Something is Bugging Me

The following is a guest post by Bryan Ens which was originally posted over on his blog here

Last night, as my wife and I were watching TV, our program was interrupted with the breaking news bulletin that “Osama bin Laden is dead”.

Without doubt, bin Laden was a wicked man who did much evil.  I would even agree that the US military had the right to use deadly force to stop this man…which is exactly what they did.

So before I explain what’s bothering me, I have to clarify a few things.  I’m not bothered that bin Laden is dead.  I’m even somewhat relieved (although I’m also realistic enough to realize that there are most likely others who will gladly step into his shoes, and I doubt that terrorism against “the west” died with bin Laden).  I’m not bothered with how bin Laden met his death.  He lived by the sword, and he died by the sword.

I am bothered, however, by the video that I saw on the news last night.  This video portrayed Americans celebrating in the street that bin Laden is dead.  So why does this bother me so much?  Watch this video now.  My question is this…how is it any better for Americans to celebrate the death of the wicked bin Laden any better than Muslims celebrating the deaths of “the wicked infidel”?  Breath a sigh of relief?  Absolutely!  Celebrate death?  CELEBRATE??? I have to say that the idea that we celebrate death makes us little better than those that we fight against.

Perhaps I’m not bothered so much by the fact that Americans are celebrating a man’s death, but that I realize in myself that I’m not entirely innocent myself.  Being a Canadian, I suppose that I can take a step back from the 9/11 attacks and bin Laden’s part in them (although I am still horrified by this senseless act of terrorism), but when I think of other historical events, I can think of a few other wicked people whom I suspect I would have celebrated the deaths of had I been alive at the time…Hitler for example…

I’m bothered by this celebration of death that I see in others…but even more so that I see in myself.  Christ said in Matthew 5:44  “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”  In fact, in light of the fact that the people of Jerusalem, to large extent, rejected Christ.  He could have considered them his enemies, yet when Christ prophesied Jerusalem’s destruction (Lk 19:41-44), he did not celebrate, but he wept over the city.

So my question is this:  should we not be weeping over bin Laden’s lost soul, rather than celebrate his death?

HAITI TRIP 2011

Well, here we go!  Last day of gear arriving, backs being packed, passport checks, and web-check ins in the morning.  Thanks to everyone who has helped in so many ways, either through prayer, donations, financial help, and more.  Check back here regularly, as we will be blogging daily through the church website to keep people up to speed on what’s going on (and so that Melissa can track Stephen down in case of any “unexpected surprises”!)

Our flight leaves Sunday AM at 1145 with stops in Calgary, Dallas, and Ft. Lauderdale, where we will “sleep” in the airport for a few hours, than go through security at 4.30AM to be on the 6.10AM flight to Port-Au-Prince.  Then a three hour bus ride to Grand Goave, and we’ll be fresh and ready to rock!

We will keep you updated on what’s going on, and how to be praying for us as we’re gone as well.

Check out the downloads

Hey everyone we added a downloads section on the homepage. Check out the first 3 posts to download some music created by the by Cornerstone’s very own music teams.

One Way

As a new feature on the website we will start today by posting some recordings of worships songs that you can download and listen to for your personal worship times and enjoyment. These songs have been recorded and mixed by Cornerstone’s very own worship teams. Keep checking more more content like this. Or to always get new content as soon as possible. Subscribe with your favorite RSS reader or via the simple email form above.

“One Way”

Listen here below or click here to download

[audio:http://www.cornerstone-church.ca/audio/01%20One%20Way%20master.mp3]

Mighty to Save

Here is a second song to download.

Mighty to Save

Listen below or click here to download

[audio:http://www.cornerstone-church.ca/audio/02%20Mighty%20to%20Save%20master.mp3]

From the Inside Out

Here is a third song to download.

From the Inside Out

Listen below or click here to download

[audio:http://www.cornerstone-church.ca/audio/03%20From%20the%20Inside%20Out%20master.mp3]

Ladies Bible Study

The Bible Study on the The Fruits of the Spirit just finished, but a new series called, “Breaking Free” by Beth Moore, will be starting up again on January 9th. To join you just need to sign up on a Sunday morning. The cost is $20 for the work book.

Blanket/Quilters Wanted

A creative MCCS constituent, Linda Doell, is looking for volunteers to work with her in a quilting program with female patients at the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon. Volunteers are needed once or twice a week for a few hours at a time. For more info, contact Linda Doell

Teen Challenge Needs

Teen Challenge is looking for some of the following. If you can help out with any of these, please email

• Shaving cream & disposable razors
• Men’s socks & underwear
• Belts
• Treadmill
• Meat: beef, pork, turkey, fish
• STAFF POSTIONS: duty staff, as well as volunteers for afternoon/evening duties
• VOLUNTEERS for renovations

Get Involved

Here at the church we offer a full range of activities to help people grow in faith toward God.

These include Sunday gatherings such as worship services, Bible classes for all ages, nursery and children’s church.

Throughout the week there are activities for children, junior high students, high school students and young adults.

Add to that the various opportunities in music, drama, seniors ministries, home groups, mission trips, church leadership etc, and there seems to be a place of service and growth for everyone in the church family.

Check out The Trek, a compilation of the service opportunities at Cornerstone.
Download The Trek.

Please call the church office at 931-4949 or email us at cornerstone@sasktel.net for specific information on how you can get involved.