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Kaleidoscope Women’s Conference 2012 – A Report-Back

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Kaleidoscope Women's Conference 2012

by Justine Engelbrecht

To all you remarkable women out there…

There are certain things we experience in life that provide thought provoking encounters and get those creative juices flowing. The Kaleidoscope Women’s Conference this year was one of those encounters.

I was in the wonderful position that I had nothing to compare it with, as it is my first conference of this kind, and as such I ventured in with an open mind and open heart.

Since I came to Cornerstone just over two years ago now, I have met nothing but kind, genuine women and in fact this is one of the things that I love the most about Cornerstone – the people are welcoming and have a genuine kindness that is so often not prevalent in our friends out there in the world around us. I am not saying that they do not care; it is just that there is an integral difference in the level of honest to goodness kindness that you experience. It is what makes Cornerstone a very special place.

Listening to remarkable women speaking is not only inspiring but it allows for reflection and when one does this in the presence of the Lord, the Holy Spirit moves within us in an incredible way that He has you yearning for more of Him. On Saturday morning of the conference, me – a Christian who is not very good at public display – was  guided to the front of the church where I sunk to my knees enveloped with the infilling of the Holy Spirit. It was a beautiful time!

I would like to suggest to all of the women who did not attend Kaleidoscope 2012 to download the messages and listen to their testimonies and their encouraging stories and use this as an exercise to share your own story. Not all of us can stand up and give our testimonies and some like mine are way too long and others of us may not be quite ready to share. Writing has a profound and healing effect and writing it and sharing it on the Cornerstone blog will not only allow you to unleash all the things you may have bottled inside you, but it will also allow others to receive Hope and Faith through the words of your story.

I have written down the pertinent bible verses that were mentioned during the conference and my first exercise in the weeks ahead is to look them all up, read, listen and hear God’s messages for me. I encourage you all to do the same.

As Lydia said in her opening talk, we must know what is written.

  • Proverbs 18 vs 22
  • Proverbs 12 vs 12
  • Psalm 139 vs 14
  • Genesis 2 vs 18
  • Proverbs 31
  • Exodus  5
  • Judges 4
  • Judges 5  vs 7
  • Ruth  1 vs 16
  • Kings 2 vs 4 – 8
  • Ephesians 5
  • Luke 14
  • Acts 4 vs 5
  • 1 Corninthians 12 vs 14 – 26
  • Genesis 17 vs 5-7
  • Genesis 17 vs 15 – 16
  • Proverbs 31 vs 11 – 12
  • Proverbs 31 vs 23

Download the Kaleidoscope 2012 messages here

Eldership Couples at Cornerstone Church Throughout its History (for Prayer)

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This last Wednesday (23 May, 2012) at our prayer meeting, Mark Meeske felt led to have us both celebrate and pray for the couples that have been on eldership at Cornerstone and have moved to plant a church, moved into Apostolic ministry, or moved with the possibility of a future church plant, and so on.

Here’s a list that was put together by Barry Farr that highlights these couples. Note that this list only highlights couples that have been on eldership (either at Cornerstone or supported by Cornerstone) and doesn’t include deacons and others that have gone on church plants or planted churches.

It would be great to keep this list and regularly pray for these couples that are conducting ministry in other areas of the world and have relationships and friendships with us. If you’d like, you can download the list (click here) and print it or keep it stored on your computer.

Eldership couples at Cornerstone Church
1983

Eldership couple Info Dates
Leon & Pat Van Daele From Wychwood Baptist – Now translocal & based in Australia 1983
Pat & Linda Berning Went to France. More involved in a worship role than leading a church. 1990
Wayne & Rene Neuper Planted in Benoni & then in Germany. 1990
Gert & Debbie Dolk From Bedfordview Baptist – Planted in Holland 1992

Eldership Couples at Cornerstone Church
1995 – 1998

Eldership couple Info Dates
Ian & Bernadine Weeden Planted in Kempton Park. 1995
Jim & Margaret Lamont Led Cornerstone: 1995 – 2000 1995
Alan & Noelle Hackney Planted in The Hill (South of Jhb) 1998

