December 2004

It's Great to be Home!

I arrived in Denver at around 10:00 last Friday night.  What a joy to see my family after eight long weeks away.  I was even glad to see Pooh!  Your welcome has been tremendous.  I feel like the most popular person alive.  I am absolutely convinced that I serve the greatest church in the world!  I bragged on you often while away and have come home with a new resolve to work even harder to maximize our church health.  2005 is going to be awesome as reach new heights as a church.  It's good to be home!

A Great Big "Thank-you!"

Thanks to everyone who made my training in Rhode Island possible.  It's a rare church who will loan their pastor to the military for eight weeks.  I can't possibly thank everyone who contributed to the health of the church during my absence but I do want to attempt to recognize some my heroes who took over many of my responsibilities.  Dave Renner worked overtime handling many of my administrative duties and making sure that our guests were well cared for.  Rick Maxwell carried the biggest part of the pastoral role and led the deacons in providing pastoral care to the church as needed.  David Peterson, along with the Trustees, oversaw several projects including moving into the new building, landscaping, and new paint for the sanctuary.  The facilities look great!  Linda Kannenberg not only carried the weight of administrating "40 Days of Purpose" but did a super job in managing our discipleship ministries.  Tina Samples carried an extra burden by being, "the one to call if you don't know who to call", a temporary single-parent, and my #1 encourager.  Heather Nelson began her first full quarter as children's minister--which included moving into the new building--without the benefit of a pastor telling her what to do ( . . . hmmmmm).  Kathy Crider has led our Youth Pastor Search Team through a difficult process of praying through more than 90 resumes.  Darlene Nelson continued to be, "the one who probably knows".  She is certainly the one that I ask!  I could go on and on recognizing all of the men who preached for me, those who made visits, those who set up chairs, those who spent time with my boys, those who made coffee, etc.  Let me just express to the entire Cornerstone family . . . THANKS!

Merry Christmas!

May your Christmas holiday be blessed of God and filled with joy and laughter!  Take time to join the shepherds in worshipping at the manger.  Bring our Saviour gifts of love and service.  Enjoy the presence of the Lord!  God is with us!

Pastor Dave, Tina, Jaren, and Zachery