Interview with Kwan and Sharon

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.

Interview with Ray & Ivy

1. What has it been like to be involved @North for the last 2-3 years?

It has been a wonderful journey, full of both challenges and blessings.
Challenges, because both Ivy and I did not have a close relationship with the core plant group and we were ‘departing’ from very dear, close friends at Concord, who had been a very big part of our decision to accept Jesus as our Saviour and had supported us in our on going walk with Him.
Blessings, because @ North, we have witnessed great works and have become stronger in our Faith with the help of warm and caring fellowship.

2. What have been some of the great challenges the church faced during that time?

We all lead very busy/time deprived lives – so I think the major challenge, has been the stretch to get the basics done and then move strongly onto Gods work. The pioneering North Leadership team, have completed a great job and their effort/work should not be undervalued.

3. What were some of the great blessings?

To mention a few - David’s courage and leadership, Robert’s passion and commitment, Tina, David and Ian coming to know Jesus, Seng Min’s arrival, the entire congregations growth in numbers to sometimes exceed 50 worshippers, (not including the many new beautiful babies) and of course, Gods presence and hand on all.

4. Where do you think God is leading us as a church?

I am thinking and praying that God wishes @ North to be a church with Love and Passion – a place of Learning and Sharing God’s word. Being True, Faithful and Inspirational……. as God will want it to be.
It will be wonderful to have a larger Congregation, with more hands to do His work and with a oneness of Love, moving in the Spirit. I am sure that the Cornerstone North congregation is waiting with open arms, hearts and minds for the next exciting steps @ North.

Commissioning of Richard and Lisa (24th Feb2007)

Last Saturday (24th Feb 2007), we witnessed the commissioning of Richard and Lisa to Thailand. It was a very moving and encouraging service.

There were representatives from OMF (Calvin Mah); SMBC (David Cook); Presbyterian Thelogical College (Ian Smith); Sydney Presbytery (Van Ash); St Ives Christ Church (Andrew Graham) and lots of friends from Cornerstone; Cornerstone@North; St Ives Christ Church and family members.

David Cook gave the address. It is summarised below: He spoke from the passage of John 1:1-14

1. God has appeared in His Son. What we think of Him says more about ourselves than what the Word actually says about God.
2. When God relates to us He must take the initiative. Much like the queen of England. To get an audience with the queen, you have to be invited
3. God has chosen to relate to us through His son and therefore it is absolutely crucial that we preach the gospel, and not our own human ideas of philosophies. The gospel must be preached as a priority

Members of the representatives mentioned above; and their friends and family laid hands on Richard and Lisa. Thereafter, Cornerstone@north sang a song to them.

Let's continue to support them in prayer; and also offer them our emotional and financial support. They have given up the comforts and familiarity of home; the physical and emotional security of their family and friends; for the sake of the gospel.

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:3-6)

Induction of Richard and Lisa Cho

Interview with Dean

1. How do you feel about leaving your home congregation to join the congregation @ North?

I am very much excited about moving to the plant and being involved in the first steps of a new congregation.

2. What would you like to say to your brothers and sisters at Cornerstone as you prepare to leave?

I guess the first thing that comes to mind, is in reality; we're not exactly moving out of state or into some inaccessible locale, we're merely moving 15 minutes away. Hopefully that should not change our fellowship in Christ at all.

3. What kinds of challenges do you think you will face, leaving the familiar and comfortable "family" you've known for years?

One particular challenge would be moving from a large congregation to a relatively small one. I won't be able to see as many of the church family in one place. It would take time to adjust. But truthfully, there are people who have been part of my church family who are moving with me, so the transition should be easy.

4. What are you looking foward to?

I am looking forward to when the church @North officially kicks off.

5. How can Cornerstone pray for you?

I am tempted to put forth an individual prayer point list for me, but on behalf of the "movers", I ask that the congregation of cornerstone will pray for us all, that we will strive to serve God, and that our actions and deeds will be a fragrant offering to Him.

