1. What has it been like to be involved @North for the last 2-3 years?
Kwan: Great. Hard work, as the roster has meant that we are rostered for something almost every week. It's a close-knit group; we've come to know each other really well during that time.
Sharon: Well we're not actually "@North" yet so I'm not sure how to answer that question! Involvement in Cornerstone North has been challenging, both personally and also for many of us as a small group trying to run an effective church and ministry with limited resources and manpower. At the same time, it has been a wonderfully rewarding experience.
2. What have been some of the great challenges the church faced during that time?
Kwan: We've been blessed with the opportunity to minister to some students from Macquarie Uni, some of whom have very limited English. Trying to put together a program to properly support them has been a challenge. We look forward to having a stronger youth ministry - so far we haven't had any established Christians in that age range in our church. We've had to move location once, due to our growth in numbers. We considered another move to Lane Cove, but that opportunity was closed in the end. At this stage, with many people in the congregation having to cut down commitments due to new additions to their families, it will be good to have a new influx of people to help spread the workload around.
Sharon: I think our main challenge (but at the same time a great blessing) has been our size. When our small group of around 20 adults planted Cornerstone North 3 years ago, we started from scratch. The first year was pretty tough. Out of necessity people rolled up their sleeves to serve wherever help was needed. We were challenged to step out of our comfort zones and discover new talents and ways in which we could serve the church and each other. It is thanks to God's provision and grace, and the tireless inputs of people like the Kings, the Yips, the Liews and many others that we have grown to this point. Our elder David King in particular does a phenomenal and sometimes thankless job making sure things run smoothly.
3. What were some of the great blessings?
Kwan: Everything! To have the opportunity to fill a need in the ministry to some of the Macquarie Uni students. To have such a close-knit group, which works together very well, supporting each other in every way. To have a strong leadership group, with many people being skilled in different areas. The challenges that we've faced; to make us stronger & to bring us together before God.
Sharon: I think the amazing fellowship and friendships we have developed are an incredible blessing, and are a direct result of the small size of our congregation. It has been wonderful to have so many "non-Cornerstone" people and families join us over the last 3 years and become such an important part of our growing church family. For me, my sisters in the Women's Group have been a special blessing and source of much encouragement.
4. Where do you think God is leading us as a church?
Kwan: Probably more targeted ministry to the students is required.
Sharon: It appears that we are being led towards ministry to International students, and it is great that we will soon have more enthusiastic brothers & sisters from Cornerstone on board to partner in focusing our efforts in this area and others. I admit I am sad to see the end of our Cornerstone North family, and it is pretty daunting to think of the dramatic changes that are going to take place after we had settled into a comfortable routine at Cornerstone North. However it is exciting to be looking forward to the creation of a new congregation in Cornerstone@North.
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