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February Newsletter 2006
Editorial:
The importance of belonging cannot be overestimated. Over the years a variety of associations with others has carried us
through the rough times and rejoiced with us during the good times.As we move through the journey of life these associations change. The
associations of youth change as we mature and our circumstances change. Hindsight gives us great wisdom as we review the past associations
we have had, their successes, their failures and the achievements and the losses we have experienced in each of them. However, they make us what
we are today!! The Prodigal Son while he had a full wallet and his credit was good had many who were keen to associate with him. This is
so true of life. When we are successful, popular with our peers, living the good life, things appear to be great and we believe we
belong. However, if all these things go pear shaped as it did with the prodigal Son all, apart from our true friends drop away and we feel
isolated, lost, rejected and unwanted. Dependent on how we hand le the situation even our friends drop away. Loneliness, frustration,
disalusionment and depression may well overcome us and we reject any desire to belong as it is too hurtful. It is not worth the risk of
being rejected again so we become withdrawn cutting off all unnecessary contact with others.
Our society is full of people who have reached this point. It is not restricted to the poor in our society but permeates all sections of our
community. The lonely are all about us. Alcohol, drugs, the pokies, feed on our need to belong but are a poor substitute for that feeling
of satisfaction and purpose given to us when we are a productive participant belonging to something that is personally fulfilling and
need orientated..our needs and the needs of others. Whether it is the church, the local footy team , a service club such as Rotary, a
volunteer activity it gives us the sense of belonging that strengthens our sense of purpose and our self esteem. Such places are needed at
every level of society and Cornerstone is but one of these places.
For those who are finding today particularly hard places such as Cornerstone can re-ignite their sense of belonging and purpose.
Pastor Max Walker.CEO
CORNERSTONE ACTIVITIES:
All programs have recommenced for 2006. Numbers at the Wednesday and Friday Drop In meals range between
70 - 100 people. All programs indicate an increase in numbers and this will grow when daylight saving ends and the cooler months approach. One of the features of Cornerstone is the strong core of 55 volunteers that make the place operate. Many come from those who regularly attend programs. Others are from churches, service clubs and interested people from the community. This year has seen a major turnover in clients with many new faces coming in especially at meal times. As usual the majority of the newcomers are male. On hot days the newly donated fans have been greatly appreciated.
AVOCARE COOKING FOR THE COMMUNITY PROGRAM has extended its program to three mornings a week at Cornerstone. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Suzanne Van Rooy. Leader of the program assists in the provision of food for Cornerstone, Joey's Van and this year, for the first time, is assisting THE DOVE in Doveton with its Tuesday meal. Suzanne is also a Cornerstone Board Member. Note: special Pancake Day Tuesday 28th
Feb. 11.00 - 1.00 p.m.
SUNDAY PROGRAMS
The Sunday program is run on selected Sundays. The program dates for Feb., March, April are as follows: Sunday Feb:26th, March 12th & 26th, April 9th, 16th (Easter day breakfast) and 23rd.The Drop In opens at 1.00 p.m. and closes at 4.00 p.m. There will be a 30 minute Christian program with music and a relevant talk. Food will be available. If you have nowhere to go on a Sunday afternoon and
want companionship come to Cornerstone.
SATURDAY NIGHTS
As is our custom a variety of Leadership teams will organise and run the Saturday Night Program from 7.00 p.m. - 10.00.p.m.
- First Saturday of the Month: Ps. Don Cameron & Barb Siddall and team.
- Second Saturday of the Month: George and Vicki Sarkatzis and team.
- Third Saturday of the Month: Terri and Team from Vineyard.
- Fourth Saturday of the Month: David Munroe and team.
- Fifth Saturday of the Month: Grant Renkema & team.
A team from Melbourne Church of Christ will be present at either the
first/second Saturday to assist with the program.
MIDDWAY
(Mental illness doesn't discriminate! What about you?) The Middway Alliance has held its first meeting for 2006 and have begun to plan the 2006 Walk. There are exciting new moves afoot and these will be revealed as the year progresses. Cornerstone will continue to be an
active part of the Alliance and a sponsor of the 2006 Walk.
VOLUNTEERS:
Cornerstone has 55 volunteers. Some spend hours a week at Cornerstone. Other have a more limited role. They all have a vital role to play in the development of Cornerstone programs. At the Volunteers Sunday Ps. Max likened the work of the volunteers to a giant jigsaw puzzle that when complete with all the pieces in place, is a wonderful thing, However, if some pieces are not in place the whole
picture is not as beautiful as it could be.
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PASTOR DON 2006 has seen his Pastoral Care program extended to include a session on a Tuesday morning at Dandenong Psychiatric Hospital.
Don's Coffee, Cake and Chat program on Tuesday afternoon at Cornerstone is a popular program airing topical Christian ideas. Don reports the
discussion is often very lively adding flavour to the excellent coffee and delicious cake provided.
Pastor Don at Commissioning of Board members.
Commissioning Leaders, Board & Volunteers Pastor Max Walker Praying for Board Members at a special commissioning service at Cornerstone on Sunday February 12th Board members and volunteers were
commissioned for 2006 and shared in a time of worship and the Lord's Supper together, Pastor Don Cameron assisted in the commissioning. Pastor Max spoke on role of the leaders and volunteers and the sense of
unity that was important for a great year.
 Enjoying a video at a Sunday program. |
 Pastor Don at Commissioning of Board members. |
 Pastor Max Walker
Praying for Board Members |
Donations to the work of Cornerstone can be made at the
PO Box Number listed below or online at Our Community website:
www.our community.com.au and at
Dandenong Gives at the Greater
Dandenong website :www.greaterdandenong.com
ALL DONATIONS OF $2 OR
MORE ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
15 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE POOR, THE NEEDY IN GREATER DANDENONG & CASEY.
PARTNERSHIP :
Cornerstone is an active member of the City of Greater Dandenong Partnership Group providing emergency relief assistance to the needy in the district. The group gathers over lunch 4/5 times a year to discuss the needs of the Greater Dandenong municipality.
ER COMMITTEE CASEY:
Cornerstone is represented on this committee of Casey E.R. providers which examines the needs of one of the most
rapidly growing communities in Australia.
Cornerstone is a great place for a cuppa and the opportunity to spend
time chatting with friends.
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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 |
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