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

October 2014 Newsletter

Is God's Will My Will?
“This is the will of God, your sanctification . . .” —1 Thessalonians 4:3

Sanctification is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify me— is it my will? Am I willing to let God do in me everything that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Am I willing to let Jesus become sanctification to me, and to let His life be exhibited in my human flesh? (see 1 Corinthians 1:30). Beware of saying, “Oh, I am longing to be sanctified.” No, you are not. Recognize your need, but stop longing and make it a matter of action. Receive Jesus Christ to become sanctification for you by absolute, unquestioning faith, and the great miracle of the atonement of Jesus will become real in you.

All that Jesus made possible becomes mine through the free and loving gift of God on the basis of what Christ accomplished on the cross. And my attitude as a saved and sanctified soul is that of profound, humble holiness (there is no such thing as proud holiness). It is a holiness based on agonizing repentance, a sense of inexpressible shame and degradation, and also on the amazing realization that the love of God demonstrated itself to me while I cared nothing about Him (see Romans 5:8). He completed everything for my salvation and sanctification. No wonder Paul said that nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).

Sanctification makes me one with Jesus Christ, and in Him one with God, and it is accomplished only through the magnificent atonement of Christ. Never confuse the effect with the cause. The effect in me is obedience, service, and prayer, and is the outcome of inexpressible thanks and adoration for the miraculous sanctification that has been brought about in me because of the atonement through the Cross of Christ.
-Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

Fall Retreat
On September 26-28, we had our signature fellowship event: The Fall Retreat. It was a great weekend away from the city for approximately seventy students, with food, games, and teaching by Cornerstone alum Rich Herbster. Rich, a pastor of Mt. Pleasant Church in Aliquippa, PA and an adjunct professor at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA, spoke on Elijah. I don’t ever recall hearing a lesson on the Prophet Elijah (other than what I’ve heard in Sunday school or through personal study), so I found this talk series quite refreshing and engaging as did the students. The Fall Retreat was wonderful opportunity to connect with students that I haven’t had the chance of getting to know and deepening continued relationships.

Meet the Students

Meet Samantha “Sam” Gremler, a sophomore Developmental Psychology major at the University of Pittsburgh. Sam has a very bubbly, infectious personality that has been a welcome addition to Cornerstone. She is one of our three prayer leaders, and is currently being discipled by Emily. Read more about her…

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? For my favorite movie, this one’s a tough one, I would have to say Bicentennial Man. But Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is up there, too! I don’t get to read many books in my free time, but one I could read over and over again is Christmas After All: The Great Depression Diary of Minnie Swift. I love Christian music and movie soundtracks, particularly Disney. And I also love oldies (60s and 70s music) because I grew up listening to that in my dad’s car.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I joined Cornerstone almost immediately last year as a freshman, and have been involved ever since. I decided to apply to join the prayer team during the second semester to try and become more involved and to help the ministry of Cornerstone and to help future freshmen and Cornerstoners on their walks of faith. Because of band, I am never able to be a part of everything, but I try to attend and participate as much as I can!

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? The journey from high school senior to college freshman was particularly rough for me, but having a community at Cornerstone of people who genuinely and sincerely wanted to encourage me and hear about my life was so helpful last year and even going into this year. I have found some of my best friends through Cornerstone and the people I have met have truly influenced and helped me on my walk with Christ, and have helped me stay grounded and firm in my faith through the tough times college can bring.

Financial Update
Please read the following 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

There is not much to report from the Moore household. The boys are continuing to play soccer until the end of October, and then they will join a futsal league (a variation of soccer played indoors and with a heavier ball) in the winter which will help them work on the technical aspects of soccer. It has been interesting watching them play, since I don’t really know anything about the sport (other than when my sister, Bekie, used play in high school). All seem to be naturals. Benjamin is the better all-around player: great at defense and can shoot or get the assist when necessary. Joshua is better offensively, however, and is natural at scoring goals for his age group. Asher is learning to get in the action and get his foot on the ball. Other than that, their time is either consumed with homework, Pokémon (Pokémon cards have invaded our house), Star Wars, or playing with their friends. They are quite good at keeping themselves busy, and in turn keeps Emily and me busy.

