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Febrary Newsletter 2005
Editorial:
The Cornelia Rau situations again highlights the inadequacies of the mental health system and the insensitivity to the mentally ill by both state and federal governments. Despite the magnificent response to the tsunami by the general public there is still a lack of compassion for those who live on the fringes of our society. Unless it is media generated we tend to ignore the plight of the fringe-dwellers, the poor, the mentally ill, the children in detention, the dubious nature of our detention centres. Most of us wish that these problem people would go away and we are relieved when they do not live in our street and/or disturb our lifestyle by confronting us. Despite the myth of high employment and the growth of our economy there are many who still find it hard each week to make ends meet. Places such as Cornerstone see them every week from the casual attender moving through trying to find work, the lost mental health patient confused and often in a world of their own, the teenager trying to cope in an adult world and make sense of it when parents have opted out of the scene, the older male coping after family breakdown, male and females trying to survive, find lodgings , and eat as they try to maintain some vestige of self esteem.
My bible tells me that Jesus looked upon the people with compassion. Compassion is not pity but a desire to meet their needs. Jesus healed the sick and ministered to the needs of the people. Christians are called to do likewise. To demonstrate in their lifestyles and attitudes the love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross.
So often we get caught up in the day to day running of programs and our own personal needs that we forget that it is the needs of the people that counts and, at times, this will cause us personal discomfort and aggravation, stress as we confront moral and social evils facing those we minister to. This is the reality of ministering to the fringe-dwellers.
The unlovable, the disenfranchised, those facing discrimination because of race, religion or their mental or emotional condition need the help that only God' s love provides.
Pastor Max Walker CEO. |
CORNERSTONE ASSISTS ORPHANAGE IN THE PHILIPPINES
PROVIDE XMAS GIFTS.
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PROGRAM CHANGES:
2005 has seen a number of changes. Cornerstone will be open every Saturday Night in 2005 with various teams running the program. George and Vickie Sarkatzis have joined the regular Saturday Night teams. They will also continue to run the Wednesday Night Teaching of Music program at Cornerstone.
Cornerstone is now closed on a Thursday evening.
Sundays will see Cornerstone open at least twice a month in the afternoon from 1.00 pm - 4.00 p.m. Dates will be advertised locally. This program will incorporate the Encounters held in 2004 and there will be various special programs run throughout the year.
Drop In on Monday, 1 - 4.00 p.m. Wednesday and Friday 9.00 - 1.00 pm remain the same.
EASTER 2005:
Cornerstone will be open most of Easter.
Good Friday the Drop In will be open from 9.00 am - 1.00 p.m. with a special Good Friday lunch. Pastor David will share on the significance of Good Friday.
Easter Saturday the Drop In will be open from 7.00 p.m. - 10.00 pm.
Easter Sunday there will be a special Easter Celebration followed by a full English Breakfast and the Drop In will be open from 8.00 - 11.00 am.
Cornerstone will be closed on Easter Monday.
DATE SET FOR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:
Thursday April 7th. Election of Officebearers and members of the Board of Management. Presentation of Annual Report.
6-7.00 p.m. Light Refreshments 7- 8.00 p.m. AGM.
Planning has already commenced for the Annual Walk for Mental Health through Dandenong. Last year's walk was a huge success and culminated in a festival at the Market with music, food, stalls and prominent speakers from TV, and the local community. Speakers for organizations are available on request.
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PASTOR DAVID GRICE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND MRS PATRICIA GRICE ANNOUNCED THEIR RESIGNATION FROM THE BOARD FROM MARCH
Pastor David has been involved with Cornerstone for many years. For the past 4 years he has been the chairman of the Board of Management and involved in the hospital ministry as well as many of the weekly Cornerstone activities,
Patricia has also served faithfully on the Board and has been involved in the office and welfare activities. She has worked for several years as a Friday lunch volunteer.
Thanks Pastor David and Patricia.
In making the announcement at the February Board meeting David took the opportunity to thank the Board for the opportunity to be involved in such an exciting and diverse program as Cornerstone. In accepting the resignation of Patricia and David the Board expressed both their appreciation and their thanks for the years of service they have put into Cornerstone and its activities.
Pastor David and Patricia will conclude their time with us on Good Friday, March 25th. Prior to the luncheon on that day he will share briefly on the significance of Good Friday.
Although we are always saddened when someone we know moves on to other areas it is important to realise in God's economy that there are seasons for doing various things and we know that David and Patricia will go from us with our best wishes and blessing as they adventure into new areas of service.
THANK YOU FROM VISY CENTRE:
Cornerstone was able be one of the sponsors of the Visy Christmas Day lunch assisting with the provision of Christmas Hampers. Over 300 people enjoyed the day and Cornerstone this week received a letter of appreciation from the organising committee.
CORNERSTONE OPERATES UNDER THE NAME OF LOCAL CHURCHES URBAN MISSION. AOO29459A |
For further details check out the website or contact us as indicated below. *
All correspondence to
CEO c/o PO Box 358 Dandenong. 3175.
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 |
| Free Legal Service: |
(03) 9794 8428 |
Email:
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ALLMAX@bigpond.com |
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