Newsletter Archive

May Newsletter 2006

Editorial: Pastor Max Walker CEO.
Give the refugees from Moab sanctuary with you. Be a safe place for those on the run from the killing fields.'", Is. 16:4a

The prophet is proposing a place where the outcasts of a community can dwell in safety. In this place they can be protected and encouraged. The people will not be ripped off by the unscrupulous, the system will stop destroying them and they will receive relief from the things that oppress them.

In our society today there are few places that the outcasts can feel safe from those who would rip them off, spin them out to destruction through drugs, alcohol abuse, gambling and the like. Abuse in our society is rampart and more and more we see the desperation of a society that, because of its façade of affluence and respectability, its political correctness, the voices of the hurting become more and more muted. As the poor and disadvantaged become more and more marginalised in our community for many of us they cease too exist. The advocates of assistance become less vocal allowing those who would oppress the poor more leeway to exploit them. Despite this dismal prognosis all is not lost.

Fortunately there are places in our community where the outcasts, the lost, the poor and the mentally ill can find a refuge. They provide a safe place to gather and challenge the extortioner, the destroyers and the oppressers. In these havens people can retain their dignity and their feeling of self worth, they can be fed and assisted. They are no longer a government statistic to be depersonalised by bureaucracy but seen as a real person and treated like one. For some who come to places like Cornerstone, St. James luncheon, the Dove, Joey's van and similar places it is the first step up to a new life, for others it remains the means they remain alive through the meals and the assistance they receive. Whatever comes next it is a place where they can pause and reflect and make decisions as they journey into the future. People can be there for them but the ultimate decision is their's as they face their personal challenges. But at least they can pause and make their decisions.

One of the interesting trends that Cornerstone is observing in 2006 is that a number of the former regulars at Cornerstone have paused and moved on. Some to employment, some back to family, some to other communities but they have been replaced very quickly by men in the 18 - 45 age bracket, Most of them fit the usual sub culture groups Cornerstone is familiar with, the unemployed, the addicts, the mentally ill, elderly lonely pensioners, those who have lost contact with their families through divorce, dysfunctional families, and tragedy.

The result is we begin again to offer a safe haven, to provide food and friendship and encourage them to develop their abilities and build up their sense of self worth so that in time they to can move on to new places having experienced Cornerstone.

Lysterfield Park:
This was a really great outing for the volunteers with 34 attending a BBQ lunch at Lysterfield Lake. Thanks to Roy & Bev Johnson for the use of the BBQ trailer. It was a beautiful autumn day and the volunteers enjoyed a relaxing time together.

Tim Brewster:
Tim has been involved with Cornerstone for a number of years and works in the mental health area of Southern Health. He has initiated a number of programs with ERMHA and represents Southern Health on the MIDDWAY Alliance. He is closely involved with Pastor Don with the Cobras footy team. Tim recently spoke at the Dandenong Pastors Network re the need for people to provide programs in the many accommodation homes in the district. Most are not funded for activities and committed people are needed to initiate programs throughout the district.

David Munroe
After a serious illness that landed him in hospital he is now home and recuperating. Last week he returned to Cornerstone to head up the program with the Department of Corrections.

Thanksgiving Day. Saturday June 3rd.
This is a day when the Dandenong Pastor's Network say thank you to the agencies and the service organizations over a breakfast at the international Hotel in Thomas Street. The work of the agencies and the service clubs are an essential part of the fabric of the Dandenong society and their dedication and work is recognised and applauded by the Christian community in the district.

