Baptism, City Life, Event

On August 26th, we gathered as a people at South Lake Union Park for our fourth annual BBQ and Beach Baptisms! Thanks to all the communities and volunteers who provided food, came early to set up, and stayed late. What a great celebration highlighting the stories of people changed and changing by the good news of the gospel! Below are some snapshots and quotes from the evening.

“I still sin, but I’m secure in His salvation because He died and took the penalty that I deserved” – Kristin

“I am forgiven, redeemed, adopted, and have a perfect, loving father, who delights in me” – Chaline

“I know completely that I cannot do life without Jesus: without Christ living in me”  – Philippe

“I deserve God’s righteous wrath but I have a perfect mediator in Jesus who bore God’s wrath for me” – Kim

Community, Uncategorized

Downtown Cornerstone is not just interested in holding events but want people to connect, share life and form communities that are deeply rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are communities of diverse imperfect people that are committed to living out the implications of the gospel in every sphere of life. These are communities of radical grace, sacrificial service, and joy. These are communities that eat together, pray together, laugh together, and study the Bible together (i.e. share life). These are communities that build up the church by encouraging people to faith in Jesus Christ and build up the city through deeds of justice and mercy. These are communities where you can be who God created you to be, yourself. It’s our hope and prayer that everyone who calls Downtown Cornerstone home will find such community.

In July, we launched a new community in the Shoreline neighborhood. By God’s grace, He’s already drawn multiple families and individuals to be part of this newly formed people. Edward Sumner is the community lead for Shoreline so we asked him to answer a few questions about the people, vision, and prayer requests for the Shoreline community.

When did you first start meeting in Shoreline?

We had the joy and privilege of kicking off Shoreline on July 23rd. It was a great time and big turnout! Together we had a BBQ and talked through the barriers to and blessings of community.  Folks were honest and hopeful!

What does the core group look like at this point?

We have about 6 families who have expressed a commitment to Shoreline, and have new folks inquiring often!  We have a lot of kids in the mix, so that will be a unique distinctive for us.

Do you guys have a mercy partner, or some possibilities you are considering?

We don’t have our mercy partner lined up yet, but definitely have some folks in our community with big hearts for foster kids. We’ll be exploring this.

Any specific evidences of God’s grace in the community?

Any time a group of folks who don’t all know each other that well commit time towards growing in relationship and becoming a family on mission while seeking after Jesus, that is grace!

Any specific needs or ways we can be praying for you guys?

Please be praying for momentum, traction with each other, courage to be available to one another, and that we would be anchored in Jesus for His glory and our joy!

If you are not currently participating with a DCC Community and would like to be involved with Shoreline or another community, email and we can follow up with more information.

Baptism, City Life, Event | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

An invitation

I’m writing to invite you to join us next Tuesday, August 26th, at Lake Union Park for our annual summer barbecue and baptisms (more details here). The grills will be hot and food will be served at 6pm. There is no need to bring anything other than your friends and your appetite. At (roughly) 6:45pm I will share a brief gospel word which will be immediately followed by testimonies and baptisms. It is going to be a great night and I hope you’ll be there to join in the celebration. 

Origin of baptism

Baptism is a deeply meaningful event in the life of a Christian. In fact, it is a practice given to us by Jesus himself in Mt 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them …”  and reiterated by the Apostles, such as Peter in Act 2:38, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” In other words, baptism is Jesus’ idea and something he wants every follower of his to undergo. Have you been baptized as a follower of Jesus? 

Meaning of baptism

But, what does it mean? Baptism is a dramatic portrayal of what happened spiritually when we first placed our trust in Jesus (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12). It points to the believer’s spiritual union with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins and life with God, and God’s people, now and forever. Baptism does not create this union, but it shows, or demonstrates, the reality of that union that is now ours by faith in Jesus.

