

Bellefield Presbyterian Church
Attn: Habitat Trip
4001 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pa 15213

Meet The Students

Meet Nicole Russo, a junior Marketing and Human Resources double major from Coopersburg, PA. I have really gotten to know Nicole through our work together on the outreach team. She has been awesome to work with. Read more about her:

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? My favorite book is probably To Kill A Mockingbird. Atticus is one of my favorite characters of all time. My favorite movie, I seriously can't pick! I love all types except horror. I watch so many movies but I could list a few of my top favorites: The Bourne Series, The Dark Knight Series, The Lion King, Inception, and The Pink Panther Series (the old ones with Peter Sellers). (I still have more favorites but the list would be too long) My favorite band/artist that's another tough one I love most types of music, but if I HAD to choose one band to listen to for the rest of my life it'd probably be The Beatles.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? Starting fall semester of this year I became a leader on the Outreach team and it has been such an amazing experience! We plan events throughout the semester to spread and show God's love on campus. Some of those events include: A few Saturdays during the semester handing out hotdogs at night on campus, every Wednesday selling tea for a suggested donation of 25¢, and playing hide and seek in the cathedral. I love being involved in outreach because I want to show students on campus what Cornerstone has done for me. It's an absolutely amazing community that I can lean on, be my broken imperfect self in, and grow in Christ with, and I hope to show others the love that was poured into me through these events.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone has helped me in so many ways. Freshman year I was leaning on myself and thought I was alone in my problems. Over the past year at cornerstone two of the main things I've learned are: one, giving my problems to God and letting Him lead my path is the best way to live life, and two, I'm not alone in my problems and having a community (in my case Cornerstone) to lean on and grow in Christ with is KEY. Otherwise, I probably would have fallen apart without God. So thank you to my amazing campus ministers and friends in Cornerstone for being a second family to me and helping me grow in Christ. Y'all rock!

Financial Update
Please read the following new pledge letter. Click on the link for the full picture, or on the picture itself. If you would like to donate, please use the information on the navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Financial Pledge Full (Link)

Moore News

The Moore household had quite the wonderful Christmas! After our initial Christmas celebration, we were able to get away for a week to my hometown of Oak Hill, WV and visit my parents, and my sister, brother-in-law, and four nephews were able to come in as well. So you could say we had two Christmases. These two Christmases gave Benjamin, Joshua, and Asher seemingly hundreds upon hundreds of Pokémon cards and Star Wars paraphernalia which now litter our house. Admittedly, a good portion of the Star Wars paraphernalia is mine. It was a much needed time of relaxation, especially since I don’t get home as often as I would like. It is always cool to show the kids where I grew up…though Emily says that I tell the same stories over and over. Oh, both Emily and I added a number to our age…so, good birthdays as well.

We hope this newsletter finds you well, and that you were blessed richly over Christmastime!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

November 2014 Newsletter

Our Arrabond
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” –Ephesians 1:13-14

Along with his mark or seal, the Holy Spirit serves as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. We understand from the Greek and Roman culture of that day that it was customary to make a deposit, an arrabon as they called it, on the purchase of a possession. The arrabon was a down payment which announced more of the same would be coming – the first installment. Today we often call it “earnest money.” Thus we understand that the spiritual life given to us by the Holy Spirit is an arrabon of what is to come. The celebrated Greek scholar Bishop Lightfoot of Cambridge says, “The actual spiritual life of the Christian is the same in kind as his future glorified self.” It is the same in kind, though immeasurably less in degree. It is a true foretaste.

Imagine the sublimest, most treasured experience of the Holy Spirit we have ever had and then realize they are only a foretaste, the tip of the tongue on the spoon, of what is to come. Remember the release in coming to Christ and knowing you were forgiven? Remember the time when in worship you were smitten with awe? Remember the time you followed the Spirit’s leading and were wonderfully used? Remember the satisfaction of finding the fruits of the Spirit surprising to you with the goodness where you once responded wickedly? Think of all this and multiply it a million-fold. Here on earth we have experienced the first dollar of a million celestial dollars – the earnest. We have the dawning of knowledge, but then we will have the midday sun…

Do you have the arrabon of the Holy Spirit? It is the real thing, but nevertheless just a taste! What will the first five minutes be like when we come into the fullness of our inheritance? The first fifteen minutes? The first hour? The first day – week – month – year – thousand years? We must celebrate our seal or arrabon as his Spirit bears witness with our spirit because that foretaste is going to multiply a million-fold.

