Event, Serve the City, Service | by Pastor David Parker

Downtown Cornerstone,

Next Saturday on August 1st from 9am-1pm, we’ll be partnering with Seattle Schools to come alongside Bailey Gatzert Elementary to help with some much needed landscaping, painting, and maintenance as they prepare for this next school year.

I want to encourage us to not just let this be just another “church event,” but something that we’re collectively doing to love our city to life and invite others to join us. If you’re on the fence about coming next Saturday, or already have plans, consider canceling or shifting them to join us – seriously. There’s nothing that produces more joy and unifies us as a church than being of the same mind and heart, and working together to be all that God intended for us to be (Eph 4:16).

As a church, we believe that we’ve been infinitely loved and served by God, through the person and work of Jesus. Because of that, we believe that the good news of the Gospel is not only shared in word, but demonstrated in deed. Matthew 9:35 tells us that Jesus went from town to town not only teaching and declaring God’s kingdom has come, but as he went he met the physical needs of those around him. He didn’t just declare good news, he was good news. In the same way, we not only want to declare the good news of the Gospel to Seattle, we also want to be good news to our city. It’s not about “giving back” but a tangible expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – serving as we’ve been served, in Christ.

If you haven’t registered yet, or you want to point your friends to a page where they can learn more, you can do so HERE. Registration isn’t required, but it helps us plan well and make sure we’ve got enough team leaders and tools.

If you’re like me you may have questions, so we’ve put together a list of FAQs below to address as many questions as possible. If you still have a question, don’t hesitate to email , and we’ll get back to you.

For the glory of our King and the good of many,
Pastor David

REGISTER HERE

FAQs

WHY ARE WE SERVING IN THIS WAY?
The Seattle School District has only 5 groundskeepers to maintain 34 schools in the South Seattle school district. This leaves many of the schools without adequate funding and manpower to maintain the properties. As such, these schools heavily rely on volunteer efforts to come alongside and help maintain their properties and facilities.

Additionally, We asked Seattle Schools where their greatest need is, and they told us Bailey Gatzert Elementary School. The school is one of the most culturally diverse and impoverished elementary schools in our region. Over 90% of the students receive subsidized or free lunches and about 15% of the students are considered homeless. Because of the lack of attention and resources over the years, the school has experienced a overgrowth of weeds around the building and along fencing that needs some love and attention.

City Life, Event, Photos, Serve the City, Service | by Pastor David Parker

I wanted to briefly follow-up with a big “Thanks” to all who came out to serve the city with us! When it was all said and done, we had over 100 folks show up to come alongside Seattle Schools and Gatewood Elementary in helping prepare their playground and school for this next year!

Over 30 cubic yards of weeds, ivy, and branches were removed. Lots of boxes were packed and moved. Things were dusted and cleaned, and gallons of paint were applied to spruce up the playground and provide additional activities for the students this fall.

Not only did God bless us with great weather, but it was an awesome opportunity to tangibly display His grace and love in how we’ve been eternally served by Him in Christ. Thank you for giving freely of what you’ve been given! (Matthew 10:8)

Praying that we would continue to be a people marked by a deep love for the Gospel and the people He’s places around us to love and serve in this city.

-Pastor David

Below is a note from the principal at Gatewood that I wanted to pass along, as well as some pictures that were captured from that day.

Downtown Cornerstone,

Thank you so much for the generous donation of paint, mulch, supplies and church participants, who worked tirelessly to help improve the school grounds and interior organization at Gatewood last Saturday. It’s difficult to find the right words to help express the magnitude of my gratitude. Because of Cornerstone Church, when staff and students return to school in September, they will have a new feeling of respect. When the environment in which teaching and learning occurs is cherished, kept clean, and organized, students and teachers feel valued. When teachers feel respected by their community, they teach better. When students feel respected by their community, they learn better. What your church community did for Gatewood will be appreciated for a long time and in many ways. Early in August, I will meet with the Gatewood PTA Board and I will share the work done by the Cornerstone Church. I believe they will be inspired to finish the job and continue the school improvements!

Feeling blessed,
Connie Aleman, Principal
Gatewood Elementary

Click on the image below to check out some of the pictures that were captured that day!

Event, Serve the City | by Pastor David Parker

We’re just 2 days away from our summer Serve the City event(!) and I wanted to post a few last minute details and answer some FAQs so we’re all on the same page.

Click Here for all the event details including driving/bus directions, and more!

1. It’s not too late to register!

If you haven’t registered it’s not too late! Pre-registration isn’t required, but if you’re able to give us a heads up that you’re coming, or you want to help lead a team, sign up HERE!

2. Hashtag

For those of you who love to Tweet, FB, Instragram, etc. lets use hashtag #DCCservethecity for this year.

3. FAQ’s

What time does it start, and where do we meet?
We will meet in the school playground area off of SW Frontenac Ave at 9:30am to break into teams and be assigned tasks.

What if I can’t stay the whole time, should I still come?
Yes! Whether you can come for 1 hour or all 4 hours, we’d love to have you.

