Chris and Sally both grew up in divorced families. So both were committed to learn how to enjoy a loving marriage. The couple spent six weeks in premarital counseling with their pastor before they married. Equipped with biblical principles for a happy marriage, they were convinced they would be happy.

During their first year, Sally and Chris were happy. However, as life’s responsibilities pressed in, their relationship became strained. Over the next few years, life was more about accomplishing tasks, paying bills, and caring for kids. Between piles of laundry and carpools, they found working toward a happy marriage had become a low priority to immediate pressures of life.

Not wanting people to know they were struggling, the couple put on a happy face on Sundays, but avoided fellowship with others––so they would not see through their facade. They each knew there was a big hole in their marriage, but had no idea what to do about it.

Friend, maybe you can relate to this couple’s story. In nearly thirty-five years of pastoral ministry in which I have walked couples through biblical marriage counseling, this scenario is all too familiar. So what’s the problem? And what help can we offer to couples like this, who sit in our congregation every Sunday? What is the answer to the question: Why isn’t my Christian Marriage Working?

I want to encourage you who are married or single to sign up for our Valentine Dinner and Mini-Conference with Dr. Gary Chapman on Sunday February 11 in the Family Life Center. Even though you may not think this program applies to you, God can use you to share with others the information you will receive.

We will begin the evening with at 5:00 PM and afterwards, Dr. Chapman will speak. We will be finished by 7:00 PM. A dinner and program for the children will be held at the same time in the Fellowship Hall for ages 3--5th grade. Childcare will be provided for children 2 and under.

Dr. Chapman is a nationally recognized author and speaker on the subject of Christian marriage. Many of you have read his book The Five Love Languages. This is a great opportunity for any couple to receive some wise and godly advice on how to have a marriage that blesses both husband and wife and one that ultimately honors God. Nancy and I have been married for 37 years this coming August and we will be there, not just because we are expected to be, but because we want to learn how we can have an even better marriage than the one we already have.

Seating will be limited, so sign up as soon as possible.

Pastor Rick

R E F L E C T I N G W I T H R I C K . . .R E F L E C T I N G W I T H R I C K . . .R E F L E C T I N G W I T H R I C K . . .

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FANTASTIC FRIDAYS for WOMEN! 9:30-11:30 am Every Other Friday Starting January 26

Dave Ramsey’s FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY - 9-Week Course

Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm Starting January 17

Church-Wide VALENTINE DINNER & MINI-CONFERENCE

Guest Speaker: Dr. Gary Chapman Sunday, February 11, 5:00-7:00 pm Dinner & Mini-Conference for Adults - FLC Children’s Dinner/Program-“God Is Love”-FH (Ages 3-5th grade) (Childcare - 2 & under)

WORK AS WORSHIP Simulcast in the Sanctuary

Friday, February 23 See & hear what it looks

like to connect faith with work!

CHILD DEDICATION Sunday, January 21 - During the Morning Worship Services

C O N T E M P O R A R Y W O R S H I P / C O M M U N I T Y O U T R E A C HC O N T E M P O R A R Y W O R S H I P / C O M M U N I T Y O U T R E A C HC O N T E M P O R A R Y W O R S H I P / C O M M U N I T Y O U T R E A C H

P R A Y E R M I N I S T R YP R A Y E R M I N I S T R YP R A Y E R M I N I S T R Y

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involves speaking. It also involves listening. If there is no listening, it is just monologue.

Ephesians 1:18 refers to the “eyes of your heart” being “enlightened so that you will know what is the hope of His calling…” To depart a little from the literal wording of that text, it is important for us to pray seeking God’s response however He chooses to deliver it. Without doubt we should converse with God making known our requests, doubts, desires, and concerns that may be quickly turning into worry or anxiety. The disciple’s concerns should be overcome by our trust in Him to take control of all the circumstances that are bigger than we are. Faith or trust is the opposite of worry or anxiety. Faith is entrusting ourselves and circumstances to God to allow Him to do that which we

could never possibly do for ourselves. Worry or anxiety is the exact opposite. Worry or anxiety is the result of putting a focus on ourselves or other people or things that could never possibly be a suitable substitute for God and His response. (See Philippians 4:4-7)

How might our lives be changed if we made a commitment to begin every day with a conversation with God? Obviously just voicing a commitment and never actually initiating a conversation, will do nothing of value. If you begin a conversation as you get out of bed or before, you will have to acknowledge His presence in you in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Consider with Him what

Preparation for a Great New Year

As we approach a new year we often look back over the highlights of a year that is coming to an end. Disciples of Christ should be reviewing their lives in terms of how they have allowed God to be their guide in each of those experiences. A disciple’s fellowship with God is a major factor in how well we have pleased God, and our level of joy or absence of joy.

