Church Roof--DONE!!!!

Hi Everybody!!!
We had another really nice warm day.  Right after breakfast we headed back to Pastor Rafael's to finish putting the last bit of tin on the church roof.  That's all done now, which is really nice!!  The church is looking really good!  We also worked on what will be the church kitchen, which is connected to the rest of the church.  We were working on building the walls.  They're using really cool hollow styrofoam bricks, almost like lego, so we built a few layers of that, and then we had to mix cement to pour into them.  It went quite well.

We worked at the church till early afternoon, and then Ryan and Juan Carlos took us downtown in Guaymas, to get some ice cream and see the city.  It was really fun.  Around 3:00 we went to an orphanage outside of Guaymas to hang out with the kids.  We've gone there on previous trips as well, and the kids always seemed to enjoy it!  This time we only got to play with them for a few minutes, before they all left because someone had invited them to McDonalds.  :)  But it  worked out alright.  A few of the older boys stayed back to play soccer with the guys, and we visited with one of the workers at the home.  We all took turns holding a three week old baby who was there.  He was soooooo cute!!!

We came back to Brenda's for supper, and the evening has been pretty quiet.  It seems that some of us haven't really switched over to Mexico time.  It's crazy how early I'm ready for bed!!  :)
Anyway, altogether the day was really nice, and God is so faithful.   I'm so thankful for what He is doing, and I'm praying that He will work through us to make a difference here, and change us so we come back even closer to Him!!!  He is so good, and we want to lift up His name;  He is so worthy.

Thank you again soooo much for your prayers.  I really appreciate all of you!!
God bless you all!!

Stephanie

Monday in Mexico

Hola!
Bacon and eggs for breakfast, grab our gear and away we went. The day started off cloudy and cool and looked like it could rain. By noon, the sky had cleared and the sun shone.  We started putting up the tin on Pastor Raphael's church in Fatima on Saturday and today we finished it. The hours of the day sped by.  Before we knew it, Brenda and her crew arrived with lunch.  Enchiladas, spanish rice and beans.  I love Mexican food. We had cookies for dessert but I saved mine for mid-afternoon when I knew I'd need a snack.  My job was to hand the sheets of styrofoam up to the men who placed it under the tin.  I've been told this is to help lessen the echoing and also to keep out the heat. I've been given the nickname "styrofoam wrangler".  I love it.
We quit work when all the tin was up and we headed back to San Carlos to shower and have some supper.
Quesadillas, macaroni salad and soup.  After supper, we sat in the "palapa" (cabana with a grass roof) and sang a couple of songs, prayed and did some sharing about our favorite part of the day.  I cannot pinpoint any one thing that stood out (other than my new nickname),  Every moment spent in the company of this team and the people of Mexico is precious.  It is "muy bueno."
God bless you all.  See you soon.
Elaine

Here are a few pictures of our time. :)

 Giant Pants Race.  Each team has to jump from one end to the other of the yard and back again!

 Friday morning just before leaving the hotel in Tucson, AZ.

 The Hein sisters did a beautiful dance that they choreographed to the Spanish version of Holy, Holy, Holy

 Pastor Pablo's church congregation with us after the service.  This is the church we previously helped buy bricks and roof materials for.  They were so welcoming!

Just a taste of what you missed : ) hot sun and beautiful beach!

Pastor Pablo's church and the beach

Hey everyone!!!  I think I can truthfully speak for the whole team in saying that we had an amazing day today.  So I'll start at the beginning.  Before breakfast Jeremy, Arnie, Dad, Helen, Erik, Rachel, Stephanie, Sarah and I climbed up the hill with the cross on it.  You get a really sweet view of San Carlos when up there.  :)
After breakfast we headed to Pastor Pablo's church in Guaymas.  It was an amazing service.  It's so neat to see the people here worship God.  Though I can't understand what they're singing they're so excited and worship God with all their heart.  Rachel was brave and shared a little bit before the message.  Pastor Pablo preached.  He is so on fire for God and gets so excited when he preaches.  It was a really powerful message. And then after the service the people there had kindly prepared a meal of soup and tortilla chips just because they knew that we would be there. :)
The afternoon was beach time!  We went to private pool and beach in San Carlos.  The water was really cold, but we were able to go in at least for a little bit.  The beach was beautiful, especially when the sun went down...and we were still there when it did.  Rachel, Stephanie, Sarah, and I had fun taking jumping pictures on the beach in front of the setting sun...and Erik climbed a palm tree. :)
For supper Brenda took us out to a taco place.  The tacos there tasted soo good.  :)
So that was our day in brief...it was lots of fun.  I'm liking the summer weather and am having a great time.  :)
Thanks everyone for praying for us!
Rebecca

Fun in the Sun

Greetings from sunny San Carlos!!!