Eldership Couples at Cornerstone Church
2000

Eldership couple Info Dates
Ian & Bernadine Weeden Planted in Harare, Zimbabwe 2000
Marcus & Adele Herbert Took over leadership of Cornerstone church 2000
Michael & Alison Nicholas Took over a church in Auckland, NZ 2000

Eldership Couples at Cornerstone Church
2002 – 2003

Eldership couple Info Dates
Jim & Margaret Lamont Went to LA, USA – apostolic 2002
Bruce & Myra McAlpine Planted in Norwood 2002
Wayne & Nicole Zastron Relocated to UK (didn’t plant) 2003
Abe & Vanessa Vos Planted in Lambton 2003
Wayne & Heather Carr Planted in Belfast, N. Ireland 2003

Eldership couples at Cornerstone Church
2004 – 2006

Eldership couple Info Dates
Alexi & Delene Wadman Planted in Amsterdam Holland 2004
Gavin & Gail Clark Took over a church in Casino, Australia. Now on eldership in Adelaide 2005
Mark & Nicky Goodfellow Planted in Modderfontein 2005
Mark & Natie Bouffe Planted in Portugal 2006
Wayne & Natalie Rabie Planted in Bertrams 2006

Eldership couples at Cornerstone Church
2008 – 2009

Eldership couple Info Dates
Dave & Cretia Du Preez Planted in Sandton 2008
Alan & Meg Jones Moved to Seattle, USA 2008
Corrie & Gerda Volshenk Planted in Cordeba, Argentina 2008
Ian & Bernadine Weeden Moved back to Cornerstone 2009
Kirk & Jan Slow Planted in Ottawa, Canada 2009
Reg & Sonet Joubert Planted in Stellenbosch (back in JHB now) 2009
Terry & Wendy Archibald Planted in Upington 2009

Eldership couples at Cornerstone Church
2010 – 2012

Eldership couple Info Dates
Derek & Heidi Chester-Brown Transitioned a church in Secunda 2010
Ian & Bernadine Weeden Now going to Nelspruit 2012
Barry & Charlene Ward Moved to Durban (possible future plant) 2012
Ndaba & Skikuhulewe Ndlovu Eldership at a church in Fish Hoek (Connections Church) ?

Jozi City Celebration – 13 May

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by Justine Engelbrecht

What an amazing turn out for the City Celebration and Gods amazing grace and presence abounding.

An incredible evening and message by Tyrone Daniels, ‘We are in a battle’.

Here are a few points which stood out for me which I would like to share with you:

·         Shut our ears to distraction, open our ears to hear Gods voice!

·         When doctrine and truth are abandoned and the authority of the church is questioned, you get a whole new religion which attacks the pre-eminence of Christ’s supremacy and the authority of the God head.

·         Jesus is our victory (Walk in Victory)!

·         Ephesians Ch 6. Vs 10 – 18: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty Power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all of this take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

 

·         Power is in the centrality of Jesus Christ.

·         The world does not need more of the world.

·         Saved people do not become sinners to save sinners.

·         His Kingdom is like nothing here on earth.

·         God wants to restore the warrior spirit in the church.

·         We are the Army of God.

·         We need to worship Jesus where he is now, we are not at the foot of the cross anymore.

·         Make way for the King He is coming!

The Magnificence of Jesus is the foundation of the Victory of the Church.

Other verses to read:

Colossians 1

Isaiah 6

Isaiah 32 vs. 14

Hope to see you at the All Sites celebration on the 27th May 2012.

Download Tyrone’s Message

Key Women on 3 May 2012 – Much Encouragement from Rahab

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By Justine Engelbrecht

This month’s remarkable woman of the Bible was Rahab, and she proves to us that no one is beyond the reach of God. Colette Meeske emphasised that if God can use a women like Rahab they way He did, how much more then can He use us.

Rahab had hope and much love for her family, even under her circumstances and lifestyle choices. Her life teaches us to have faith. Faith comes from hearing and all we need is the word of God.