Are kids welcome?
Absolutely! Bring the whole family, and if the kids get tired of “helping”, there’s a playground for lots of little “breaks” right next to where we’ll be working.

Do I need to bring anything?
If you’d like to bring your own work gloves, water bottle, or special snack, you’re welcome too, otherwise, we’ll have plenty of cloth work gloves, ice water, and snacks available (trail mix, granola bars, etc.) to munch on.

When will we be done?
We’ll be done working at1:30pm to clean-up, with everything done and wrapped up by no later than 2:00pm.

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reply to this email, post them on the city, or email .

See you all Saturday morning!

– Pastor David

Serve the City, Service, Video

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 

We’re just over 1 week away from our Serve the City event! If you haven’t registered yet, or have yet to reach out and invite others, do so today!

As a church, we not only want to be about proclaiming the Gospel in word, but demonstrating it in deed.

The Seattle School District has only 5 groundskeepers to maintain 34 schools in the South Seattle school district. This leaves many of the schools without adequate funding and manpower to maintain the properties. As such, these schools heavily rely on volunteer efforts to come alongside and help maintain their properties and facilities. We asked Seattle Schools where their greatest need is this year, and they told us Gatewood Elementary.

Romans 5:8 says that even while we were enemies of God, Christ died for us. As a church, we believe that we’ve been infinitely loved and served by God, through the person and work of Jesus. Because of that, we believe that the good news of the Gospel is not only shared in word, but demonstrated in deed. Serving is not just “giving back” but a tangible expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – serving as we’ve been served, in Christ.

We hope to see you there! If you are on the fence about joining, watch this video from last year’s event:

City Life, Event, Serve the City, Service

City Life, Photos, Serve the City, Service, Video

At Downtown Cornerstone Church we are committed to building a great city, not just a great church. Our desire is to see gospel renewal take place from the avenues to the alleyways. On July 20^th over 100 people from DCC partnered with Dunlap Elementary School in Rainier Valley to help with some much needed maintenance.

Dunlap is located in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, and over 85% of the students receive free or subsidized lunches. As a church, we believe that we have been infinitely loved and served by God through the person and work of Jesus, so we serve as we’ve been served in Christ.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Serve the City this year! Check out the video and photos  from the event below and be sure to join us next time we gather as a family to serve the city, loving it to life.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”(Jeremiah 29:7)

Having trouble viewing the video? Click here to open it in a new window.

City Life, Event, Serve the City, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This Saturday we are holding our second annual Serve the City project, in partnership with the Seattle School District, at Dunlap Elementary School in Rainier Valley. You can get all of the details here. Please arrive by 9:30am and go directly to the registration tent where you will be assigned to a work team. There will be various work projects suitable to a wide range of skill sets. Families are encouraged to participate. We are expecting to be done by 2:00pm. Snacks and water will be provided, but you will want to pack a lunch. Please RSVP so we have accurate numbers for supplies. Also, if you’d like to help as a team captain you can indicate that when you register.

So, all that said, why serve the city? Let’s look at four reasons:

First, we love this city, warts and all. Seattle is our home. This is where we live, work, play and raise our families. As a church, we are not here to look down on the city (in condemnation), or cower under the city (in fear), or mirror the city (in surrender) but to love and challenge the city with the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Fundamentally, we serve because we want to love this city as we’ve been loved by Jesus.

Second, there are great needs in our city. Like any city, Seattle is filled with significant needs to be met and this just one of them. Dunlap Elementary is one of the most culturally diverse and impoverished elementary schools in our region, serving subsidized or free lunches to over 85% of the students. Additionally, the Seattle School District lacks sufficient staff to keep up the grounds. Dunlap is just one of many schools without adequate funding that rely, almost exclusively, on community volunteer efforts. Therefore, we want to meet the needs of this city because when we were at our neediest Jesus came to meet our greatest needs.

Third, we have been served. If you follow Jesus, you have been radically served by God. Jesus lived the perfect life we should all live, but can’t. Then, he bore the just wrath of God that we deserve on the cross, in our place, and three days later rose to new life. In so doing, he conquered Satan, sin, death and evil on our behalf.  In so doing, he reconciles us to God, forgives our sin, adopts us into His family, seals us with the Spirit, gives us a new identity and promises us a new future. In other words, we serve because we have been radically served by God, in Christ. (cf Phil 2:4-11)

Fourth, we believe good news and should, therefore, be good news. Good news changes how we live. How much more should the good news of the gospel? We aim to be a declaring and demonstrating community. As you know, we take the declaration of the gospel very seriously as Jesus’ people. But, at the same time, we take the demonstration of its implications just as seriously. All talk, with no walk, leaves people skeptical. All walk, with no talk, leaves people confused. Therefore, we attempt to declare and demonstrate the good news of the gospel, without which no one will see the Lord. (cf Heb 12:14)

I’m looking forward to our time together this Saturday and hope you can make it out. Be sure to invite friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. There is plenty of work to done and conversations to be had. I’m asking Jesus to use this opportunity to give us favor with the city, open up additional avenues of influence, and lead some to saving faith. I encourage you to the same. See you there!