Beauty of baptism

So, no matter how long you have followed Jesus, do not lose sight of the significance, beauty and dramatic truth portrayed in baptism. It is a picture of passing through the waters of judgment to safety, through Jesus. It is a picture of leaving behind our old self, our old ways of life and eternity without God, through Jesus. It is a picture of rising to new life, a new family, and a new future with God, through Jesus. It is a picture of having all of our sin, guilt and shame washed away, through Jesus. This makes baptism a big deal and a call to celebration – and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

Purpose of baptism

There are a number of reasons that Jesus calls his followers to be baptized. Let’s look at five, in no particular order. First, he wants us to experience the joy that comes with publicly professing our faith in Him. Second, he wants to strengthen our faith by having us symbolically participate in the death of our old life (going under the water), rising to new life (being brought out of the water) and having all of our sins washed away (full immersion). Third, he wants to encourage the faith of his people who are witnessing the testimonies and baptisms. Fourth, he wants to call others, who do not yet follow him, to turn from living for themselves and turn to him for forgiveness and relationship with the living God of the universe. Fifth, he wants us to experience his favor, blessing and peace that follows whenever we humble ourselves and walk in obedience.

See you there

That’s probably more than you wanted to know about baptism, but it is spectacular isn’t it? Will you join me in praying for those sharing their testimonies and getting baptized next week? If you’re interested, its not too late but contact us soon. If you’re on the fence, don’t put it off. Join us next Tuesday, not only to support those getting baptized, but for the good of your own soul – and those you invite. 

Christ is all! 

Pastor Adam

Discipleship, City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Over the past few weeks our first overseas short-term ministry team has been working in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Their primary aim has been to resource and support local church planting efforts there, most of which are located in massive slums littered throughout the city. You can see photos and updates from their time in Brazil on the Facebook page created for the trip here. 

We are sent wherever we are

In light of the recent Brazil trip, this is the perfect time for us to remember that, though they are there and we are here, we are all sent wherever we are, across the street and around the world. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (Jn 20:21) In other words, Jesus’ people are a sent people – sent with the forgiveness-bringing, shame-destroying, life-changing news of Jesus Christ into our neighborhoods, apartment complexes, offices, and local coffee shops. If you are in Christ, you are sent. In Him, we are a movement of missionaries. 

Help for the relationally-challenged

Some of you are extroverted, out-going, relational rock stars. We all know who you are. So, for me to encourage you to talk to people or offer ideas about how to intentionally pursue others can almost feel insulting. Some of you have even told me that. “It feels so forced.” Well, it is important to note that there is another group, let’s call them the relationally-challenged, who need all the help they can get. I am a proud member of this group and this, my friends, is for you. 

For the relationally-challenged, any time the topic of sharing the gospel with another human being comes up, anxiety, guilt and countless questions are not far behind. Are you talking to me? Are you saying I need to become an extrovert? I don’t even know how to start a conversation. What if I say the wrong thing? What if they ask me a question I don’t know the answer to? What if they get offended? Do I have to do it? Will anyone be with me? What if I don’t have the gift of evangelism? These are all valid questions and concerns, but let me put you at ease. Living sent is all about loving people to Jesus, as best you can.

Redefining sent living

Don’t make living a sent life yet another thing that you add to your schedule. You probably don’t have time for anything else anyways. Instead, do what you are already doing as one sent by Jesus. Living sent is not merely another thing to do, but the posture by which we do all things we’re already doing. Rather than seeing the grocery store clerk (or barista, neighbor, co-worker, friend or family member) as a mere grocery store clerk, see them as a fellow image bearer in need of a Redeemer – and get to know them. You don’t have to share the gospel with them the first time you meet them. In fact, you probably shouldn’t. Take interest in them. Ask questions. Listen. Smile. Pray, pray, pray. Before you know it, you’ll have a relationship on your hands. When the opportunity arises to talk about Jesus, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and leave the results up to Him. That’s it. Don’t over-complicate it. 

Intentionality and the sent life

Yet, living sent does require some intentionality on our part. Who is God calling you to intentionally pursue and build relationships with – even this summer? Who are the top five people in your life that you could intentionally invest in, pray for and pursue this coming season? Of those you already have relationships with, what would it look like to lovingly, winsomely and boldly speak to them about the gospel? What are your first steps of faith as you seek to live sent? What follows are some suggestions as you seek to live an intentionally sent life: 