-R. Kent Hughes, Ephesians: The Mystery of the Body of Christ

Meet the Students

Meet Danny Snyder, a Sophomore Actuarial Mathematics and Spanish major from Hummelstown, PA (outside of Hershey). Danny has been involved in Cornerstone, thus far, through Freshmen Ministry Team, and I have also had the privilege of discipling him. He is funny, outgoing, and hyper. Read more about him…

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? These are all tough questions, because I have lots of favorites... I'd say my favorite movie is Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi. It's just too awesome and action-packed with many feels to not love it! Music is the hardest (I could easily give 10 groups/composers as I like jazz, rock, classical, and indie music) but I'd say Fleet Foxes, they're an Indie band that have some of the most beautiful harmonies and textures I've ever heard. My favorite book would have to be Redwall by Brian Jacques. I loved the whole series as a kid, even it was just about a bunch of forest animals fighting with tiny swords.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? Since my freshman year (I'm currently a sophomore) I have both participated and now help lead Freshmen Bible Study, which has been a true blessing to my life and my walk with Christ. Additionally, I have played guitar and sang for worship in the past, and plan on continuing leadership in Cornerstone in some manner this coming Spring. I've also gone to Cornerstone events, went to the Dominican Republic last Spring break on one of the mission trips, and have enjoyed participating in outreach events when able (handing out hotdogs Saturday nights is the best!). I sadly haven't been as involved this year due to becoming a Resident Assistant at Pitt which has kept me from being super active.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone has been essential in my continued faith in Jesus. I came to college seeking to find a group to help me grow in Christ and found an INCREDIBLE community! Having so many fellow friends who are Christians and phenomenal leaders (especially my Disciple group leader, who may or may not have three super adorable boys) has changed my life forever! The strength that I've found in my faith and beliefs has been supported by Cornerstone through experiences in reaching out to others and the mission trip to a poverty-stricken society that literally transformed how I perceive life in general. I can't imagine being at Pitt and not being involved in Cornerstone, like seriously...

Financial Update

For the past two months, we have included a financial ask letter to go along with our newsletter. This letter vulnerably explained our current financial state, as well as asked for your help. You all not only responded, but went above and beyond anything we could ever think of. We are so overwhelmed at your kindness and generosity that we are at a loss for words. Thank you for giving, and for following Jesus. We are always in awe how God has used everyone to help support this ministry, and could not do it without God working through you. The journey is not over, however. We could always use financial help to increase our ministry account, so that when those tough months happen we will be prepared. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. Please contact me using using the information on the navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org

Moore News

Benjamin and Josh’s futsal (indoor soccer) league has officially begun. Unfortunately, they got drubbed in the first game 8-0. To be fair, their team had not even had a practice yet. Needless to say, Ben and Josh where not quite adjusted to the speed of the new game, along with the size of their opponents. The second game went a little differently, and we won 4-2. Ben had a beautiful goal in that one as well. He got the ball with a player to beat, and totally juked the kid out of his socks and ended up nutmegging the goalie (when the ball goes between the goalie’s legs). The best part, though, was his celebration. Joshua also did really well, and will be a star (I think) when he adjusts to the speed of the game. He has a lot of offensive skill and is working on being a bit more aggressive defensively. It was really fun to watch them play!

Asher might just be one of the sweetest children in existence. He is very counter-cultural in the fact that he often puts others before himself; often giving and not receiving. It probably also helps that he still has a very sweet “baby” voice, which just melts your heart. Currently he is really into the show Star Wars Rebels, which (being a huge Star Wars fan) brings a joyful tear to my eye.

Emily has been staying busy with the Bellefield Women’s Ministry, even helping to organize a retreat. She has a genuine passion for Christ and loves sharing that passion with friends and family. It has been wonderful to watch Emily and the boys grow spiritually!

