Weekly News: 09/01/2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

2nd October 2011

The (good news)-

story behind the story

The story -

"In times of trouble look up to the Lord!"

In an article on page 19 of the Sunday Mail on 18^th September there was a significant story, ‘Brave Melissa’s giant strides’. (see photo) On the 30^th June this year Melissa, a former Endeavour College student and a young woman full of life, suffered a life threatening stroke because of a brain tumour. Complications caused the delay of the operation to remove the tumour until the 11^th August. Melissa was only given a 5% chance to live!

The morning after the operation, the surgeon visited Melissa and in discussion told Melissa that she should be able to get out of bed and sit in a chair in about 4 days. However before the surgeon had arrived that morning she had already been out of bed and had spent time sitting in the chair! A short time later Melissa was transferred to Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre.

Amazingly on Sunday 18^th September Melissa participated in the City-Bay ‘Fun’ Run. She finished the 12 kilometres with limited use of the wheelchair. She actually walked the last two kilometres and actually ran for a short time. Heather Kennett, health reporter at the Sunday Mail wrote [in part], “Melissa’s surgeon said that she and other medical staff were amazed by Melissa and her family’s courage and positive attitude”

- Behind the story:

“In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise Your name forever.” Psalm 44:8

Melissa’s mum, Sandy was a regular attendee at Good Shepherd for a few months nearly five years ago. Due to ill health and personal issues Sandy was unable to continue to physically attend so she was ministered to through the Shepherding and Care Team and “Food For Families”. In August 2008 Kaye Pfeiffer joined the Shepherding and Care Team and began regularly visiting and ministering to Sandy. At Christmas 2009 a small group blessed her ‘out of her socks’ with a Christmas hamper. When that small group divided to rebirth another group and grow, Kaye continued visiting Sandy and the now two small groups kept her in their prayers. In early 2010 Sandy joined the small group becoming an active member. When she could, she came with members of the small group to help with church cleaning.
On the evening of 30^th June at 9:00pm Kaye Pfeiffer took a frantic call from Sandy telling of Melissa’s dilemma and advising that the doctors did not believe that Mel would survive the night. Scans showed a large tumour on her brain. Kaye & husband Ian went in to be with Sandy in ICU, praying with her. All of the group were notified and a prayer chain began. A long and uncertain journey had begun. Melissa’s name was added to our prayer list and the home group continued to support Sandy with meals and transport and being with her physically and in prayer. Sitting with Melissa in hospital, besides praying, Sandy knitted and did counted cross stitch taught to her by the women of the group (Yvonne Rosemary Janice Helen Kaye). The simple undertaking in teaching this to Sandy was expressively therapeutic to her at that time!

I believe that the Lord has certainly answered Sandy and the group’s prayers. This is a good news story of a small group in a loving relationship, who through dedication, commitment were able to show spiritual support and material comfort.

It is a good news…no a great news story. We praise God as this reinforces that God is alive and active among His people and through His people; and builds up our faith and trust in Him. We give God the glory! Our purpose on earth is to do just that…give God the glory through ALL we say and are and do, as we become His hands and feet.

And how has Sandy come out of this trauma and distress? …. That’s another good news story!

Keep Melissa in your prayers as she is having MRI scans on October 7^th.

Barry Klaer

Pastoral Care & Fellowship Team Leader

Prayer Requests - For privacy the prayer list is not included in this Blog but if you would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this site. 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 in our series PARABLES WITH PUNCH - STORIES THAT STIR. This week’s message is “The parable of the persistent widow”. " Do you have someone that just wears you down, hounding you until you break?

“I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!” (Luke 18:4b-5)

Bible Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

School holidays – please note there will be no kingdom kids on the 2^nd, 9^th or 16^th of October due to the school holidays. Our term 4 program will kick off on the 23^rd October. Check out our church website over the next few weeks for our program.

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

lcarson@paravista.org.au

Women's Fellowship
Tuesday 4^th October in the church hall at 1.00pm.

Pastor Noel Kluge will lead bible study.
Bring your bibles or use the ones provided for a bible quiz lead by Venie
There will be a trading table and afternoon tea.

