Why cook at home when you can enjoy a great meal out and support a worthy cause at the same time? On separate occasions throughout the year, three generous local restaurants and

businesses donated a portion of their proceeds to Cornerstone’s youth ministry. Hungry food lovers could choose from Hoss’s or T.J. Rockwell’s for dinner, or Darrenkamp’s for “Meal on the Porch.” Don’t

worry if you missed them this year, just be sure to keep an eye out for more of these opportunities in 2018.

95 S. Wilson Ave., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 – 717.367.0000 – cornerstoneetown.org – email: office@cornerstoneetown.org

Year End

Edition

In August many of our enthusiastic supporters took aim at the Cornerstone Dunk Tank, hoping for a winning shot. Thousands of balls flew during the week of the Elizabethtown Fair, getting many volunteers very wet and entertaining onlookers. Thanks to a generous matching gift – and more

than 20 good-natured “dunkees” – we raised over $8,000!

The 5th annual

Cornerstone

5K walk/run

was held on

October 7. We

were blessed

with wonderful

weather

conditions. Over

90 participants

of all skill levels

and abilities

covered the 3.1

mile course set

on the beautiful

Masonic Village

campus. In

addition, the

Kid’s Fun Run

was a big hit

with children

age 10 and

under. Overall,

this event

helped bring in

over $5,000 for

continued

outreach to the

teens in our

community.

On Saturday, December 9, from 8 am - 1 pm, Cornerstone hosts the

“Bring the Holidays Home” shopping event for the eighth year. All are invited to come enjoy the festive atmosphere that combines

unique vendors, live music, local food,

Many Efforts;

One Purpose

and colorful poinsettias all under one roof. With only two weeks to go before Christmas, shoppers can pick up some last-minute gifts, buy a poinsettia or two, and purchase food from Folklore’s menu. All of the vendors generously donate a portion of their profits from the day back to Cornerstone.

Mission – To provide a safe and fun environment where youth can form trusting relationships,

respond to the Gospel, and find wholeness in life through Christ.

Our Cornerstone Story: Jim and Laurie Shepler

Building Lives on the Strong Foundation

Director’s Corner: Many Efforts; One Purpose The cover says it right. There is a lot of time, energy, and resources put into making Cornerstone go. And these efforts are

renewed year after year as the calendar keeps turning. It’s easy for me to get caught up in the details and the excitement of

these important events, so I remind myself that all this effort serves one purpose – the precious lives of youth.

If you spend any amount of time with youth at Cornerstone, you cannot avoid seeing and hearing the pain they endure.

For some, pain comes in the midst of family situations; others, due to physical or mental illness; still others, as a consequence

of their own poor choices. Many of the youth we serve have had it tough in life so far, and that causes compassion to

well up within me. It is a true honor to provide a safe and fun place to help these youth learn and grow.

An example of a very small step of growth took place recently, when I asked two high school boys to

vacuum the Homework Hub upstairs. They were not in trouble, so I was not making them clean as I

sometimes do. To my surprise, they agreed to vacuum. When it was all done, one of the boys said in a

check-the-box kind of way, “Well, that’s the first time I ever vacuumed in my life.” Growth!

Growth opportunities big and small take place at Cornerstone. As I said, it’s a privilege

for me to walk with youth on their journey in life. When we all come together at these

exciting community events like those on the cover, you are joining in the journey too!

Director’s Corner:

You could say Cornerstone Youth Center has grown into a family affair for Jim, Laurie, and Carson Shepler. Jim brought his love

for skateboarding (and a 6 ft. tall ramp from his driveway!) to Cornerstone in 2008. Jim grew up skating in the 70’s, and, with the

exception of a decade-long break in the 80’s, has been skating ever since. Considering his carpentry skills AND his heart for skaters,

Jim knew he had found a home for his passions at Cornerstone.

Sharing a love for skaters, particularly her skating husband, Laurie would follow Jim to Cornerstone to watch him skate, build

additional ramps for the park, and relate to the young skaters. When the Cornerstone board decided to add a part-time

administrative assistant in the fall of 2009, Laurie’s newfound appreciation for the ministry along with previous employment

experiences seemed to be a fit for their family.