Fellowship is the major emphasis for Cornerstone’s church year which began in September. The focus is on fellowship with God and with one another. Prayer is essential to a disciple’s fellowship with God. Prayer is the primary way that we communicate with God. Prayer is often defined as a conversation with God, and that is important to remember and to understand. Conversation

day of the week it is and what you know you have planned for the day. Praise Him for loving you enough to be present with you all day long. Ask Him not to allow you to forget at any time in the day that He is with you. Remember that 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 says Rejoice always; Pray without ceasing…

If you do this, you will quickly realize what it means to fellowship with God. Your fellowship with one another will also grow stronger.

Dennis Blackmon Prayer Ministry Team

Join us in a time of corporate prayer:

Sunday @ 8:30 a.m. Tuesday @ 7:00 a.m. Wednesday @ 6:15 p.m.

Additionally, you can visit the Prayer Room just outside the sanctuary.

Financial Peace

University

Are you considering making financial resolutions in 2018? You’re definitely not alone! Statistics say that more than half of Americans have less than $1,000 combined, 76% live paycheck to paycheck, and 64% can’t cover a $1,000 emergency. Certainly, there’s no easy fix to these problems, but you don’t have to live like this!

Join us at Cornerstone for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University 9-week course and receive practical methods that can move you toward financial freedom. January 17th – March 14th you will learn how to use your money wisely in every area

of your life. Financial Peace University will cover topics like saving, getting rid of debt, retirement, insurance, real estate, mortgages, and more!

You can’t afford to miss these classes. God has blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others (Genesis 12:2). However, if you misuse the blessings He gives, then you will never be able to enjoy the life He intends you to have and you will never bring Him the glory He deserves. I hope you will consider taking these

classes so you can have a clear path to accomplishing your financial resolutions rather than letting another year pass without experiencing the change and hope God desires for you!

Dennis

WORK AS WORSHIP

Since most of us spend the majority of our time at work, let’s stop compartmentalizing life into "spiritual activities" and "work activities." Let’s ask ourselves, "Am I living as an example of the gospel as I work?" Join us at Cornerstone for the 2018 Work As Worship Retreat, where a variety of influential business leaders and pastors will discuss what it looks like to connect faith and work. Work As Worship will take place as a 1-day retreat on February 23, 2018 as the live event is streamed from Dallas.

For more info & to REGISTER FOR BOTH OF THESE EVENTS, go to: cornerstonegso.org

M U S I C M I N I S T R Y

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LOOKING BACK AT . . . THE VISION 2017

(photography courtesy of Doug McLaughlin)

A special thank you to all who sacrificed so much time and energy to present our 2017 Christmas Pro-duction, THE VISION. Even with the unexpected snow storm, because of the hard working Food Ser-vice team we were able to present BOTH Dinners and Matinee performances. I saw the “Body of Christ” in action all weekend long. No one complained and everyone pitched in (even non choir/cast members) to make sure that our guests would be able to attend and enjoy the message of THE VISION. If I were to start listing names, that would be a mistake because I know that everyone involved on stage and behind the scenes did all of this for God’s Glory!

Dave Tomasek

L I B R A R Y C O R N E R - J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8

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LIBRARY CORNER JANUARY 2018

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice, in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalms 5:3, NIV

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24, ESV

GOD’S PROMISES FOR YOUR EVERY NEED by Jack Countryman No matter what your situation, God has a promise for you! Many people know that the Bible is filled with promises and wisdom, but it is sometimes challenging to know where to look for a particular topic or verse. Since its original release over thirty years ago, God’s Promises® for Your Every Need has been a blessing and inspiration to millions of people. This new version contains the same inspirational content in an updated deluxe package. Over two thousand verses from the New King James Version are arranged into eighty-one topics for finding encouragement and peace.

