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October Newsletter 2003
*Editorial:
There was a strong philosophical argument presented in the 60's and
70's warning of the increased partnership between the media and the
multinationals that may result in a form of consumerism that would create
great differences between the haves and the havenots. In the years that
followed we have seen this forward prophesy come into effect. Despite
governmental denials this has become a fact of life. The Americanisation of
our society with its major emphasis on consumerism is developing a two
tiered society of those who enjoy the benefits and those who are generally
deprived of them. The increased thrust to demonise the unemployed and those
who receive pension benefits is constantly seen in the printed and visual
media and the term "Aussie Battler" is increasingly becoming a term to
denigrate those who struggle economically in our society. Unless this trend
is reversed and proper care and consideration given to those marginalised
economically, through age, through illness or societal dislocation. There
will continue to be an ever increasing number of people categorised in this
way. Now is the time to meet the challenge of this situation before it
gets so out of control that it cannot be solved. Will the "battlers" be
forced out to the fringes of our society and left to fend for themselves in
ghettos of disadvantage? Unless compassionate, caring people begin to be
vocal over the need for adequate support for the "battler" the position will
continue to deteriorate. No matter how much we enjoy consumerism as
individuals we cannot allow it to destroy those unable to access its
benefits. Unless politicians and caring people stand up now the future for
many looks bleak.
Ps. Max Walker.
CEO.
Theft of Video Player and TV.
From Press Release:
Early in 2003 Cornerstone, for the first time in its 11 years of existence,
was able to purchase its own television for use in the variety of programs
offered at the centre. Up to this time Cornerstone had been the recipient
of many pre-loved tellies with a great variety of idiosyncrasies from
unexpected changes of color, to rolling and variation in picture size. The
new TV was the result of a generous donor. Only last Friday at the Drop in
meal the people gathered to watch the Slim Dusty funeral and it has served
us well over the past 6 months enhancing our programs and making life a
little bit more enjoyable for those who come to Cornerstone. Unfortunately
this came to an end when the staff arrived on Monday morning to find the
front door forced open and the TV and video recorder gone.
Pastor Max Walker CEO states: "Over a week we have up to 500 people
enjoying the food and the activities at Cornerstone. It is a continual
battle, in the current economic situation, to keep food on the table and the
doors open. The TV added to the homely nature of the place and assisted in
developing the sense of community that makes Cornerstone a haven for people
in need. The volunteers and leaders are horrified that the centre should
be broken into let alone the TV stolen. We will endeavour to find funds to
replace the TV and Video without reverting to a pre-loved model.
Personally I am disappointed for the original donor and all those who will
miss out because of the criminality of one or two people. However, despite
this setback we will continue to meet the needs of those who live on the
fringes of our affluent society."
Update:
Cornerstone has been able to replace the TV and video despite a
further attempt to break into the building the weekend after the theft.
Assembly of God State Conference:
Pastor Max and Alison Walker together with Pastor David Grice and his wife
Patricia attended the three day Assembly of God State Conference at Deakin
University in Geelong.
Program Report:
After a brief downturn in those attending the luncheon the numbers have
returned to approximately 100 for the Wednesday luncheon and 90 on Friday.
One Wednesday the number peaked at 130. The Drop In program is popular
prior to the lunch and is a great place of social contact. The Thursday
Night program averages about 50 people and there have been many coming in
for the free legal service. The gospel hour on a Thursday sees between 30 -
40 enjoying the singing, the stories and the videos. The Saturday night Drop
in with its pool competition and a variety of activities attracts between 40
- 60 people. The sale at the Op Shop over grand final week created a lot of
interest with the shop open every day that week. Despite holidays, the flu
and other viruses over the past month we have been able to maintain our
volunteer base and all programs have operated uninterrupted.
Dinner Meeting with Directors and Councillors of City of Casey.
Pastor Max and Alison attended a Dinner at Olivers on Clyde organised by the
Casey North Pastors group at which the Mayor of Casey, Cr Brian Oates and
most of the Casey Councillors attended with the Directors of the various
Council departments. Sponsored by the Pastors Network it was an informal
night enjoying the excellent cuisine at Olivers. It was an important
opportunity to network with key local pastors and Councillors and Council
Staff.
Op Shop Final Sale:
The final sale of the Op Shop has been completed and the unsold stock given
to the Salvos. Currently the rooms are being reorganized prior to the Board
of Management deciding on the future use of this facility. A big vote of
Thanks to Charlie, David and Felix and their helpers who made the sale
possible and of course, to all those who came and purchased the goods.
Stormy Skies and gale force winds.
Recent violent weather has reinforced that we occupy an old building that is
vulnerable to the elements. At the height of the gale force winds part of
the OP Shop roof was blown away and the whole roof was lifting with each
violent gust of wind. It has cost nearly $500 to make the necessary repairs
to the roof. The Tax Office creates a wind tunnel that creates a vacuum
cleaner affect that sucks off the tiles. At the same time the break-in
required us to replace 3 broken windows. However, God is good, and our
damage was minor compared to many householders and businesses on those
nights of gale force winds and rain.
Hospital Ministry:
Pastor David Grice continues to visit Dandenong Psychiatric Hospital as a
Pastoral Care Worker. This includes a Monday morning worship time and
regular visits to the wards. David is an invaluable asset to both
Cornerstone and the Hospital due to his many years as a chaplain in this
area. David and other members of the Cornerstone team are available at
Cornerstone programs to assist the out patients and clients of ERMHA who
attend our weekday programs.
Middway Mental Health Walk:
Despite hail, rain, and a bitterly cold wind more than 500 people joined the
walk organised by MIDDWAY (mental illness doesn't discriminate! What about
you). It was great to see the Mayor of Casey and the Mayor of Greater
Dandenong join the Walk as well as local politicians and well known
entertainers. As it was a Friday Cornerstone remained open until 11.30 a.m.
and then the Chairman, the CEO and Board Members plus 50 Cornerstone people
joined the walk and the activities later at the Park.
Donations:
Over the past month following an article in the Dandenong Journal there
have been a continual stream of people dropping off food etc. This in turn
allows Cornerstone to bless those who come into the programs.
Trees Trimmed:
Following the stormy weather and the break in the trees in the Car park were
becoming a problem and these have been trimmed to window ledge height and
thereby taking away the covering for those who would seek to make an
unauthorized entry to the building. Thank you Jimbo for a job well done!
Corrections Program:
Each week up to 8 people from the Dandenong Corrections Office come into
Cornerstone as part of their community order. They do a remarkable job and
this program is now in its 7th year of operation.
Visit to Bendigo/ Castlemaine:
Pastor Max and Alison visited Bendigo and Castlemaine over the last weekend
to promote the work at Cornerstone. At Castlemaine they spoke in the
morning service at the newly opened Church of Christ sharing on Cornerstone
and its activities. Following this they spent time with the Castlemaine
Church Board over a barbecue lunch at the home of Pastor Ross and Maggie
Bourdon.
Cornerstone:
Pastor Max Walker CEO. |
| Postal Address: | PO BOX 358
Dandenong Vic 3175 |
| Address: | Church of Christ building
cnr Mason and Walker Sts
Dandenong Vic 3175. |
| General Enquiries: | (03) 9794 5654 |
| Fax: | (03) 9794 5949 |
Email:
 | ALLMAX@bigpond.com |
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