Interviews with Bec, Beth and Brendan

1. How do you feel about leaving your home congregation to join the congregation @ North?

Bec: I am a feeling a little apprehensive. I don't think that the fact that I will be leaving soon, has fully sunk in yet. One thing I do know, is that I will miss the family at Cornerstone and the encouragement they give. However, I am really excited about joining the congregation @ North!

Beth: I feel quite sad about leaving Cornerstone, especially because I have been there since its "birth" thirteen years ago, when I was only four years old. Prior to the last 8-9 months of preparation, both mentally and emotionally to leave; I've always thought that I would always be Cornerstone.

Brendan: Personally, I feel that I would probably miss Cornerstone more, after I've left. It's the old proverbial saying that "You don't know what you've got, till its gone"

2. What would you like to say to your Cornerstone brothers and sisters as you prepare to leave?

Bec: Keep serving and living for Him. Pray for us, as we will also be praying for you. Would love to catch up and share the stories of what Christ has done in our lives. We aren't really that far away, just a phone call, email, or a prayer away! =)

Beth: I am really going to miss you all so much! I will be praying for your spiritual welfare and also that you will continue to grow in the grace and knowlege of God.

Brendan: Thank you for your encouagement and hospitality. I would like to say a big "Thank you" to all my CYIT teachers and leaders. Thank you for all your care, nurture, prayers and preparation of lessons. I have learnt alot from all of you.

3. What kinds of challenges do you think you will face, leaving the familiar and comfortable "family" you've known for years?

Beth: My greatest challenges would be adapting to an environment where there will be alot more people I don't know, and stepping up to serve in areas I might not be comfortable in.

Brendan: I think one of the challenges I would face, would be; being one of the few teenagers around; and missing all my friends at Cornerstone. However, it might be a good challenge to have; because I will rely on God more.

4. What are you looking forward to?

Bec: I'm really looking forward to seeing new Christians grow and non-Christians become part of God's family. I also look forward to being able to serve a new family of fellow bothers and sisters in Christ!

Beth: Even though it is daunting, I do feel excited about starting fresh and getting to know new people

Brendan: Perhaps I look forward to serving in areas where I never dared to before.

5. How can Cornerstone pray for you?

Bec: Please pray that He will continually grow us, to love, trust and hope in Him more.
Pray also that we can settle in quickly and become part of the congregation there, so that we may be able to serve HIM and further God's kingdom; only through His grace for His glory.

Beth: Please pray that Cornerstone @ North will be able to reach out to people with the gospel effectively, and that many will come to a saving knowlege of God. Please also pray that we will grow increasingly in our reliance and trust in God.

Brendan: Please pray for my spiritual growth, that I will become more and more Christ-like

Interview with the Keys

1. How do you feel about leaving your home congregation to join the congregation @ North?

Samantha: I'm excited, but nervous. This would be the 4th "new" church for me, but it will be easier because its still the same church; just a different congregation.

Florianna: It has taken a lot of prayers & soul searching for the family to come to this decision. I am still apprenhensive as to how well my kids are going to cope, without seeing all their friends on Sundays. At least, from a positive perspective, it'll make CY on Fridays even more precious. As for Morris & I, we will miss many good friends. We have been in this church for almost 4 years now and we have come to know some of the brothers & sisters really well. So of course, it' will be hard to say goodbye to everyone. But we have done this so many times (changing congregations), in our almost 30 years of ministry. We can confidently say that we know we will not lose friends, but by God's grace; we will gain more friends along the way. May God give us plenty of harvest in the years to come.

Jonathan: Not too bad, it feels good starting in a new congregation from the very beginning, and I already know a fair lot of people there

Morris: I have mixed feelings ! I can no longer hide behind all the gifted people already at Concord Cornerstone. At Cornerstone @North, I hope to be more active and will be involved in a shared ministry with Seng Min; hoping to minister to the Overseas students at Macquarie University. I feel excited, as It has been a long while since I have worked with such young people and it will be good to work in partnership with Flo. I also feel a little sad as I have made some good friends at Cornerstone.

2. What would you like to say to your brothers and sisters at Cornerstone as you prepare to leave?

Samantha: Pray for us, especially the youth; because all our friends and peers are a big part of our lives. Having said that, we will still be going to Cornerstone Youth on Friday nights.