Emily is doing well, and has been heavily involved with the women’s ministry at the church. She also was overseeing the new landscape project at Bellefield, which seems ideal since she is a landscape architecture major. She is going to be running the Hershey Half Marathon this October, and has been training hard and diligently for that. I even got to run eight miles with her one day, and know that she is going to do great.

We hope that this newsletter finds you well, and pray that God continues to bless you.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

September 2014 Newsletter

Welcome and Wanted
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” –Ephesians 2:19

I believe that there are two things people want to feel in this world, and that is to feel welcome and wanted. This is especially true if moving to a new place like many freshmen have. Sometimes you have to go out of your way to make yourself feel welcome and wanted, and sometimes others will do it for you. We want so desperately to feel included. Like we belong.

Verses 11-18, which preface this verse, possess a stunning dramatic sweep. It’s a beautiful thing. It begins with two groups at odds with each other, the Jews and Gentiles, and their radical alienation from each other and from God. Then they rise to their radical reconciliation. The death of Christ has created them to be a new humanity, reconciled both to each other and to God. For the Gentiles, the effects of this radical reconciliation are immediate and astounding. Upon believing, these outcasts moved to the very center of God's purpose. They went from being interlopers to insiders, from aliens to heirs, from the lowest class to first class. With their radical reconciliation they became a radical blessing.

Citizenship was an even greater source of pride in the ancient Greco-Roman culture to which Paul was writing in Ephesus, and was highly personal. Realizing this, we see that Paul was telling the Ephesian Christians something absolutely amazing: their citizenship did not lie in a Roman province, but with God himself! They had been "foreigners and Aliens" before, but now they had become fellow citizens with God's people! They had come to possess a citizenship that superseded city citizenship and even coveted Roman citizenship. They were part of a supreme cosmopolitan community, a third city, God’s city, for a third humanity. That went to their heart because they had been strangers and aliens.

We can travel throughout the world, but as believers wherever we go we are free from alienation, for we are reconciled to God and his Church and we belong. And one day we are going leave this life as we are unavoidably drawn to our city and our people. To a third city; a heavenly city. No longer strangers. No longer aliens. Fellow citizens with the Saints. Here Christ will proclaim, “I will make you feel welcome! I want you!”

Cornerstone Update
Things are officially back in full swing. At the end of August, leadership students moved back and the whirlwind known as orientation week began. Orientation week is truly like no other. During this time, we have the opportunity to "blitz" the freshmen and begin relationships. We do this through various activities or giveaways. That week we gave away bottles of water to students moving in (and their parents who were doing the heavy lifting), coffee and tea, cupcakes, freeze pops, and hot dogs and hamburgers. During the process of giving away these things, we were able to meet hundreds of students and have meaningful conversations with quite a few. Like I said, the week is truly like no other and can be quite exhausting, but also quite worth it. Our leadership students were beyond outgoing this year, and not afraid to get a little uncomfortable as they met new people.

Classes began the week after orientation, bringing our first large group meeting, where my coworker, Bobbi Perkins, spoke on identity. The following week, I was able to kick off a series on the epistle of Ephesians, starting with our core verses in Cornerstone: Ephesians 2:19-22. In fact, the devotion from above is a brief snippet of my talk. The year has truly started off strong. Pray that momentum will continue as we continue to meet new students and seek God in all that we do.

Meet the Students

Meet Chris Chong, a sophomore Electrical and Computer Engineering major that goes to Carnegie Mellon University. Originally from New York City (he's a Yankees fan, but I don't fault him for that), Chris seems to have found a home at Cornerstone. He has an infectious personality, and randomly likes to dance...seriously. Read more about him:

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? I don't like answering questions about favorites, because I have a hard time deciding. I haven't watched many movies, but I think out of the ones that I have and can remember, my favorite would be either Wreck-It Ralph or Up, but my favorite TV series is definitely Scrubs. I honestly wish that I read more, but I think my favorite book would be Maus. There's just something about historical stories that appeals to me. I don't know if I have a favorite genre, since a lot of it depends on how I'm feeling, but my favorite song would be “Everything's Not Lost” by Coldplay.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I started coming to Cornerstone because a friend invited me one night in about the third week of classes, and I decided to give it a shot. I just couldn't stop coming, and there wasn't a good excuse to miss Cornerstone for me. Even though I struggled with feeling loved, I knew that this was the community that I had been looking for a long time now. I started to open up a lot more after the spring break trip to Arizona and feel so connected and loved in Cornerstone. I am now a leader for the Freshman Ministry Team and absolutely loving it.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Before college, I had been involved in some Christian communities, but I always felt like an outsider and never was able to fully embrace myself or the community. However, in Cornerstone, I have really learned about the love of Christ from this community. I see how it is poured out on the members of Cornerstone and how we show love to one another. Because of God and Cornerstone, I've been learning what it means to love myself and to love others. It's given me a greater sense of God's peace and love and because of that, God's freed me from my insecurities and allowed me to be a lot bolder for Him than in the past.

Financial Update
Please read the following 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

When one sport ends, another begins. With the end of baseball, all three of the boys have begun to play soccer through an organization called Ambassadors Football Club through a local church called The Open Door (a former Church plant of Bellefield). Though my sister played soccer in high school, it was never a sport that I was really into, until now. I really enjoy watching all three of the boys learn how to play. Through that I am learning as well. Benjamin is the most natural soccer player of the three. He shows excellent ball skills, and is a great offensive shooter. Joshua, though naturally more athletic than Benjamin, is a great defenseman, and can also shoot. Asher...well, Asher is fun to watch. One of the youngest in the league, it is fun watching him pick up the nuances of the game. He also loves taking water breaks. Asher is finally starting to show some interest in sports, but that might be do to two older brothers.

Joshua and Benjamin also began school a few weeks ago being in first grade and second grade respectively, and they seem to be thriving. Asher still loves his mommy and daddy time at home, but often misses Benjamin and Joshua while they are away. Asher will begin Kindergarten next year. I’m not sure what Emily and I are going to do with the upcoming "empty nest."

Thank you for reading this newsletter, for your support, and for the blessing each of you are to us. May God Bless your richly!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

What Do You Like the Most About Cornerstone?

Here is a Cornerstone promo video, they my coworker Chris Ansell made, entitled, "What Do You Like the Most About Cornerstone?"  In it, students tell about their Cornerstone experiences.  You can either watch or click on the link below.  Watch and enjoy!

What Do You Like the Most About Cornerstone? (link)

August 2014 Newsletter

Homeruns and Heaven
If you have read my Newsletters in the past couple of years, you would know my kids are baseball crazy. Every morning they wake up, and it seems that the first thing that comes from their mouth is, “Did the Pirates Win? What was the score?” Crazy indeed. It has been awesome being able to be their “coach” and teach them the ins and outs of baseball. One thing that the boys love to do is hit. They are good at it too.

There are (basically) two different philosophies in baseball: the American and the Japanese. The American philosophy is all about the big hit, the homerun, or the splash play. It is about the individual player. Just take a look at ESPN’s highlights if you need further proof. The Japanese philosophy of baseball is much more noble and team based. It is about sacrifice and helping your teammate advance to win. It’s about hitting for the single. When it came to teaching the boys about baseball, I naturally gravitated toward the Japanese philosophy. I even came up with a little Q & A for the boys when they get up to bat and try to hit a homerun. It goes like this: I ask, “Why do we hit?” They respond, “To get on base or advance the runner.” I then ask, “What are homeruns?” They respond, “Just a bonus.”

I feel the same can be true of our Christian philosophy. If we asked someone, “Why are you a Christian?” I have a feeling the response of many would be, “To get to Heaven.” That is not an incorrect answer, nor a wrong answer, but I do not think that is the ultimate answer. The reason I am a Christian is not solely to get to Heaven. The reason I am a Christian is to have a relationship with my Creator that was only made possible through the relational reconciliation that came through the death and resurrection of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. After that, I want others to do likewise. Heaven is just a bonus.

Sometimes we get so focused on the end goal, the bonus, that we don’t focus on what is right in front of us. Soak in the goodness that comes through God’s redemption.