And on a quiet Sunday….!

We praise God for a full day of celebrations last Sunday 25^th September.

After welcoming two ladies into membership at the 8:45am service, a further fifteen people were welcomed into our church family at the 10:30am service. And we further praise God for husband and wife, Sooty and Alice Lor as they were also baptised into the community of all believers.

At the 8:45am service, Roswitha Buck and Faye Godfrey are welcomed into membership by Pastor Noel.

At the 10:30am service, 15 people are welcomed into membership; [Là R] Richard Hein holding Oliver, Natalie Gschwandtner, Belay and Sue Zelleke, Libby and Tim Steinborner, Sandra Howe and Michael Lungwitz, Pastor Noel, Christine Doran, Rhonda Hautop, George de Jong, Alice and Sooty Lor, Hannah and Tim Stewart.

As well as coming into membership, Alice and Sooty Lor became members of the wider Christian community by both being baptised

Pastor Noel Kluge baptising Alice Lor

…and Alice’s husband Sooty. Sooty born in Thailand

And after the morning services….

I want to thank everyone who were able to join in and share the as we celebrated our cultural diversity as one under our Lord Christ Jesus.

Many nations, all one under on banner Christ Jesus!

The national dress from Africa, Australia, India, Germany, Scotland (David was so pleased to still squeeze into the kilt!), Malaysia, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka and other counties were represented and certainly added to the colour and spectacle of the day. Many of the Kingdom Kids also came dressed in costumes and helped with providing food.

David Jock in Southern Sudanese national dress holding his daughter Nyamal

Malaysian born Jason Yap showing the Malaysian flag to Chinese born Yu (known as Vincent) Feng

Belay Zelleke born Ethiopia with wife Sue in national dress.

Thank you for the delicious food from good old English bangers and mash, American mini hot-dogs and mustard, Aussie pie-floaters to the more exotic Asian and continental dishes. Every meal looked and was so scrumptious.

Thank you, not only to the Hospitality Team, but also those who pitched in to help clean and tidy afterwards.
Barry Klaer & Hospitality Team.

From the office

Staff on Leave: Pastor Rolly from 1^st – 10^th October.

Pastor Noel will be attending Christian Life Week from 3^rd to 11^th October then on leave from 12^th -16^th October.

Over the next couple of months we will be acknowledging the work of many of the teams that contribute to the life and smooth running of our congregation.

This week we acknowledge the work of the Facilities Management Team. The Team is responsible for ensuring that all our facilities - including the manse – are safe and are in good condition. They meet on a monthly basis and management a budget of $11000.

If the skills of the Team and time allow, Team members complete the jobs required. If not they employ tradespeople. Major jobs completed this year include the Family Room, replacing the air con in the church, increasing water supply to the church, replacing step to the temporary offices, completing the hall upgrade, new storage in kitchen and putting a sliding door on Technical storeroom.

We thank the Team for their dedication and the wonderful job they do keeping our facilities safe and in good condition.

Hosted by Mrs. Miriam Smith, Mayor of Tea Tree Gully, you are invited to hear guest speaker Tony Gattari CEO of Achievers Group Pty Ltd and ex GM of Harvey Norman Computer & Communications Division.

Born in Sydney’s outer western suburbs Tony graduated from university with a business degree. Beginning his own business venture he overcame technology stock crashes, collapsed business partnerships and nervous investors. Surviving a “perfect storm” he emerged as CEO of a profitable business.

While being a very busy in his business, Tony dedicates time to spend encouraging youth at Teen Challenge.

Friday 21^st October 2011 6:45am for 7.00am start till 8.45am at Sfera’s on the Park

191 Reservoir Road Modbury Bookings are essential. $30 each or table of 10 for $280 RSVP by Friday 14^th October

Any further enquires contact me. I am attending and looking to get a table together.

Barry Klaer Pastoral Care

From the Board

One of the major responsibilities of the Board is to ensure that Good Shepherd is a safe place for all – staff, volunteers, those who call Good Shepherd their church home and visitors. This covers a wide spectrum of providing a safe physical environment and the protection and care of the individual.