What an honor and pleasure to be here!  This morning we went to the train station and the Hein sisters participated in the service to the homeless with dance to a Spanish song.  The people were blessed by Fred's short talk and though it was in Spanish we are sure they were challenged to place all their trust in God.  Following the message and time of prayer we were allowed to help serve the food.  It was such a joy to come alongside a ministry that has been serving here for a long time.  We all wished in the worst way that we could speak Spanish:(

After a tasty lunch of fish tacos we headed over to Rafael's church, where we were last night for his birthday party, to help with construction.  They guys started tinning the roof,  a couple of us painted rafters (yes, up high!), and the rest worked on the kitchen walls, with styrofoam concrete forms and cementing.  It was warm:)

We hurried back to the base, cleaned up, and went to an "American" church service (5pm), followed by an "American" dinner.  The food has been absolutely amazing!  The facility is very comfortable and homey!  Amazing hospitality!  We had a free evening and most of us were ready for bed rather early tonight!

Thank you so much making this possible!  Your support and prayers are so much appreciated.
Blessings,
Helen, for the team

Cornerstone Clips February 26, 2012

Prayer Meeting @ 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School for the whole family @ 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.   Message by Derek Friesen

Next Sunday March 4th, 2012
Prayer Meeting @ 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School for the whole family @ 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.  Message by Pastor Dave.

·         The Mexico Mission Team will be keeping us posted on their trip on our church blog so check it out at cstonechurch.blogspot.com

·         Men’s Bible Study – Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m. at the church.  Everyone welcome.

·         The new Daily Bread devotionals are on the back table.  Please feel free to take one.

·         Ladies Bible Study –There will be no Bible study on Feb.28^th & March 1^st.  We will resume on March 6^th & 8^th with our last lesson in the study of James.

·         Men’s Floor Hockey –February 29th @ 8:10 p.m.  For more information talk to Brett Reimer.

·         Church Curling Bonspiel March 3 @ Clearwater Curling Rink- Last week to Sign up for Church Curling Bonspiel! Sign Up as a team or individually. The cost is 20$ per team and each family coming must bring a pie.  If anyone is interested in donating prizes talk to Cindy Reimer.

·         Anyone wishing to buy Spenst Meats Gift Cards for the Youth Missions Trip to Calgary please make checks out to Cornerstone Ministries.

·         March 4 we will be doing a membership class with the main adult Sunday school class. This will be for those who would like to become members and a refresher for our current members. If you are interested in becoming a member talk to Derek or Pastor Dave.

·         Annual meeting – March 8, 2012

·         Elder nominations:  Leo Martens and Rob Harms have left their names stand as elders.  Our constitution states we need an 80% affirmation of past elders.  Rob Harms requested that we have an 80% affirmation for him as well.

·         Living Faith Bible College (where Alicia Hein is attending) is coming out again with a drama team on March 9^th @ 7:30 p.m. Their main drama is called “Peddling Parables”.   This drama is geared for the whole family.  Everyone welcome.

·         There will be a second youth work day on March 10 if anyone would still like to have the youth come and work.

·         We are hosting the "Love Costs Everything" live simulcast about the persecution of Christians in many countries here at Cornerstone on March 11. Invite family and friends to a simple meal at 5 pm, and then a powerful presentation from 6 - 8 pm. More details to come...

·         March 18 we will be commissioning Dave as our new pastor. Worship will begin at 10 am that morning, and will include both Pastor Peter and Pastor Dave speaking, and then communion together.  A fellowship meal will follow the service. More details to come...

Youth Events:  -

- There will be no Small groups on Tuesday, February 28 but still meet at the church at the regular time 7:30-10:00 for Youth

- Bible Study on Wednesday, February 29. 7:30-9:30 at the Church

-Missions Meeting March  4. 200-4:00 at the Church

Jr. Youth

·         Youth Night on Wednesday, March 7. 7:00-9:00 at the Church.

News & Events:

The community Piano Festival will be held in Cornerstone on Monday and Tuesday, February 27th and 28th, in the morning, afternoon and evening. The sanctuary will be used for the sessions, and limited use of the gymnasium would be appreciated during this time. Thank you.

