Covers all categories.

Hennie’s Trip to Cairo

Written by Ryan Strydom

Hennie Keyter recently returned from a trip to Cairo and on Sunday gave a small report-back of how things are in that side of the world. It was quite encouraging but at the same time the people there need a lot of prayer as the country is going through a tumultuous time.

What was encouraging is that for the first time in history the various Christian groups have agreed that the time has come for them to lay their differences aside and work together. Along with this group, a Muslim group, who would like to continue what they are doing peacefully, look like they may form the official opposition.

However, there is another Muslim group which appear to want to go a more aggressive route, and in this the people of that country need prayer as there is a lot of uneasiness. There is a parliamentary election in November and people are aware that this must happen for things to go forward, but there is obviously a lot of uncertainty on how everything will transpire.

“The leaders God has raised that we are connected with are people of integrity and we trust, and pray, that they will be able to make a huge difference in the country,” Hennie says. Let’s join in prayer for that.

Become a Lurve Magnet, Baby

Written by Ryan and Shannon Strydom

This last Thursday for EQUIP, Michael and Amy Smalley from the U.S. came to give us a little talk on marriage. Their talks took place throughout the whole day, starting with sessions at Newday Edenvale and then culminating in an EQUIP evening session at Central Cornerstone.

The Smalleys were witty in imparting some key principles on cultivating an environment of love – “allowing love to grow in the home,” as they put it. Or in other words, becoming a “lurve magnet”.

Their evening talk boiled down to four points, which were:

1) Respect your spouse’s boundaries
2) Don’t be judgemental of each other
3) Value each others’ differences
4) Be Christlike towards your spouse (love and serve them unconditionally)

These were driven home by some hilarious stories and clear illustrations from their own marriage. One of the encouraging points of the evening was that there is hope for every marriage situation – no marriage is beyond restoration.

Audio recordings for the morning sessions will be made available on Newday’s website here and the evening session here.

The Transforming Power of the Gospel for Society

Written by Ryan Strydom

Recently Marcus highlighted the new social justice initiative that we as a church are embarking on under the banner of Ukwahka Isizwe (Nation Building.) Read more

Chippy Brand at Exchange

written by Anton Tjarbring

Chippy Brand spoke at the Exchange on friday 5 August, and was throughly enjoyed by all. Just a real testimony of how there are tough times and good times in life and yet through it all God is faithful in building our characters so that we can be used more by Him. Chippy used the analogy of road construction, where the different layers need to be prepared and compacted (through trying times) before the top layer can be placed, which is where the road is used, and is what is visible.

I really enjoyed the humourous stories associated with his upbringing, different projects and even testimony of how God looked after them during his farming experiences. Chippy’s testimonies of the business decisions he made based on his faith are great. The practical aspects of setting up a business, choosing staff, making business choices and much more – just could see how those grey hairs were earned.

Get the audio here.

This is my Season

On Saturday, 30 July, we invited our community into our ‘lounge’. This Is My Season 2011 afforded us this wonderful opportunity and privilege.

Pediatrician Dr. Simon Strachan and Dietician Katherine Megaw were our guest speakers. They covered vital issues related to child nutrition and feeding and Katherine ended her time with her own life-story . She told how she suffered from bulimia which was compounded by the grief of loosing her 7 month old daughter. She explained how Jesus changed her obsession with food into her passion as a Peadiatric Dietician. There were two video testimonies of others who have been rescued from bad choices and of healing.

The response was so encouraging, with people admitting that they need a relationship with God and asking about Cornerstone meeting times. Thanks to all those who were involved, and thank you to the Lord for this opportunity.

Check out http://www.thisismyseason.co.za/#notes for audio and notes of the morning.

Ideas for when you host someone in your home

The best kind of hosting does not involve the best décor.  The heart of the ideas in this article is simply to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Ideas of things to include in the room they will stay in:

  • Clean linen and towels, including hand towel and face cloth with a bar of soap.
  • A jug of water and glasses or bottled water.
  • Bin and tissues.
  • Hanging and cupboard space with some hangers.
  • An adapter available in the power point that can take 2 pin plugs.
  • A mirror and chair if possible.
  • A little gift.
  • Simple flowers and snacks.
  • An extra blanket for winter.

Other things to think about:

  • Ask them what they like for breakfast.
  • Show them where stuff is in the kitchen so they can help themselves if necessary.
  • Try to keep times of chatting short so as not to drain your guests.
  • Offer them a spare set of house keys so that can get in if you’re not around.

If you would like to put your name on the list for hosting someone in your home, contact info (011) 616 4073 or info@www.cornerstonechurch.co.za.

 

Table Tennis Tournament

Written by Taryn Herbert

 

The Table Tennis Tournament on Saturday was lots of fun. Each player could compete in a category that suited them. There was a great vibe in the hall as many came to watch and support. It was such a great excuse to come out on a beautiful Saturday morning. Fun was had by all!

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Written by Alan Jones

Many years ago I was preparing to do something very big, and very foolish.  I had convinced myself that God wanted me to do it but it took the wise words of Leon van Daele to prevent me from making a big mistake. Read more

SunUp in Braamfontein

Written by Phil Quinn

Ah! The excitement of new horizons is in the air. We kicked off with our first Sunday meeting at Uptown last week. ‘twas wonderful. We had a load of friendly new visitors and we all crammed ourselves full of cake and coffee. Hooray! God’s hand is clearly on what is happening down Uptown way and we cannot help but feel his approval and encouragement. And so we continue to take ground.

Sundays @ Uptown caters for families with kids and those who are around on the weekends. Thursdays will remain our main meeting for the time being but it’s great to expand our sense of community and permanence in Braamies.

Uptownies really appreciate visits from Centralies, so please consider a visit. 6.30 for 7pm on Thursday evenings. 9.30 for 10am on Sunday mornings. Come see what God is doing in the city! We’re lovin’ it.

 

Mini Jobi Jol – 2011

Written by Greg Bennett


25 June 2011

It all started on a very, very cold Saturday morning at 9:00am. All of us were freezing but excited for what the day had in store for us. We were all relishing the chance to spend the day in fellowship, praising, worshiping and meeting with the Lord and for some, the amazing chance to experience God’s power and grace for the first time!

Read more