In the spirit of Extreme Makeover

- Cornerstone Edition, the Bible

Babes have decided that after nine years of being a weekly

study group, it is time for a change. We are moving our focus

for 2009 to more of an outreach group. We are planning a

project for each calendar month and will alternate between

community service and church projects.

For example, in January we provided a meal for the homeless

at the Room in the Inn shelter in Murfreesboro. In February,

our project is to deep clean the church. In the upcoming

months we will be serving at the women's mission in Nash-

ville, working on a Habitat home, refurbishing the church

playground equipment, writing to and making care packages

for our service men and women, and again serving at Room

in the Inn.

The Bible Babes hope to recruit others from our church family

to join with us as we take on these projects. We are excited

about our Extreme Makeover and as Kay mentioned in a mes-

sage not too long ago, looking for God outside of our four

walls. For more information, please contact Katona Kissler at

459-5202.

March/April Newsletter 2009

@ C ornerst one U nite d Met ho di st C hurc h

A Hello to Cornerstone UMC!

My name is Holley Potts and I will be work-ing with Cornerstone UMC for the next few months on behalf of the Murfreesboro District. Let me start with some informa-tion about myself! I live here in Smyrna and am married to Michael Potts. I am a deacon in the United Methodist Church,

which means I specialize in a specific area of ministry—for me that is Discipleship. I graduated with my Master of Di-vinity from The School of Theology at Sewanee (University of the South).

I have been able to be in worship with you during the month of February, and it has been great! I have sensed a very peaceful and sweet spirit about this Church. The District has recommended that a “Discipleship System” be put in place here at Cornerstone. What does that mean, exactly? It means that a church has a very intentional plan for ministries and groups that help people grow deeper and become more committed in their relationship as a Christ follower.

I have been working with Kay, the Adult Discipleship Team, and the Evangelism Team to put a system of small groups and workshops in place that will give you opportunities to connect more with one another and in your relationship with God. This system will also be in place as a way to bring new people into this loving community at Corner-stone. Please keep watching for more information about upcoming groups and events and be praying about your involvement.

Bible Babes

Saturday, Feb. 28| 5 PM

Come out for a great night of bingo fun, potluck food, and great fellowship. Bring an item to share for dinner (see sign up sheet at church).

Donate a $5, $10 or re-gift item to be used as a prize for the night. You can wear gold, green or purple to get into the “Mardi Gras” theme for the night.

Family Bingo Night Mardi Gras Style

Cornerstone eNewsletter Coming Your Way

We are going to offer you the opportunity to receive your newsletter via email. We will be sending the newsletter as a PDF file. You will need Adobe Reader on your computer to open this file. You can get a free copy of this program from www.get.adobe.com/reader - please contact Tara Spradley at 400-6563 or flywchrist@hotmail.com if you have questions.

If you prefer to receive a hard copy of the Newsletter, please email Melissa at office@cornerstonetn.org and she will make sure you receive it in mail.

Ash Wednesday Worship Service ...you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Genesis 3:19

Mortality. Sin.

God's redeeming love in Christ.

Repentance. Reconciliation.

Begin the season of Lent

in worship that makes it all real.

Wednesday, February 25

7:00 p.m.

in the sanctuary

In this issue:

Black History Month

New small groups

Youth Retreat

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter services

VBS Dates

Summer Camps

eNewsletter

In the Christian year, the 40-

day season of Lent corre-

sponds with the story of Jesus' 40-day wilderness "retreat."

According to the gospels, Jesus prayed, fasted and faced

down temptation during this time of preparation for his

public ministry. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 25

this year), and ends with Easter. Because Sundays are al-

ways "little Easters," they are not counted in the 40 days of

Lent.

The Lenten season is preparation for celebrating Easter. It is

a time of repentance (turning away from sin, toward God)

and penitence (making amends, re-establishing right rela-

tionship with God) through prayer, fasting, Bible study, self-

examination, and other practices that strengthen our faith.

One popular tradition is to "give up something" -- usually a

"vice" such as tobacco or chocolate -- for Lent. A newer,

growing tradition is to "take something on" for Lent -- a

new prayer practice, a weekly service project, patience with

a difficult relationship, or another activity intended to build

love for God and neighbor.

Page 2

Trevor Hudson, an engaging preacher and author whose leader-ship has been shaped in the crucible of South Africa's journey out of apartheid, will lead a one-day Lenten retreat on Satur-day, March 7 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Brentwood UMC.

