This is the title of our new worship series kicking off this Sunday morning. Over the weeks ahead, we’re going to unpack a bunch of Jesus' stories. I’m really looking forward to this!
Some things are so important they must be shared in a story.
Theologian William Bausch writes: “Systematic theology engages the intellect; story telling engages the heart… Propositions are statements on a page; stories are events in a life. Doctrine is the material of texts; story is the stuff of life.”# We can know Bible truth in our minds - without it having much effect on the way we live. Yet when a story cuts you to the heart, it has the power to change you forever.
While many things impress me about Jesus, his stories are sheer genius. Jesus used imagery from everyday life of the marketplace, agriculture, fishing, politics, and commerce to describe the kingdom of God kingdom of God
In his cultural context, Jesus’ stories are not schmaltzy "feel good" tales - they are radical to the extreme. In his stories:
· Jesus paints pictures of what the kingdom of God
· Jesus turns many cultural values of his day - and ours - upside down.
· Jesus draws us into a situation and confronts us with the values behind our choices.
· Jesus uncovers some of our wrong assumptions about life.
· Jesus holds up a mirror for us to see our souls in the clear light of the kingdom of God
· Jesus assures us of the Father’s constant concern, love, and kindness.
· Jesus engages our imaginations, touches our hearts, and transforms our lives.
Jesus’ stories have a way of scratching below the surface. Sometimes, this may make us feel a little uncomfortable. Yet in our discomfort, we get to discover more about the goodness and grace of God.
Come and be part of God’s unfolding story!
Pr Rolly Stahl
# William J. Bausch, Storytelling Imagination and Faith (Connecticut: Twenty Third Publications, 1996), 27-28.
This week the 8.45am and 10.30am communities start a new series PARABLES WITH
PUNCH - STORIES THAT STIR. This Sunday we look at the parable of the sower “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken away from them.” Matthew 13:9-11
PUNCH - STORIES THAT STIR. This Sunday we look at the parable of the sower “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken away from them.” Matthew 13:9-11
Bible Reading: Matthew 13:1-15
The 6.00pm community will finish the series “Sex and the Saints” with the topic God’s design for dating. Bible Reading : Eccl 4:7-12; Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Thess 4:1-8
Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au
Bring a Friend Adventure Day – Run by some of the Ignite Youth Leadership Team
What: a fun and God centered day of games, activities, craft, music and movementWhen: Sunday 28th August at both the 8:45am and 10:30am services
Where: in the OSHC room
Who: everyone is welcome. Kids, bring a friend or two and get ready to have a blast!
We will also be preparing for Father’s day and our involvement in the morning services on the 4th September. Keep your eyes out for the newsletter and ‘Bring a friend invite’ coming out soon.
New steps forwards
As a young mum and the Team Leader of Children and Family Ministry at PV, I strongly encourage all families within this community to come along to the “What’s Next Lord” conference, to be held this Saturday morning at the church. I have already received so many ideas dreams and visions from families within this church, school and extended community regarding Children and Family Ministry; our school, our Sunday kids’ program, messy church, outreach opportunities, faith at home resources, milestone ministries, play group and more. I am pumped but can’t make any of this happen on my own. These dreams and visions need to come from God, and need to be brought to life by the members of this church. You will not regret giving the time to come along and hear from God. Together we can continue to become a church which reaches out and impacts the kingdom. More details will be listed in the blog. DON’T MAKE EXCUSES…JUST COME!!!
8:45AM KINGDOM KIDS NEEDS YOUR HELP
Each Sunday during the school term Kingdom Kids runs for children aged 3-8 during the 8:45am Sunday service. Due to child safe laws we must have 2 adults rostered on each week; a teacher and an assistant. We currently have the parents of regular participants running the program, but are in need of a few more helpers. Please consider coming along to help, even if it is only once or twice a term. Team assistants don’t need to do any preparation but need to have a passion and interest in seeing children nurtured and encouraged in their faith. It doesn’t matter what age you are or whether or not you have children. If interested please email me, call me or make a note on your welcome card. We hope you can join the team. Laura
No Saturday fitness this week. Due to the ‘What’s next Lord’ Conference, Saturday morning fitness has been cancelled this week. I look forward to seeing you back on the 27th August. Keep up the great work!
I will be away till the end of September. If you have any questions please contact the office, 8263 5087.
Blessings,
Sophie Gerrie
Youth and Young Adults Team Leader
Women's Fellowship
next meet on Tuesday 6th September in the church hall at 1.00pm.
Pastor Rolly Stahl will lead bible study.
This month’s guest speaker Dot Stagg is from Offender's Aid and Rehabilitation Services (OARS).
There will be a trading table and afternoon tea.
This month’s guest speaker Dot Stagg is from Offender's Aid and Rehabilitation Services (OARS).
There will be a trading table and afternoon tea.
Mission news
PANCAKE DAY
The Overseas Mission Fundraising Team will be holding a Pancake Day on Sunday 28th August after both morning services.
$1 for a yummy pancake with a choice of maple syrup or lemon juice and sugar.
Thankyou for your continued support. All proceeds to Cebu Missionary Foundation in the Philippines.