Florianna: We will miss you all very much & look forward to seeing you all at the joint congregation activities. Let us continue to fight the good fight & press on to the goal of winning more souls, growing in the knowledge & love of Jesus Christ, the author & perfector of our faith.

Jonathan: Its going to be sad not seeing all of you as much, but at least Josh Gowers won't be able to steal my bag =P. But, I'll still be seeing you at CY anywayz...

Morris: This move to Cornerstone @ North just felt right for the whole Key Family. We will certainly miss all of you, but I am sure that at the combined meeting and on other occassions; we will catch up.

3. What kinds of challenges do you think you will face, leaving the familiar and comfortable "family" you've known for years?

Samantha: I think the youth would probably be taking on more active roles in church, as at Concord; there are alot more adults to look after things.

Florianna: Learning to work with a new team of people. To build trust & deeper spiritual sharing & fellowship with fellow workers in Cornerstone@North.

Jonathan: Well it might take a while to get along with the people @ North. But I’ve visited North 3 times already, and they’re really nice so, its not too scary. However, if I drink enough Coke, the people @ North might start to look like the people from Cornerstone.!! Hehe...

Morris: I have been very comfortable at Cornerstone, perhaps too comfortable. At Cornerstone @ North I will have to step up and out of my comfort zone and get to know the people there and especially the overseas students. By nature I am a rather shy and reserve person.

4. What are you looking foward to?

Samantha: A chance to serve in the new congregation @ North, and to use the gifts God has given me

Florianna: With God's grace, to discover & meet the needs of those entrusted to Morris & I (the overseas student ministry); & to disciple them to be followers of Jesus Christ.

Jonathan: Learning more about God and serving Him, since there will be more opportunities in a smaller church (there’s also more food there =P)

Morris: I am looking forward to working more closely in a team ministry situation and seeing how God is going to work in those with searching hearts.

5. How can Cornerstone pray for you?

Samantha: That we can invite others to church, particularly as many of my school friends live there, and that the church will grow and strengthen.

Florianna: Please pray that we can work well with Seng Min, our co-worker in the overseas student ministry. Please also pray that our children, Samantha & Jonathan; will find their roles & ministries in the church, and that there will be more youth joining the church in the near future. Pray for our non-Christian friends (two families) whom we intend to invite to Cornerstone @ North, that they will respond & be willing to attend.

Jonathan: Please pray that my actions will glorify God and I can serve the Lord in all my abilities

Morris: Please pray that there will be a good and godly working relationship with the new church group and that we can settle down as a family fairly quickly. Pray also that God will give us favour with the overseas students as we attempt to share the gospel with them

Interview with the Marrs

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1. How do you feel about leaving your home congregation to join the congregation @ North?

Luan: Cornerstone Concord has been such a phenomenal nurturing place in my growth as a christian & I have made so many wonderful friends, so having to say goodbye is EXTREMELY hard. But at the same time, I do feel excited about God's new plans for me & my family.

Mitchell: I'm excited about going to North but it isn't going to be easy leaving my friends behind. I guess we are still a part of Cornerstone, but just in a smaller congregation, so that's good. I remember Ed telling me in a few weeks ago that because we are such a small group, we will be able to grow a lot more together. So hopefully that will happen.

Wayne: There is definitely a sadness in leaving friends and not being able to see them on such a regular basis. I’m sure that not long after we leave, we will understand fully what we have lost and perhaps taken for granted over recent years. I will miss my little CYIT class, they are such characters (both graduated or current) and I will always look upon their photos I keep in my Bible with fondness.

Daniel: I'm very sad that I have to leave Concord because it's been the place where I've grown in my understanding and relationship with God. I'll especially miss all the familiar faces and friends, in particular the guys and girls in my year. Yet despite this, I'm also excited to worship, fellowship and serve @North. I excited to see people come to know our Lord Jesus when we minister in that area.