Trevor will help us explore deeply some questions in the Bible, including "Where are you?" -- the question God asks of Adam and Eve. Trevor believes questions have a greater power to transform us than simple, straightforward answers. His speak-ing style makes him a favorite among adults, youth and older children, and his penetrating questions enliven the heart. Join with other United Methodists from Middle Tennessee for Bible study, worship, silent reflection, fellowship and holy conversation. Cost of $21.00 per person includes lunch. Registration is due by February 27. You may register at www.tnumc.org under "upcoming events - Lenten retreats" and

pay by PayPal, using an electronic check or charge card. Or, contact the church office for a registration form. Contact Kay Hereford Voorhees if you need a scholarship.

A Retreat for the Season of Lent: Questions God Asks Us

What is Lent? Dear friends,

The past month has been amazing. I had no idea how Cornerstone would respond to the "Extreme Makeover" message of January

18. So far, we are meeting our challenges with enthusiasm and

faith.

Attendance at Church Council meetings has been close to 100%,

and I've been inspired by our Council members' dedication: did

you know that they scheduled the "February" meeting for a Satur-

day in January, just three weeks after our orientation session, because they were so eager to get to work? Now they've sched-

uled our "March" meeting for a Saturday in February.

Our ministry teams are e-mailing, phoning, meeting and taking action. You'll read elsewhere in the newsletter about some of the

exciting opportunities they've concocted. I won't go into detail

about those here -- but do want to say that the positive energy

these teams are stirring up is contagious! I hope we all catch whatever they have.

Here are a few of the encouraging signs I've seen in recent weeks:

Eight leaders went to Tullahoma for Shepherd's School

(leadership training provided by the Murfreesboro District UMC)

People keep staying around after worship just to chat, and it

fills our building with a happy sound.

At least four different church members visited Ms. Amy in the

hospital.

Our church family provided mountains of food for the McCalls

after Beverly's surgery.

On several occasions, I've been in a group or with an individ-

ual when our cell phone alarms go off at the same time our congregation really is pausing to pray for Cornerstone each day at

9:22 a.m.!

I truly believe that we are still being built together on Christ our cornerstone -- not just in theory, but in reality -- and that we are

growing into a holy temple, a dwelling place for God. May this

simple prayer from New Guinea be ours: Lord, oil the hinges of our hearts' doors that they may swing gently and easily to welcome your coming.

With thanksgiving for your partnership in the gospel,

Kay

JOURNEY

TO

EASTER

February 25 - Ash Wednesday Service, 7:00 p.m.

Sundays in March - Worship Celebration, 10:30 a.m. Sermon series: Encountering Jesus Discover the power that Jesus has to change lives as we explore five stories of transformation from the Gospel of Mark.

Sunday, April 5 - Palms to Passion, 10:30 a.m. Remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the conflict and trials leading to his crucifixion.

Thursday, April 9 - Maundy Thursday Service, 7:00 p.m. Join in this reenactment of Jesus' last supper, the Passover feast of God's saving love.

Sunday, April 12 - Easter Sunday Celebrations Worship Celebrations at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Brunch between the two services at 10 a.m. Celebrate the risen Christ!

Page 3

New Small Groups and Workshops Offered This Spring

One way we experience

God’s love is through

weekly worship. And to

continue growing in your

faith, you may feel called

to take it a step further.

You can think of it as enter-

ing a doorway to disciple-

ship. Discipleship is about

following Jesus, abiding in

Him, bearing fruit, and

glorifying God. You may

have opened many doors

in your past trying to know

God in a deeper way -

some worked but others

did not. Thankfully, there

is no limit to the doorways

that lead to knowing God

and loving people better.

Where might

Jesus be calling

you to follow?

Pastor’s Bible Study 5 week Lenten Study on the Gospel of Mark

Wednesdays beginning March 4th

6:30 - 7:30 PM at the church

Led by Kay Hereford Voorhees

Childcare will be provided as needed

If you are interested in a daytime group, contact Kay at 641-1024.

Ministry By Strengths & Spiritual Gifts Workshops

Led by Holley Potts

To be scheduled for various Saturdays in the spring

Ministry By Strengths helps you understand how using your God-given strengths can enrich your life and others

Spiritual Gifts focuses on the gifts described in the scriptures

Minimal costs for supplies

Weekly Book Study First book is Velvet Elvis (Repainting the Christian Faith) by Rob Bell

Mondays beginning March 2nd

An 8 week study

7:00 - 8:30 PM at the church

Led by Scott Spradley

Childcare will be provided.

Cost for book is $11.99 or less

Christianity Today reviews this book saying, “God doesn't change, but times do, and Rob Bell believes new times call for us to remain open and flexible, living with passion and conviction. An advocate of a postmodern approach to faith, Bell is vulnerable about his own struggles with doubt and understanding Scripture. Joy, awe, raw honesty, and an appreciation for the mystery of faith permeate the pages."