The Board achieves this through ensuring policies and practices are in place and through the various teams who have responsibilities in these areas. At each Board meeting there is an OHS agenda item where issues about safety are discussed and reported on.

To support the Board in ensuring the Good Shepherd is a safe place for all we have made the following appointments.

OHS Co-ordinator who will always be the Administration Manager. The co-ordinator is to ensure all policies, procedures and practises are in place.

Health and Safety Officer who will always be the Team Leader of the Facilities Management Team. The HSO is to ensure that policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to.

Staffing change in 2012

It is with much sadness I announce that Dean Eaton will not be continuing on as part of our staff team in 2012. While Dean has been employed full time, our regular budget has only ever had provision for a half-time position. The other half of Dean’s salary has been made possible due to some very generous one off donations and a budget surplus in 2010. This will not be the case in 2012 and we have had to make the hard decision of cutting back Dean’s role to around half time in 2012.

Dean requires a full time role and security of tenure. Efforts up to this point have not found another complementary half-time role somewhere else. It will be much easier for Dean to find a full time position in pastoral ministry than a half time role that will enable him to stay at Good Shepherd. On this basis Dean has indicated that he will finish up at the end of the year. Dean is committed to finishing well his time with us. Please keep Dean in your prayers asking God to provide him with a new role that will fully utilise his experience and gifting for the kingdom.

Pastor Noel Kluge

Financial Report

January –August 2011

Income		Expenditure
August		August
Offerings	$ 38586( budget $40000)
Other	$ 1699
Total	$ 40285	$ 53287
January- August		January- August
Offerings	$ 332506(budget $330500)
Other	$ 36135
Total	$ 368641	$ 364825

Comments:
The reason for the large deficit for August was that this was 1 of 2 months in 2011 when there are 3 pay periods in a month. This was factored into the budget for 2011.

On the notice board

'Preparing for Marriage' Course

Saturday 22 [9am-5pm] and Sunday 23 October 2011 [1pm-5pm]

Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Rd, Para Vista

Cost: $160/couple if both employed; $85 if one employed; $65 if neither employed/students.

For registrations or more information: Tel: 8331 3111; Email: magill@lccare.org.au

Mango Fundraiser

Members with children at Good Shepherd Primary will already be aware of this year’s annual Mango Fundraiser. The fundraiser benefits the Ferryden Park Aboriginal Fellowship which has been run over the last few years. As always, half of your mango money supports other mission needs in Australia and overseas.

To order, I can electronically forward an order form to you. This has bank transfer information; or

Place your money in a sealed envelope with your name and number of boxes required on the front marked ‘attention Barry’. Leave this at the front office no later than 9^th October.

The cost is $30.00 per 10kg box - share 1/2 box with a friend if you can’t cope with that quantity!

Pick up/delivery will be from the school in early November - date to be confirmed.

Barry Klaer BKlaer@paravista.org.au

“In reality, humility means nothing other than complete honesty about yourself

William Countryman

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm

Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Friday, September 23, 2011

25 September 2011

The Privilege of Sharing

The story is told of a farmer who one day went happily and with great joy in his heart to report to his wife and family that their prize cow had given birth to twin calves, one red and one white. And he said, “You know, I have suddenly had a feeling and impulse that we must dedicate one of these calves to the Lord. We will bring them up together, and when the time comes we will sell one and keep the proceeds, and we will sell the other and give the proceeds to the work of the Lord.”

His wife asked him which one he was going to dedicate to the Lord. “There is no need to bother about that now”, he replied, “we will treat them both in the same way, and when the time comes we will do as I say.” And off he went.

In a few months the man entered his kitchen looking very miserable and unhappy. When his wife asked him what was troubling him, he answered, “I have bad news to give to you. The Lord’s calf is dead.” “But”, she said, “you had not decided which was to be the Lord’s calf.” Oh yes,” he said; “I had always decided it was to be the white one, and it is the white one that has died. The Lord’s calf is dead.“

We may laugh at that story, but God forbid that we should be laughing at ourselves. It is always the Lord’s calf that dies. When money becomes difficult, the first thing we economize on is our contribution to God’s work.

