Weekly News: 31 July 2011

Friday, July 29, 2011

31 July 2011

Ideas for building a
Christ-centred community

The hall is buzzing with conversation. Around a table adults and children burst into laughter as they wrestle with metallic paint and googly eyes and their teenage helpers despair of ever creating the promised artefact.

A toddler slaps green paint on a huge sheet of card under the watchful eye of a Granny. A five-year-old watches wide-eyed as an enthusiastic leader shows her how to bang in a nail.

There's a delicious smell wafting out of the kitchen. The ten-year-olds, intent on their glass-painting, agree it must be jacket potatoes. The pastor takes a photo of the surreal result of the junk modelling and two mums catch up on the gossip as they drink welcome cups of tea and slowly decorate gift bags while their children make something unidentifiable but very chocolaty upstairs.

The cooks should be getting the plates stacked, but one of the mums needs to talk about her problems with her foster children.

I would be panicking about the story for the celebration later, but there's a huge collage of The Great Banquet to assemble before five o'clock, the powder paint has proved a formidable weapon of mess creation in the hands of Jack, and we've barely got started on the lettering and whoops…. someone's kicked over the gluepot...

Just another Messy Church. Lucy Moore (www.messychurch.org.uk)

Messy Church is designed to be a once a month church experience for families who might want to meet Jesus, belong to their local church and bring up their children as Christians but can’t cope with traditional Sunday morning services. The idea of providing ‘Messy Church’ is becoming more and more popular in Australia. Next week I will be attending a 3 day conference with Lucy Moore, the creator of ‘Messy Church Ministries’ and am looking forward to learning new ways we can connect with our local and extended communities. We have lots of children at our church, so it is sometimes easy to think that we are already encouraging children in their faith.
To an extent we are, but there are many un-reached children who attend our school and live in our community who are yet to hear the love and acceptance of Christ from our church, or any other church for that matter. Please pray for Children and Family Ministries across our state as we consider new ways to better connect with and reach out to the children and families within our local suburbs. We are blessed with a wonderful church family here at Para Vista; but friends, it is time to reach further beyond the comfort of our church walls. I hope you will join me on this adventure.

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests - Not included in this newsletter but if you would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter. If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

This week we continue the series “Sex and the Saints” with the message –‘God’s plan for living together’. God has given us marriage to protect the intimacy shared in that relationship; and to protect the fruit of that intimacy.

Bible Reading Genesis 2: 24-25; Proverbs30: 18-19; Mathew 1: 18-25

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Apology from Pr Rolly …

Following last Sunday’s message, God’s Blueprint for Intimacy, we received several comments about the inappropriateness and timing of that message – especially as it was a Step Up to First Communion service with extended families and friends visiting. Since it was still school holidays and therefore NO Kidzone, younger children were present in the service – a fact that I sadly overlooked.

With regard to Step Up to First Communion, what should have been a milestone celebration for extended family and friends was ruined for some by my choice of topic on that day.
And for parents with young children, this may have raised the issue of sexuality in an inappropriate forum - when parents would have much rather raised and explored this subject at home with their children.
This was my mistake. It was pastorally irresponsible and caused unnecessary offence towards Jesus and his family here at Good Shepherd. In hindsight, I realize it would have been better to start this series the following week when there is Kids Zone for the children. I should have thought through our series planning more carefully.
Since I have committed my life to sharing the Good News of Jesus and building up the body of Christ, I am grieved in knowing that I may have in any way damaged HIS Church.
So friends, I am sorry for the offence and embarrassment I have caused within this community and among your families and friends. I ask you to forgive me.
Please be assured that we will seek to avoid similar problems with our planning in the future. I look forward to continuing the journey of following Jesus with you.
God bless you and keep you in his care!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Hi, Koolio here.

Looking forward to seeing you all! Koolio

Term 3
Program starts
this Sunday 31^st July @ 8:45am and 10:30am

8:45am: ages 3-8

10:30am: ages 0-12 (including baby zone for ages 0-2)

ALL WELCOME

www.paravista.org.au

Church & Conference…ATTENTION all children and family volunteers at PV

I will be attending this conference and would love you to join me. Laura

Church &.... is about being all that is church with families.

It will be a time to experiencing creative, messy & 'All-Age' worship, explore Fresh Expressions & develop ways for people of all ages, stages & backgrounds to be church together.

The conference will include keynote sessions from Lucy Moore as well as a large range of workshops & sharing of local stories.

Dates: 4th – 6th August 2011

Thursday and Friday: 9:15am - 3pm for family ministry leaders
Saturday: 9.15am - 4.30pm for all leaders and children’s ministry volunteers in SA

Registration: Required

Contact Jo Lohmeyer for more details:
P: 08 8236 4246 or E: children@sa.uca.org.au

Sponsored by: Mission Resourcing Network, Uniting College & Media Com

The next youth event is on the 29^th of August in the School Gym! The timetable says we are having a movie night, but a few changes are being made, so we won’t be watching a movie. But, we will be having an awesome night! Emma Kluge and I will be sharing a message God has put on our hearts, as well as having life group time and fun and games! If you are in years 7-12 come along and bring a friend!!!

For a printed copy of the above timetable please see the youth notice board at the back of the church.
More information about Ignite youth can be found at http://www.paravista.org.au/
Sophie Gerrie
Youth and Young Adults Team Leader

Guest performance and workshop for kids
Sunday 7^th August @ 10:30am

One50 Dance clubs provide a place for young people to come and be encouraged and inspired through the rapidly growing dance style known as
street funk or hip-hop.