2. What would you like to say to your brothers and sisters at Cornerstone as you prepare to leave?

Luan: As I reflect on my journey, my last 6 years with you all has been a very precious time . I have received so much encouragement during my time at Concord, through CS's faithful teaching of God's Word, learning from serving in different ministries with different people & also learning from friends who "teach" by the way they live their godly lives . I have learnt much from the people who serve tirelessly with a servant heart without a complaining spirit. I truly thank God for bringing my family to Concord, it has been a great blessing to be part of such a loving & nurturing church family . It has impacted Wayne, myself , Daniel & Mitchell in so many ways, even my marriage has blossomed & my 2 sons have a solid spiritual committment , thanks to CY & CYIT. It is not like I will not see you ever again but I am going to miss seeing EVERYONE every Sunday & serving together with you. Even for the people I don't really know, like the youth at CY, I know I am going to miss so much watching how God is working in your lives & seeing each of you grow up ( kleenex moment, getting very teary... )

Mitchell: I feel really sad leaving some of my friends, but I guess I shouldnt really because I'll be seeing most of them at CY. As for everybody else I won't be seeing at CY, I'm going to miss you all heaps. Thanks for all the encouragements, prayers and fellowship. To Ethan, Josh G, Kenneth, Duncan (Dwong), Sam, Leo, Bec, Kim and Amy, I'll miss seeing you guys (and girls) on Sundays because all of you are all such great friends

Wayne: “Miss me yet???” …… No!!! Where did that come from? … but know that my freedom in being a rascal is only shared in the fellowship of brothers and sisters I feel comfortable with. I just had a little prayer that I would be able to write something encouraging and uplifting, because I see that whether we go or stay, that we are joined in the common and important effort to honour God and share in the labour of the Gospel. There is much to be done at Concord and at North and I hope we can remain of one spirit and do it together.

Daniel: Thankyou for your love, service and fellowship at Concord. I will miss everyone there. Please come visit us @North.

3. What kinds of challenges do you think you will face, leaving the familiar and comfortable "family" you've known for years?

Luan: To be ready to step out of my comfort zone, to trust in Him for His purposes in my life. The greatest challenge for me is to be obedient, will I allow my own fears to stop me from obeying God ?

Mitchell: I'm not exactly sure what challenges I will face, once I leave Cornerstone. I guess the only one I can think of is just trying not to miss everyone, especially my group of friends when I leave. I'm sure more challenges will arise eventually, which I will have to overcome with God's help.

Wayne: Initially, North being a smaller congregation will lack resources and support. Also, tiredness; mental, physical and spiritual may be a challenge. Listening, communicating and understanding each other and being able to relate and build up trust with new faces and even familiar ones, as we continue to grow in Godliness ourselves will be another challenge.

Daniel: I think the main challenge I'll face is being lonely without my established friends at Concord. I'll probably miss them alot more when I'm by myself, and they are still all fellowshipping together.

4. What are you looking foward to?

Luan: I'm looking forward to experiencing God work powerfully in the new church , we are small in numbers but all the more evidence that He will be the one to sustain us. It is exciting to belong to a team knowing we have a mission to fulfill together as a new church. I also look forward to making new friendships.

Mitchell: What I'm looking forward to at Cornerstone@North is serving more in the worship team. Recently, Mr. Ed has been teaching me the drums and aparrently I have a good rhythm.

Wayne: Meeting and encouraging new people. Forming new relationships and renewing old ones. Making a difference and simply looking forward to what God opens up before us. Helping to grow another church and to put another brick beside the Cornerstone which is Christ. Helping to realize the vision of a “fellowship of churches”. I’m looking forward to a lot of exciting stuff ….. that I can’t describe!!!! Maybe that’s what makes it exciting... the anticipation. A bit like fishing me thinks!!

Daniel: I'm looking forward to reaching out to the people in Eastwood/Marsfield and Macquarie University, and seeing people come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Also, serving and stepping out of my comfort zones - growing in character and learning to trust God wholeheartedly.

