2011 Summer Newsletter
New Building Update
We are pleased to announce substantial completion of stabilization work required to keep the new property at 5936-38 Etzel Street in good shape while we await funds for full rehabilitation. The building will contain three apartments, two of them efficiencies intended for graduates of the Grace and Peace Winter Shelter.
Tuck-pointing around the roof has been completed, and the roof itself has been replaced, eliminating leaks that had plagued the building when we purchased it. Some basic work on the exterior has also been completed; as the photos make evident, the ramshackle two-story back porch has gone the way of all flesh, with the help of volunteers on several workdays. We continue to wait, in faith, upon God’s provision for the money we need to proceed with the extensive reshaping of the first floor and the comparatively minor enhancements to the second floor. Keep praying with us that God would provide, and thank him with us for gifts that have already come in.
In other news, the standing Building Committee of the Corporation has been meeting monthly to consider all aspects of the rehabilitation, and eventual use, of the new building. Among other issues under consideration has been whether to hire a general contractor or a project manager. At this time, the Committee is inclined to the latter, as doing so will enable us to undertake the work to be done in stages, as funds become available, rather than waiting for the whole amount needed to accrue. A project manager will also enable us to make use of volunteer effort to help defray some of the costs; more importantly, having work crews from various congregations enables us to enter into partnership with believers throughout the area, a vital part of the ministry we seek to provide.
A major donation to Cornerstone!
Join us here at Cornerstone in praising God for his goodness and provision. An anonymous donor has promised a major gift of $10,000, which we plan to direct toward the renovation of our newest property at 5936-38 Etzel Avenue. This is a huge boost toward our target of $100,000, of which we had already nearly a quarter in hand. But, as the chart shows, there’s still a big piece of pie to account for: your donations, of whatever size, will help! To make a contribution, please contact our Managing Director, Josh Dodson. Meanwhile, give thanks to God for the vision and generosity of our new donor!
Managing director to go full-time!
After much consideration and prayer, the Board of Directors of Cornerstone have determined that, for the health and growth of this ministry, it is vital that we have a full-time, rather than part-time, Managing Director. To that end, the Corporation has asked Josh Dodson, our current Managing Director, to consider such a change, and we can report with gladness that he has accepted the offer.
The Corporation has therefore committed itself to funding this position for a year, at which time we shall assess the situation for the feasibility of its continuation. We hope, expect, and pray that, in going full-time, Josh will be able to devote considerable time and energy to fundraising for Cornerstone, with the goal of raising support for his position as part of that effort.
We believe that Josh has the gifts and vision to make this important transition, and we trust that God will bless his efforts accordingly. At the same time, this commitment on the part of the Corporation represents a stepping out in faith in terms of our own fiscal planning, so we covet your energetic prayers on our behalf, even as we seek the Lord’s provision in implementing this very important change. Of course, if you feel moved to support us not only with your prayers, but with a gift toward Josh’s support, we would be only too happy, and thankful, to receive anything you can contribute!
