Tuesday, August 15, 2023

2023 August Newsletter

Financial Ask
Usually I have my Financial Update/Financial Ask in the middle of my Newsletter. Due to a recent strain in our monthly giving, I wanted to make sure you didn't skip over it. I know that a financial piece isn't as exciting as the rest of my Newsletter, and it can be easy to skim through, so I ask that you PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW. Thank you!


To Contribute to the $10,000 via campaign: https://ccojubilee.org/campaign/4398/andy-moore-1

To Contribute regularly: https://ccojubilee.org/staff/amoore

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity. With your help, we have experienced financial stability and growth in the past year, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve in such a meaningful capacity.

However, I want to be transparent and vulnerable with you all, and share that this past month presented some financial challenges for us. This past month we made approximately $4,200. The month before that, we made approximately $4,200. That is almost $1,000 less than what we need per month. A few years ago, we found ourselves in a financial struggle because I let our Ministry Account (the account that collects my fundraising, and where my check comes out of) dwindle without expressing our need. This time, I want to stop the bleeding. We need help replenishing our Ministry Account. To meet this need, I am starting a campaign through the CCO and striving to raise an additional $10,000, just to replenish our MA. This $10,000 is a one-time thing, and will be separate from the $5,600 we are trying to raise monthly. This $10,000 of extra cushion will allow us to continue pursuing our mission without financial distraction. You can find a link to the campaign, as well as a link for regular giving, below. If you plan on sending a check towards this $10,000 goal, kindly indicate "replenishment of MA" when making your contribution. This will enable us to allocate the funds accordingly and acknowledge your remarkable support.

I am humbly requesting your assistance in reaching this goal. Any gift, regardless of its size, will make a significant difference and contribute to the vitality of our ministry. Whether you can commit to increasing your monthly support or providing a one-time donation, your contribution will be immensely valued and appreciated.

I want to emphasize that your assistance extends beyond financial contributions. First, prayer. Please pray for our ministry – for our students, our staff, and my personal finances. Pray to bring God’s kingdom to Pitt. Second, you can help by sharing this newsletter on your social media networks. This is what I call a “Social Media Blitz.” By doing this, you help spread awareness about what is happening at Cornerstone and our current financial need. Your support, financially, prayerfully, and tangibly through the power of word-of-mouth, ensures that the Gospel message reaches students and that our personal needs reach those who are called to join us in our mission.

Once again, I cannot express enough how deeply grateful I am for your continued support. Your belief in this ministry and your commitment to its growth and impact fill me with immense joy and motivation. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of the students we serve. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your friendship, generosity, and unyielding support. May God bless you abundantly in return for the blessings you bring to others.

Send checks payable to the CCO:
5912 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Write "Andy Moore: Replenishment of MA" on the Memo

To Contribute to the $10,000 via campaign: https://ccojubilee.org/campaign/4398/andy-moore-1

To Contribute regularly: https://ccojubilee.org/staff/amoore


My Cornerstone Testimony - Part 2 - Ch-Ch-Changes


After that fateful night at the pub, and many brainstorming sessions and reflections, we came to a unanimous decision to change the format of our large group sessions at Cornerstone We realized that our previous structure closely resembled that of a conventional church service. We had a repetitive cycle of worship, announcements, more worship, a talk, and further worship. This resemblance was not in line with our vision for Cornerstone, as we wanted to create an atmosphere distinct from the Sunday services at Bellefield. We did not want to play church.  We desired to offer something unique and different, an experience that would captivate and engage students in a meaningful way.

A pivotal factor driving this change was our recognition of the diverse ways in which individuals learn. We acknowledged the importance of catering to different learning styles, including auditory, visual, and experiential approaches. With this revelation in mind, we embarked on a new teaching methodology that sought to create an interactive and immersive environment. We aimed to foster deep connections between the material being taught and the students' own experiences and understanding.