Come along for an incredible morning of hip hop dance as one50 share their talents, testimonies and passions. Check out www.one50.com for more info on the ministry.

Women's Fellowship

Tuesday 2^nd August in the church hall at 1.00pm

Pastor Noel Kluge will lead bible study
The guest speaker Margie Seidel will share her life story
There will be a trading table and afternoon tea

God has raised up exciting new ministries in the life of our church by drawing people together who share similar dreams and passions. We believe that this is only the beginning and God has so much more he wants to reveal to us.

Come and join us on Saturday 20^th August, 9am – 12noon to listen to God and share what he is placing on our hearts. This time is open to everyone and even if you have never been part of something like this before, please come along. We are sure you will be able to contribute. If you are coming please register by emailing churchenquiries@paravista.org.au, or calling the office on 8263 5087, or via your welcome card during the Sunday service.

There is also a Prayer night planned for Tuesday 9^th August in the church beginning at 7.30pm to cover our time together on the 20^th August in prayer. We would love you to join us for this too.

A follow up meeting will be held Saturday 10^th September, 9am – 12noon to reflect on all the responses and prayerfully discern the key themes God has communicated to us and what future directions we will take in response to this. While it would be great for people to attend both sessions, it is fine to attend just one of the sessions. Your input will be valued either way.

If you have any questions about “What’s next Lord?” don’t hesitate to ask Pastor Noel.

Form the Office

Bin Security area

The area behind the temporary office building has been secured with gates as a safety measure to prevent our bins being used to create fires.

The padlocks have been adjusted so that the key can only be removed when the padlock is locked. This is to prevent the padlocks disappearing if they are accidentally left unlocked.

New phone cabling

As mentioned in an earlier Weekly News tree roots are causing problems with the church and school phone and IT lines. These cables run under the car park from the gate at Hilary Crescent to the school.

To lessen the cost, the new cable will be run under the garden bed. This will unfortunately necessitate the removal of 4 of the gum trees. This will be done progressively over the next couple of months. The first tree was removed this week. It was found to be infested with white ants so it’s life was already limited. Once the cable has been laid this garden area will be redeveloped with suitable plants.

Golden Grove Lutheran Fishing club

The next outing for the Golden Grove Lutheran Fishing club will be held on Saturday 9^th August at Port Noarlunga. Meet at Port Noarlunga jetty at 1pm. There is no cost involved, just bring some fishing gear if you own some and chairs, refreshments sun cream etc.. If you don’t own any gear and just want to find out more about fishing etc. you are very welcome. This is a family event so bring the whole family. 40% of the members are female. Another event will be held on the 10^th September at Ardrossan.

For further information ring Zimmo on 8289 1212 or Graeme on 0419 828 091

‘The Lutheran’

AUGUST ISSUE OUT NOW

AFTER THE MUD HAS DRIED

New hope after all

JOURNEY OF REFLECTION
Novar Gardens’ multi-sensory prayer and meditation experience

BEATING BURNOUT

Lay Workers Conference addresses critical issue of self care

11 issues per year; $39 Australia, $41 New Zealand

You can SUBSCRIBE ON-LINE www.thelutheran.com.au or contact the office

Parents/Caregivers at Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Para Vista
“Toolbox” Parenting Course
Nothing gives parents more pleasure than seeing their children grow and mature in the family. The six sessions of this course will provide you with the skills and strategies towards being the parent you have always hoped to be. You will be given insight into the particular challenges and unique opportunities that the middle years (6 – 12 year olds) bring and you will gain tools for confidently handling the challenges that arise along the way. Please note; there will not be a crèche, so you will need to organise your own babysitters for those mornings. Book now!

Six DAY sessions at Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Para Vista

Session One:          8 August 2011, Monday, 9am to 11am
Session Two:          15 August 2011, Monday, 9am to 11am
Session Three:       22 August 2011, Monday, 9am to 11am
Session Four:         29 August 2011, Monday, 9am to 11am
Session Five:          5 September 2011, Monday, 9am to 11am
Session Six:           12 September 2011, Monday, 9am to 11am

Annual FUEL Conference 2011 “Loving Life”

When: 20^th – 21^st August

Where: Concordia College in Highgate.

Cost: $95

Registration: forms online www.lysa.com.au/fuel/Conference2011 or on notice board

Clothes Swap: bring 5-10 preloved, clean, in good condition items for swapping and donation

Accommodation: not provided - leave a message for Bec 08 8267 5211 if there are difficulties

MOVE Urban Dance Classes have begun…

Term 3 - Thursday 28^th July - 29th September (10 weeks)*

Check out our church website (under Kingdom Kids- children and family) or previous editions of the ‘weekly news’ for class times, prices and locations. See you there.

Contact Laura to register: lcarson@paravista.org.au or 8263 5087 (leave a message)

*there are still spaces available in all classes

Saturday Morning Fitness Class – Term 3 begins on the 30^th July. 9am-10am in the school gym. All welcome. Please note that the class price has increased to $7 per week, to ensure costs are covered. Thanks

Intro to Finance http://www.lca.org.au/twentyvision/index1.html

LCA Administration http://www.lca.org.au/twentyvision/index2.html

Governance http://www.lca.org.au/twentyvision/index3.html

Information on the above workshops can also be found in the information rack

The Bible League

Adelaide Show Outreach

Please see the notice board for information on how you can generously respond to spreading the seed of God’s word in people’s hearts at the Royal Adelaide Show. Free entry passes are supplied to volunteers who are able to work one or more shift of three hours on the stand.

Contact: Con Schlenk 8359 1965, Paul Schubert 8362 4072 or Wyndham Dix 8278 6031 for more information.