THE MESSAGE: PSALMS by Eugene Peterson Psalms is Peterson’s contemporary paraphrase in everyday idiom of the timeless issues of hurt, anger, abandonment, pain, joy, worship, and a myriad of other emotions. Peterson says about the Psalms, “We tend to think that prayer is what good people do when they are doing their best. It is not. Prayer is the means by which our language becomes honest, true and personal in response to God…we get everything in our lives out in the open”. His rendering of the Psalms comes alive in a way our minds and hearts can relate to. SHE DID WHAT SHE COULD by Elisa Morgan

“She did what she could” were Jesus’ words in response and defense of a woman’s action in pouring an expensive perfume on him. He also said that her action would be eternally paired with the Good News of God’s gracious care for humanity. In this book, Elisa Morgan challenges and reminds us that we all have work to do for the Kingdom, and that opportunities are all around us. What if I did what I could, right here, right

now, wherever God has planted me? “She Did What She Could.” These five words of Jesus could change your life.

SHOW THEM JESUS: TEACHING THE GOSPEL TO KIDS by Jack Klumperhower

Show Them Jesus is an instructional manual for teachers of kids and teens on why and how to communicate the heart of the gospel to each child in each lesson. If we are not permanently teaching our kids about God’s love for us in Christ, we may miss our opportunity to capture their hearts. To get kids and teens in a growing commitment to Jesus, teachers must discover the gospel connections in every Bible story. BOOK FAIR is a Great Success!

The Library Team would like to thank Steve Strobel, the LifeWay staff, the members of Cornerstone, and our WEE school family for their generous support during the LifeWay Book Fair in December. As a result, many Christ-centered books have been added to our collection and are ready to be checked out and enjoyed by all! Be sure to stop by the library and see what’s new!

R E C R E A T I O N T E A M

everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

BIG THANK-YOU! The Recreation Ministry would like to thank all who came out for Christmas Baked Goods Bingo on Dec 14th in the FLC. We had close to 50 people join us as they took home some great baked goods and joyfully participated in Christmas Karaoke throughout the evening. The Recreation Ministry Team wishes

P R E S C H O O L & C H I L D R E NP R E S C H O O L & C H I L D R E NP R E S C H O O L & C H I L D R E N

W O N D E R I N G A B O U T W E E S C H O O LW O N D E R I N G A B O U T W E E S C H O O LW O N D E R I N G A B O U T W E E S C H O O L

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the 2018-2019 school year, and I would like to encourage you to please take the opportunity to secure a place for your preschooler.

We have classes that serve children who are at least one year old by August 31,

As we begin a brand new calendar year, it is with great excitement that we are looking forward to the upcoming registration for the next school year at WEE School.

Registration will begin on January 29th for

2018 through children who are registering for our pre-k program. If you would like to visit the preschool or schedule a tour during operational hours, please feel free to email or call 336-665-1921 or wee.school@cornerstonesbc.org

I look forward to introducing you to our fabulous staff while giving you detailed information regarding our program.

In His Love and mine,

Gabriella

have to ask myself on a regular basis. It is easy to set goals, even righteous goals, and forget that it is only by God’s grace we are saved. It is only through Him we have hope.

As we look forward to a New Year, I hope that you might join me in seeking new beginnings each day, in living a life filled with the Holy Spirit’s leading!

Hannah Spear Director of Preschool and Children’s Ministries

Parents,

We’ve just finished a season of hustle and bustle. I hope that after Christmas you took some time to reflect on 2017. Throughout the Old Testament remembering what God had done is important. God did some awesome thing in 2017, and I have a heart of anticipation of what He will do in our lives and the lives of those around us.

I have a question, I would like you to think on, as we embark into 2018, where are we finding our strength? Are we trying to achieve through our own power or through the Holy Spirit? These questions are ones I

ministry at Cornerstone that is designed specifically for MOMS, and it's called Fantastic Fridays! This ministry will give you a place to talk with other moms, a place to recharge, and a place to take away some wisdom

FANTASTIC FRIDAYS! Beginning January 26

9:30-11:30 am Fellowship Hall

We are so excited to offer a new

from older moms.

Starting January 26th, we will meet every other Friday from 9:30-11:30 am. Childcare is provided. Please contact Jennifer Pratt at 336-253-6707 to register you and your children.

DATES & HAPPENINGS

January 17th – Western Night at Awana January 21st – Child Dedication (Morning Worship Services) Please email Hannah to register: Hannah.spear@cornerstonesbc.org. You must sign up by Sunday, January 14th January 26th - Fantastic Fridays (Bible study & fellowship for moms), meets every other Friday. 9:30-11:30 am, Fellowship Hall. Childcare provided with sign-up. Contact Jennifer Pratt (336-253-6707) to register you and your children. February 11th – “God is Love” 5:00-7:00pm, Fellowship Hall While your parents are enjoying a dinner and evening with Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages and many more books. Children 3 years old – 5th grade are invited to eat, play, and learn about God’s love for us and how we can love others. Childcare is provided for 2-year-olds and under.