Youth Bible Study - (6th - 12th grade) Exploring scripture and how it applies to their lives

Mondays beginning March 2nd

7:00 - 8:30 PM at the church

Led by J.T. Spradley

Adults will be on site to provide support and supervision

We are looking for 10 people who are willing to take up this intensive 30 day challenge to be more disciplined in the Christian Life. The Five Disciplines that will be before us are prayer, service, scripture study, giving, and faith-sharing. Participants are asked to try their best to do the following for 30 days:

1) Meet once a week to pray to-gether

2) Give two hours in service each week (being involved in a ministry team, helping at the church office, working on the grounds, visiting others, etc)

3) Give God one tenth of your earn-ings for the 30 days

4) Spend from 5:30-6:00 a.m. each morning in prayer and meditation.

5) Share about this experience with others.

Each Discipline will be explained in detail and there will be devotional guides to help us in our prayer and scripture study. At the end of the 30 day experiment, you will be asked to self-evaluate your own commitment. This will be only for you to see and will give you a chance to reflect upon the impact the 30 days have had on you. I think you will find the experience has been a life-transforming one. The small group will meet for 1 ½ hours at Holley’s home. The day and time is to be determined. There is an optional book purchase of A Life that Really Matters by Danny E. Morris. A devotional journal will be provided.

30 Days to A Life that

Really Matters

If you have questions or would like to sign

up for any of these groups or workshops, please contact Leslie Carroll, our team leader

for the Adult Discipleship Team, at 280-1716. You may also contact the office at 220-0042

or email office@cornerstonetn.org.

Page 4

Camp E.D.G.E. VBS Date: July 6th - 9th

Time: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Cornerstone UMC Our theme this year will be “Camp E.D.G.E.”. Our children will Experience and Discover God Everywhere! Mark your calendars for our kids to learn through “Extreme Adventure” that their „strength and might‟ come from God.

This year Monica will be taking a much needed and deserved break from di-recting VBS. Melissa will also be a little preoccupied with the arrival of her baby, so Renee Hopper and I will be directing VBS this year. We are already seeking volunteers to help serve our children and God during VBS. We need assistance with everything from group leaders, set designers, to story tellers

and “Scientists”. If you are interesting in helping with VBS, please contact Renee (427-9603) or myself (280-1716). Our first meeting will be on Satur-day, March 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the church.

Thanks, Leslie Carroll

Mark Your Calendars for Vacation Bible School

Daily E.D.G.E Pledges

God is with me. I will

stay close to God.

God guides me. I will

follow.

God teaches me. I

will learn.

God loves me. I will

love God and others.

God sends me. I will

go.

Youth Spring Retreat for 6th - 12th graders. Let Scott or Tara Spradley know if you‟d like to register for this event.

Call Tara at 400-6563 or email flywchrist@hotmail.com

Sun, March 1st - Reach Up - 4 PM March 6-8th - Youth Spring Retreat

Sun, March 15th - Winter Jam Concert - Leave church at 3:30 PM Cost $10 Sun, March 22nd - Reach Out - 4 pm Sun, March 29th - No Youth Today

Sun, April 5th - Reach In - 4 PM Sun, April 12th - EASTER - No Youth Today Sun, April 19th - Reach Up - 4 PM Sun, April 26th - Fun Activity - YOU PICK

Dates subject to change ‘cuz things just get a bit crazy at times and you just have to roll with it! - Tara & Scott

YOUTH STUFF

Date: Saturday, April 4th

Rain Date - April 11th

Time: 2 PM - 3 PM

Place: Cornerstone UMC

Bring your Easter baskets & smiles

and be ready for fun.

Easter Egg Hunt Children’s Summer Camps - There are so

many choices available for our summer camps. Tommy and Anthony had a great time last year and plan to go again. If your child is interested in attend-ing, please contact Monica VanLangen, our Chil-dren’s Ministry Director at monicavl@comcast.net.

Page 5

On January 26 at their first meeting of the year, our Trustees said "farewell" with many thanks to Kathy Emberton as the outgoing Chairperson, and elected Richard Sullivan to lead the team in 2009. As an engineer, Richard brings valuable knowledge and experience to his leadership role. His sense of humor will come in handy, too.

After consulting with our Finance team and the director of the United Methodist Devel-opment Fund (which holds our building loan) as recommended by Church Council, our Trustees have decided to move to an interest-only payment plan on our loan. At the end of a year, we can either renew or refinance the loan. For now, the adjustment will bring us a bit closer to meeting our 2009 expenses.

In the coming year, our Trustees will review our insurance coverage, research loan options, and continue to oversee care of our building and grounds. Thanks to Steve Moore for spearheading our ministry of park maintenance.