5. How can Cornerstone pray for you?

Luan: I've decided to be involved in an area of ministry where I know I'm most lacking & weakest at , Evangelism . God has challenged me to face my fears & make it a top priority at the new church. There will be great opportunities to reach out to the overseas Chinese students from Macquarie Uni. Please pray that I will be bold for Christ. Please also pray that we can work effectively in our different ministry teams, remain humble & united.... & build God's kingdom in peace & not strife.

Mitchell: Please pray that I''ll step forward with music. If I do continue with the drums, I hope I can give it my all for God; especially since the drums are like one of the lead instruments.. That will probably be the best thing to pray for me at the moment.

Wayne: Please pray that we will remain faithful, humble, loving and dependent on Christ alone. That we will always think the better of each other, forgiving of each other, accepting of each other and honest with each other in difficult circumstances or good. That we will be good at listening and communicating with each other, sensitive and gentle with each other. That we will never tire of encouraging each other or take each other for granted. That we will be bold and courageous in speaking up for Christ and firmly imbedded in God’s Holy word. That we will be prayerful and work together with Concord and all Christian brothers and sisters for Christ’s sake. Please pray that we remain under God’s protection and care. That we will never tire of singing God’s praises.

Daniel: Please pray that I'll still grow in my knowledge and understanding of the Bible, that'll keep close to God during this time, that I'll have a servant heart and that more youth will be able to come to Cornerstone@North.

6. Anything else that you might like to share?

Luan: I've been SO happy at Concord why would I want to leave to go to a new place ??? It was a dilemma that I had to confront within myself to reach this decision to join the church plant. I can't quite articulate it ...except that I know it is God directing me to go , that He wants to teach me new things & new skills through this experience of a church plant. I believe my positive & nurturing experience at Concord is part of God's plan in preparing me for this next stage of my christian life . God has proven Himself faithful in the bible & through my own personal journey, so even though it doesn't make total sense to leave my loving church family at Concord....I am greatly comforted in knowing that God is faithful & I can trust in His plans & purposes for me & my family.

ou)

Interviews with Melody, Malika, Nat and Ed

1. How do you all feel about leaving your home congregation to join the congregation @ North?

Melody: I feel really excited, but slightly daunted. I know that I will definitely be pushed right out of my comfort zone at north, which is a good thing. Although I am anticipating that it will not be an easy transition for me, I am joyous and content in the fact that I am being obedient to God.

Malika: I feel excited to be involved in “the big move”; to be able to witness CS’s vision come to life, and hopefully be able to contribute to making it become a grand reality.

Nat: I feel both sad and happy. Sad because I am leaving most of my friends and cousins but happy; because I can learn new skills, and make new friends in the other congregation.

Ed: I've left Cornerstone before, and that move was pretty abrupt. This time around, I feel more assured; because we're going as part of a group and we're going to a congregation that is still part of the big cornerstone family. I am realyl excited about being at a smaller congregation and serving together and growing together.

2. What would you like to say to your Cornerstone brothers and sisters as you prepare to leave?

Melody: I'll miss you all heaps! Thank you for the great memories, the encouragement, and for spurring me on. You're all such a blessing :)

Malika: I would like to say thank you for all your support, kindness, acceptance, prayers, fun-times, encouragement, and edification. I feel honoured to have been part of the immediate Cornerstone family.

Nat: No matter where you worship, ensure that you worship the one true GOD!

Ed: Its not really a goodbye but I will certainly miss seeing everyone every week. I pray we will still continue to work together and spur each other on in our devotion and serving God in our different communities.

3. What kinds of challenges do you think you will face, leaving the familiar and comfortable "family" you've known for years?

Melody: I don't really know at this stage.. I guess i'll find out when they come..

Nat: My greatest challenges would be, mingling with new people and driving all the way from Bexley North to Eastwood every Sunday.

Ed: There will be challenges, but they will be good challenges! I trust that everything that God will bring us through, in the time we have ahead of us; will all be for our joy and for His glory! :D

4. What are you looking foward to?

Melody: I'm looking forward to getting to know the people at north better, serving in different ministries, and watching the church grow!