Safe and Sound in sunny San Carlos

We have only been here in San Carlos for 7 hours and already it feels like home.  We had a great time going through the Mexican borders and didn't get stopped once!  The most that they checked us was asking what was in the trailer and how many people were traveling.  So if anyone didn't come because of fear for the border you know for next time it is easy as pie and should come along : ) 

We had the privilege of joining Art and Brenda to a birthday celebration for a Pastor in Fatima, about a 25 minute drive from San Carlos.  We had a great time with Carne Asada (the best tacos in Mexico according to Jeremy), a pinata, races uses a gigantic pair of pants, and of course cake.  I'll hopefully post a few pictures tomorrow, but for now we are all exhausted and ready for bed.  In fact, I'm pretty sure I'm the last one up trying to get this done.  

Our projects for this week, if we choose to accept them, are tinning a church in Fatima for the pastor whose birthday we were at, and running electrical wire in the new building so that they can start stuccoing.  We will also be doing some street ministry and teaching English.  We'll see how much we can get done.  

Prayer requests for now include energy to do our best, willing spirits to be stretched, and safety during our time here.  Also I (Alana) have been having really bad hay fever as the orange blossoms are in full bloom! 

Brenda sends her thanks and appreciation for the funding for the project, it is more than she anticipated!

God Bless, and hopefully someone else will have the honor of staying up late to write to you tomorrow : )

Alana

Phoenix at last! Mexico missions trip 2012

You may be wondering what the title is supposed to imply...so let me tell you.  Those of us driving to Minot to catch our flight to Phoenix left at 7:15 this morning in order to be at the airport in time to grab some lunch and go through security on time to make our 12:10 flight.  We got there on time with plenty to spare, but 12:10 came and went without our plane coming in.  It was finally announced that our flight had not left Phoenix yet!  So we waited and waited and finally our plane came in at around 3:00.  After loading everyone on, they informed us (after another 20 minutes of waiting) that they had to boost the plane.  I understood it to be like boosting a car with a dead battery, as long as you don't shut it off it is fine!)  This is what had originally caused the delay back in Phoenix to begin with.  Finally they got it started, taxied down the lane, and took off at 4:25!  only 4 hours after the scheduled flight time.  Needless to say, God taught us patience today!
The flight to Phoenix was great, with pretty much no turbulence, and even thought we couldn't all sit together, still had a great time.  We are now in Tucson, Arizona for night and planning to leave at 8:00 sharp tomorrow morning.  Continue to pray for protection while driving and ease of passage through the border.
God bless!
Alana

On the road again

So this post is mostly a trial to figure this blogging thing out : )
Jeremy, Fred, Rachel, Steph, Erik, Sara, and Rebecca headed out this morning bright and early at 6:00am hoping that they didn't forget anything!  Jeremy has been battling a pretty bad cold the last few days, so please pray for him that he gets better soon and that the others don't catch it from him.
Those of us flying will be leaving Crystal City at 7:00am tomorrow morning.  Please pray for safety and ease of travel with Elijah!
Thank you so much to everyone for your continued prayers and the generosity you have given to the Mexico project, we are very excited to be able to help Art and Brenda in this way!
God Bless
Alana

Cornerstone Clips February 19, 2012

Prayer Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. in the meeting room

Sunday school for the whole family @ 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.   Sharing on Parenting

There will be a second offering for the Mexico mission trip project.

Next Sunday, February 26th, 2012

Prayer Meeting @ 8:30 a.m. in the meeting room

Sunday school for the whole family @ 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.   Message by Derek Friesen

·         Men’s Bible Study – Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m. at the church.  Everyone welcome.

·         The new Daily Bread devotionals are on the back table.  Please feel free to take one.

·         Ladies Bible Study –Tuesday at 1 and Thursday at 7pm.  The study is James:  Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore.  Everyone, including drop-ins welcome.  Please remember this week’s mission project.  For more info talk to Helen Wall.  There will be no Bible study on Feb.28^th & March 1^st.  We will resume on March 6^th & 8^th with our last lesson in the study of James.

·         Men’s Floor Hockey –February 29th @ 8:10 p.m.  For more information talk to Brett Reimer.

·         Church Curling Bonspiel will be on Saturday, March 3 at Clearwater Curling Rink.  Please sign up your teams at the back of the church.

·         Anyone wishing to buy Spenst Meats Gift Cards for the Youth Missions Trip to Calgary please make checks out to Cornerstone Ministries.

