A Word from one of our Ministers

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Friends,

Usually, September is a month I love – my birthday month, a new school year, a new Connexional year, a clean slate for another year, a fresh academic diary or planner, perhaps, and a freshness and crispness in the autumn air that blows the cobwebs away.

This year feels a bit different: I am returning to work after a few months signed off, and whilst I am delighted to be back amongst you, catching up with your news and finding out what has been going on, this feels like a liminal time: we are not what we used to be, and we are not yet what we are going to be. I have gone back to my previous name, Sarah Eastol, as I explore what it means to be single again.

Cornerstone is still changing, still adapting, still looking forward, still hoping and praying. Dorking and Horsham Circuit has done its work, and the Gatwick and Mole Valley Circuit has taken on the responsibility for mission in this area of Sussex and Surrey. We are blessed to have Tony and Mandy with us at Cornerstone and to share in the life of the reimagined circuit with fresh colleagues in the work of God in this place.

In times of change and liminality, it’s good to look to the Scriptures and find surety in the word of God. There’s usually a psalm for whatever situation we are in! In this time of getting to know fresh routines and new ways of working in a different context, in a time of vision casting and mission planning, in a time of change, Psalm 121 assures us that whatever is happening, God is with us. Four short words, “God is with us” but how powerful and how profound. If we take those words to heart, we can go forward in confidence that God is over all, God is in all, and God guides all – if we are willing to listen!

I want to invite you into a new exploration of that listening – to one another. There will be a fresh study course happening on Monday evenings from 13th October, for 14 weeks. Don’t worry if you can’t make every single session but come to as many as you can. We are going to be exploring what builds depth in Christian communities, how we can grow closer relationships as a people of faith here, and how all of that can develop resilience in our discipleship. We will have an optional meal together from 5.30pm and then start at 7.15pm. You are very welcome. Let me know if you are coming and get in touch with questions. This is a significant opportunity for us as we work on the future of Cornerstone and I would really like to encourage your participation!

Every blessing
Sarah

Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here.

Planning your Visit

A warm welcome

We are one Church in three locations and we will be pleased to welcome you. Although we are

different on the outside, inside you will find communities of believers gathering to praise and

worship God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and trying to live out our faith by serving others as best we can.

How to find us

Choose the chapel which is convenient for you, a map can be found on each chapel’s homepage.

For those arriving by car, there is a small car park at the London Road chapel, and nearby parking on the road and in public car parks. At St Andrew’s and Partridge Green there is parking in the roads nearby. If coming by train, St Andrew’s chapel is a 15 minute walk from Littlehaven station and London Road chapel about ten minutes from Horsham station.

Planning your visit

For your first visit, we suggest arriving about 10-15 minutes early. You will be greeted by a Welcome Steward who will be able to answer any questions you may have. All our chapels are wheelchair-accessible and have accessible toilets. There is a hearing loop for those who need it at the London road chapel. At all chapels hymn words are displayed on a screen, but hymn books are available if you prefer. However, do check the calendar as we sometimes have joint services and so we will only be meeting in one of the chapels.

Our Services

The Sunday services in all our chapels is at 10.30am. For more information see our Sunday Services page (link). The service lasts for 60-75 minutes, and includes hymns and songs, prayer, Bible readings and a talk, usually based around the readings. The service is led by one of own ministers or by a lay person who has been trained in leading worship. Once a month in each chapel we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, to which all are welcome. Gluten-free bread and alcohol-free wine are used at this service. At the end of the service, tea, coffee and biscuits are served and there is the opportunity to chat informally. Please do introduce yourself, we will be pleased to get to know you.

Worship in Song

We realise that Sunday worship is not convenient for everyone. At our London Road chapel we have a monthly service on a Thursday, which is held in the afternoon at 2.30pm. Please see our calendar for the dates. This is a shorter, more informal act of worship, accompanied by tea/coffee and cake, and held in the ‘Meeting Place’, a new space at the front of the chapel.

Can I bring my children?

Messy Church, which is especially for parents, carers and children, takes place at St Andrews on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 3 to 5pm and at Partridge Green during the school holidays (see our calendars for dates and to book for MC at St Andrews).

If you would like to talk to one of our ministers, please use our Contact Us page . We look forward to welcoming you soon.