M O R E F R O M T H E R E C R E A T I O N T E A M

as a group to participate in a local 5K race. In preparation, we will be organizing group runs beginning in January. This is open to anyone whether you are a beginner or avid runner. Our group will be there to encourage you

GET FIT in 2018!

The Recreation Ministry Team wants to help you stay fit in 2018 as we introduce an exciting group 5K training program. In the month of April, we will be signing up

along! If you are interested in the run or just want to give running a try we want you to join us. We plan to include a morning, evening and/or possible weekend group run each week to help fit within everyone’s schedule. To join

us, Please email, call or text Sandy Vandermey at sandrielle93@gmail.com or (616) 217-1471.

Let’s get fit and enjoy some Fellowship time together in 2018!

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He has in store for the student ministry next. I am humbly grateful for 2017 and energized for 2018.

Here are a few things that took place last month, and some of the great things taking place this month in the student ministry. Make sure you (or your students) are a part of Sunday mornings, Sunday Evenings & Wednesday Nights!

HAPPY 2018! We have so much to be grateful for as we look back and reflect on all God has done through the student ministry this past year.

However, as exciting as this past year has been, when we faithfully follow God, we can forever be increasingly excited with eager anticipation as to what

YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Our youth basketball teams have been practicing and have been eagerly waiting for games to begin as the season officially kicks off on Saturday, January 13. Team schedules are available in the upper commons.

OVERNIGHT SKI TRIP FRIDAY, JANUARY 19-SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 Lets hit the slopes! The student ministry will travel to Boone, NC, to stay Friday night, and then ski Sugar Mountain all day on Saturday. Students will leave the church at 5:30 pm on Friday and arrive back at 8 pm on Saturday.

Deadline to Register is January 10th.

Who: Middle School and High School Students When: Friday, January 19 @ 5:30 pm - Saturday, January 20 @ 8:00 pm Where: Sugar Mountain (http://www.skisugar.com) How: We will be traveling by 15 vans Cost: Skiing $100, Snowboarding $105, Tubing $65, Hanging Out in Lodge $40

Costs cover transportation, overnight accommodations, breakfast at the hotel, equipment rental, and lift ticket. Students will need money for dinner on Friday and lunch and dinner on Saturday.

Go to the church website to register and access the required waivers.

The students had a great time at our annual Christmas party watching Home Alone, solving puzzles, and competing in games for prizes. The High School Girls took home the prize of "Best Themed" and won the night's overall competition.

W O M E N ’ S M I N I S T R Y

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BIBLE STUDY Opportunity!

MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY First Saturday of each Month Begins - January 6, 2018 9:00-10:30 am - Fellowship Hall “THE REAL GOD” by Chip Ingram

This once-a-month study gives women a chance to meet other women in the church who are all ages and in all stages of life. Plan now to set aside an hour and a half once a month to study the Bible together, fellowship together, eat some good food together and enjoy conversations with other women!

BABY BOTTLES

January 21, 2018 is Sanctity of Human Life Day and beginning that Sunday we will collect change for the Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center. Baby bottles will be in the Commons which you may take home and fill up with loose change or a check (made out to Cornerstone).

FORT CASWELL Conference Center (Oak Island, NC)

February 23-25, 2018

Guest Speaker, Phyllis Elvington Worship Leader, Katie Furr

COST: $150 ($50 due at sign up) Cost includes two nights

accommodations; meals on Saturday & Sunday Breakfast!

Deadline to register: January 10

“An Evening of TRANSFORMATION” FRIDAY, MARCH 23

6:30 pm - FLC

Watch an ordinary household item being transformed into a unique piece of artwork! Then hear how God wants to transform us

into His priceless masterpieces!

PASTA & PAINT Friday, April 27 6:00 pm - FLC

You don’t have to be an artist to attend, but you will feel like an artist as you paint a beautiful picture (with expert guidance) and take your canvas home with you!

TITUS 2 MENTORING in cooperation

with Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center

GPCC sees women every day who need their help. Many of those women are also interested in being mentored by a Christian woman. If you would like to have information about being a mentor to a woman who is a client of GPCC, please contact Kelly Bailiff @ lucabellacc@gmail.com

WOMEN’S FRIDAY PRAYER TIME

12 –1:00 pm - Sanctuary All women are invited to join together in prayer on Fridays in the church sanctuary. Come when you can and enjoy the privilege of praying with other women.