Lion's Club Dinner:
Since 1994 Cornerstone has been associated with a number of Lion's Clubs in the district. Dandenong, Springvale and Endeavour Hills have consistently supported the work ot Cornerstone. Pastor Max and Alison Walker and Pastor Don Cameron were the guest speakers at Dandenong Lions on Wednesday May 24. It was an opportunity to thank the Club for their support since 1994 and to bring them up to date with development of Cornerstone

Don's Activities: a selection.
The last two months at Cornerstone have perhaps been the busiest I've ever spent. Some of the young people I mentor have had changes in their lives that they wanted to talk through, there has deepening relationships with some Cornerstone regulars who have felt comfortable talking to me about the gospel and life choices, I have been invited to speak on behalf of Cornerstone at two events and several players from the MIDDWAY Cobras (where I'm President) have taken me aside to ask deeper life questions and how I would face situations as a Christian.

Attendances at the weekly Church service at the Dandenong Psychiatric hospital have grown into the teens and patients are pulling me aside to ask for prayer and guidance. I carefully point them to bible verses that they can trust and act on which has been well received. I've visited three Cornerstone people in the regular hospital and helped Steve Cooke get the back Cornerstone room carpeted and set up for outreach to ethnic people (and even gave some Cornerstone regulars access to the room for a short time so they could play on the larger and newer pool table there). My overall desire is to see the gospel proclaimed in a way that people can understand and apply it to their lives and raise up others to do the same. The harvest is certainly plentiful and people in Dandenong need the love of Jesus more than ever.

Steve and Deanne Cooke:
Steve and Deanne Cooke are just beginning to work out of a large room in Cornerstone. Their goal is to work with local ethnic people in the Dandenong and surrounding areas. They have already been building relationships over the last 4 years with these people. Steve and Deanne are involved in tutoring refugees in English language, run occasional ad hoc computer classes and play pool on a good sized table located in their room. Their assistance to these people also includes helping them with centrelink and immigration forms. However, most importantly of all, they teach the bible to ethnic people and are involved in regular evangelism and discipleship. Most things are done on an ad hoc basis and their key times for meetings are on weekends and evenings when people are available after work.

House group in Cranbourne
Early in the year Pastor Max spoke of the need for the development of Cornerstone type groups in the growth corridor. As a result of a general letter to this effect sent out to groups in the City of Greater Dandenong and the City of Casey there have been a number of groups showing interest. A House group from Crossways South Baptist Church are examining the possibilities in the Cranbourne area. It is early days yet but the undeniable fact is that there is an identified need in the Cranbourne area. Pastor Max & Alison spoke at the Cranbourne House Group and look forward with interest as this groups vision of a Cornerstone type program for Cranbourne develops.

Another area that has been identified is Narre Warren. Many people from these areas are referred to Cornerstone for the food program.

Tax Office:
Another consistent supporter of Cornerstone is the Dandenong Tax Office, As winter approaches they have donated good quality clothing that has been distributed to those in need.They also plan to provide soup tins for the winter months.Their help is greatly appreciated.

40 years of battling for Koori Justice.
May 27th 2006 marks the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum that removed racist provisions from the Australian Constitution. In 1967 it was a hard fought battle to get the referendum passed. 40 years later there are still many challenges to be overcome to see our indigenous people get a "fair go" and be permitted to live with dignity as part of our society.

Reconciliation Victoria has grown out of the former State Reconciliation Committee, which was established by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation to foster and promote reconciliation across the state through partnerships with communities, business and governments.

Reconciliation Victoria is a non-profit community-based organisation, which is part of a movement of reconciliation organisations in each state and territory.

VISION
Reconciliation Victoria supports an inclusive Australia which respects our land, values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and provides justice and equity for all.

What a surprise!!
Cornerstone is not known as a place where secrets can be kept but over past week there has been a conspiracy of silence orchestrated by David Munroe, Amanda Murray, Richard Keen and the Cornerstone folk. Under the very nose of the CEO a collection had taken place culminating, on April 28th prior to the lunch being served, with a presentation to Pastor Max Walker of a signed St.Kilda football jumper to celebrate his 70's birthday. It was one of the rare moments in the 12 years he has been at Cornerstone he was lost for words.

Cornerstone Information Service:
If you want up to date information on Cornerstone you can contact us on the numbers below and/or access our website www.cornerstonecentre.com.au

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