These are nervous times. The economy is plunging, and measure after measure brings more bad news. The “talking heads” on TV and radio continue doing their sensationalist best to convince viewers that the Fed’s rescue efforts are not working. It sounds something like this:
“The current contraction in the U.S. economy will be the longest and deepest recession since the Great Depression,” says Professor Lee McPheters, director of the JPMorgan Chase Economic Outlook Center at the W. P. Carey School of Business. “However, while the Great Depression was marked by four consecutive years of decreases in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the current recession will likely only bring four consecutive quarters of decreases in inflation-adjusted GDP.”
Additionally, statements from Washington about business conditions haven’t been particularly reassuring either. Confidence on the part of both consumers and business leaders has fallen to record lows, and fear dominates our collective psyche.
We live in a part of the nation where there have been widespread home foreclosures, there are people in need of emergency shelter and food, as well as pastoral care and the support of a Christian community. Losing a home means more than loss of a residence; it also means the loss of a dream. Losing a job has obvious practical consequences: less money to pay the rent or mortgage, meet medical bills and buy food. But losing a job also means losing identity, routine and connection.
Hard Times have affected all of us in some way. Many of us know of other that have had the current economy devastate their homes, their families, their dreams. Stories like these are told to Cornerstone staff on a weekly basis. They don’t go ignored.
The often asked question is: What is Cornerstone doing to help those in the Chandler community? We have been talking about hard times in a Hard Time Sermon Series for a few weeks, yet Cornerstone has been helping families and individuals in hard times for many years. Here are four ways that Cornerstone is reaching out to those affected by economic crisis:
Benevolence Offering:
Three to four times a year Cornerstone receives an offering where 100% of the monies go to aid individuals and families in and our of our church family who are experiencing financial crisis. On almost a daily basis our pastors meet with people who need this type of assistance. Cornerstone has always answered this request in an amazing way. Our last benevolence offering, received on May 17 was $13,813. Thank you!
Second Saturday:
Imagine getting to provide food to a woman who hadn¹t eaten a good meal in weeks. Imagine the chance to clothe a little boy whose parents can’t afford to buy clothes. Imagine helping some of the poorest in our community improve their shelters and living conditions. Imagine all of this and more!
Second Saturday
is the best way to stop imagining and start serving. These events are open to everyone at Cornerstone ages 6 and up. (Some projects may be age restricted.) They meet every second Saturday of the month from 8:00 AM to Noon. For more information contact the Mission Director, Marty McIntyre.
In the Midst Class:
A class tackling the question, How do YOU deal with hard times? How is it that some people just sail through life’s many difficulties? Why is it that they seem to have the answers for navigating the rough waters of daily living? Could God possible hold the solutions that we are looking for? He has been at it for a few years now. Take just a little time to find out. This class begins Sunday, May 24th at 8:00am in room A105. We are all living IN THE MIDST of challenging times. Discover the remedy here!
Moving Forward:
A class that helps you prepare to find your next job by helping you construct a compelling resume. The class will begin Monday, June 1 at 7 pm. For more information contact Men’s Ministry Director, Bob Rauscher.
Financial Institute Class:
These classes have just ended but are starting again in the fall. This class deals with different topic that will change the way you think about personal finance: how to save money, live on a budget, communicate about money, eliminate debt, find bargains, and experience the joy of giving.