The inaugural lesson in our revised format happened to revolve around the profound concept of Jesus being the bread of life. I had the privilege of leading this lesson, and it proved to be an incredible experience. After delivering the teaching, we encouraged the students to actively participate in a bread-making activity. The act of making bread served as a powerful illustration of the profound truth we had just explored. Witnessing the students engaging with the lesson firsthand and experiencing it tangibly was an immensely gratifying experience.

The new format displayed remarkable success, both in terms of facilitating meaningful learning and fostering an atmosphere of enjoyment for the students. We observed a genuine thirst for knowledge and spiritual growth among the students, igniting a sense of excitement and engagement. Moreover, we received answered prayers from God, as He brought forth students who were truly passionate about their faith and wholeheartedly desired to see His kingdom flourish at Pitt. Their presence and enthusiasm infused an extra layer of vibrancy and unity within our community.

Something was happening. God was working.

For a while, things progressed fairly smoothly as we continued to walk in alignment with our vision. However, it is often that when you are doing something right, and glorifying to God, you will be attacked. And, we were about to be…


Moore News


We are thrilled to update you on the latest happenings in the Moore household. The biggest news is our unforgettable vacations.

Our journey began with a trip to the magnificent Badlands in South Dakota. It was a special place for me, as I had visited 20 years ago on a National Parks tour with my parents, right before Emily and I got married in Colorado. The Badlands truly showcase the stunning artistry of God's creation. The rugged landscapes, unique rock formations, and vast open spaces left us in awe. Our boys had an absolute blast hiking and immersing themselves in the beauty that surrounded us.

From there, we ventured to Custer State Park, where we were treated to sightings of bison, prairie dogs (which are everywhere), antelope, and weirdly wild donkeys.

We then made a special stop (on my account) in Deadwood, a town of significant historical and cultural significance and is most noted for the town where Wild Bill Hickock was murdered while playing Poker. I am a huge fan of Westerns, which I inherited from my Dad, and I couldn't resist the chance to visit this iconic place, especially after recently finishing the HBO show. While the town is famous for its rich history and captivating stories, I was surprised to find it had transformed into a bustling tourist attraction. It reminded me of a mini Nashville except with numerous casinos. I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t that.

The next day, we traveled to Eaton, Colorado, to spend quality time with Emily's family. We had a wonderful week with her father, LeRoy, and her two sisters, Leslie and Polly. It was a week filled with a lot of board games, laughter, and catching up on each other's lives. During our stay, I had the honor of giving an update at Emily's beloved church, the Evangelical Free Church of Eaton. The church holds a special place in our hearts, as it is where God found Emily in their youth group, and where we were married. It was awesome reconnecting with many familiar faces in the congregation and share updates on our lives and Cornerstone.

One of the highlights of our time in Colorado was experiencing Top Golf for the first time. For those unfamiliar, Top Golf is an entertaining and interactive golfing experience where players aim for targets on a large outfield, earning points for hitting specific areas. It was a thrilling and enjoyable experience for all of us. It was a memorable experience for all of us, and we couldn't help but have a friendly competition. Josh managed to hit the farthest shot, but I was not far behind.

A week after we got home from Colorado, we traveled to my parents house in Oak Hill, WV. It was great to be back home and spend time with my parents – whether it was watching a movie, or swimming in their pool, or eating, we always have a great time when we return to my hometown.

We are grateful for the opportunity to explore new places, create cherished memories, and strengthen the bonds of family. As much as we loved our time away, it is also wonderful to be back home.

Lastly, we want to express our deepest appreciation for your continued support, love, and friendship. Your presence in our lives is a true blessing, and we are deeply grateful for the unwavering care and encouragement you provide. As we reflect on our recent experiences, we are reminded of God's abundant blessings and the beauty that surrounds us in every season of life.