Nat: Creating new ministries and strengthening existing ones

Ed: Finding a wife? haha only joking. :P I am looking forward to learning more of God's will for me as he stretches me and teaches me new things in ways to serve His kingdom. I look forward to seeing this new body grow together as we face the challenges ahead together and seeing each of us grow in our faith, hope and love.

5. How can Cornerstone pray for you?

Melody: Please pray that I'll settle in fairly quickly, learn how to deal with new situations, and that I will be eager to serve. Also, that I would be continually growing in my relationship with God and making the most of all my opportunities to invite people to church..

Malika: That my relationship and knowledge about God, will continue to grow in maturity; so that I can effectively reach out to others and help bring them to know the true nature of God.

Nat: Please pray for safety, as we all travel from different locations and that God would strengthen us to face the challenges of new and different ministries @ North.

Ed: For boldness and courage in the Lord to speak His words, obey His will and fear Him above all else. Please also pray that whatever God inspires us to do at North, will also be fed back to Concord so that the church of God can be encouraged and edified.

Cornerstone@North

We are very excited to announce that Cornerstone North will now be called Cornerstone@North!

The above logos are only initial designs. Luan is still working on the final design.

The reasons why we have considered different options for a new name for Cornerstone North, is to signify that God will be doing a renovation work of change and reform in our hearts; lives and in our ministries.

CS puts it this way:

• It is about a exciting new work that involves the merging of the current Cornerstone North and the church planting group out of Concord.
  
• After I presented a vision to session (ie board of elders) we agreed that instead of starting a third worship service, we’d bring Cornerstone North and the church planting group together and constituting them as one congregation.
  
• This would involve changes for both these groups.
  
• For the current northerners, it means accepting that they have reached a new stage in ministry where they would now be brought under a new umbrella – a fully fledged congregation with a pastor and multiple elders and a leadership team.
  
• Under this same umbrella is the church planting group out of Concord. And they too face changes. Giving up the familiarity and emotional security of a large thriving congregation and reestablishing themselves in a new environ.

We are also really excited by the biblical implications of having a new name. In the Old Testament,
God changed the names of people at the time when He pronounced His new covenant /new work in their lives. (Genesis 17:5-7; 32:28).

As in the case of Abram, his name was changed to Abraham; and Jacob's name was changed to Israel.

As with Abraham, we need to trust God fully; that His hand is upon us and will guide and lead us; when He calls us to leave our "home" country (congregation)

Session Wives (sisters in Christ)

Isn't it wonderful to belong to the body of Christ? There is so much joy in shared lives; shared joys; shared sorrows; shared ministries...in Christ!

I am so thankful for my sisters in Christ! The wives of our session who have supported; loved; prayed; cared; forgiven & rebuked me. They are gifts from God. Though we are all very different, we are one in Christ and it is by the grace of God that He brought us all together for His purposes.

It has been 13 years since most of us came out of CPC to plant Cornerstone at Concord. It has been a wonderful ride, by the grace of God...even though we had our many ups and downs. I thank God so much for each one of you!! Each one of you has touched and graced my life.

It is through your lives and your ministries that I have learnt
and grown.You have all examplified faithfulness and discipleship in your lives and affected my life; as well as the lives of many who have come into; or passed through Cornerstone.

I love you all so very much and will miss everyone of you (except Gar) who will also be at North.

I know that God will continue to do a mighty work in your lives till the day of Christ's glorious return! May we perservere for the sake of the gospel and for God's glory; and look forward to the day when we will see Jesus face to face!!! I yearn so much for that day!

Thank you Wendy, Felicity, Angie, Naomi, Gar and Jenny for your fellowship and love!!

You are reflections of Jesus to me! The thought of leaving you brings tears to my eyes!

"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:4-6a)

The Induction of Mark Powell

It was a momentous and joyous occassion for Cornerstone yesterday (4th March 2007), with the induction of Mark Powell.

God, in His sovereign grace brought Mark from the country town of Wee Waa (where he had been ministering for the last 7 years)...to us!

We are so happy to have Mark, Angie and the children (Josh, Hannah, Luke, Benjamin & Thomas) on board!! Those kids are so gorgeous!! :D

As Ian Smith, preached so powerfully in his sermon from Philippians 1:1-11; we look forward so much to be in partnership with Mark, for the gospel of Christ.

