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January Newsletter 2008 PASTOR MAX WALKER SAYS... EDITORIAL: A Sudanese Christian boy has his knees and feet nailed to a board and he is left to die. When rescued he says he forgives the man who did this because Jesus was also nailed and forgave him. What a different place the world would be if we could all learn to forgive. Forgiving those who persecute us, racially abuse us, economically deprive us of our rights is the clear message that Jesus has for our crazy mixed up world today. It has the power to change individuals and the reform our society. This is the message of the cross. We all need to forgive and as we do this burdens carried for years disappear. Forgiveness demonstrates our capacity to love our neighbours and is so revolutionary that if we practice it it will change us and society forever. Cornerstone Normal programs recommence on Saturday February 2nd at 7.00 in the Drop In with the regular lunches commencing on Wednesday February 6th and the Friday program on the 8th. The Dove recommenced on Tuesday January 15th and is open from 10.00 am – 1.00 p.m. Cornerstone Programs 2008
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday February Dates Christmas Function More than 120 people shared in the special Christmas Friday lunch. There was carol singing and all who attended were given a small Christmas parcel. Pastor Max Walker made a small presentation to Suzanne Van Rooy who oversees the Avocare cooking program that provides meals for the Dove and Cornerstone. Boxing Day 60 people attended Cornerstone on Boxing Day from 11.00 – 2.00 p.m. to share in a sausage sizzle. It was significant that when asked many revealed that they had spent Christmas Day in their room by themselves. Again the Cornerstone Family filled a gap at this time of the year that is incredibly lonely for so many without family contact at this time. Message from Pastor Don Cameron... Pastoral Care Worker. Christmas and the holiday period are a time of loneliness and despair for some who may not have friends and family to share that time with. This can also be a trying time for single Mum’s or people who don’t get a break from caring for others. Apart from my regular work the last few weeks have had me busy playing a lot of cricket, attending slot car racing, taking people to McDonald’s breakfasts and sharing pizza with boys looking for something to do over January. The Wednesday program in January was very well attended and the volunteers can not be praised enough for giving their time to cook, serve and clean up after feeding more than seventy people each day we opened. Apart from the food, it was also good to share a coffee and listen to the stories of some of our people who did not have a chance to be heard over Christmas. It’s also been a month of meetings preparing programs for 2008. I’m now officially the Secretary of the MIDDWAY Cobras Football Club (as I was performing this function already as President) and Coach Gary Lambert is the President. I’ve met with Christians in Doveton planning a new program for at-risk boys in the area and Dandenong Boys Brigade met to organise our Tuesday night sporting program at Hemmings Park in Dandenong for first term. When planning for the new year I am reminded of the words from the book of first John in the bible; “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” There will undoubtedly be many sad stories in 2008 but we have the opportunity to create many positive, life-changing stories as well. The planning is mostly done. It’s time for action in 2008! MARANATHA! Pastor Don Cameron Work: 9794 5654 / 0415 888 528
For further details check out the website or contact us as indicated below. * All correspondence to CEO c/o PO Box 358 Dandenong. 3175.
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