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Editorial: Over the years there has been a continual passing parade of people who have been part of Cornerstone. Some have sojourned with us for a short time, others have made it a home away from home, their surrogate family. Some have left in anger, some with joy as they have found employment. Some due to housing forced to live away from the area and no longer able to attend. Others have found what they were looking for elsewhere. Whatever the reason Cornerstone has been made richer by their presence. They have contributed to the fabric of life that is Cornerstone. Their laughter, their sadness, their tears, their anger, their bewilderment, their desire to help, the enjoyment of the food are reminders of who they are and their desire to be part of something outside of their present existence. For some it may be a free meal to help tide over a bad time or a free pool game. But for many it has been a time where they felt they were part of something significant, a place where they can make a contribution, a place where they are treated as a person not a number, a place where they are encouraged and not put down. For many it is a place where they have known acceptance and friendship, a place to sit and chat and even to laugh, a place where people do not judge them by their appearance or mental state but accept them as people. For some it is a place of discipline and structure where, for maybe the first time in many years, they have a place to go and things to do, and responsibilities to perform. Undoubtedly in 2004 there will be more of the same. The agenda will be written by the people who find their way through the door. Cornerstone will try to reach out to them and minister to their needs as we try to demonstrate the sort of love that was shown by Jesus as He and his collection of social misfits walked the dusty byways demonstrating love not religion. Hopefully in 2004, Cornerstone can in a small way in our multicultural and diverse city do the same. Ps. Max Walker. CEO End of Year 2003 Activities. There were a number of outstanding features that characterised the end of 2003. There was regret as Paul Briscoe led his final Saturday Night program where many gathered to wish him well in the future. There was the excitement of the Christmas dinner organised by the Friday team with its carol singing and laughter. The final Wednesday lunch catered for 120 people and the final Thursday Night Gospel Hour and Drop in saw over 60 people sharing the night. The ANZ Bank group that have supported Cornerstone on a monthly basis presented Cornerstone with several excellent hampers at a function organised for their clients. The Hampers were later distributed at the Wednesday and Friday lunch. Changes for 2004. The major change to programs in 2004 will be the opening of the pool program on Monday afternoons and a revamp of the Saturday Night program. The Saturday Night program will vary from week to week with a variety of leadership teams leading the program. As I write this details are still being finalised. However, in April a special Youth Saturday Night is planned on one Saturday Night. Each night will be different and some will suit some people while others may choose somewhere else on that particular night. Cornerstone may not be open every Saturday Night. This is what change is all about. As soon as Saturdays are finalised wešll widely publicise what is happening. Volunteers: Our list of 50 volunteers come from concerned community members, churches, Service agencies, and those who have come to Cornerstone as clients, been empowered and now hold position of responsibility in Cornerstone. Making ends meet: Cornerstone requires at least $50,000 each year to continue to maintain the current services to the people of Greater Dandenong and Casey we provided in 2003. The funds we receive are poured back into the community with 90% of the funds we receive being expended on providing food for meals at our programs. The rest goes to pay for gas, electricity and the general running of an organisation that handled over 20,000 people in the past year. From the CEO down all the people involved with Cornerstone are volunteers. Funding is a year to year proposition in the hands of God that has provided for Cornerstone over the past 12 years. Therefore in 2004 we will continue to step out in faith to meet the needs of those who come to Cornerstone knowing that as we walk the road of faith He will provide for us. Naturally as doors are opened to us we will again approach government, local, state and federal, the philanthropic trusts, companies, businesses, service people and individuals to be involved in an exciting 2004 as they support Cornerstone activities. This faith walk is a real buzz as we see God provide from the widowšs mite to the big corporations. Visitation Program: Pastor Max and Pastor David and other members of the Board are available to speak to small and large groups concerning the activities and work at Cornerstone. Contact us to arrange suitable times.
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