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthians who were living with plenty to excel in their giving to Gods work with finances as well as in support for those working in leadership roles in the work.

“But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Cor. 8:7)

The “grace of giving” Paul was referring to was a financial offering shared by a group of believers that had very little—the Macedonian churches.

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.” (2 Cor. 8:1-5)

These words encourage us today, whether we be in poverty or plenty to likewise excel in our financial giving today, the giving of ourselves to the work of the Lord, and the grace of respect for one another who strive together in the work.

I encourage you today and each week to honour our Lord richly with an act of generous worship through sacrificial giving.

Your friend in Jesus,

Dean Eaton

Prayer Requests - : For privacy the prayer list is not included in this Blog but if you would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this site. 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 in our series PARABLES WITH PUNCH - STORIES THAT STIR. This week’s message is titled “Rich man – Poor Man”. "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. (Lk 16:13-14)

Bible Reading: Luke 16:19-31

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Cultural Celebration Sunday 25^th September 2011

We have had an amazing term in Kingdom Kids and will be finishing the term with a Cultural Celebration on Sunday 25^th September. The Kids will be having a special lesson at both morning services and are encouraged to come dressed in traditional clothing from a country of their choice. We will also be enjoying a church lunch in the hall after the 10:30am service (thanks to the hospitality team), but encourage any families who would like to bring a cultural dish (to share) to contribute in this way. It is going to be a wonderful celebration of all the many and different cultures we are blessed to have in this country and particularly in this church.

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

lcarson@paravista.org.au

Saturday Morning Fitness

Is back on this weekend. Hope to see you there. 9-10am in the school gym. $7 per class, all welcome.

CELEBRATIONS OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY

MEMBERSHIP IN CHRIST and CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

CELEBRATIONS OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY, MEMBERSHIP IN CHRIST & CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

I’m really excited! This Sunday is shaping up to be one very big day to particularly praise God!

Firstly, there are two persons coming in to membership at the 8:45am service. At the 10:30am service about 14 people are coming into membership. Two of those new members are going to be baptised? Further reason to celebrate the greatness of the Lord!

Then after the 10:30am service festivities begin as we celebrate with thanksgiving our God appointed cultural merge, bought together as one under the Lordship of Christ Jesus, by sharing a meal together.

I have now established that our church family has many who were born overseas; in fact the number of countries represented is nearly 30!! They include; South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia, England, Ireland, Scotland, India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Czechoslovakia, Poland, China, Philippians, Malaysia, America, Papua New Guinea, Greece, Germany, Italy, Holland, Denmark, Malta, Liberia, Estonia, Japan, Uganda, and a few Australians (and I think some are from another planet!)

What a beautiful world mix of people as a church family we are!

“Hallelujah” is a universal word meaning Praise God so let’s do that by joining together and celebrating together over a meal.

Kingdom Kids are being encouraged to come in traditional dress from their country of choice. You too are invited, no strongly encouraged, to wear a national costume of the country in which you were born. I am bringing in dense jungle for the ladies born in Papua New Guinea! There are a number who have hinted that they are going to wear their national dress so bold and be involved in the fun.

And we are going to praise God as we celebrate together with a variety of food from different countries.

Can I encourage you to help with this meal by bringing a plate to supplement the International dishes which will be presented? They will be greatly appreciated.

Barry Klaer P.C. & F. in conjunction with Laura Carson, Family & Children’s Ministry

Ignite Youth For activities please go to our website www.paravista.org.au

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

sgerrie@paravista.org.au

Women @ PV

Women @ PV – Ladies, next Friday night (30^th September) our church will be transformed into a entertainment venue for a night of talent, inspiration and fantastic music. Grab yourself a flier from the church or jump onto the church website or our face book page for all the details. Please invite your friends and if you love to get a little dressed up, this is your night! If you would prefer not to get dressed up…THAT IS FINE!!! Please don’t let this stop you from coming. Gold coin donation at the door. See you ALL on Friday night!! Oh and ladies, bring your daughters! All ages welcome. women@paravista.org.au

Women's Fellowship

Tuesday 4^th October in the church hall at 1.00pm.