Bellefield and Cornerstone Update
Summer is quickly closing, and the Fall Semester is approaching. We have finished Common Ground, our summer bible study and program, and are now in the planning phase for the Fall Semester. To say that it is a busy time would be an understatement. Hours increase, and it feels that we are always busy doing something. Also, it is tiring. Would I trade it in a minute? Absolutely not. I love this time of year! It’s the time where I get to foster and build relationships. I absolutely thrive on meeting college students. Orientation week is my favorite week of the year! Please be in prayer for the incoming students.

Meet the Students

Meet Chesna Hinkley, a senior Neuroscience and Physical Anthropology major at Pitt. Chesna is one of the most well-spoken people in I have met. Each word is articulate and has deep thought behind it. Read more about her…

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? I don’t watch enough movies to know, because for some reason I believe that TV takes up less of my study time than movies (it doesn’t), but I love Arrested Development and Mad Men. My favorite books are the Harry Potter series, but I feel like I’m not allowed to say that as an adult (?). I love Crime and Punishment, and actually both of those stories played a pretty serious role in my spiritual development. For music, it varies, but there’s a steady, constant supply of Mumford and Sons.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I started coming to Cornerstone the first week of freshman year, because I was homesick and it was across the street from my dorm, and the church has beautiful red doors. I didn’t immediately feel connected (I’m very introverted), but I just had a really intense visceral feeling that this was where I was going to belong for the next four years. I didn’t even check out any other ones. I’d had a bad relationship with the church since about age 14, but I knew I wanted Jesus and so I put in the face time knowing relationships would come. About the end of sophomore year I felt like this group was my spiritual home in a way I have never experienced. I applied for leadership the following year and I’ve been able to use my gifts in their very first roots, even when I didn’t think I was ready at all. I’ve come to adore Jesus more, and to care about people—and through them, the global church.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? The Cornerstone staff have all provided me with space to talk. That’s a new thing for me, to feel like I can open up and not be judged, and not only that, but be asked my opinion about things. That sounds cliché, but it’s true and it’s changed my concept of myself and of “church leadership” as an institution I didn’t trust (and still struggle to trust). In the same way, the community of students is real. For example, I’ve felt my whole life that church is irredeemably sexist. But my relationships with flourishing, career-minded women who don’t compete with each other, and with caring men who treat me like an equal (what?), and listen to me speak (!?) and participate genuinely in platonic friendships, is transformative for my ability to trust. That’s just one example, but really, I would be an entirely different person had I not been part of Cornerstone for the last three years. It’s truly held me together in a rough period of life.

Financial Goal

July was a good month for us, and even better than June. We are at 89% of where we need to be for the month and are deeply thankful for all of you for all of your continued love and support. We are always in awe how God has used everyone to help support this ministry. We honestly could not do it without God working through you. 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

As I said earlier, we are now in the “calm before the storm” phase at Cornerstone, which means it’s the “calm before the storm” phase at home as well. Emily and the boys are planning on visiting my parents in Oak Hill, WV during welcome back week, since I won’t get to see them a whole lot. The boys and Emily love seeing Gammy and Pops in West Virginia though…and playing in their pool. So, that means I will have to fend and forge for myself…

After that, Benjamin and Joshua start school again. Ben will be going into the second grade, and Josh will be going into first grade. Asher will not begin school this year, but we will enroll him in Kindergarten next year. It will be odd when there are no children in the house during the day.

We hope that this letter finds you well. God Bless.

In Christ,
Andy Moore

July 2014 Newsletter

Recovering Vocation
Robert Bellah’s landmark book, Habits of the Heart, helped many people name the thing that was (and still is) eating away at the cohesiveness of our culture—“expressive individualism.” Elsewhere, Bellah argued that Americans had created a culture that elevated individual choice and expression to such a level that there was no longer any shared life, no commanding truths or values that tied us together. As Bellah wrote, “. . . we are moving to an ever greater validation of the sacredness of the individual person, [but] our capacity to imagine a social fabric that would hold individuals together is vanishing. . . . The sacredness of the individual is not balanced by any sense of the whole or concern for the common good.” But near the end of Habits, the author proposes one measure that would go a long way toward reweaving the unraveling culture: To make a real difference . . . [there would have to be] a reappropriation of the idea of vocation or calling, a return in a new way to the idea of work as a contribution to the good of all and not merely as a means to one’s own advancement. Every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response to God’s calling, can matter forever.

