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August Newsletter 2004
Editorial:
Martin Luther said:'It is not Christ walking on the sea, but
His ordinary walk, that we are called on to imitate.' Jesus knew what it
was to be an outsider. To the religious leader and the sophisticate of his
day he was a country yokel from the sticks of Gallilee. His closest
followers were a motley group of fishermen, a revolutionary, a tax collecter
and among his camp followers were the poor, the disenfranchised, women of
dubious reputation and members of rent-a-crowd who followed the unusual and
the miraculous. He challenged people to look at their lifestyles and their
attitudes until only the real followers remained. It is interesting that
among their ranks were some prominant religious leaders and people of
authority. His ordinary walk touched the lives of people and He made a
difference. Luther said we are called to imitate the ordinary walk of Jesus
among everyday people. In our society, with an ever increasing gap between
the haves and the havenots, the challenge faced by all believers is to live
out the love of Jesus in a practical way that will make a difference. Love
your neighbour is not a catch cry but a defining call that will overturn our
preconceived ideas and attitudes. Radical christianity takes the words of
Jesus and translates them into relevant actions to meet the needs of our
neighbours.
Pastor Max Walker.
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THE POOR RELATION:
Mental Health is grossly underfunded and few in
government seem to care that this is the case. With one in five people
likely to suffer from mental illness in their lifetime it has the potential
to reach epidemic proportions. Affordable rental in the Dandenong area is
drawing more and more people into the area. The existing agencies in the
district are being stretched thinner and thinner. However, the need
increases. Only the tip of the iceberg is being treated. Many of the
mentally ill live lives of quiet desperation with little hope of real health
because there is not enough help available. Mental health is surely the
poor relation of the Health System.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY:
Cornerstone was crowded out with 130 people enjoying a
special lunch at the Drop in on Wednesday July 28th. Prior to his trip
overseas the Mayor of Casey, Councillor Rob Wilson offered to fund a
Christmas in July luncheon at Cornerstone. He was supported by the Deputy
Mayor, Councillor Brian Oates. Cornerstone is sponsored by the City of
Casey through its community grants program. About 30% of the people
attending Cornerstone are resident in the City of Casey. The day was a great
success with an excellent meal and special give-away hampers as lucky
prizes. Councillor Rob Wilson and his wife Heather attended enjoying the
meal and meeting the people.
Click here for Photos at Lunch
TATTERSALL ENTERPRISE AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2004 GOES TO CORNERSTONE
 This
was an exciting day not only for Pastor Max but for all the volunteers that
made the day possible. The days since have been very hectic with calls and
press interviews. The excitement of the Cornerstone folk when many saw
themselves on Channel 9 was amazing. According to Alex one of our regulars
it was on the streets of Dandenong a little after 3.00 p.m. and this is
quite remarkable as the announcement was not made until about 2.30 p.m.
The challenge is to use the money received in the best possible way to meet
the needs of those Cornerstone ministers to on the fringes of society.
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NEW STOVE
This has been installed and a big thank you to David Grice, David Munroe who chose the stove and organised its delivery and installation. The gas fitter indicated that the old one was ready 'to go to God' and it was a wise move to replace it. A special thanks to Amanda and David who spent a whole day
in at Cornerstone with Gas fitters and electricians.
THANKS TO THE CHURCHES
Many churches in the network placed notices in their newsletters concerning the need for volunteers to assist with the Friday program at Cornerstone.
The need has been met through your interest and support. A big thank you!!
MENTAL HEALTH WALK
For the third year this walk will be held through Dandenong on Thursday October Thursday 14th from 11.00 am at the Dandenong Park through the streets of Dandenong to the Dandenong Market where a community festival will be held. A powerpoint short presentation is available from Peter Waters 9706 7388 at Eastern Region Mental Health Association if you would like to understand more about this walk run by Middway. (Mental illness doesn't discriminate, what about you.) The Mayors of Casey and Greater Dandenong will lead the march. This a great opportunity for for us all to indicate
our compassion for the mentally ill.
HOUSING:
The mentally ill find it extremely difficult to find appropriate accommodation. More and more mentally ill people report disinterest and outright hostility towards them if they try to rent or lease. Lack of understanding of their situation makes them one of the most disadvantaged groups in our affluent society. Rejection compounds their anxiety levels and push them into deep depression. Stable, acceptable accommodation enhances their sense of selfworth and increases the likelihood of them fitting unobtrusively into the local community, One in five will suffer from some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Our concern and
compassion can help them through the rough times. |
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:
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ALLMAX@bigpond.com |
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