If you would like to request prayer for a need, please fill out a card at the Women’s Ministry Table and place it in the box. The prayer request will be confidential and prayed over by our Women’s Prayer Team. You may also confidentially email prayer requests to srsing4him@aol.com.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Prayer Shawl Ministry TUESDAYS - 10 AM-NOON

Prayer Room (132) This Ministry resumes on Tuesday, January 9. The Thursday evening group will not meet in the winter.

Please contact Maude Caudle for more information at

caudlem@gmail.com

M I S S I O N S

MEN’S HOMELESS SHELTER MINISTRY January Schedule (Tuesdays)

Staying Overnight: Jan 2 Len Smith James Wright Jan 9 Brian Murphy Doug Jermyn Jan 16 Jason Moss Nick Wilson Jan 23 Steve Strobel James Wright Jan 30 Marcos Ostria Heath Clay

LOTTIE MOON CHRISTMAS

OFFERING for INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS

Thank you for generously giving $46,473 to this great offering! If you were not able to give to the offering in December, you can still give in January. Use one of the Lottie Moon Offering envelopes in the chairs in the Sanctuary or use any offering envelope and mark the offering as “Lottie Moon”.

M O R E N E W S - A C R O S S T H E C H U R C H

CORNERSTONE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CHURCH 5736 INMAN RD GREENSBORO NC 27410 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Greensboro NC Permit No. 871

Rick Byrd, Lead Pastor Dave Tomasek, Worship & Senior Adults Dennis Nealy, Contemporary Worship & Community Outreach Patrick Smith, Pastor to Students Hannah Spear, Director of Preschool & Children’s Ministries Gabriella Smith, WEE School Director Web Site: www.CornerstoneGSO.org Church Office: 336.665.1944

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

7:45 am Small Group 9:00 am Blended Worship 10:10 am Sunday Groups (Adults/Youth/Children) 11:15 am Contemporary Worship 5:00 pm Children’s Choir/Activities Youth Sunday Evening Discipleship Evening Worship (Sept - June)

WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

6:00-7:30 pm Mid-Week Bible Study & Prayer Nursery (ages Infant-2) AWANA (3 yrs--5th grade) (Sept-May) iGROUPS (Grades 6-12) Adult Choir CARE Ministry

FOOD COLLECTION B A R R E L i n t h e Commons…Each month a food item is collected in the barrel in the Commons. The food is donated to Greensboro Urban Ministry.

JANUARY Food Item:

CANNED FRUIT Including Applesauce

(no glass jars, please)

WE HAVE MAIL...

Dear Pastor Rick & Congregation, On behalf of Ricardo & the Mercy & Grace Board, I want to thank you for allowing us to have a fundraising meal at Cornerstone. It is always a blessing to spend time with our Cornerstone family. Because of your support, we are able to continue reaching people for Christ in Honduras. May God bless you all! Dianne Keene Dear Cornerstone Family, Thank you for all of the prayers, cards, kind words, etc. during my mother’s illness and her going on to be with the Lord. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. I can’t fully express how much it has meant to me, Marilyn and Jordan. Cornerstone is truly a loving church family and embodies

HELP NEEDED With the Sunday Morning COFFEE BAR

Can we count on you to help out with the Coffee Bar once a month? Please contact Paul Kress: r.paul.kress@gmail.com. The Coffee Bar is not just for the convenience of members, it is also a source of welcome to visitors. Can we count you “in”?

what we have been studying in Small Group/Sunday School this past quarter. In Christ, Gary, Marilyn & Jordan Smith Cornerstone Baptist Church, Thank you for your support of the Guilford County Jail Ministry. We continue to strive to spread the Gospel of Jesus in the Greensboro Jail. We hope you have a great 2018! Chaplain Burke Dear Cornerstone Baptist, We are thankful for you and for the partnership we share in advancing God’s kingdom together. May your love for Christ be reflected in your love for and service to your community. May you know, in greater measure, the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, and the fullness of God. Piedmont Baptist Association Staff

DINNERS RESUME— Wednesday, January 10th!

¨ 5:00 - 6:00 in the Family Life Center ¨ Serving line is open from 5:00 - 5:45 ¨ $6 per person $24 max per family; under 5 FREE

To be placed on the PERMANENT or WEEKLY LIST please call the church office (336-665-1944) or fill out the Dinner Reservation tear-off in the Sunday bulletins. Reservations must be made by Noon on Mondays.