But if we are to “reappropriate” an older idea, we must look at that idea’s origin. In this case, the source of the idea of work as vocation is the Christian Scriptures. The Bible teems with wisdom, resources, and hope for anyone who is learning to work, looking for work, trying to work, or going to work. And when we say that the Christian Scriptures “give us hope” for work, we at once acknowledge both how deeply frustrating and difficult work can be and how profound the spiritual hope must be if we are going to face the challenge of pursuing vocation in this world.

Everyone imagines accomplishing things, and everyone finds him or herself largely incapable of producing them. Everyone wants to be successful rather than forgotten, and everyone wants to make a difference in life. But that is beyond the control of any of us. If this life is all there is, then everything will eventually burn up in the death of the sun and no one will even be around to remember anything that has ever happened. Everyone will be forgotten, nothing we do will make any difference, and all good endeavors, even the best, will come to naught.

Unless there is God. If the God of the Bible exists, and there is a True Reality beneath and behind this one, and this life is not the only life, then every good endeavor, even the simplest ones, pursued in response to God’s calling, can matter forever. That is what the Christian faith promises. “In the Lord, your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

-Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Meet the Students

Meet Spencer Brown, a junior Chinese major at the University of Pittsburgh. I first met Spencer during the freshmen orientation week at Pitt when I noticed he was wearing a Darth Vader shirt, and we struck up a conversation. We have grown closer the past two years, especially during two Dominican Republic trips. Read more about him…

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? I'm mostly kind of bad at favorites, but I love Star Wars everything. Disney movies are also my thing, especially Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but I also love Pan's Labyrinth and Clue (because Time Curry). My favorite book is Dune by Frank Herbert. My favorite band is this Icelandic post-rock group Sigur Rós, but I'd be remiss if I didn't also give shout-outs to Kimya Dawson, Simon and Garfunkel, and Beethoven.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? During orientation week my freshman year I happened to stumble across some Cornerstone folks playing four square and handing out ice cream. I ended up going to Freshman Bible Study, but couldn't make it to an actual Wednesday night Cornerstone gathering until spring semester of my sophomore year because of schedule conflicts, but I've been in a great discipleship group with Cody Latimer and Jeff Schallick since freshman year. I joined the Cornerstone leadership team spring semester freshman year on the Freshman Ministry Team, and continued on Service Team sophomore year.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? So, before college I didn't have the strongest foundation in Christianity, and had never experienced a Christian community with my peers. I actually spent about a year of high school wishing I had the discipline to be Tibetan Buddhist. Cornerstone was--and is--a place where I found Christian community. Being surrounded by people who were passionate about their faith put me in an environment where I could grow and develop my own faith and find passion for Christ. It was also a place I felt safe, like I could really be me and finally find self-confidence. Cornerstone is what made Pitt home for me, and it's where I met my best friends.

Financial Update

June was a good month for us, and we are at 84% of where we need to be for the month. We thank you for all of your continued love and support. We are always in awe how God has used everyone to help support this ministry. We honestly could not do it without God working through you. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. Please contact me using the information on the navigation bar or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

We just got back from our annual vacation to Colorado. It was great, but we are very exhausted. Most of the time was spent either playing baseball with the boys, or journeying from one place to the next. Our highlights include shopping, catching a Rockies game in Denver (Coors’ field is really nice, but it’s no PNC), wondering around Estes Park, and hanging out with Emily’s Dad and two sisters, Leslie and Polly. We even got to meet up briefly with my coworker and good friend Chris Ansell and his wife Sarah as they celebrated their anniversary in Colorado. Colorado was a wonderful time as always! By the way, if you are ever in Greely, CO, be sure to check out Red’s Dogs and Donuts. Their donuts are the best I’ve ever had!

Now it’s time to get back to “normal” life. I start my annual summer training soon, and before we know it the students will be back. The summer if flying by so incredibly fast.

I hope you are having a relaxing summer as well! May god bless all of you and your summer!