Because we have been served,

Pastor Adam

City Life, Event, Serve the City

On Saturday July 20th from 9:30am to 2pm, Downtown Cornerstone Church will be partnering with Dunlap Elementary School in Rainier Valley to help with some much needed maintenance, groundskeeping, and cleaning around the school in preparation for the coming school year.

Why are we volunteering in this way?

• The Seattle School District has only 5 groundskeepers to maintain 34 schools in the South Seattle district. This leaves many of the schools without adequate funding and manpower to maintain the properties. As such, these schools heavily rely on volunteer efforts to come alongside and help maintain their properties and facilities.
• Dunlap Elementary is one of the most culturally diverse and impoverished elementary schools in our region, serving subsidized or free lunches for over 85% of the students.
• As a church, we believe that we’ve been infinitely loved and served by God, through the person and work of Jesus. Because of that, we believe that the good news of the Gospel is not only shared in word, but demonstrated in deed. Serving is not just “giving back” but a tangible expression of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – serving as we’ve been served, in Christ.

What we will do:

• Weeding and mulching all of the grounds
• Removal of bushes
• Refreshing paint on all railings
• Refresh striping lines on parking lot
• Applying sealant to mural(s)
• Painting curb lines in bus zone and fire lanes
• Deep cleaning of hallways and cafeteria tables

Who should join us?

Everyone. Whether you are single, married, wanting to bring a friend or the whole family, there’s something for everyone to do!

Are there any needs besides showing up?

Yes. We need team captains who can help keep groups of 5-20 busy, and be a point person for your team. Please indicate on the form below if you are interested in being a team captain!

How many people are needed?

Seattle schools will take as many volunteers as we can provide, and we are shooting to have over 150 Volunteers.

How do I sign up?

Register HERE and share this link with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers!

Where should I go when I get there?

We will meet in the school parking lot at 9:30 to break into teams and be assigned tasks.

What should I wear?

Plan to wear grubby clothes that can get dirty, or you don’t mind getting paint on. Cloth work gloves will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own work gloves if you prefer.

What if it rains?

Bring a rain coat! Rain or shine, we’ll be there.

How do I get there?

By Light Rail: Take the Link Light Rail to the Rainier Beach Station. Walk 2 blocks north to S. Cloverdale St. Walk East on S. Cloverdale for 4 blocks. Dunlap Elementary will be on your right. (Approximately 10 min walk from light rail station)

• By Bus: The Number 7 Bus stops at Rainier Ave and S. Cloverdale Ave. Walk 4 blocks west on S Cloverdale till you reach Dunlap Elementary.
• By Car: The School is located at: 4525 S. Cloverdale Seattle, WA 98118 Limited parking is available in the school parking lot, but there’s ample street parking on S. Cloverdale St.

Questions?

Email for any additional questions!

City Life, Photos, Serve the City

Last Saturday, July 21st, 70 volunteers of Downtown Cornerstone walked the City Center of Seattle, from the avenues to the alley ways, collecting 24 bags of garbage littered throughout the core. Our goal was simple: to sacrificially serve the city as we’ve been sacrificially served by Jesus Christ (Mat 20:28). Jesus willingly entered into our mess of sin and decay, so we gladly do the same for our city. (Rom 5:8; John 3:16; Phil 2:4-11) Check out some of the photos from last Saturday morning above. A big thanks to Seattle Public Utilities and Adopt-a-Street for your partnership and assistance. This is just the beginning as we aim to spread the message and mercy of Jesus Christ, and in so doing, love our city to life.

City Life, News, Serve the City

Join us July 21st as we serve the city by cleaning and connecting with the people in downtown Seattle’s avenues and alleyways! This project includes partnering with the Seattle Public Utilities “Adopt-A-Street” and “Clear Alley’s Program.” DCC will pin point which downtown Seattle streets and alleys will be cleaned by our volunteers. Seattle Public Utilities will provides necessary resources like garbage bags, gloves, brooms, etc.

WHEN: 8:00a – 12:00p on the third Saturday in July (7.21.12), Download this flyer to share with your neighbors and friends!

WHO: You and your friends, family, coworkers, neighbors. This serving opportunity will be a great bridge to build in Seattle and will help us give people a taste of the love, grace and mercy Jesus freely offers them.

WHERE: We will meet up in the parking lot on the northwest corner of 7th Ave & Lenora in front of “Piranha”. Parking in that Impark lot is only $5 for up to 10 hours, so we recommend parking there.

HOW: We are aiming for 65+ volunteers! We will break into 8 teams of 8 or so people. Each team will be assigned specific streets and alleys to “own” by way of cleaning and caring for people within the vicinity. We’ll proceed block by block through the City Center until each street and alley is served or we run out of resources.

MISSION: Our goal is to love the city to life by way of service and care for people. Our primary function is to serve the city and as we do that we will be mindful that we are Jesus’ ambassadors, making much of him in how we serve, and ultimately, why we serve.

More details to come. If you’d like to join us please email .