How good is our God?” That’s the thought that keeps running through my head every time I look at the statistics of impact and the stories of life change in this year’s Annual Report.

We’re witnessing miracles every single week in our church. We’re seeing relationships restored, addictions broken, and dysfunctions healed. Hope is igniting, purpose is aligning, and freedom is being found. We’re watching God do what only He can do.

Cornerstone—we’re in the middle of a move of God. And it’s just getting started. Scripture says in Philippians 1:6 “...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

We are living in that truth, Church. The “good work” that God began in Cornerstone in 1980 and then re-established in 2020 is advancing forward stronger than ever before. I believe you’ll see that shining bright on each page as you browse through this report. God’s faithfulness is on display in every tally and every testimony! And the best part? We’re barely scratching the surface of our potential as a church.

There are so many people far from God—so many who need to find the Father, a family, and a fulfilling future. And Cornerstone, there’s no one I’d trust more with bringing that mission to fruition than you.

The Spirit is moving at Cornerstone in such powerful ways, and we won’t take it for granted. So let’s commit that we’ll do whatever it takes to ensure 2022’s Annual Report echoes a similar story of God’s faithfulness. May we leverage the “good work” that God has started and partner with Him to take even more ground for the Kingdom in 2022!

And may Jesus Christ, our God and King forever, be with us this year and every year. Amen!
Keep Encouraged!

Pastor Jacob Young

The Thomas Family

From the first time we visited, Cornerstone Kids has been so wonderful and welcoming to my family. New experiences and changes can be particularly challenging for my daughter. But Cornerstone Kids has been fantastic for her - she has had so much fun every week! And we feel great knowing she is in a great environment, with great people, having a great time! The leaders and Ministry Partners all have such a warm and kind way of making each child feel unique, appreciated, and included in the church family. Seeing Clara’s face light up when I tell her it’s time for church is priceless!

I am very thankful that Cornerstone Kids is here for my daughter now and that they will continue to be there for her as she gets older; to help her grow in her faith and learn more about Jesus. It’s just one more reason, on the very long list, that we love Cornerstone Church!

During the Summer of 2021, Cornerstone Kids hosted the “I Wonder” Day camp. Kids from kindergarten through 5th Grade attended and engaged their imaginations as they learned about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — but also about the God who created it all! Through the four days, they explored these core ideas:

"Love Is Red" is an annual youth conference in North Canton. Through their experience at Love Is Red, a number of our students grew greatly in their faith. After Love Is Red, a number of the students began serving at Cornerstone, began to practice spiritual disciplines, and began getting more involved with our weekly Youth Nights.

Abbie Holsopple

My life has been changed in so many ways by God - and Cornerstone Youth has played a huge role in it.

Last fall, I shared in small group about one of the things that had hurt me the most in my entire life. So many amazing people stepped up to help me! They have even become some of my best friends that I talk to pretty much every day.

None of this would have been possible without Youth and the leaders that make it so amazing for teens to learn more about God. Not only has coming here brought me closer with people my age, but it has also brought me closer to a lot of other people that are part of Cornerstone. I’ve even become a Ministry Partner on the Production Team!

Being part of Cornerstone Youth saved me in so many ways and has brought me so much closer to God - which is so overwhelming, but is the most amazing feeling in the entire world!

Robby Tremble

Life Journey is a transformational experience. There are so many compelling discussions that occurred throughout the course. Discussions that not only allowed us to learn but also challenged us to encounter Jesus in new, deeper, and more relevant ways than ever before. Like when we discussed moving from Religion to Relationship. So often we view relationship with Jesus as a checklist of things to do - and if we do all the “right” things, we are ok. Jesus never asks us to check a box with something we did. Grace happens when we receive something that we don’t deserve. When we understand that, we realize there is nothing on our checklist that will ever redeem us. Only a relationship with Jesus can do that. And that’s all Jesus wants. He wants US. Every religion in the world looks at salvation as a ladder that must be climbed and done in steps. Jesus takes away the steps and paves a direct path to the throne of God.

Through Life Journey, a new awakening occurred in me for things I have known intellectually for most of my life but through this course, I was able to move what I know from intellect to infusion. Jesus is more infused in what I say and do and how I pray than ever before and the course gave me the tools I need to continue this amazing journey. It also gave me new lifelong friends to help me continue to grow and hold me accountable. The relationships I was able to build throughout this course are truly remarkable. I have new people to love and they love me as a result. What’s better than that?