We pray that this newsletter finds you well, and that God continues to minister to your lives! God Bless!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

May 2014 Newsletter

God is Faithful
“I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.” –Psalm 40:10

The school year has come to an end. A few weeks ago, seniors completed their work and received their degree as friends and families watched. Some were the first to graduate in their family. Some continued the Pitt legacy. All move on to their future. It’s cliché to say, but it seems like the year just started, and I find myself asking were the time went.

The year has been a great one professionally. We were able to able to get on campus a lot, Cornerstone has been wonderful, and we got a new pastor! Personally we have seen a few difficult times: our truck was stolen (this is probably news to a lot reading this), and I broke my foot. In the good times, and the bad, I will speak of God’s faithfulness and salvation. I cannot conceal it.

God’s faithfulness continues to amaze me, and he shows me it in new ways. When doubt creeps in, God is faithful. When hope seems bleak, God is faithful. When the pain is heavy, God is faithful. He has shown me this through family, friends, students, coworkers, a new pastor, situations, and his own word. I cannot conceal it. God is faithful.

Take time to reflect on this. Let it marinate. If you are in dire circumstances, this simple phrase can help you make it through: God is faithful. Don’t conceal it.

Habitat for Humanity
Next year, I have the honor of taking over as the advisor for the Pitt chapter of Habitat for Humanity. As some of you may have known, I have been working pretty heavily with Habitat this year and was being groomed by the current advisor, and fellow CCO staff worker, Jonny Cagwin. I can’t wait to get started and deepen relationships that I have started, as well as form new ones. Habitat has been a great way to meet students, and get out on campus.

So, what does this mean for my job currently? Not much. I will still be working at the church, and doing a lot of the usual things I do. There will be a few changes: I will be stepping down from helping with Freshmen Ministry Team, and no longer (as of now) will I be leading a Spring Break trip to the Dominican Republic. Instead, I will be going to a Habitat worksite somewhere in the U.S. This is truly a unique opportunity for me, and I am truly excited about getting my hands dirty with students and all the possibilities this position offers.

Meet the Students

Meet Katie Moose, a (now) junior business major at Pitt. I got to know Katie a bit better on the Dominican Republic spring break trip where we discussed our mutual love of dinosaurs. Read more about her:

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? Favorite Movies: How to Steal a Million, anything directed by Alfred Hitchcock, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Favorite Books: anything by C.S. Lewis. Favorite Bands: City and Colour, Run River North, Ben Howard.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? My freshman year I wasn't really involved in Cornerstone as much as I wish I had been. Towards the end of second semester I started going more frequently and decided when I came back in the fall I would get more involved. I ended up in a D-group with Megan Schug and Mary Brooke Umhau and found myself going to Cornerstone events as often as I could. I got talked into applying for leadership and now am a small group leader and the business manager for Cornerstone next year! I have met some of my best friends at Cornerstone this year, as well as roommates and mentors.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? I think that Cornerstone has been instrumental to my faith during my time at Pitt. I went to a Christian school for K-12th grade and my faith and relationship with Christ was always important, but I didn't have that fire inside of me to know more and seek to put Christ first in my life. In coming to Cornerstone and being surrounded by so many people who have that passion for Christ, I have seen a huge change in my own life and my relationship with my Savior. The desire to know more, seek God first, and keep the fire thriving is something that I have gained during my time at Pitt through Cornerstone, and I can't wait to see what lies in store for the rest of my time here!

Financial Update

Praise God for his gifts! We are at 80% for the financial goal that we have set. We know that God is faithful, and always will be. We are very thankful for the support given to us as well as our wonderful supporters! If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. We are looking for supporters to give an extra 10% on top of their usual gifts, or make a one-time donation. Remember, any gift is a good gift. Please contact me using the information on the navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

Our house has basically been consumed with Baseball. Benjamin and Joshua have a few games a week in their respective leagues. When they are not playing they are practicing in our backyard (or trying to sneak baseball time in the house without Emily noticing). When they aren’t practicing, they are watching the Pirates. When they aren’t consumed by Baseball, they are doing homework, reading a book, or watching (or playing) Star Wars. Basically, in a nut shell, they are reliving my childhood…Except they are much more gifted than I ever was.

