a good brother moves on ...

Life does not always work out the way we would like - even in community. Last night we had a farewell dinner for Dan who has decided to move on from our community. While there is a shared sadness at the news, we are grateful for the chance we have had to share life with Dan over these few months. We are sure that, as long as he opens his life up to the Father, that he will continue to grow into the man He needs him to be. Please continue to pray for Dan - especially over the next few weeks as he goes through the 're-entry' period.
Perhaps you'd like to comment on how Dan added to our life together.

from friday till sunday

We cannot begin to imagine what the original 'good friday' was like. To help us appreciate the price that was paid, we watched the Passion of the Christ together outside. One couldn't help a strong connection as the full moon was slowly taken over by cloud, and the drizzle started.

As dawn broke sunday morning we were together again participating in the Celtic Easter Vigil. It was a cold and crisp morning - very beautiful. A traditional pancake breakfast was enjoyed together afterwards.

pesach at canowindra

The thursday before Easter found our community gathered around a common table reenacting the traditional passover. As always it was a great night - thanks to Helen who 'brought it all together'.

mission ... discipleship ... leadership ... adventure ...

April 10-13 was a week to remember here at Canowindra. The leading students of a number of Christian Schools were invited along for a week of mission, discipleship, leadership and adventure!

The theme was 'Jesus the Leader', and the interactive sessions investigated the life, teaching and mission of this historic leader. Adventure-based learning sessions culminated in an overnight campout and orienteering trek to the top of a nearby peak. And each participant also had the opportunity to develop and present their ideas for a 'mission initiative' to be undertaken between now and the end of the year.

If you were there, let us know what you thought!

Laura turns 18!

The 18th March saw the poplars come to life with the birthday celebrations of one of the Kings princesses - Laura. Many family and friends gathered to eat, laugh and swap stories.

Baptised in the Belubula

A while ago now Ashley (2003) said to God that she would like to get Baptised before she left Cornerstone. After a year on team in Gulgong, and another as home-coordinator at Canowindra, Ashley just forgotabout the whole thing ... until, she remembered! So, the 18th March was set as the day Ashley publicly announced what she has been living with increasing strength and grace. At about the same time, Aline asked me what I thought of baptism - as we share a Salvo heritage, after which she was very keen to join in. Dan, who is never one to miss out on an adventure, took the plunge as well. Before 'going under' they read the following Celtic confession:

I call all heaven to witness today that I have put on Christ.
I choose no other Lord than the maker of heaven and earth.

This day I walk with Him and He will walk with me.
I fasten close to me this day that same Jesus who came to us as flesh and blood
and was Himself baptised in the Jordan river.

He died upon a cross to resue me, broke free from death, its conqueror.
He left us, to return the more certainly.
All these truths and their power I fasten to me this day.

Resisting my own selfishness and sin, refusing to live as a slave to riches, pleasure or reputation,
rejecting Satan and all his lies, I call on heaven to witness today that I have put on Christ.

Please pray for Ashley, Aline and Dan as they continue to live for the Master.