Lisa Donaldson

The “Anxious for Nothing” cGroup helped me a lot! The topic of anxiety was needed and right on time for my life. Being a caregiver for my sister has been very hard on me - emotionally and physically draining. The acronym C.A.L.M. has given me a new mindset:

Celebrate the goodness of God
Ask God for help
Leave your concerns with God
Meditate on good things

Philippians 4:6-8 has had a tremendous impact on me mentally, giving me peace and calm in these circumstances that seem to be very overwhelming. Trusting in God’s love is my new way of thinking.

In addition to this, I made several new, honest, loving friends to share church and life with. Thank you!

Reducing Costs

As a response to pandemic-related realities and in order to prioritize our building campaign goals, we made the following cost reducing decisions:

• Moved out of our office suite and spent the second half of the year working remotely and/or mobile at space within the church building.

• Sponsored a tag sale of many of our office furnishings and decor.

• Cut all department budgets by an average of 40% last year.

• Consolidated outgoing donations.

• Collected donations to fund Cornerstone Kids events.

• Utilized Ministry Partnership expertise and hours to accomplish projects/maintenance.

Mel Linerode

I mostly grew up in church knowing that tithing was something Christians are supposed to do. However, tithing never made much sense to me. Giving God all I can because he gave me everything? I get that, but tithing never clicked for me. Maybe it’s from never having a good example. Maybe it was a lack of knowledge. Maybe it was doubt or disbelief. Whatever it was, and even after becoming part of Cornerstone in 2019, I kept tithing far from me for a long time.

For about five years, which is most of our marriage, we struggled financially. Nothing ever seemed to work and we had problem after problem. We lost a car, got way behind on bills, nearly lost our house, and never knew how we’d make it out. It was scary.

In October of 2020, when I was still working at Joann Fabrics, I decided that no matter what, 10% of my paycheck would be tithed to Cornerstone Church, because that was my home. At the time, obedience was something God was speaking heavily over my life. It was permeating every facet of my life. I have tithed every paycheck since then. When it was easy and when it was hard because things got tight, I kept up my end. To say that God kept up His end would be putting a cap on what God can do. He has constantly exceeded what I thought He could do. Even when I had a week where we went negative in our bank account and I was sure I wouldn’t be able to tithe, which crushed me, He made a way. I tithed that week, like normal, because God made it happen. Not only that but we were provided enough to cover everything else that we were so sure wouldn’t be covered.

Between February 21 and 28 of 2021, we heard Pastor Dwight Mason speak regarding the Here & Now campaign and Pastor Jacob’s sermon “No One Else Is Coming”. The biggest takeaways I got from these services was about commitment, which shows my values and obedience. Obedience, again, coming front and center in my life. God called me out. What if no one else is coming? “When I live like no one else is coming, I make a difference no one else can make.” -Pastor Jacob Young I knew then that if I could manage being obedient in our finances, God would provide. I knew that it was on me. My obedience is all I have to give a Father that’s given me everything.

When we were asked to pledge for the Here & Now building campaign, I did not doubt that I had to be a part of that. A better future for us, our kids, and the community? Tell me where to send my money! I prayed and journaled and finally was given my number. I signed up without a second thought about whether or not I’d be able to keep up with those payments. As Pastor Jacob said, the moves of God matter very little on our resources and more on our obedience. Due to my new tithing obedience and God’s constant, evident provision in my life, I knew I would be able to continue giving confidently.

To be where we are now and look back at everything is extremely humbling. My obedience has led to a deeper understanding of God’s character and trust in Hi slove for me. Even when I wasn’t obedient, His provision was always there. When I stepped out in faith, not knowing what would come, that provision quadrupled. Brad and I have the most amazing jobs. Ones that we prayed for, but never believed we would get. My obedience has led me to the solid security I so deeply craved for years. Taking that step, taking God’s hand, and leaping into the unknown was the best thing I could have done in regards to our finances. Is it all magically fixed? No, but I know without a doubt that it will always work out because my God has my back.

Rusty Nottingham

Founder, ADC

Over the past two years Cornerstone’s City Lights group has been an incredible blessing to the community we serve monthly. As an essential part of Akron Dream Center’s Community Block Party Program, the groceries, and products provided by Cornerstone at every event help to ensure that our neighbors have full cabinets and full hearts. I have heard personally from those we serve how they value knowing that on the first Saturday each month, groceries and a hot meal will be waiting for them and their appreciation is plain to see. At ADC, our heart is to be a tangible expression of Jesus’ love for our city, and we cannot thank Cornerstone enough for helping us do just that. What’s truly amazing is to see each month the different parts of the body, Jesus’ Church, coming together with the same heart, same mission – to help people see Jesus and know the Gospel truth.