Also, please feel free to share this Newsletter on your social media accounts. And, as a reminder, be sure to listen to that podcast, “Lessons of Hope” from Haiti h2o which Emily helped to produce and direct. Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1q1RZhmoykCbZSyOkUPnaq?si=c329788cb0c04fec

We pray that your lives be filled with God’s love and joy, and adventures of your own. God Bless!

To Contribute to the $10,000 via campaign: https://ccojubilee.org/campaign/4398/andy-moore-1

To Contribute regularly: https://ccojubilee.org/staff/amoore


In Christ,
Andy Moore






Wednesday, June 14, 2023

2023 June Newsletter

My Cornerstone Testimony - Part 1 - A Pub, Pints, and Prayer

Usually, this part of my Newsletter is dedicated to student Testimony. I decided this time to do something a little different. I wanted to share my testimony of how God is working within Cornerstone.

In 2018, I was visiting my best friends (Clay Fuller and Will Coulson) for a weekend in Morgantown, WV to watch the NFL draft together – something we’ve been doing together for almost 20 years. During those days, we drove around the town, visiting our old college haunts, and I started to get nostalgic. Morgantown is a very special place to me - a place marked with growth – a place where Jesus found me. I thought to myself, “It would be great to move back here. God would have to provide a way.”

A few days later, I kid you not, I got a phone call. It was from a pretty well-known church in Morgantown asking me to apply for the position of Director of College Ministry. Was this a sign from God? Afterall, I had just said “God would have to provide a way.” Seeing no harm in listening to what the church had to offer, and the appeal of moving back to West Virginia, I decided to apply. After a strenuous interview process, where they wined and dined me, I was offered the job. On paper, the job seemed pretty prestigious: it was a big-time job (for a pastor) at a big-time church, with an easy way to work my way up the pastoral ladder. The pay was about the same, but I wouldn’t have to raise half of my salary anymore. However, I turned down the job. There were a few reasons for turning down the job was 1. I wasn’t called to the job, I felt called to stay in Pittsburgh, continuing my job. I felt that I had unfinished business. I also didn’t want to leave behind an already established community. Now some of these reasons have left many puzzled. Couldn’t God use you in Morgantown? Well, yes. God can use anyone anywhere. But power, fame, and money aren’t reasons for leaving. My wife, Emily, felt the same way.

You see, I realized that I was deeply unsatisfied with job at Pitt. I was near burnout, and the once-joyful experience had lost its luster. It wasn't solely Morgantown that I desired; I craved change. It was evident that a significant shift was necessary. Instead of simply informing my coworkers via text, I opted for a more personal approach. Hence, we convened at our beloved local pub to share the news.

Over a pint or two, I informed them that I was staying, and they seemed happy and relieved with the decision. However, I didn't stop there. I felt the urge to express my deep concerns about the stagnant nature of our work. It seemed like we were trapped in a monotonous cycle, repeating the same motions endlessly. Let me clarify, there's value in following a familiar routine, but only when it's infused with passion and purpose for the Lord. Sadly, that was not the case for us at the moment. I felt a spiritual drought, and it was evident that our students were far from reaching their full potential, which was disheartening for all of us.

I was fairly emotional, and started to tear up – literal tears in my beer. Both of my coworkers looked at me, with complete empathy, and said that they felt the same. We collectively recognized the pressing need for change. However, we acknowledged that the power to initiate true transformation did not lie within us alone. Our students' renewal required a higher force—only God could orchestrate it. So, in that humble pub setting, we made a resolute decision to turn to prayer. Our heartfelt plea resonated, “God, we are asking for change. We are asking that you just show up!” And do you know what? God showed up! Just not in the way we were expecting…