Pastor Noel Kluge will lead bible study.
Bring your bibles or use the ones provided for a bible quiz lead by Venie
There will be a trading table and afternoon tea.

Hosted by Mrs. Miriam Smith, Mayor of Tea Tree Gully, you are invited to hear guest speaker Tony Gattari CEO of Achievers Group Pty Ltd and ex GM of Harvey Norman Computer & Communications Division.

While being a very busy in his business, Tony dedicates time to spend encouraging youth at Teen Challenge.

Friday 21^st October 2011 6:45am for 7.00am start till 8.45am at Sfera’s on the Park

191 Reservoir Road Modbury Bookings are essential. $30 each or table of 10 for $280 RSVP by Friday 14^th October

Any further enquires contact me. I am attending and looking to get a table together.

Barry Klaer Pastoral Care

Overseas Mission Fundraising

Sue’s Cards – This Sunday.

Sue will be selling her famous cards after both morning services this Sunday.

All proceeds go towards our mission outreach programs.

‘The Lutheran’

OCT0BER ISSUE OUT NOW

THE BIG ONE!

The Lutheran wins Christian publishing’s premier award

HEARTBREAK IN ALICE
The price of alcoholism

SHEDDING THE MASKS

Men are ‘getting real’ at Shed Nights

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

You can SUBSCRIBE ON-LINE www.thelutheran.com.au

or contact the office 8263 5087 for details

From the Board

Are you heading north next winter??

The Synod of the SA District will be held next year in Alice Springs from the 6^th to 8^th of July. If you are heading north at this time you may consider representing Good Shepherd as one of our delegates.

If travelling by car (+ caravan) the congregation will help meet your travelling costs and pay for your accommodation for the duration of the Synod.

You may not have plans to travel north but could be interested in being a delegate.

For more details contact John Dolling at the church.

Replacement air conditioner.

On recommendation from the Facilities Management Team and Finance Team the Board has agreed to replace the western air conditioner roof unit in the church. The old conditioner had passed its expected life span and was breaking down regularly and parts were no longer available. The cover of the air con was also disintegrating due to UV rays.

The new air conditioner has the latest technology and can be operated at higher speed with limited noise so will be much more effective in hot weather. This is funded through the Asset Replacement Account and therefore will not affect the 2011 budget.

Position vacant Care taker Good Shepherd

For the last 2 years Tad Abbott has done a great job as Caretaker at Para Vista. Due to studies he can no longer fill this position.

The job entails ensuring the complex is ready for services on Sunday by checking chairs in the church, tidying the foyers, emptying bins. This can be done on Friday pm or Saturday.

On Sunday or Monday put away tables and chairs in the hall, sweep hall, empty bins and check tidiness of church. This ensures that the complex is tidy and ready for ministries to use during the week.

This is a paid position. For more details check our web site under Members/Positions Vacant or contact John Dolling at the church – 0409819864 or jdolling@paravista.org.au

From the office

Please note office closed for staff meeting

On Thursday 29^th Sepember from 9.00 to 10.00am.

On the notice board

Saturday 15^th October 2011 at St John’s Lutheran Church Tree Gully.

Contact Sharon Minge 0413 809 926 ttglutheran@adelaide.on.net or 8396 4466

'Preparing for Marriage' Course

Saturday 22 [9am-5pm] and Sunday 23 October 2011 [1pm-5pm]

Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Rd, Para Vista

Cost: $160/couple if both employed; $85 if one employed; $65 if neither employed/students.

For registrations or more information: Tel: 8331 3111; Email: magill@lccare.org.au

Christian Community Care Sunday

At Lutheran Community Care we respond to the immediate needs of people as well as supporting them to grow stronger so that they can cope when things get tough. Some of the programs we are currently working in and for which we ask your prayer and support.

Central Australia, Foster Care, Support for vulnerable families and Refugee Services.

AUSTRALIAN LUTHERAN WORLD SERVICE is seeking the services of a full-time

ACCOUNTANT & OFFICE MANAGER