Through the last eight years, Jim has served in the Skate Park and Laurie in the office. The number of ramps increased each

winter when Jim’s employment included lay-off time. About midway through that period Laurie’s hours increased from part-time

Admin. Assistant to full-time Associate Director. Their son, Carson, would tag along with his parents for a few years, unofficially,

until he was able to attend Cornerstone as a youth.

“We have been incredibly grateful for the gift of

Cornerstone in our lives, being able to share in this

ministry as a team,” Laurie says. “Cornerstone is never far

from our family’s thoughts and conversations. Jim

supports me working on administrative and fundraising

responsibilities, while I encourage him to continue

building on what has been a good ride. “

From the board, "Laurie’s dedication to Cornerstone

has been a tremendous asset with her eye for detail and

her amazing event planning. Her caring, affirming

personality has allowed her to connect on a deep level

with many of the youth and individuals doing community

service at the youth center. Thank you Laurie and Jim as you faithfully reach out to the teens of Elizabethtown."

The staff and volunteers of Cornerstone bring their time, talents and love for the Lord to the youth who attend. Sharing as a

couple has not only allowed Jim and Laurie to give in those ways; it has been a blessing to share their family as they serve together.

Carson, Jim, and Laurie Shepler in the Cornerstone Skate Park

Board of Directors

John Fry (Chairperson) Eric Stark (Vice Chairperson)

Ken Wolfe (Treasurer), Sonja Martin (Secretary)

Susan Hochstedler, Rick Jones, Norm Smith, & Josh Young

Along with John and Laurie, our board members are available to speak at your church, club meeting,

or in your classroom.

Vision – To continue the work of Jesus Christ by meeting the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the youth in

partnership with the local churches and the community.

“Serving the youth of the E-Town community since 1998”

Leave a lasting legacy by including Cornerstone in your estate planning.

Designating a portion of your estate as a gift helps ensure the future outreach of this

needed community-wide ministry to youth.

Save the Date Cornerstone’s Annual Benefit Banquet

Friday, April 6, 2018 Keynote Speakers: Hope OutLoud, Andy, Linda, and Jennifer Barrick

Cornerstone’s 2017 Poinsettia Sale 6.5 “foiled pots Esbenshade’s Greenhouse 5 plus blooms

Priced at $10 each Available for pick up, Fri. & Sat., 12/8-9 Orders are due by Thurs., Nov. 16 717-367-0000, ext. 1 OR laurie@cornerstoneetown.org Payment at Pick-up

CORNERSTONE YOUTH CENTER

http://www.facebook.com/CornerstoneEtown

COMING EVENTS Go to our website, www.cornerstoneetown.org, for more details

The 24 Hour EXTRAordinary GIVE of Lancaster County, Friday, Nov. 17

Bring The Holidays Home Shopping Benefit and Poinsettia Sale, Saturday, Dec. 9, 8-1 p.m.

Cornerstone’s Benefit Banquet, with Keynote speakers, Andy, Linda, & Jennifer Barrick

Save the Date! Friday, April 6, 2018 at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church

Building Lives on the Strong Foundation WWW.CORNERSTONEETOWN.ORG

(717) 367-0000

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT

NO 125 ELIZABETHTOWN

PA 17022

2017-18 Winter Youth Hours

Monday-Thursday 3:00-6:00 p.m. (Homework help, clubs, and more!)

Friday 7-10 p.m. (Food, Fun, & friends)

Sunday 6-8 p.m. (skateboards only) Grades 7 thru 12

Note: Cornerstone closes when the EASD District is closed or dismisses early on

Mondays-Thursdays.

Office Hours Monday-Thursday 10-3 p.m.

(Friday and Saturday, by appointment only)

John M. Myers, Executive Director Laurie Shepler, Associate Director

717.367.0000 Two skaters take a break during a sweaty skate session

Return Service Requested

Cornerstone Youth Center 95 South Wilson Avenue, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

A mix of Cornerstone youth and

volunteers comprise two volleyball teams

in the GEARS league. This evening,

the two teams played each other!