Newsletter Archive  
August Newsletter 2005

Editorial:
The gospel of Mark records the fact that Jesus washed His disciples feet. By doing so he demonstrated the nature of the Christian life by serving one another. Jesus also showed the role of Christian leadership as a servant role. This is a marked contrast to the world's perception of a leader as the one in charge and the one others wait upon. In our society today we see those in leadership so tied up in their own sense of importance and status that they hardly recognise those who are within the range of their power. It is inconceivable that they should get their hands dirty on the shop floor, in the service of their poorest worker. Yet this is the leadership that Jesus demonstrated and advocates if the leader is to be worthy of the responsibility they have. Maybe the world would not be in such a mess if we had servant leaders. Maybe the church would not be considered old fashioned and irrelevant if Christian leaders followed the pattern set by Jesus.

Pastor Max Walker.CEO
UNOH CONFERENCE:
This again was an outstanding conference focusing on ministering to the poor in our society. UNOH (United Neighbours of Hope) work in Springvale and the slums of Bangkok. Keynote speakers were Ashley Barker from Bangkok and founder of UNOH with his wife Angie, Jackie Pullinger from Hong Kong and Mick Duncan from New Zealand. Pastor Max & Alison attended the two day conference in Melbourne. Electives were run each afternoon led by people with hands on experience with working with the poor. Rev. Tim Costello (World Vision) led a session on making a stand to assist the poor and Vickie Walker (Catholic Aboriginal Worker) spoke on Faith for Reconciliation. Both sessions were outstanding electives based on practical experience rather than theory. UNOH Springvale people are regular attenders at Cornerstone programs.
DON IN ACTION:
Future plans:
  • I am STILL waiting to hear about the grant from the City of Casey (to pay for nine high school seminars)
  • People from Boronia Baptist, D'nong Reformed and D'nong COC plan to come to Cornerstone to help out.
  • Still talking with local Churches about running a combined monthly youth service somewhere (maybe Cornerstone?)
  • I am thinking of moving the Friday afternoon video session to an afternoon tea and discussion group Perhaps Thursdays?
  • Showing the Mother Theresa video at Cornerstone when it becomes available.
  • Opening Cornerstone all day on Sunday 9th October to show the Bathurst car race on a big screen.
  • Taking men to the 'Pit Stop' sessions for Dad's run by Casey council in October and November
  • More council funding for drug education in schools becomes available next month so I will apply for that.
FUNDING:
Cornerstone has received its first three year funding cheque from the City of Greater Dandenong. Three years funding allows us to plan ahead.
AUGUST BOARD MATTERS:
$300 sent to Crisis in Niger through Baptist Aid. It was decided to include the Minister's Network 2006 Palm Sunday Walk in the Cornerstone program for 2006 if it becomes a reality.

It was decided to set up a sub committee to plan additional activities over the January period. Committee to report back to the October meeting. Committee comprising: Don, Paddy, Wilma and Barb.
MIDDWAY:
Planning is well underway for the WALK on October 12th. It promises to be another exciting day culminating with a festival at the Market.
  PASTORS' MEETING AT CORNERSTONE
Cornerstone hosted the Dandenong Pastor's Network August meeting. It was a good opportunity for a number of Pastors top visit the Cornerstone complex for the first time. Suzanne and her team from Avocare Cooking for the Community provided an excellent lunch.
DANDENONG BAPTIST:
Pastor Max & Alison visited Dandenong Baptist recently where he spoke on the work of Cornerstone and thanked the church for its years of faithful service to Cornerstone through its Mission Committee. Barbara Siddall read a poem she has written about Cornerstone. This can be viewed on our website www.cornerstonecentre.com.au.
DANDENONG REFORMED CHURCH:
Also long term supporters of Cornerstone the church recently had a special offering for Cornerstone.
SUNDAY PROGRAMS:
These continue to attract between 30 - 50 people from 1.00 - 4.00 p.m. on specified Sundays. Christian music is featured in a 30 minute segment which includes a short tonic talk. Dates for September are: September 11th and 25th.
BERWICK BENEVOLENT SOCIETY:
Pastor Max & Alison attended their AGM. The Benevolent Society has been a strong supporter of Cornerstone over the years providing assistance for our Christmas programs.
THE DOVE:
Pastor Charlie and Christine Begg have stepped down from leadership of Doveton Christian Church and Pastor Levi Sanders has taken over. Pastor Charlie and Christine will remain with the Dove until the end of the year. In the first 12 months of the Dove Cornerstone provided advice and volunteer support as the local team developed.
MEETING AT MIGRANT CENTRE:
Board members Barbara Siddall and Wilma Southern represented Cornerstone at a recent day program run by the Migrant Resource Centre in Dandenong. They report that they found the day very informative and helpful in understanding the needs and culture of the newest groups of migrants to be settled in Dandenong.
MONIQUE:
Monique has come to Cornerstone as part of an employment program and has found a niche in the office. She is not only an accomplished office assistant but is a very skilful artist. Her drawings of friends, family, animals have been purchased by those who have seen her work as special gifts to loved ones. Why not drop in and have a look.

I KNOW A PLACE:

WHERE THOSE WHO ARE DOWN AND OUT
ARE LIFTED UP.

WHERE THOSE WHO FEEL UNLOVED ARE LOVED
AND CHERISHED.

WHERE THOSE WHO ARE HURTING
RECEIVE COMFORT AND NURTURE.

WHERE THOSE WITH LITTLE SELF WORTH
ARE RESTORED AND CELEBRATED.

WHERE THE DRUGGIES, ALCOHOLICS
AND THE VOLUNTEERS ALL ARE EQUAL

A PLACE WHERE THERE IS LAUGHTER, JOY,
COMPANIONSHIP AND COMPASSION

THIS PLACE IS
Cornerstone

WRITTEN BY BARBARA SIDDALL AUGUST 2005.

 
Ode to Volunteers

Many will shocked to find
When the day of judgement nears
That there is a special place in Heaven
Set aside for volunteers

Furnished with big recliners
Satin cushions and footstools
Where there is no committee chairman
No group leader or car-pool

No eager team that needs a coach
No bazzar and no cake sale
Nothing to staple, nothing to fold
Nothing to put in the mail

Telephone-lists will be outlawed
But a finger snap will bring
Cool drinks and gourmet dinners
And rare treats for a King

You ask, who will serve this privileged few?
Who will work for all their worth?
Why, those that reap the benefits
And not once volunteered on Earth!
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:
 ALLMAX@bigpond.com
     
  Cornerstone operates under the business name Cornerstone Contact Centre Inc. (AOO29459A)