Our 1st birthday

On Sunday 31 August, we celebrated our 1st birthday as Cornerstone Anglican Church Box Hill. It was the most beautiful day, with blue skies and bright sunshine. Our minister Chris Mann preached on Chapter 19 of the Gospel of Luke, in which Zacchaeus meets Jesus and his life is changed forever.

As part of the celebration, we interviewed three members of the congregation, asking them to reflect on our first year as Cornerstone Anglican Church—especially what they’ve been encouraged by and what they’re thankful for. We also praised God through song and prayer, and we baptised three members of our church who wanted to publicly declare their commitment to following and serving Jesus. It was a truly encouraging and uplifting service, with almost two hundred people in attendance.

Afterwards, we served coffee and lunch out on the green lawn. People stayed for a long time, chatting, meeting new friends, and enjoying fellowship with each other.

Here are some reflections on the day from our church family and one of our guests:

‘Our first year birthday was such an encouragement. For me, it was particularly awesome to look out during the service and see all the people that have joined our Cornerstone family over the past year. It was incredible to reflect on God's work in the lives of so many individuals and particularly in the lives of those that were baptised. Also, it was great to see so many of our family invite people who then came to the first birthday and were able to hear the good news of Jesus.’

—Daniel

‘What a joy it was to welcome so many children visiting us for the first time at our 1st birthday celebration service.  As I helped to lead one of the Cornerstone Kids programs, I was struck by the depth of the kids’ curiosity. Their eagerness to learn and ask questions, especially about baptism, was truly heartwarming.  We explored the meaning and purpose of baptism, and the children witnessing three baptisms on that day was the perfect culmination of the day and everything they had learnt about baptism. As we told the story of Zaccheus, I sensed that seeds of faith were being gently planted. My prayer is that these children continue to nurture their curiosity, seeking to know more about Jesus and His love.’ 

—Dee

‘Our very first birthday celebration was such an encouraging and joy-filled moment. A particularly encouraging part of the day was witnessing Ella, Korey, and Jesse publicly declare their faith through baptism and hearing how God has brought each of them from death to life. Their testimonies were such a powerful reminder of God’s grace and His power to transform lives. I was also deeply encouraged as I reflected on all that God has done through Cornerstone over the past year—seeing the many lives He has saved and continues to transform. It is amazing to look around and see not only new believers but also people growing and maturing as disciples of Jesus. I am excited to see all that God will continue to do through Cornerstone in the years ahead.’

—Romy

‘Our 1st birthday celebration on Sunday was incredibly encouraging. Looking back on all that God has done in just one year fills me with so much hope and excitement for the years ahead. One of the absolute highlights was the baptisms—there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. What a powerful reminder of God’s goodness and faithfulness. He truly is so good to His children!’

—Elise

‘I had an awesome time seeing graduates of Arndell stand, declare their faith, and be baptised in Christ. Talking to them in person revealed their relationship with God is personal, deep, and full of joy. All praise be to God for His work in their lives and our partnership in the gospel with Cornerstone.’

—Jeremy (Senior Chaplain, Arndell Anglican College)

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