The role of an elder is significant and brings with it great responsibility. The Biblical role of the elders is to shepherd the congregation, oversee the work and health of the church, teach sound doctrine, and refute heresy.

What kind of person should an elder be?

Scripture provides clear guidelines outlining the qualifications of an elder. Here are a few of the relevant passages:

An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.. (1 Timothy 3:2-7)

 An elder must be blameless: the husband of one wife, with faithful children who are not accused of wildness or rebellion. As an overseer of God’s household, he must be blameless: not arrogant, not hot-tempered, not an excessive drinker, not a bully, not greedy for money, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, righteous, holy, self-controlled, holding to the faithful message as taught, so that he will be able both to encourage with sound teaching and to refute those who contradict it. (Titus 1:6-9) 

I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.(1 Peter 5:1-3)

We encourage you to nominate members of Cornerstone who are gifted for the role of an elder and have the character qualities outlined in the passages above.

How many elders are we looking for?

We are currently looking to fill 1 (one) position: at the end of this year Dave Froese will complete the second of two terms and is not eligible for a third term.

In keeping with the position of our family of churches (Mennonite Brethren), both men and women can be nominated for the role of elder. See the publication Gifted, Called, & Affirmed.

How does the selection process work?

Members of Cornerstone Church may nominate other members using the form below before December 1st. Members are encouraged to speak to a person before nominating them although this is not necessary.The nomination will be received by a Nominating Committee, which will consist of 2 representatives from the Board of Elders (including 1 pastor), as well as at least 3 members from the congregation. The committee will follow up with each person who has been nominated, and those who are willing to let their names stand will be asked to fill out a questionnaire. The Committee will review the questionnaires, prayerfully consider each nominee, meet with potential candidates if necessary and make a recommendation to the Board of Elders. The names of those approved by the Board of Elders will be announced to the Membership. In the four weeks after this announcement, members will be given opportunity to provide non-anonymous comments to the Committee regarding the selected candidate.  After the expiration of the four week period, the Membership will vote on selected nominees at a congregational meeting.

ELDER NOMINATIONS HAVE CLOSED FOR THIS YEAR

You’ve heard in the news that there are currently over four million Canadians using foodbanks—an astonishing number. Niagara on the Lake is not exempt from the need. We have too many foodbank users to be sustained by current donations.

Dates & Times

On Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. volunteers will be collecting donations in the parking lot of Phil’s Valu-Mart in Virgil.

On Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020 (entitled “Newark Neighbours Day”) volunteers will be collecting from residents throughout the community; in addition, drop-offs can be delivered to the Cornerstone Community Church Town Campus (1570 Niagara Stone Road) in Virgil from 10:00 a.m., until 3:30 p.m. 

List of Food Requirements

Thanksgiving Food Baskets

• Canned Ham
• Stuffing Mix (boxed) – any kind or flavour
• Cranberry sauce (canned)
• Canned gravy
• Canned peas
• Canned green beans
• Canned pineapple
• Cranberry juice (bottles)
• Apple juice (bottles)
• Crackers
• Cookies – any kind or flavour

General Food Bank Supplies

• Pasta Sauces – any kind or flavour
• Cake Mixes – any kind or flavour
• Jello – any flavour
• Rice
• Canned Salmon
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Soap – bar or liquid
• Body Lotion
• Paper Towels

We appreciate all donations of food supplies; however, we are very well stocked on the following items:

Kraft Dinner Macaroni and Cheese                  Canned Tuna
Cereal (any kind or flavour)                            Oatmeal
Pasta                                                            Canned Tomatoes
Peanut Butter                                                Chunky Soups (any type)
Canned corn                                                  Apple Sauce
Mr. Noodle packets                                         Toilet Paper

Please ensure items are not past their expiration date.
Please spread the word throughout your virtual rolodex.

Finally, a heartfelt Thank You. We are all made better by the work that Newark Neighbours does.

This news is obviously welcomed by us, as we are now a step closer to being able to gather together to worship our Lord. At this point, the government has still not released the protocol that we will need to follow as we gather. 

As we resume corporate in-person worship, we will be doing so with wisdom, carefully following the government protocol as well as the advice of health professionals in our congregation. As a result, this Sunday, June 14, will continue to be an online-only worship service. We encourage you to consider gathering together with a group of up to 10 people to worship, preferably outdoors. We urge you to continue to take the guidance from Public Health regarding physical distancing seriously. 

A Task Force consisting of health professionals in our church has already begun meeting to advise us on crafting an incremental plan to resume our in-person corporate worship services safely. We will be able to share the details of this plan with you very shortly. 

As we continue to worship together online for at least one more Sunday, we encourage you to keep pursuing relationship with Jesus, to continue to pray for our civic leaders and to hold up the leadership of our church as we press forward in faith. 

• individual sized pudding /fruit cups
• soft granola bars
• juice boxes
• bottled water

Send an email to Jeff to arrange a drop off or if you have any questions.

Are you self-isolating and need help with grocery or other necessity delivery? Or are you willing to help with delivery? Do you have any other creative ideas for how Cornerstone can be a shining light in Niagara at this time? Click below and please let us know--if you need help; would like to help; or have other creative ideas. 

As there's been new terms lately like "Social Distancing" and "Self-Isolation" we thought it might be helpful to share how the government of Canada defines these terms so we're all on the same page with terminology and what the government is talking about. 

Social Distancing: 

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other. Social distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. With patience and cooperation, we can all do our part.

What does Social Distancing mean? This means making changes in your everyday routines in order to minimize close contact with others, including:

• avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
• avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes
• limiting contact with people at higher risk (e.g. older adults and those in poor health)
• keeping a distance of at least 2 arms lengths (approximately 2 metres) from others, as much as possible

Here’s how you can practice social distancing:

• greet with a wave instead of a handshake, a kiss or a hug
• stay home as much as possible, including for meals and entertainment
• shop or take public transportation during off-peak hours
• conduct virtual meetings
• host virtual playdates for your kids
• use technology to keep in touch with friends and family

If possible,

• use food delivery services or online shopping
• exercise at home or outside
• work from home

Remember to:

• wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face
• cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm
• avoid touching surfaces people touch often

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/social-distancing.html

Self-Isolation:

For travellers without symptoms returning to Canada. While outside of Canada, you may have come in contact with the virus that causes COVID-19

For the next 14 days:

• self-isolate (stay home and keep your distance from others);
• do not have visitors, especially older adults, or those with medical conditions, who are at a higher risk of developing serious illness;
• monitor your health for fever (greater or equal to 38°C), cough and difficulty breathing;
• wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available; and
• cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.

Monitor your health:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

If you start having symptoms of COVID-19:

• Separate yourself from others as soon as you have a symptom of COVID-19.
• Visit the provincial or territorial public health website where you are located for more information, including when to contact your public health authority.

Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 // www.publichealthontario.ca

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-information-sheet.html

We are hosting a special Prayer Summit on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00pm. We will gather online using Zoom (see details below) to pray together as one church. Our desire is to continue to raise our voices to our Heavenly Father in praise and petition, asking that he would be glorified in our day. 

Details on joining via Zoom:

Join by clicking this Zoom Link

If you need the Meeting ID, it is: 414-317-378

If you have not used zoom before, you can download zoom ahead of time here. If have not downloaded zoom ahead of time, it will automatically download when you click the zoom link above to join the meeting. 

The zoom meeting will begin at 6:30pm, so feel free to join any time after this. The Prayer Summit will begin at 7:00pm.