• Begin each day with a prayerful sense of expectancy and anticipation. Ask God to give you eyes to see the ways He is already moving around you.
• Eat, grab a coffee or ‘happy hour’ with a non-believing friend once a week.
• When you’re going out to do something, ask “Is there anyone I can invite to join me?”
• Rather than jumping between different cafes, barber shops and grocery stores, pick your favorites and be a regular. Get to know the staff.
• Spend time with non-believers on their turf. Do your best to never turn down an invite.
• Try walking whenever you can, if you’re in a context where that makes sense.
• Leave margin in your schedule so you have time to stop and chat throughout the day.
• Participate in neighborhood events. There are a ton of things happening throughout the year, especially during the summer, all around our city (block parties, concerts, outdoor movies and more).
• Become the apartment in your complex, or house on your block, that throws the parties. Be sure to welcome new neighbors as they move in.
• Consider how you could serve and/or meet a need of those around you.
• Take time to develop meaningful relationships with your co-workers.
• Volunteer for a cause you’re already passionate about and invite others to join you.
• Sign-up for a city sports league and get others involved.
• Take some time to write out down the gospel so you’re not stuck thinking, “I don’t know what to say” when the time comes. What verses would you lead others to? Keep it simple.
• Consider it a step of faith to ask the first question or share your own struggles or give a gift.
• Don’t try to impress. Ask questions. Listen. Be honest, open and sincere. God made you like you are on purpose. Embrace that, don’t reject it.
• Ask God to do what only He can in and through you, for His glory and the good of as many as possible – and leave the results in His hands.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Rom 10:15)

Until Seattle (and the world) knows, 

Pastor Adam

Service | by Pastor David Parker

Oi Downtown Cornerstone!

I can’t believe we’re over halfway through our trip, and although it’s been a full week, we’re thankful for God’s grace to us in so many ways. 

We’ve had an emotionally intense couple of days ministering and serving in some of the most horrible and broken places we’ve seen, while at the same time seeing specific answers to prayer as we served. It’s been powerful watching Jesus move and work in and through us as a team, and those He’s put before us to love, serve, and share the gospel with. 

I wanted to share something Edward wrote today that helps put to words some of what we’ve experienced the last few days. Please keep praying for us, and that Jesus would continue to go before us in every way. If you want to check out more updates, and some of the images we’ve been able to capture, visit our Facebook Page and the Instagram feed.

Para a Glória de Deus!
– Pastor David

Never have I walked among such beautiful and broken people.

As we looked out over the city of Rio we could not see the end of the poverty. The favelas, or slum communities, sprawl for miles. In and around these homes there are relentless threats of power, privilege, hunger, disease, violence, sexual exploitation, fear, loneliness, and unyielding addiction. 

We prayed and claimed the power of Jesus’ name over everyone and everything in the city. We took a deep breath, and descended into the city to serve, because we have been so radically served by Christ.

It was a challenge to not be overwhelmed as we witnessed first hand the strongholds the enemy has in this place. We visited Crackoland, where hundreds of lost and lifeless souls, including boys as young as 8 or 9, subsisted on crack cocaine. Their faces were often disfigured by sores and crooked jaws permanently misaligned from the perpetual grinding of teeth. Their bodies wobbled in contorted ways towards us to line up as we offered food, drink, and prayer.

The night before we had circled a loop of highway where a dozen nearly naked transvestite sex workers walked the sidewalks, before pulling into an emergency shelter which offers services to many homeless men among the lowest of the low. 

Despite all this, there are sparks and whispers of Jesus everywhere.

Two men who we prayed for in Crackoland made the decision to access rehabilitation services just an hour after we left. At the men’s shelter, twelve men responded to a call to salvation after we humbly offered testimonies and a worship service.

An industry of oppression surrounds Rio, at the same time we can’t help but believe that the small things, the small people, are being mended. Through every triumphant smile that exploded from ancient and fresh faces alike, every tear that was shed by hurting people over whom we prayed the promises of Christ, there is no doubt another brick of His Kingdom is being cemented into place.

I can understand why people give their lives to places like this. Places where the least of these live and whom we have given our lives to for these past few days. Grace is like water and pools up at the low places, and we have been to the lowest here in Rio. And God is at work, and the Gospel is being preached, and the city is being transformed, one life, and one moment at a time.

-Edward Sumner

To follow more updates from the Brazil Team, check out the team’s Facebook page here or search the hashtag #dccbrazil2014 on Twitter or Instagram.