“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” –Ephesians 2:19-20
What would it look like for people to carry their faith over from Sunday to Monday? What would it look like to be so transformed, and so Christ-centered that a physical/mental/spiritual change took place? What would it look like for one Christian to influence others to do the same?
I love Paul’s “cornerstone” imagery when writing his letter to the church in Ephesus. You see, a cornerstone is the first stone set in a building comprised of bricks. It is important because all the bricks will be set in reference to this stone. Thus, the Cornerstone determines the position of the entire structure.
When Paul wrote his letter to the church of Ephesus, he was trying to state that the church should be made up of both Jew and Gentile. And when the Gentiles were brought into the church, Jews and gentiles should be united in one new body with Christ being the common factor that united them…their Cornerstone.
So when we, as a students group, say that Christ is our Cornerstone we say that he unites us and is the reason for everything that we do. This is why our student fellowship is named “Cornerstone.” Christ is our sole motivation behind all that we do: the little and the big. He determines how our entire student body is structured.
Year Four
Wow, it’s hard to believe that the summer is over already. Freshmen have gone through their orientations, and the first few days of class are over. It seems that this year will be over quickly as well, and I’ll be preparing for the next batch of students to be pouring into the University of Pittsburgh.
We started the year as usual: with our water-giveaway, freshmen events, a booth at the freshmen activities fair, and kickoff cookout (our largest event). There has been one difference between this year and years past, and that is the massive amount of students that have come to all of our events. In the past, all of our events had a solid attendance, but this year it seems that there is an overwhelming amount of people interested in Cornerstone. It’s not a bad problem to have.
The Cornerstone large group held on Wednesday nights has had its usual amount of people there. This year’s freshmen class seems to be extremely outgoing and eager to get involved in anyway they can. We’ve even had a few help with some of the behind the scenes set up, which is usually done by upper classmen.
With each and every passing day, I notice more and more just how special the Cornerstone group is. How it is comprised of classy, God-centered students who are eager to live their life for Christ. I couldn’t ask for anything better.
Our biggest goal this year is not to see an increase in students, but an increase in a Cornerstone student’s knowledge, understanding, and application of God and his rule on us. We hope to see a spiritual revival on Pitt’s campus and we’ve got great students leaders to do so. Please be in prayer for our campus leaders: Ty Cline, Jake George, Steve “Mookie” Reich, Charlie Port, Gwen Pribish, Elise Hinderliter, Kathryn Sheuring, Grace Owens, Kara Klem, Katie Markovich, Heather Ludwig, Pete Mytych, Bob Durso, Blair Koch, Mike Stück, Danielle Englert, Russ Ludwig, James Moore, Cory Linfield, MaryBeth Kellett, Bethany Ground, Ben Schneider, Eric Marsteller, Lindsay Starner, Holly Asher, Leigh Wiker, Jessica Martin, and, Rachel Keatley.
Why We Do What We Do
Meet Blair Koch. She is a sophomore Mathematics major at the University of Pittsburgh. Blair is the head of the prayer team at Cornerstone.
She is very soft spoken, loved by all, and has a truly unique gift at making prayer exciting for everyone. Read more about her:
1. What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is Sydney White, which is a modern day version of Snow White.
2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I am the prayer team leader, but I also try to attend as many of the activities that cornerstone hosts as possible. This involves Frisbee on Thursday nights, women’s lunches on Fridays, and game nights.
3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Cornerstone has helped me in college because it has helped me to grow in my faith. Sometimes, classes can seem overwhelming, but going to Cornerstone each week forces me to remember that God is there helping me through it all.
“You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.” –Job 10:12
After three months, we have finally received a full paycheck! In all honesty, it was really easy to be discouraged about our financial situation. There were so many times when I questioned my calling, and just wanted to give up. But, I know this is exactly where God wants me and that my ministry is supposed to be for the college students at Pitt. There is no doubt in my mind that God will pick you up in discouraging times. As it says in Proverbs 30:5,“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Amen. Isn’t it great to have a God who loves us so much? Again, we cannot tell you where we are at exactly financially. However we can give an estimate. As you can see, we are now at $2,310 per month, or 79% of where we need to be. Last month, we had some huge one time donations that will help us make it through the next couple of months. Just because we are better off financially does not mean that we don’t need help. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. With this money we can be at full monthly support again, and I will have more time to minister to students like Blair. We are always looking for new supporters that help make this ministry possible. If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through your financial gifts and your prayer. Remember that any gift is a good gift. In the past few months, we have truly witnessed God’s provision. 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 is hard to believe that our eldest, Benjamin, is now four years old. It seems that he is growing up so fast, we can barely keep up with him. We had his big party with friends and family a few days prior to his actual birthday. Granny was able to come out from Colorado, as well as Gammy and Pops from West Virginia. The theme of the party was “Ben’s Favorite things,” which meant that everything was picked and planned out by Benjamin himself. He chose the colors (green and blue…his favorites) and the games from the show Minute to Win It. On his actual birthday we just had a small celebration as family. We opened up presents and he received the thing that he wanted the most…a Steelers jersey. Afterward we went out and ate at the restaurant of his choice: Eat ‘N Park.
Benjamin has been a constant blessing in our lives. He is extremely intelligent, loving, an excellent encourager and helper, and he is a great role model for his younger brothers. Pretty soon he’ll be off to school. Unbelievable.
Asher and Joshua are doing well. Joshua is really thinning out, and is constantly laughing. Asher has recently started to walk while holding on to things, has cut three teeth in the past month, kisses everyone, and has added some words to his vocabulary (he is finally saying “momma” which Emily is ecstatic about). All three of our boys continue to bless us in new and surprising ways.
We thank you all for your love and generosity. We pray that God blesses you as much as he has blessed us.
In Christ,
Andy Moore
