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September Newsletter 2006
 Like many Australians I see the images of drought, famine and war in a
variety of countries and are overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness as
thousands a day face destruction and death, As I search the web I
discover that 30,000 children die every day, about one every three
seconds as a result of war , disease and malnutrition. To put this in
perspective the numbers represent approximately 2/3rds of the footy
crowd at Telstra Dome for the Saints, Western Bulldogs game. This
loss of the world's children is occurring day after day , week in, week
out.
The experts tell us that this poverty can be eradicated, this carnage
stopped, as we have the resources in our wealthy nations to meet this
need. In November we will have representatives of the most powerful
and wealthy nations in Melbourne debating economic matters. It is
possible for them to bring poverty to an end but will economic,
national and political expediency again result in people dying because
of their lack of care and compassion. The crying shame is that it
can be achieved. We need leaders with the will to make it happen .
Pastor Max Walker.
CEO
Pastor Don reports:
The last month has had me interacting with 300 year ten and eleven Nazareth College students when Cornerstone sponsored the 'Values For Life' team to run drug education programs at their school as part of the 'Young Peoples Involvement Project' run by the City of Greater
Dandenong.
After the seminar the students were asked to write a letter to the Mayor with their suggestions on how to reduce substance abuse in our community. Don Cameron from Cornerstone scanned in all the letters and
a cd is available for anyone who wants one.
The responses from both year ten and eleven students to the question 'what are your suggestions for reducing substance abuse in our
community?'
56 Responses - Increased penalties for drug users.
68 Responses - Increased policing powers.
78 Responses - Mandatory drug education in schools
TOP RESPONSE - (124 Responses) More 'Values Based' drug education such
as the 'Values For Life' seminars
The MIDDWAY Cobras Football team won their Grand Final and the presentation night had several players misty eyed as they received trophies and thanked team officials for the support we gave them
during often difficult life circumstances during the year.
Boys Brigade continues to flourish and I took several boys to a football game at the MCG and plan on catching up with them a lot over the school holidays this month. I've met many new people at Cornerstone recently and the Tuesday afternoon discussion group I run is also increasing in numbers. Hospital chaplaincy is also keeping me busy and patients positive feedback and words of thanks spur me on when
I'm feeling low on energy.
New Cornerstone programs are in the pipeline and perhaps we'll have
more details about them next month.
MARANATHA!
Pastor Don Cameron
UNOH Conference.
The 2006 UNOH (United Neighbours of Hope) Conference was held at Belgrave Heights Cpnference Centre over the weekend of August 25 -27.
It was a brilliant conference with a series of speakers and electives
focused on Jesus and the Church's Ministry to the poor.
September Programs.
St. James lunch will be held on Mondays in September at Cornerstone. Doors open at 11.00 am. Avocare Cooking for Cornerstone are providing the meal. This a temporary arrangement while St James has
their hall re - blocked.
MIDDWAY Walk:
October 11th: Breakfast at Cornerstone before the
march. Door open at 8.30 am.
Cornerstone Sunday Programs:
1 - 4 p,m will be held on September
24th and October 8th & 29th.
Cornerstone Volunteers Training Night:
This will be held on Thursday 28th September from 6.30 p.m. A light meal will be served and the guest speaker will be Anne Halpin, the inspiring leader of Wellsprings for Women, It is a night for volunteers and those
interested in volunteering at Cornerstone.
MIDDWAY COBRAS
Cornerstone congratulates the Cobras for their fine win in the Grand Final. It was a great day at Punt Road Oval and m any expressed their delight at being able to play on such a fine oval that had seen the likes of Captain Blood, Jack Dyer and Royce Hart play on this hallwed arena. A number of the players proudly wore their medallions at the
Friday lunch at Cornerstone..
MIDDWAY WALK:
Mental Illness doesn't discriminate. What about You!! The Annual Walk will be held from the Dandenong Park to the Market on Wednesday 11th. Walkers to assemble at Dandenong Park at 10.30 am. The Walk concludes at the Market for Food and a Festival. It is a great opportunity to recognise the need for extra services etc to meet
the needs of Mental Health patients in Dandenong and District.
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Board matters
After 2 years of faithful service as volunteers at Cornerstone Allan & Liane Davis have left Cornerstone. They were thanked for their contribution as volunteers and Board members. Terri Trewin has been appointed as Assistant Treasurer with Barbara Siddall taking over the
position of Treasurer.
Following the special general meeting approval has been received from Corporate Affairs to re-name the organization from Local Churches Urban Mission to Cornerstone Contact Centre. This will be phased in over
the next couple of months.
Using funds received from the Charity Golf day run by Dandenong Central Rotary preparations are being made to revamp the kitchen area over the
next few months.
Cornerstone has received a grant from the Sisters of Charity and this will be received in two instalments. It will be used for programs
meeting the needs of traumatised young people and children.
Paul Cameron:
 A group of 15 Cornerstone men attended a Men's Breakfast at Dandenong Baptist Church recently to hear a very entertaining and informative talk from Paul Cameron, Chaplain to the
Richmond Football Club.
 As part of his Ministry Ps. Don Cameron took
a group of boys to the footy. This is part of a mentoring program Don
is involved in as part of his overall pastoral care role at Cornerstone.
The Dove is a powerful symbol
depicting love and peace and is
often used in public events as we wish for peace & harmony.
It is also a powerful Christian
symbol depicting the power of
God through the Holy Spirit as God works in our world today.
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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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