Cornerstone is involved in ongoing efforts to reach people in our immediate community with the love of Christ. One of our trademarks is coming up with new and creative ways to serve our neighbors. Overwhelmingly, these ideas usually have their incubation in the hearts of ordinary members of our church. Cornerstone is also a responsive community when unexpected disaster strikes. Here are some recent examples of Cornerstone community outreach.
Paul’s Place. Starting in 2009, Cornerstone is exploring a ministry partnership with Paul’s Place, a gathering place for neighbors in the Washington Village/Pigtown neighborhood of Baltimore. Young and old, children and families are welcomed, treated with respect, offered a hot meal and supported, and given the opportunity to participate in shaping and building strong, stable community. Paul’s Place brings stability to the lives of Pigtown residents, improving their health and well-being, providing structure for their children, helping them avoid eviction, and offering them hope and purpose. Learn more about Paul’s Place.
Cold Weather Shelter. Along with partner churches in Howard County, Cornerstone opens up its doors to the homeless for a week during the winter, providing shelter from the elements, a safe place to sleep, laundry and showers, a hot meal, and friendly faces.
TouchPoints. This Saturday program treated 60 disadvantaged local women and their families to a day of free pampering—haircuts, massage, health screening, a special tea and desserts café, craft workshop, beauty tips and products, stretching exercises and more. Cornerstone’s women provided listening ears and warm smiles, while Cornerstone men were hard at work with oil changes, car washes and detailing for the women with cars. Child care was also provided.
Katrina relief. Partnering with churches and ministries on the Gulf Coast, within days of the disaster Cornerstone sent a truckload of health kits to areas hit hard in Mississippi. We bought all the supplies for these kits at local stores and assembled thousands of them right in the church!