news article

Cornerstone District Day builds bridges and sparks connection

July 15, 2025 / By Kristian Snyder, Cornerstone Superintendency Associate / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

On June 21st, the Cornerstone District once again gathered for a meaningful day of worship, learning, and connection—this time hosted at Crossings at South Dayton: New Faith Community (NFC). This year’s District Day was thoughtfully planned and led by the Cornerstone Lay Servant Team and Superintendency Associates to deepen ties within our district and build bridges with our neighbors in the Niagara Frontier District.

52 people were in attendance, with 12 out of the 34 churches in the Cornerstone District represented. We were also blessed to welcome several guests from the Niagara Frontier District, further strengthening our shared ministry across district lines.

Following in the spirit of last year’s revitalized District Days, this gathering was rooted in the desire to reconnect local churches after years of disruption due to the pandemic, disaffiliations, and transitions. But it was also about something more: celebrating the relationships that make up our wider connection—relationships that remind us we are not alone in ministry, but part of a larger family in Christ.

• A worship service centered on unity and purpose.
• A time of fellowship to meet and reconnect with one another.
• Small group sessions focused on practical and timely topics including new faith expressions, lay-led churches, and how to share our faith stories.

A special part of this year’s event was the intentional inclusion of youth. 11 young people were present, and they brought joy, creativity, and deep meaning to the day. They added a colorful and playful spirit to the gathering by decorating the sidewalks around the church with vibrant chalk art—a visible sign of life and hope. Even more moving, the youth took part in leading worship by serving communion to the gathered community. This sacred moment highlighted the value of intergenerational ministry and the role young people play in the life of the church.

The presence of participants from both the Cornerstone and Niagara Frontier districts added a reminder: though our churches may differ in size, setting, and context, we are united in our mission and our identity as United Methodists—a connected people working together in love and service.

As Cornerstone continues to imagine its future, events like this help us remember who we are and whose we are. Plans are already underway to keep this momentum going through future gatherings that will deepen relationships, offer practical tools for ministry, and strengthen the ties that bind us across the connection.

Let us give thanks for the connections renewed, the stories shared, the creativity expressed, and the Spirit that continues to lead us forward—together.