Tonti Lewis

A few years ago, my mother called and asked if I would like to go with her to the food pantry at a local church. We arrived at Cornerstone when we were still meeting on Killian Rd. As soon as I stepped one foot in the back door my spirit felt renewed. Everyone I spoke with was so kind and warm-hearted. I was intrigued and wanted to see the rest of the church, so Bruce Oberlin walked me through the rooms. It was everything I dreamed about! Everyone had a place of belonging. They even had a place for our Dreyson in the Shining Light class for special needs - and so much more! I brought friends and family to service that Sunday and I was blown away. I said, “Okay God” and we’ve been here ever since! I’ve participated with cGroups and recently became a Ministry Partner…It’s so rewarding to see the faces of the ones you’re serving! My family and I are blessed that God led us here. Thank you, Cornerstone, for loving me and my family and friends. I love you guys!

Sarah Adams

Participating in the Here and Now Campaign was truthfully not on my agenda. I was already tithing all that I could afford, and my finances are often shaky at best. God, however, had different plans. I soon felt that I was being led to take part in this campaign, and by doing so I would be honoring Him with faith and obedience. God would have to provide the means. So I grabbed the pledge card and my shiny new hammer and decided to commit. The very next day an unexpected, rather large refund check found its way into my mailbox. I knew instantly what that money was to be used for! As a wise woman once told me, “You can’t ever outgive God!” Now, I am honored to be a part of building this new church, and I know I will never be able to give back to Jesus and the Cornerstone community as much as has been so graciously given to me!

Dawn & Rob Winters

Tithing and giving have always been more of a blessing to us and for us than it could ever be for God. God doesn’t “need” our money. Rather, it is a way to show that we honor His Word and trust in Him to meet our needs. When the Here & Now Campaign started, my wife, Dawn, and I discussed what we could do. With my role on the Board of Directors, we had prior knowledge that the building campaign would be starting, and we wanted to give it a boost to start it off. We had $10,000 in our savings account, and that was IT. This is money that we need for our business in the winter, during our slow season, to cover things such as payroll, insurance, taxes, etc. But we also considered it a blessing that we had anything in savings at all, as the money usually goes quickly over winter. We prayed about it, and as scary as it was, we decided to give every penny we had in savings. We KNEW God would provide. This is the one area, tithing and giving, where God says to test him. (And I’m beginning to think we enjoy testing him, haha!) At the time, we told Pastor Jacob that this was all we could do, a one-time gift, rather than a weekly pledge because Dawn and I are both self-employed and our income is not a set amount from week to week. A few weeks later, we decided that the one-time gift wasn’t “hurting” enough - this gift is supposed to hurt and make you re-evaluate your finances; make you look at where you spend. So we decided to pledge a per week amount as well. And that’s what we had been doing. Maybe two months later we got an email, completely out of the blue, from the State of Ohio that they had approved our company for a grant, which we had applied for in September of 2020. A grant which almost a year earlier we had been told we applied too late and the funds were gone. The email stated that new funds were allocated, and a few weeks later the money hit our account. The grant amount? $10,000. Just unbelievable - and ONLY God. If you trust Him, and whatever you trust Him with, he will never fail you. We find this especially true with our finances. He has never failed us, and as a matter of fact, we believe He just enjoys showing off sometimes!

Looking Ahead

Goals for 2022

Our goals for 2022, like the amount of Ministry Partners we want to add, the weekly average giving amount we want to see, construction starting on the facility…all are fantastic things and we want to see them happen. But you know what? Those aren’t really the main goal. I mean, if 2022 happens and all those things are fulfilled, that will be great! No complaints here! But you see, our main goal is not what we do but who we are. Who are we becoming? By the end of this year, we want Cornerstone Church to simply be known as a church that clearly and passionately embodies the love of Jesus. That’s our vision for 2022.

We want to end every year and find that we are a church where people come and have a real, authentic encounter with Jesus. God’s will is not about what we do but who we are. Identity over activity. We want to make people happy for all the right reasons.

We want to make people uncomfortable for all the right reasons.
We want to make people upset for all the right reasons.
We want to give people hope for all the right reasons.

And we can trust that it will happen! God’s will will happen. It’s not a matter of “if”, it’s just a matter of “when.”

So here’s to 2022, Cornerstone.
This year is our year.