Financial Update

To Donate:
https://ccojubilee.org/staff/amoore

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity throughout this incredible, continued journey. Thanks to your amazing help, we have experienced significant financial blessings over the past year. I am delighted to share that I have also been blessed with a raise, which allows me to continue pursuing my passion of reaching college students for Christ. As we strive to do this, I am reaching out today to ask for your assistance in raising $5600 each month to support our ongoing efforts. We are excited about the prospect of increasing monthly support, while recognizing that one-time donations are equally impactful. Additionally, I am seeking to replenish my Ministry Account with an extra $10,000. Please remember that any gift, regardless of its size, is immensely valuable and appreciated. On a side note, any contribution towards the goal of “$10,000” should be marked on the check or as a side note, as "Replenishment of MA" to ensure proper tracking. If interested in donating, you can click on the link above. Your incredible kindness fuels our mission, and together, we can make a lasting difference in college students’ lives. Thank you again for your unfailing support and unwavering belief in this ministry. Thanks, and God bless!

Moore News

To Donate:
https://ccojubilee.org/staff/amoore 

Haiti h2o Podcast, "Lessons of Hope":
https://open.spotify.com/show/1q1RZhmoykCbZSyOkUPnaq?si=c329788cb0c04fec

First and foremost, I want to apologize for the lack of updates recently. It's been a whirlwind of activity, but I am committed to sending out a monthly newsletter for the rest of the year to keep you all in the loop. Your support means the world to me, and I want to ensure that you stay connected and informed about the exciting happenings in our lives.

Now, let's dive into the biggest news of the past year - we've moved! Well, not too far, just 12 houses down from our previous address. We went from 1104 Portland St. to 1144 Portland St. It may seem like a small change, but the new house offers us so much more space, and we feel truly blessed to have it. Also, the dogs love it. If you're curious about how we came into possession of this wonderful home, it's actually a cool story. Feel free to reach out to me, and I'd be more than happy to share the details with you.

I would like to provide you all with an update on my seminary journey. As some of you may remember, I had initially planned to take a sabbatical. However, I am grateful to share that I was granted permission to extend my required campus life to two years instead of one. This wonderful opportunity has allowed me to balance taking classes and continuing my work simultaneously. With this adjusted timeline, I am on track to complete my degree in May 2024. Looking ahead, I hope to pursue ordination in the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) while also continuing my work with college students.

On the professional front, Emily, my incredible wife, is thriving as the communications director at Haiti h2o. She has recently been involved in producing, directing, and editing a podcast called "Lessons of Hope." If you're interested in getting a glimpse of her remarkable work and learning more about the inspiring mission of Haiti h2o, I invite you to click on the link above to listen. It's a fantastic opportunity to see firsthand the impact she's making and to gain insights into the incredible work happening at Haiti h2o.

Now, let's talk about our boys. Benjamin, who is now in 10th grade, and Joshua, who is in 9th grade, are both attending sci-tech, which happens to be conveniently located across the street from Bellefield. Benjamin is currently an active member of Boy Scouts, where he is dedicatedly working towards achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. As he prepares to enter the next phase of his life, Benjamin will soon be embarking on the exciting journey of exploring college options. Joshua had an eventful year, as he joined the football team, but unfortunately experienced a separated shoulder that limited his playing time as a Wide Receiver and Cornerback. Determined to contribute, he found a new way to shine on the field by volunteering as a punter and kicker, and he thrived in those positions. As for Asher, he continues to pursue his passion for visual arts at CAPA. He's really enjoying it, and is quite the artist. Although he does have one complaint - those flights of stairs he has to climb every day!

In closing, I hope this update finds you all in good health and high spirits. I sincerely pray that God's blessings continue to shower upon each and every one of you. Thank you for your unwavering support, and I look forward to sharing more exciting news with you in the coming months. Thanks, and God Bless!

In Christ,
Andy Moore






 

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

2022 February Newsletter

Cornerstone Update/Moore News

Click on the video below to find out what Cornerstone and the Moore household have been up to!


To find out more about Haiti H2O, go to: https://www.haitih2o.org/

In Christ,
Andy Moore





Thursday, July 9, 2020

2020 July Newsletter

Financial Ask
Usually I have my Financial Update/Financial Ask in the middle of my Newsletter. Due to a recent strain in our monthly giving, I wanted to make sure you didn't skip over it. I know that a financial piece isn't as exciting as the rest of my Newsletter, and it can be easy to skim through, so I ask that you PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW. Thank you!



