  |
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|||
|
|
||
|
May Newsletter 2008 PASTOR MAX WALKER SAYS... EDITORIAL: Over the years I have been fascinated with those people who train and run marathons. The commitment, the dedication and the pure guts to break through the various pain barriers should be an inspiration to us all. Enduring is a situation that may people find constant. The bible has much to say about the endurance that is needed to walk the journey of life. James 1:4 (The Message) says: Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James is suggesting here that if we face up to the challenges of life , both the good and the bad things that happen, a person matures and develops and has the coping skills to survive, So often we equate success with achievement, fame and fortune but so often we see these people also making a mess of their personal lives lacking the maturity to cope with what they have. As we battle through life facing squarely the multiplicity of situations that confront us, we mature learning from each experience. If we allow situations to overcome us and give up we have little resistance to the next crisis or disappointment we face. Like the marathon runner to achieve success and cross the finishing line we must endure and continue on. One of the things that encourages me greatly at Cornerstone are the people who face terrific odds or struggle to survive day by day yet do not give up. They are an encouragement to us all and so many I see grow in maturity as they confront their situation, their disappointment, their hurts and additions and still are able to face life with a smile and a determination to continue on. These folk are the real heroes on the journey we call life. Pastor Max Walker. Cornerstone Programs 2008
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday May Dates Dates June Dates Special Sunday Program and meal Annual General Meeting Over 40 people attended the AGM and enjoyed a great pre meeting meal and fellowship prepared by Suzanne Van Rooy and Cornerstone Cooking team. It was interesting viewing to see photos from the archives displayed on the big screen depicting Cornerstone people over the years. Pastor Max spoke on the continuing vision based on the prophetic scriture given to the Board at the beginning of the year: The following people were elected to the Board: Board: 2008/9 Chairman: Grant. Renkema Deputy: Ps Don Cameron Secretary: Alison Walker Treasurer: Barb Siddall Committee of Four: Wilma Southern Barb Carlin Simon Reeves Paddy. Hamill Taskforce Leaders: Ex Officio: David Munroe … Corrections / Property Supervisor. Amanda Murray… Office Manager Suzanne Van Rooy… Avocare Pastor Max Walker CEO, Public Officer. Pastor Levi at the Dove This month has been rather hard to predict. We’ve gone from 40 attending the Dove to 20, then back up to the high 30’s again. Unfortunately our BBQ was postponed due to the reported hail storms – which never eventuated! However, we will be holding one this month on Mother’s Day. We also had the incredible privilege of leading one man into a new relationship with Jesus! One last event to report was our first Volunteers Breakfast, which was a great morning with 16 of our wonderful volunteers attending. Overall, this month has had a whole lot happen in a very short time – we can’t wait to see what next month will hold! Lunches The Lunches continue to meet a need in the community with crowds exceeding 100 over the past month. Referrals to other agencies are on the increase which is indicative of the increase in the number of people finding it difficult to make ends meet at the moment. With soaring food, petrol and rental costs we need to prepare ourselves for more and more people coming to Cornerstone looking for assistance. The Trailer The theft of David’s trailer from the building was a great disappointment causing us great inconvenience. However, the amazing response from the local press and community was a real blessing. Greater Dandenong Council has already provided $1000 to replace the trailer. A new trailer of the same sort has been priced at $2400. Dandenong Lions, Dandenong RSL and Dandenong Rotary are all considering assisting. A small trailer has been donated by an elderly Dandenong pensioner and people have rung offering the use of their cars, utes and trailers to assist us. So out of a despicable act many blessings have resulted. ANZAC DAY: Cornerstone opened on ANZAC Day from 9.00 am – 1.00 p.m. Many who had been to Dawn Services dropped in for a coffee while others came after the service at Dandenong. It was an opportunity for those who had nowhere to go to congregate. Prior to the lunch Pastor Max spoke on the significance of ANZAC Day and the debt we all owe to those who fought to preserve our lifestyle. Unbeknown to Pastor Max the Correction team and the volunteers produced a birthday cake at a Wednesday lunch for his 72nd birthday. A Big Thank You A big thank you to Dandenong Ward Councillor Jim Memeti for his concern over the loss of the trailer and the leadership shown in assisting us to approach Council for aid. Also thanks to Dandenong RSL for their Donation of $200 Cornerstone will be involved in the R U OK 2 Day festival to be held in the Dandenong Park on Saturday October 11th FROM PASTOR DON: It’s been another busy month at Cornerstone with meetings, new events and short term crisis in the lives of people we minister to. I’ve spent many hours in court, written a few character references and even used my tow bar to take a trailer load of rubbish to the tip making one single-parent family very happy. It was great to set up the digital projector in my garage and invite some boys over to eat some pizza and spend time together playing video games two evenings this month. The Tuesday morning Church services at the Dandenong Psychiatric Hospital have been well attended and it’s great to see some of the patients returning to Cornerstone in good health taking part in society again. Tuesday night ‘Boys Brigade’ has appreciated Cornerstone volunteer (and professional baker) Kelvin turning up to show boys how to make ‘chocolate hedgehog’ and then ‘pasties’ two weeks in a row. Our twice-monthly Sunday afternoon programs are well attended with some excellent speakers from local Churches coming along to share short gospel messages. The MIDDWAY Cobras had an enjoyable practice game in Torquay followed by a post-game swim at the beach before heading home. We won the first game against Sacred Heart and are delighted to announce that Grenda Bus Lines are new team sponsors and will now provide buses to all our away games. Thank you Grendas! If anyone is interested in playing, supporting or sponsoring the team please call MIDDWAY Cobras Coach Gary Lambert on 0438 905 067 or give me a call (details below). The 1pm Friday afternoon prayer group led by Jenny has been well attended and it’s great to join others for prayer and to pray for Cornerstone people and their needs. My little girl Jemimah turns ‘three’ at the end of April (where has the time gone?) and loves coming to Cornerstone at every opportunity. I am very grateful to our Saturday night team leaders (Ben, Gary, Terri and David) for turning up month after month leading a team of volunteers. I’m encouraged by people from local Churches who spend time with our people, listening to their stories, helping out where they can and sharing the gospel of Jesus in word and deed. 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.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cornerstone operates under the business name Cornerstone Contact Centre Inc. (AOO29459A) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