In Christ,
Andy Moore

June 2014 Newsletter

Finding Your Identity
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” –John 1:12

Who am I? This is the question that freshmen college students often ask themselves. Everything they once identified themselves with (friends, family, town, etc.) are now gone, and they are no longer sure who they are and what they believe. Their identity has been shattered.

After this shocking realization, students go on a path of self-discovery to decipher who they are. They look to others to identify them. They look toward their schooling to identify them. They look toward anything that would make them feel worth. Whatever gives me value, that’s where I identify: friends, family, school, work, alcohol, sex…the list goes on. Where does my value lie? Who am I?

Friends, family, school, those are not identifiers. Those are characteristics that help make you who you are, but they do not define you. Christ defines you. Who am I? You are one who is made in the image of God and is deeply loved. You are a child of God, and no one can take that from you. When Christ looks at you, he says, “Mine.” Christ defines you. He is your identifier. You are his.

Summertime
Summer break is here, and the church seems much more quiet…much more empty. My work load, has become much lighter and I can feel myself relaxing a bit more. But, there is still quite a bit to do.

During the summer, as you may remember, we have our weekly meeting called Common Ground. Common Ground is a large group fellowship where various students from Pittsburgh campuses merge for a summer ministry sponsored by the CCO. Like every year we meet at the park, eat, and play various games. Last year we did a video series by Tim Keller, and this year we are doing a bible study through the book of Philippians. It should be a great time.

Elsewhere, In Ocean City, New Jersey, we have five students involved in the Ocean City Beach Project (OCBP). OCBP is a summer-long community living opportunity for Christian college students to develop further as campus leaders. The Project provides the opportunity for students to grow personally in faith and to develop a deeper vision for life. The students going are Danny Churchill, Shelby Scott, Katie Smith, Kayla Bloodgood, and Lindsey Ericson. Please be in prayer for them.

Meet the Students

Meet Keito Hoshitsuki, a first year Pharmacy Student at Pitt. I met Keito at the first freshmen bible study of his freshmen year, and have had the honor of discipling him. He is a great man of God. Listen to what he has to say…

1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? Favorite movie: Top Gun; Favorite book: The Giver; Favorite band/music: I don't really have one. I listen to everything from classical to pop.

2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I came to cornerstone fall of my freshman year and I've been involved since then. I did leadership for a year on Freshmen Ministry Team, went to Jubilee, and got baptized with 4 other Cornerstone students during my sophomore year. I also became a member of Bellefield Presbyterian Church.

3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? The biggest thing Cornerstone has done for me is give me a new purpose for my education and daily actions. Through the weekly messages, individual mentorship from staff, and fellowship with other students, my faith life has grown and developed, and I now see how my vocation and my faith are not separate things. I have matured so much in the last 3 years and want Christ to be the focus in everything I do. This change happened in me because of Cornerstone.

Financial Update

We received full donations for the month! Praise God for these gifts and for the givers! 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! This past month’s giving has been a real blessing, and we are asking for something BIG from everyone for this month: we are asking that you tithe (give 10%) of one of your paychecks this month to help support our ministry. Don’t worry, we won’t be asking this every month. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, I would love to meet with you. Remember that any gift is a good gift. Please contact me using the information on the front of this newsletter or email me at amoore@ccojubilee.org.

Moore News

Well, baseball season is officially over. I enjoyed every single second of being a coach, but I am a bit relieved that it is done. Benjamin had an outstanding first year. His team, the Mariners, unfortunately lost in the semi-finals in a real heart breaker. His final batting average was .770, and he was especially good defensively. Joshua also had a great season on the Grasshoppers, learning all the ends and outs of baseball in his league. He is a natural hitter, and is starting to get the defensive parts down. Both he and Ben will be in the same league next year, which will make things easier on us. I have started to teach Asher how to play baseball, and he seems to really enjoy it as well.

Emily is probably more relieved than anyone that baseball season is over. Coordinating schedules, including mine, is quite a tough job to handle. I’m sure this will open up quite a bit of free time for both of us. I know she could use a bit of a break. Now, we are preparing for our annual visit to Colorado. Out with one task, and in with another.

I hope that this letter finds you well, and that you are enjoying your summer. May God bless you all.

In Christ,
Andy Moore