To Donate: https://ccojubilee.org/about/our-team/andy-moore/261/


Meet the Students
Meet Taylor Siegfried, and see how God has changed her life through Cornerstone.



Moore News
See what we're up to so far this summer.



To Donate: https://ccojubilee.org/about/our-team/andy-moore/261/

Thanks for reading/watching. God Bless!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

Friday, June 12, 2020

2020 June Newsletter

Student Testimony
Meet Aaron Meyer, a (now) senior who leads one of our Bible Studies at Cornerstone.  Listen to how God has been working in Aaron through the CCO and Cornerstone:



Financial Update




As you can see from the chart above, we did much better in May than in April. In May, we made $4,026. That is 88% of where we need to be. We are up 6%!  God provides!  We still need your help, however.  I would like to up that 88% to 100%.  I'm not sure I could reiterate it any better than how I have stated it over the past few months. Matthew 6:25-34 have been my "anthem" through these difficult times. Here is what I wrote:

Times are tough. Having a steady income can be tough. It is through these times of immense vulnerability, that we realize that we cannot do this by ourselves. That we need a faithful savior to rely on. Jesus Christ is that faithful savior. When everything around seems so inconstant, we have a God who is constant. We must rely on that. I know that these times of uncertainty have hit hard for some, and we have felt that as well. We are asking for your help now, more than ever. If you are interested in supporting us financially, please feel click on the link below. We must be reminded that God is a provider.

Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."


God is Good!

If interested in supporting us financially, please click the following link:
https://secure-q.net/Donations/CCO/15954

Moore News
Last month, I featured an interview with our youngest son, Asher. To keep in this tradition, I have decided to post an interview with our oldest son, Benjamin. Benjamin is our organized, rational son, who has an extremely sweet and generous side to him.  He is willing to do anything for his family. Listen to what he has to say:


Monday, June 1, 2020

Biblical Touchpoints - The God Who Draws Near - Exodus 1-4


Biblical Touchpoints is a brief, yet thorough walkthrough of key stories of the Bible. The goal of this series is to make the listener more Biblically literate, and theologically astute. I ask that you read the weekly passage before watching.


Thursday, May 14, 2020

2020 May Newsletter

Student Testimony
Meet Akeem Williams, and hear the testimony how God has awakened in his life.  I first met Akeem in Habitat for Humanity a few years ago, but really got to know him this year when I invited into my discipleship group.  Hear more about how God has been working in his life:





Financial Update





As you can see from the chart above, we have taken our first large hit in a while.  In April, we made $3,736.  That is 82% of where we need to be.  Though I never like to see my ministry account balance dip, I know that God will provide. I'm not sure I could reiterate it any better than how I stated it last month:

Times are tough. Having a steady income can be tough. It is through these times of immense vulnerability, that we realize that we cannot do this by ourselves. That we need a faithful savior to rely on. Jesus Christ is that faithful savior. When everything around seems so inconstant, we have a God who is constant. We must rely on that. I know that these times of uncertainty have hit hard for some, and we have felt that as well. We are asking for your help now, more than ever. If you are interested in supporting us financially, please feel click on the link below. We must be reminded that God is a provider.

Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25-34, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."


God is Good!

If interested in supporting us financially, please click the following link:
https://secure-q.net/Donations/CCO/15954

Moore News
Last month, I featured an interview with our middle son, Joshua.  To keep in this tradition, I have decided to post an interview with our youngest son, Asher (FYI, he was a bit nervous behind the camera).  Asher is a constant source of sweetness, positivity, and energy in our house, so get to know him a bit more:







Thank you all for reading (and watching) this Newsletter! Stay safe, and and take this time of isolation to grow closer with the Lord.

In Christ,
Andy Moore