For being the “slow time of year,” Emily has been running around and trying to keep on top of things. It has been challenging, but fun. Emily has been great at managing the boys’ schedules, as well as being a “baseball mom.” Now if we can just figure out what to do when the boys’ games are scheduled at the same time.

We hope that this Newsletter finds you well and that you are seeing God in every part of your life.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

The Theology of Disney

As you may have read in my last newsletter, my family and I just spent a week in Disney World. What a wonderful time it was! From riding the Star Wars ride, Star Tours, five times to exploring the different worlds of EPCOT to feasting on the wonderful food the park had to offer. Despite the thrills and organized chaos that come with a Disney vacation, it was a wonderful time to spend with my entire family. Would I go again? In a heartbeat. It was that good of a time.

There was one thing that stuck out with me in the trip in particular. Throughout the small city that is Walt Disney World, there are various quotes from Walt Disney himself. One reads “I don’t want the public to see the world they live in while they’re in the Park. I want them to feel they’re in another world.” I casually read this sentence, not paying it any mind as I hustled to our next ride. But there was something about this quote that kept impaling my brain. It just would not leave me alone. Finally I started to mull the questions, “Why do people need an escape from reality?” and “Why should they escape to Disney World?”

Disney World might be the closest thing that we can get to a Utopia on Earth. Think about it. The parks are immaculately clean. You are constantly entertained…even waiting in line can be entertaining. The workers (called Cast Members) are care free and happy, even if it is synthesized. And most importantly, the parks are rid of a perceived notion of evil. When you go there, you escape the atrocities that are the rest of the world. It may be the closest thing we have to a utopia on this earth. So, is this escape truly why people flock there and are willing to shell out money for a temporary euphoria?

Being a minister, I have a tendency to look at the world through a biblical perspective. In the creation account in Genesis 1, we see God’s perfect order creating a world that is without evil or blemish. It is a world that is perfect for the pinnacle of God’s creation: mankind. “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31a, emphasis mine). God made a world that was perfect for us, and this world is what man was meant and wired for. It was very good. It was shalom, or peace as it was intended to be: full and complete.

In Genesis 3, we see the quick and decisive fall of mankind that cursed everything that was once good. Man, who was created perfectly human and was already told by God they were “very good,” was told by another being they could be better...that we didn’t need God, for we could be our own God. Lies we still believe today. The serpent said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:4b-5). How was it possible for people who were created perfectly human to become even greater? It was not, but that did not stop us from believing the lie. And so the fruit was picked, and the rest is sad, sad history. The world is now corrupt and evil.

So why is there a need to escape this reality? If we were indeed made to live in that shalom, if we were created for a world that was perfect for us, then it is no wonder that we are crawling and fighting to get back to a world that we were wired for. This is why people, I believe, are so eager to get to Disney World; they are pining for a world that they were meant for. Disney World is a generic Eden, where you forget that the world is harsh and cold. (This is not a knock on Disney World. I would gladly go again.) We are yearning for a world that is free of tears, death, mourning, and pain. Disney tries to offer that. The only thing is that at some point you have to pack up and leave, and eventually you are left with the “Disney Down.”

C.S. Lewis says it much more eloquently in his book Mere Christianity. He says, “The Christian says, 'Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.'”

If this was the end of the story, it would be a sad world that we live in. Jesus Christ, in his glory and compassion, saw that we were broken people attempting to work our way back to perfection, but failing miserably. In his love, he reached to us, by taking those imperfections and impurities and making us realize that we are in desperate need of God, and that our attempts at self-salvation have also failed. And he cleansed us. He declared us righteous. If we believe that Jesus Christ is the true savior of the world, then we are part of his story. What is that story? God is making all things new. He is restoring the broken, and making them whole again. We now get to participate in this epic narrative. God is restoring shalom. So when we yearn for a world that is free of tears, death, mourning, and pain, we must remember that redemption and restoration are God’s desires, also. As it says in Revelation 21:4-5, "He (Jesus) will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he (Jesus) who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" Amen.