Many Efforts; Purpose - Cornerstone Youth Center · businesses donated a portion of their proceeds...
Transcript of Many Efforts; Purpose - Cornerstone Youth Center · businesses donated a portion of their proceeds...
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: [email protected]
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 [email protected] 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!