Saturday marks the 10th anniversary of a very special event for Bristow: Touch of Christmas. What first began at Cornerstone Church in 2014 has grown exponentially into a community-wide blessing beloved by all.
Back in 2014, as members of Cornerstone Church continued to renovate the building, Pastor Mark Evans noted that the church longed to be a “church without walls”, sharing the gospel and love of Jesus and blessing local families. The church began by adopting around 20 families, blessing them with gifts for the children, shoes and coats, groceries, and some bicycles through its inaugural Touch of Christmas event.
Initially, Touch of Christmas operated out of the second floor of the church, where each of the adopted families received their items and prayer from church members. For the first 3 years of Touch of Christmas, families continued to receive blessings from within the church’s walls; however, the blessings event continually grew each year, eventually outgrowing the confines of the building. Within a few years, the event had moved outside, and then, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and transformed it into a drivethru community blessing event, serving greater and greater numbers of people. In these ways, Cornerstone’s Touch of Christmas outreach ministry fulfilled its desires to share Jesus’ love and be His church
See Anniversary, Page three without walls.
Last year, Pastor Evans recalled the church blessing more than 320 families. He excitedly shared that the church will be able to bless as many as 350 to 400 families this year—all thanks to the goodness and grace of God. Cornerstone Church has been able to love and bless others thanks to God’s provision, who moved mightily in securing larger quantities of goods with which to bless the Bristow community.
Additionally, Bristow’s Cornerstone Church is part of a larger ministry, being partnered with Cornerstone Church in Bowie, Maryland, which also hosts an annual Touch of Christmas event. Together, the churches share Jesus’ love and his messages of hope and salvation with thousands of people each Christmas.
In years past, Cornerstone Bristow has received kind messages for sharing Jesus’ love and blessings: “Thank you for all the groceries you’ve provided for all in need. You have no idea what a God sent blessing you’ve been to me.” -Anonymous grandparent “So glad that the Love of Jesus shines through you!” Name withheld for privacy “What awesome timing. I was really in need of almost everything that you gave out. I had to help my daughter ... The only way I could do that was to not buy groceries. … But I have an awesome Father who meets my every need. Thank you!” -A grateful mother “Thank you doesn’t seem like enough. … your love, your kindness, and your dedication has been a blessing to me! … I’m so very grateful for all of you! … Thank you for making an eternal difference in the lives of others and myself. …’They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, to display His glory. Isaiah 61:3 NRSV’” -BH This year, blessings offered will include hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, groceries, children’s toys for ages 12 and under, hotdogs, Amazon goodies, and more.
However, this year’s event requires some new changes to better serve the public. For example, 5 dedicated law enforcement officers will attend Touch of Christmas. Additionally, all blessing recipients will be required to secure a ticket from event staff and law enforcement at the intersection of East 10th Avenue and North Pine Street before entering the line to receive blessings. Further instructions will be provided at that time. All blessings are free, but tickets will enhance safety and efficiency and ensure that those in line—with tickets—receive their blessings. Ticket holders must remain in the line throughout the event to receive items.
For Cornerstone, God provides the blessings, and church members praise him for His infinite love, goodness, and faithfulness to fulfill His promises as they cherish the opportunity to serve Him and welcome and share Jesus with everyone once again this holiday season. To receive a prayer and blessing, get a ticket and meet Jesus at Cornerstone this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Touch of Christmas.
To learn more about Jesus and Cornerstone, attend a Sunday service at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m., a Wednesday small group session at 6:30 p.m., or prayer service each Saturday evening at 6 p.m. Cornerstone is located at 114 East 7th Avenue.