Rahab also teaches us to fear God more than man. She took a great risk, but she had great faith. James 2: 17 tells us that faith not accompanied by action is dead.

Rahab committed herself, she made a choice, and she chose God. She helped them with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12 –continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

The story of Rahab encourages us to not let the past dictate our futures.

Do not miss Key Women on the 7th June 2012, for encouragement from Deborah, another remarkable woman of the Bible.

This is a wonderful time of fellowship for women and an opportunity to take two hours out of the month to hear and understand the word of God! Bring friends!

Uptown’s Rom Com Night – 27kg’s of Popcorn Consumed!

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By Denise Sherman

Guys and girls may have very different views on “romance” – but one thing is for sure, male or female, we all love free stuff and eating (and if you don’t – you should check your pulse).

Combine free popcorn, coffee, movies and students and you have a recipe for success. Passers by at Grove were certainly interested when they tried to buy popcorn, only to be told it was free. Their smiles got even bigger when we told them we’d be screening two movies – also for “mahala”. Personally I think the free coffee was also a big draw card. Caffeine is its own food group in the diet of a student.

I know the Uptown guys were a little…um… bitter about having to endure a “Romantic Comedy” movie night, but it really worked out well. People gathered as the evening progressed, watching the movies, mingling and munching on popcorn. I had to chuckle at the animated audience response to particular characters. They were very supportive of the “underdog”.

In between movies and even after, people stuck around – enjoying themselves, and getting to know new people.

A big thank you to all the tireless workers, popcorn makers (27kg’s!), coffee pourers (1000 cups) and general friendly faces. These events are a great way for us to develop relationships and build our profile as a community focussed church in the city.

MEN LEAD: Health and Fitness

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Written by Ryan Strydom

The MEN evening last night was fantastic, with a focus on Health and Fitness. Lots of guys were getting into it and enjoying it, with testosterone flying around left, right and centre.

There were a few challenges to do – for example, Crossfit had a few competitions going where guys had to see how many push-ups, clean and jerks or squats they could do in 30 seconds, while Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) experts were showing how the sport works and running competitions where guys could check how many punches they could do in a minute, etc.

Meanwhile, men could also get their blood pressure checked and have some quick blood tests done, while guys could try out some health food and grab some free vitamins. In short, there was a ton of things to see and do. There was even some hip-hop dancing going down.

Marcus spoke about family, marriage and singleness – being a husband, being a father and then being a single guy. One of the Crossfit guys, who used to be a bouncer (and was involved with everything that usually comes with that lifestyle) gave his testimony on how Jesus has changed everything for him.

Marcus’ talk included this spoken word video below, which is worth a watch! I love the last line: “You don’t fall out of love as much as you fall out of repentance.”

Next weekend’s MEN LEAD event will incorporate the outdoors and all the gadgets and things we can get relating to that sort of lifestyle. If the past events are anything to go by, this one is going to be great!

Easter in the Park: Relaxing and Lots of Fun for the Kids

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by Justine Engelbrecht

A relaxing afternoon was enjoyed by friends and family at Easter in the Park, with families picnicking and browsing the craft market with both food and craft stalls; friends relaxing and chatting on the grass; and the children enjoying the obstacle course, farm animals and pony rides. Plus there was the ever popular cannot-get-enough-of Jumping Castles. A special treat was coming down the slide to receive a marshmallow egg at the bottom, an excuse to return timeously until the last egg was given out.

Easter is a blessed and memorable time in our Saviour Jesus Christ and a special time for families to get together and enjoy each other’s company and celebrate His abundance and love.

Thank you for supporting the day, which raised funds for the Ukwakha Isizwe Foundation initiatives, including the hArt Day Centre for homeless youth and the Russell House Baby Sanctuary for abandoned babies.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter weekend; be safe and be blessed.

More photos to soon follow on our Facebook page.

Coffee with Kabelo a Roaring Success

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by Denise Sherman

Despite rain, cold and urns that would not co-operate – Coffee with Kabelo (hosted by Uptown on 16 March in Braamfontein) was a roaring success. By my estimate we had about 200 to 250 eager students gathered in the SouthPoint reception area, waiting patiently to see and hear Kabelo.