Here are some points from the sermon:

• When we need our pipes to be fixed..we call the plumber; and when we need our house to be re- wired, we call the electrician. So, what is the role of the pastor? Is he the shop keeper of the church, to attend to our consumeristic mentality?
• Do we pay the pastor to be good? The trouble with that is that the rest of us are "good for nothing" :P
• Is the gospel a commodity?
• Are people in church like loyal customers of a shop?
• The main role of the pastor is the teaching of the word and prayer
• The pastor is not an employee. We are in fellowship with him, in the work of the gospel; and our support of him is evidence of that fellowship.
• He gave an example of consumerism: that if the church bulletin does not get out on time, the church will survive. But the church cannot survive without prayer and if the word is not properly taught.
• Ian also talked about fellowship or "koinonia". Fellowship is not about sharing a sanctified beverage over morning tea. It is more than that. It is a sacrifical commitment to a common end; which is the gospel and its growth.
• We are to pray for the pastor that his "love may abound more and more in depth of knowledge and insight, so that he may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ; filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God" (v 9-11)

We look forward so much to Mark ministering to us at Concord and working alongside CS!

Praise God for His wonderful provision! He is good; gracious and kind to us!

Results of the Votes

It was fun watching the votes coming in and keeping a tally of the "scores".

Well, the results are in; and here are how the votes were split:

Cornerstone North: 19

Cornerstone Jubilate: 12

Keystone: 3

H20: 1

The people have spoken...Cornerstone North has the majority of votes; and is therefore the "winner" :P

Thanks everyone for voting. It was fun!

Keep posted...there might be a "re-vamping" of the name!

"May I Never Boast"

"The apostle Paul wrote that Christ died that we should no longer live for ourselves but for Him (2 Corinthians 5:15)
To live no longer for ourselves but for Him is the essence of discipleship. That phrase sums up all we could include under the headings of disciplines; holiness and service.

But what is it that will motivate us to live not for ourselves but for Him? Paul said it is the love of Christ. "For Christ's love compels us" (2 Corinthians 5:14)

It was not a continual challenge to be more disciplined or more committed; or more holy; rather it was his constant heartfelt awareness of Christ's love for him....it was an overwhelming sense of Christ's love for him that spurrred him on.

We need to be challenged to a lifetime of committed discipleship, but that challenge needs to be based on the gospel, not on duty or guilt. Duty or guilt may motivate us for a while, but only a sense of Christ's love for us will motivate us for a lifetime....That sense of His love will motivate us in a compelling way to live for Him.

Preaching the gospel to ourselves everyday gives us hope, joy and courage.It helps us to consciously renounce any confidence in our own goodness as a means of meriting God's blessing on our lives.

The good news that our sins are forgiven because of Christ's death fill our hearts with joy, gives us courage to face the day, and offers us hope that God's favour will rest upon us, not because we are good; but because we are in Christ.

A repentant Christian focuses on God's mercy and grace.

Are we willing to rely on God's grace and mercy alone instead of our performance to boast in nothing except the Cross? And in the joy and confidence of that grace, we can vigorously pursue holiness.

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"....(Galatians 6:14)

"Choose the Life"

The cost of discipleship is our willingness to leave all things behind and to follow Jesus wherever he leads.

As faith wihout obedeience is not real and is nothing more than intellectual exercise.
Faith taught by Jesus embraces following Jesus whatever the cost or destination.

"Christianity without discipleship is Christianity without Christ" (Bonhoeffer)

Christless Christianity is addicted to recognition and success; instead of forsaking all things to follow Jesus. Faith is to take up our crosses daily and to follow him. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23)

We need to preach and practice a faith that demands obedience. The church needs discipleship evangelism. To choose the life of discipleship. To believe what Jesus believed (having transformed minds); to love as Jesus did (having transformed relationships); to minister as Jesus did (having transformed services); and to lead as Jesus led (having transformed influences)

Christ was a man for others. "The son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt 20:28) We, as his disciples should therefore exist for others and the church should exist for others.