Spring/Summer Plant Stall
In June we held a successful plant stall....thank you to all who donated and bought plants. I had several people ask if we would be holding a Spring/Summer stall, so we thought we would try that this time. It will be held on Sun 9th October. So if you have plants in your garden that can be potted up or pots that need to be divided, then pot them up now and bring them along in October. Looking forward to your support once again. All proceeds will be going to Cebu Mission Foundation in the Philippines.
Thanks from Joan McCarthy and Overseas Mission Fundraising Team
From the office
Permission to publish photos
We would like to keep our community up to date with all the exciting things happening here at Para Vista. Everyone knows a picture says a thousand words but we cannot publish them if we do not have your permission.
Thank you to all who have filled in the permission form.
If you have not yet filled in a form, please complete the Permission to use your photo form available from the information area, and return to the church office pigeon hole.
Please note office closed for staff meeting
On Thursday 25th Aug from 9.00 to 10.00am
Friends of Lutheran Archives meeting. Topic: Siassi: another day in paradise. Or is it? Was it ever? Speaker: Colin Hayter. The Siassi islands of New Guinea recently celebrated 100 years since the coming of the Gospel. Colin taught at Siassi in 1965-1972. At Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, Adelaide, on Monday 22nd August at 7.30pm. Supper. Gold coin donation.
A new way to show Dad how much you care.
Can’t think of anything special to get your Dad this Father’s Day? His drawers are already full of socks and hankies….and his tummy probably shouldn’t have any more choccies.
Why not choose a Lutheran Community Care Kit for Dad this Father’s Day?
With these special kits, you get a wonderful and meaningful Father’s Day card for your Dad….while your actual gift provides care and support to South Aussie Dads and families doing it tough.
Care kit brochures can be obtained from the information area or contact Thelma Eckert on 8359 7106.
Calling all Bikers!
Lutheran Community Care
Thank you to the many loyal supporters for your generosity towards LCC Winter Appeal.
Just a reminder to those who have not yet made their donations… We still need your help to keep up the demand for assistance during this very cold winter. Your donation will buy warm clothes, blankets and food for the people sleeping rough or doing it tough.
From the church board
Funding the mission
The current picture
Weekly offerings continue to provide the financial foundation for the achievement of our mission. However as we progress further towards our mission, both within and beyond our local community, we cannot hope to fund the associated costs entirely from weekly offerings.
Additional sources of funding
The congregation has established a Foundation. This provides an excellent opportunity to support our mission on an annual basis. This is because only the annual interest is available for use so that the capital provides an ongoing additional source of annual income. $100,000 in the Foundation would provide $4,500 (on present LLL interest rates) additional income to be used to achieve our mission.
How can you contribute to the Foundation?
If you would like to annually impact progress towards our mission this can be done in 3 ways:
- by making a one off donation (tax refund time)
- by making regular contributions
- through a bequest.
For more details:
- full details are in the Funding the Mission brochure in the members Information Area in the foyer.
- contact John Dolling the Administration Manager (8263 5087) or jdolling@paravista.org.au
Foundation account details
Lutheran Layperson’s League
Account Name: PV Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Foundation
BSB: 704942
Account No: 128168 (add S1 if transferring from another LLL account)
On the notice board
Warrambui Retreat and Conference Centre is a Lutheran Campsite in NSW. Each year six 12-month internships are offered to young people, providing an opportunity to serve, grow and be discipled within a Christian community which seeks to serve others and glorify God.
Interns experience many opportunities for personal growth and service to over 8000 guests who stay at Warrambui each year. This often includes cooking, teaching programs to school children, cleaning and performing some general maintenance. Interns are also involved in regular team discipleship times, mentoring sessions, team retreats and NSW Ministry Camps.
Please note that the closing date for applications is the 30th September 2011.
AngliCare: Foster careers are urgently required to provide overnight and emergency, long term, short term and respite care. Information Session Tuesday 13th September at the Mawson Centre, 2-8 Main Street, Mawson Lakes from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
"Bringing Restoration" Charity Concert
Friday 23rd September from 7:00pm - 10:00pm
South Australian Folk Centre, Corner South and George Street, Thebarton
All tickets at the door. Feature Artist: Joe Man Murphy. There will also be a variety of other artists of various styles.
Adults $15 Concession $12 Folk Centre Members $10 Children.
Tutor available
See qualifications on the notice board.
Women’s Weekend Longwood Camp
September 9th-11th September 2011 you are invited to take a ‘Wonder Full World’ weekend journey packed with friendship, fun, God and spiritual growth. Further information on the notice board or contact Our Saviour Lutheran Church on 8270 4466.
RAISING GIRLS
Steve Biddulph is one of the world's best loved authors and speakers.
His work on boys has changed how we raise and educate boys.
Here's your chance to hear his new presentation!
Monday 26th September at Immanuel College Auditorium, Novar Gardens at 7.30 pm.
Bookings must be made in advance Tickets $27.50
Book online at www.trybooking.com/ucf
For more information, contact
Spring Fair St Mark's Anglican Church, Corner The Golden Way and Wynn Vale Drive, Wynn Vale, is holding a Spring Fair on Saturday, 10th September, from 9.00am - 1.00pm.
Cakes, Trash and Treasure including furniture, Children’s toys, Books, Craft, Plants, Sausage Sizzle and Devonshire Teas will be available.
Car Boot Sale - contact 8396 0752. All welcome.
Problems can’t always be solved but they can be managed.
Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au