Kudos to “Bouga 2 Shoes” for handling the crowd with such style and for making sure they knew that Jesus was the real celebrity. Kabelo has learned how to use the fame he has achieved, not for his own benefit but to bring all glory to God. He delivered a targeted message to the youth about their identity in Christ, and it was clear that God moved and hearts were touched. Approximately 10 people responded to the salvation call.

A big thank you to everyone that was involved for all your hard work!”

Key Women Ladies’ Health: A Fabulous Ladies Evening

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Written by Justine Engelbrecht

On 9 March, Cornerstone Bedfordview hosted a successful evening on Ladies’ Health, where key issues such as pregnancy, PMS, menopause and puberty were discussed with the main focus being on menopause.

Colette, who organised the event, feels that it’s essential for all women, from teenagers to adults, to understand their bodies.

“As women, our daily lives and the interactions that we have with society are impacted by our hormones. We go through all sorts of changes through our lifetimes. Ladies’ Health was organised to provide women of all ages with the opportunity to gain greater understanding of their bodies and empower them to have greater control over how they cope with day-to-day life,” she says.

Dr Percy Moodley, a well qualified and respected obstetrician and gynaecologist, was the main speaker for the event. His talk was simple and easy to understand as well as being humorous. He included his wealth of knowledge and his experience in the field.

He mapped out the changes in a woman from infant to puberty to menopause and into old age and spoke about what to expect at every stage of your life, the hormonal changes and the health concerns.

Dr Percy was gracious enough to spend a lot of time after his talk answering questions for a whole queue of women; and with aerobics to start and prizes to finish, it was a fun evening.

Adele closed off the evening with a message that no matter what we are facing in life, God wants us to come to Him and he can solve any problem, heal any illness and He wants to be part of our life to help us!

It was a fabulous ladies evening.

Dr Percy Moodley (Mb.ChB) is a well qualified and respected obstetrician and gynaecologist from KwaZulu Natal. Dr Moodley has numerous fellowships and many years in private practice. He is also a husband and the proud father of three children. His special interest lies in the way in which hormones influence women’s health and the way in which women can manage their hormones. Dr Moodley believes that there are a variety of lifestyle adjustments that can be made and treatments available that can enable women of all ages to cope with hormonal changes throughout their lives.

Kids’ Camp 2012 – What Was it Like?

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Written by Justine Engelbrecht

When God’s people come together there is an amazing unity of spirit and the 2012 Kids’ Camp was absolute proof of this. It was a privilege to be included as part of an incredible team of leaders and assistants and to enjoy the benefit of interacting with the children. Under the leadership of Lance the 2012 camp MISSION: HIMPOSSIBLE encouraged the children to be the best agents that they can be, while at all times keeping in contact with God, emphasising the importance of faith, the Holy Spirit, praying to God, reading God’s Word and getting closer to God.

The children were divided into five teams representing five nations that need prayer: Turkey, Indonesia, Iran, Morocco and North Korea. The children rose to the occasion and war cries and camp songs were a highlight during the course of the weekend. In between this time the children enjoyed various challenges and games: Tug of War, obstacle courses, paintball, “spider web”, pole balance in the pool, the climbing wall and smuggling Bibles into China, with a healthy dose of free time for swimming, relaxing and meals.

As qualified field agents the children have been released into the mission field. Here are the missions that you can help them with:

Mission 1: Each child is encouraged to give a packet of chips together with a booklet to a friend and read it with them.
Mission 2: Read James 4:8 – Come near to God and He will come near to you.
Mission 3: Read Romans 8:31 – If God is for us, who can be against us?
Mission 4: Read Psalm 5:3 – In the morning, Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait expectantly.
Mission 5: Read 1 Corinthians 15:41 – The sun has one kind of splendour, the moon another and the stars another, and star differs from star in splendour.
Mission 6: Read Matthew 10:42 – And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is My disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.

Book early for Kids’ Camp 2013…it is a valuable part of your child’s walk with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

More photos to be published soon to the Cornerstone Facebook page