News From The Trustees Team

Black History Month - an excerpt from a United Methodist News Service Commentary - By the Rev. Sheron Patterson

One of the best things about being a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church is the feeling of inclusiveness that I sense. There is an unabashed enthusiasm about recognizing racial diversity. Whether one is red, yellow, brown, black or white, every-one has a place at United Methodism's table. Each group comes to the table with its unique perspective and past, and all are honored, accepted and appreciated just as they are. This is one of our great denomination's undeniable strengths.

Historian Carter G. Woodson created "Black History Week" back in 1929. Known as the "father of black history," Woodson sought to spread the word about the accom-plishments of African Americans. Black History Month is a positive time for us all. We should salute the greatness of Americans such as George Washington Carver, the inventor of peanut butter and numerous other peanut products. Mary McCloud Be-thune, who founded United Methodism's Bethune-Cookman College in Florida on what we would consider pocket change today, deserves a collective standing ovation. These and other remarkable accomplishments have not always been taught in schools; there-fore, we are in a catch-up mode together.

As United Methodists, we can reach the goal of eradicating hatred, bigotry and racism. Black History Month is one of our tools to accomplish this. Close-minded people thrive on the untruths and stereotypes that are born in ignorance.

During February, we can educate and inspire our nation. I thank God for Black History Month. It is a time for shining the light of knowledge on everyone, and it keeps us moving ahead.”

How To Contact Staff & Leaders:

Office phone: 615-220-0042 office@cornerstonetn.org www.cornerstonetn.org www.cornerstoneumc.blogspot.com

349 Chaney Road Smyrna, TN 37167

Worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Kay Hereford Voorhees | Pastor kay@cornerstonetn.org

Melissa Rogers | Admin. Asst. fandango1972@yahoo.com

Beverly McCall | Finance Secretary tmccall9@aol.com

Mark Cline | Music Director markc60798@aol.com

Monica Van Langen | Children’s Director monicavl@comcast.net

Scott & Tara Spradley | Youth Directors flywchrist@hotmail.com

Zachary Garnett March 4

Colleen Bather March 5

Cheryl Chris March 8

Jacob Atwood March 10

Faith Gentry March 15

Kerrie Sullivan March 17

Kenny Hunt March 18

Linda Hembree March 19

Grace Voorhees March 20

Jodi Kraay March 27

Christian Bozman March 31

Doug Rashi March 31

Dot Sullivan April 2

Jaime Roberts April 2

Jim Drew April 3

Shelia Hodges April 7

Molly Guest April 8

Valarie Glasgow April 9

Mary Jo Yeager April 12

Matt Denton April 13

Lindsay Garnett April 14

Beau Agee April 15

Michael McCall April 17

Stacee Meadors April 18

David Chris April 20

Doug Eley April 21

Hunter Graves April 21

Leah Anderson April 23

Johnny Atwood April 23

Ginger Souviron April 23

Eric Garnett April 25

Trevin Glasgow April 28

Michael Denton April 29

Vicky Blackmon April 29

David & Cheryl Chris April 21

March & April

Birthdays

April

Anniversaries

Page 6

349 Chaney Road

Smyrna, TN 37167 615-220-0042

www.cornerstonetn.org

C O R N E R S T O N E U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

Your Creative Giving Makes Cornerstone Even Better!

Thank you all for finding ways to help Cornerstone run smoothly

in the midst of a tight financial year. You have overwhelmed us

with your donations of the little things and a few of the bigger

things.

Melissa keeps everyone up to date on the items we need to run

the church such as toilet paper, paper towels, wipes, copy pa-

per, cleaning products and so much more. More costly items

include toner, stamps, and even covering the cost of extermina-

tor service. Check out the bulletin board in the Gathering Area

of items needed - grab a post it note with the item listed and

add it to your personal grocery shopping list. It is that easy!

You may have noticed our new altar table and music stand that

Kay is using during worship. These items were also donated.

The church has done a great job of sticking with our freeze on

spending. And you are helping make it happen!! THANK YOU!!

Painless Giving @ Cornerstone Most of you already know how we can use Kroger Gift Cards to raise funds for the church. It is even easier with Food Lion MVP cards. You must register your MVP card online or with forms you can get from Beverly, our finance secretary. Every time you use your MVP card at checkout, Cornerstone will receive funds based on your purchase. How to register online: Go to www.foodlion.com Scroll down to Food Lion in the Community Click on Lion Shop & Share Fundraising Click on Register Your MVP Card Click on Select Organization Select State: TN Select City: Smyrna Select Organization: Cornerstone United Methodist Church Click OK & Add your MVP # and personal information

Contact office (220-0042)if you have any questions about the Food Lion or Kroger fundraising programs.