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From the CEO: Pastor Max Walker. As the year comes to a close it is good to reflect on the things that have been done over the past 12 months. This has been our 10th year of operation and we have deliberately kept the celebrations very low key. The important factor in our survival is the fact that for 10 years Cornerstone has assisted the poor and lonely in the City of Greater Dandenong and Casey. On the 10th anniversary of our first Drop In Night we celebrated with a party and a birthday cake. On the final night of the year, December 21st we will again party to celebrate the completion of this our tenth year. However, it is important at this time that we acknowledge those who have sponsored Cornerstone and the 50 unpaid volunteers that make Cornerstone possible. At this time we also recognise those who were part of the original vision birthed in 1991 and those who put that vision into action in 1992. Barbara Siddall and Don Cameron are currently members of the Board of Management. It is also right that. at this time, we acknowledge the contribution of Standard Roads through the late Ron Rado who have provided the building on the corners of Mason and Walker Sts for our usage and the Dandenong Lions Club for its ongoing support over the past 10 years. Cornerstone has a vibrancy and an atmosphere that clearly indicates the hand of God is on this place as it has been over the past decade. On behalf of all at Cornerstone I would express our best wishes for the Christmas season. End of year activities: A week of Christmas festivities will commence on Monday 16th of December and conclude on Saturday 21st with a Christmas party to celebrate our 10 years in the forefront of practical christian outreach in the district. Commencement dates in 2003: The programs will recommence on Monday 3rd February with the first luncheon held on Wednesday 5th. The Board of Management will hold a planning day on Saturday February 1st. OP Shop Sale: Jim and Maria Perez are two outstanding volunteers at Cornerstone. As unpaid volunteer Managers of the Op Shop they have created an environment that encourages people to attend the shop and their endeavours each month assist various Cornerstone programs. They are totally responsible for the layout of the shop and the collection of the goods for sale. These two people typify the work of volunteers at Cornerstone demonstrating industry, dedication and commitment that allows us to develop Cornerstone into a vital piece of the culture of the area. 
The Symbol of the Dove:This symbol that appears on our brochure is one of the christian symbols for the Holy Spirit. The person of the Holy Spirit has been the driving force that has seen Cornerstone survive over the past 10 years. Without major funding, food and friendship have been available day after day,,,a miracle in itself. Over that period Standard Roads Pty Ltd have made the building available to us and this old church is a symbol of their generosity......a miracle in itself. Cornerstone has 50 unpaid volunteers who give of their time and energies to provide the haven that is Cornerstone. Many of the volunteers are people who came for help and remained to serve others. Social workers, councillors and politicians who visit the programs tell us there is something peaceful about the place, newcomers say ³ it is different ³ and others see it as the family they have lost over the years. To those of us who have made a long term commitment to the work at Cornerstone understand that this is the ³anointing² that comes when the presence of God rests on a God blessed activity. Dandenong Community Advice Bureau: Pastor Max Walker has been appointed to the Board of Management and looks forward to working across the wider Dandenong Community. State Election: Cornerstone congratulates the winning candidates in our catchment area, Tim Holden, Dale Wilson, Luke Donnellan, and John Pandazopolous have all visited Cornerstone and are strong supports of the work done in the district. Cornerstone in its advocacy role will continue to lobby them for further support to the people in need in the district. Cornerstone 2002 Christmas. Assistant Manager: Paul Briscoe. 
We all know that the letters "m-a-s" have been added to "Christ" to form the word describing this season of joy, merriment and festivities. In fact it originated in Rome in AD 336 when the word "Christmas" was first used to celebrate the time of Jesus' birth. It comes from Old English vocabulary - "Cristes Maesse" and found its way into more recent language usage as "Christmas". But it wasn't until the Fourth century that Christmas was celebrated on the 25 th of December, and more widely accepted across Europe and beyond.
All that is history, I know, but the enduring purpose and meaning of Christmas lives on for every nation ... for every generation... and is there for our meditation and contemplation. Allow me to guide you through this brief meditation with a thought centering on the "M-A-S" of Christmas. Christmas is to Christians the coming of the Promised One, the Saviour who is Christ the Lord. It's a "once-off ' event that is remembered and celebrated every year with joy and praise to God. "M" is for Message: this was radical news, and what an awesome Message it was. Never before had the Saviour's coming been proclaimed. Yes, it had been promised and predicted, now it was being proclaimed as reality. God's message of Love is finally unveiled, revealed and announced. God had given us the supreme gift - His only Son. "A" is for Ageless: yes my friends, this event took place 2000 years ago, but it is just as relevant today as ever. In fact it's more relevant now than it ever was because you and I are being given the opening to respond to God's great gift and say "yes" to Jesus, what could be more relevant than that? God's offer is for all people during this "age of grace". When this age comes to an end then the offer will be withdrawn. This age of grace means that mankind now has a Redeemer. Those who receive Him will live eternally with the Lord, and the Bible is very clear on the fate of those who ignore or reject God's offer. "S" is for Salvation: A Redeemer means a Saviour for you and me and all people. A Saviour means the provider of Salvation for all who will receive it. Salvation is deliverance from sin's allure, and hold on us. The bonds are broken, the shackles fall away; freedom has come though the One who said- "If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed." (Jn. 8,v.36) Jesus Himself has won the victory over sin and death, so it is He Himself that brings the wonderful gift of Salvation to us all. Let us each, not forget that it is a gift, and it is being offered out to you today - won't you take it - without delay? "He who has the Son has Life." (Jesus - I Jn. 5, v. 12) CHRIST'S MESSAGE ---- AGELESS SALVATION. The challenge of 2003. As we look to the New year we look to a year without a tragedy such as Bali and the fear of war. Locally, as a grassroots activity, we seek to continue to meet the needs of the fringe dwellers in the City of Casey and Greater Dandenong. This goes beyond having meals and a safe place to gather. It requires us to continually evaluate our programs to see that they are meeting the current needs of the clients we serve. If we do not meet this criteria they will be cut and replaced with programs that do meet the needs. Out ultimate dream is to have a society where places like Cornerstone are available in every community. We have seen the Dove established in Doveton and other programs modeled on Cornerstone begin here and overseas. Cornerstone will continue to advocate for more assistance for the mentally ill, the poor, the lost in our society, badgering all levels of government , agencies and religious groups to provide financial and physical assistance to help eradicate poverty and disadvantage in this so called "lucky country". 2003 with your support will be a great year. Have a happy and blessed Christmas.
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| Cornerstone operates under the business name Cornerstone Contact Centre Inc. (AOO29459A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