·         Youth Missions Trip Workday will be on Saturday, February 25^th.  Talk to Scott if you have any jobs you would like the Youth to do.

·         March 4 – Membership Class – Talk to Derek Friesen for more information.

·         Annual meeting – March 8, 2012

Youth Events:

·         Youth Night - Tuesday, February 21st @ 7:30 - 10:00.

·         Missions trip meeting – Today @ 2:00.

Jr. Youth

·         Youth Night – Wednesday- February 22nd – 7:00-9:00.

 

Cornerstone Clips February 12th, 2012

Prayer Meeting @ 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School for the whole family @ 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.  Message by Ryan Smith - One Love Amongst the Many

Next Sunday, February !9th, 2012
Prayer Meeting @ 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School for the whole family @ 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.  Sharing on Parenting

Please take Note:

·         Starting next week, Pastor Dave will be in his office from Tuesday to Friday 10:00am – 1:00 pm.  He may be contacted by phone- church 873-2296, home 822-6335, cell 712-3030.  Pastor Dave would like to encourage people to drop by and say hi.

·         Men’s Bible Study – Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m. at the church.  Everyone welcome.

·         Ladies Bible Study –Tuesday at 1 and Thursday at 7pm.  The study is James:  Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore.  Everyone, including drop-ins welcome.  Please remember this week’s mission project.  For more info talk to Helen Wall

·         Men’s Floor Hockey –February 15th @ 8:10 p.m.  For more information talk to Brett Reimer.

·         Baby Shower for Buffy Debreuil & baby Vanya will be held on Monday, February 13^th, @ 7:00 p.m. @ the church.  Everyone welcome.

·         Church Curling Bonspiel will be on Saturday, March 3 at Clearwater Curling Rink.  Please sign up your teams at the back of the church.

·         Anyone wishing to buy Spenst Meats Gift Cards for the Youth Missions Trip to Calgary please make checks out to Cornerstone Ministries.

·         Youth Missions Trip Workday will be on Saturday, February 25^th.  Talk to Scott if you have any jobs you would like the Youth to do.

·         March 4 – Membership Class – Talk to Derek Friesen for more information.

·         Annual meeting – March 8, 2012

Youth Events:

·         Youth Night - Tuesday, February 14th @ 7:30 - 10:00.

·         Tobogganing, Monday February 20^th @ La Riviere – weather pending.

·         Missions trip meeting – Sunday, February 19th, @ 2:00.

Jr. Youth

·         Youth Night – Wednesday- February 22nd – 7:00-9:00

Jr. Youth Retreat – February 17^th – 18^th at Winkler Days Inn.   Leaving the church at 4:00.  Bring $30.00.

Cornerstone Clips, February 5, 2012

Prayer Meeting @ 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School for the whole family @ 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.  Teen Challenge will lead this morning's service.
Fellowship lunch after the service.

Next Sunday, February 12th, 2012
Prayer Meeting @ 8:30 a.m.
Sunday School for the whole family @ 9:30 a.m.\
Worship Service @ 10:30 a.m.  Message by Ryan Smith

 -  Men's Bible Studay, Tuesdays @ 7:30 p.m. at the church.  Everyone welcome. .
-   Ladies Bible Study –Tuesday at 1 and Thursday at 7pm.  The study is James:  Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore.  Everyone, including drop-ins welcome.  Please remember this week’s mission project.  For more info talk to Helen Wall
-     Men’s Floor Hockey –February 15th @ 8:10 p.m.  For more information talk to Brett Reimer.
-   Baby Shower for Buffy Debreuil & baby Vanya will be held on Monday, February 13^th, @ 7:00 p.m. @ the church.  Everyone welcome.

 Annual meeting – March 8, 2012

·         Elder nominations- Leo Martens and Alvin Falk’s term on the elder board will be expiring this year. Though Alvin and Leo’s terms are up, each is eligible to be nominated. Nomination forms are available on the back table and need to be filled out by members at Cornerstone and handed to either Vern Reimer or John Smith by Feb. 5, 2012 (today)

Youth Events:

·         Youth Night - Tuesday, February 7th @ 7:30 - 10:00 at the Church

·         Missions trip meeting – Sunday, February 5^th, 2:00 @ the church.

Jr. Youth

·         Youth Night – Wednesday- February 8^th – 7:00-9:00.

Jr. Youth Retreat – February 17^th – 18^th at Winkler Days Inn