Just as faith is real only where there is obedience, the church is real only when its faith leads it to become a community for others.Jesus was irrelevant and unnecessary to his culture, and by taking a servant's role; even though it cost him everything; he became the most relevant and necessary man of history.

"Choose the Life - exploring a faith that embraces discipleship" by Bill Hull

The "naming" of the church plant

A group of people from Cornestone and Cornerstone North met tonight (30th Jan 2007), to discuss the pros and cons of having a new name for the church plant. The day of our first service being the 4th March 2007.The opinions were many and varied.

The names were suggested below. We ask that you look at each name with prayer consideration and vote on one that you feel best suits.

Cornerstone North
Cornerstone Jubilate
Keystone
Capstone
H20

Cornerstone North

The rationale for keeping the name Cornerstone North, or at least a part of the name "Cornerstone" is to indicate a link with Cornerstone (Concord). We are really the one and same church, worshipping at two different locations.

The name also suggests a close connection and pooling of resources with Cornerstone (Concord) and links smoothly with joint ministries like (CY) for the youth and (Oasis) for the university aged group

Cornerstone-Jubilate Community

Retaining the name "Cornerstone" is for the same reasons as above
Jubilate means, to rejoice greatly in God's salvation
Jubilate is a unique name
It also removes the geographical reference of what North means

Keystone

Is the central wedge-shaped stone of an arch, that locks its parts together
It is the central supporting element of a whole
This name retains "stone", suggesting the connection with Cornerstone

Capstone

Captures the same meaning as keystone
Capstone is used biblically, as an image for Jesus as the one rejected, but the key to God's plan of building His kingdom. "Now to you who beleive, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "the stone the builders rejected jas become the capstone.." (1 Peter 2:7; Acts 4:11; Luke 20:16; Mark 12:10)

H20

The rationale for this name is that, Christ is mentioned as the eternal spring and "water"; and that if we drink of it, we would never thirst again
"H" then, would be "Hearing" God's word
The second "H", to "Honour" God's word
"O" being the working out of our obedience to Christ

Please pray over these names and put your votes in! A seperate email will be sent to you. Please return those emails with your votes by Thursday (1st Febuary) at 12 midnight.

Serving together with you for the sake of His name

Lunch and Planning Meeting for Church Plant (13th January 2007)

A group of people from Cornerstone and Cornerstone North met together at Robert and Sharon's, for a pot- luck lunch and planning meeting today. We talked about "God's design for His church" and split into groups for some "Visioneering".

CS exhorted us from 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 as God's "blue prints" for doing church.

"9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames

.A healthy church is unlike any organisation that men has ever devised. This is because God devises the church and it would be an exercise in futility, if we built according to our own rationales. This is because, on that last day of accounting before the Lord; it would not withstand the fire. We should not be surprised at God's rejection and displeasure if we get "distracted" by peripheral things like outstanding personalities; and do not build according to God's word. We talked about the three Ps.

1.. Preaching and teaching of God's word is a non-negotiable, as God's word has always been his instrument to convict, convert and conform His people ( 2 Kings 22-23; Nehemiah 8-9; Ezek 37:1-14; Isa 55:10-11; Acts 6:7; 12:24; 19:20; etc)

2.. Praying shows our utter dependance on God and honours Him as the source of all blessings (Eph 1:15-23; Phil 1:9-11; Col 1:9-12)

3.. Personal discipling relations that involve meeting up with one or a few other individuals for the building up and maturing of each other in the Word of God and prayer. Another way that CS put it, was to do each other "spiritual good"

On Visioneering, we discussed the kind of church that we wanted to be; and what we need/should do personally; and as a body; to accomplish those visions. Please continue to pray with and for us, as we continue to seek God's will, direction and leading.

PS...Our next planning meeting is on 30th January at Robert and Sharon's at 8 pm.

Please feel free to join us (even if you if you have not yet decided to join the plant)

From Him, Through Him and To Him are all things
May He be glorified always!"

33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" 35"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things.To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)

Planning Meeting for church Plant (continuation)