The Privilege of Sharing
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
Cultural Celebration Sunday 25th September 2011
We have had an amazing term in Kingdom Kids and will be finishing the term with a Cultural Celebration on Sunday 25th 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
School holidays – please note there will be no kingdom kids on the 2nd, 9th or 16th of October due to the school holidays. Our term 4 program will kick off on the 23rd October. Check out our church website over the next few weeks for our program.
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
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
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 @ PV
Women @ PV – Ladies, next Friday night (30th 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 4th 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.
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.
Born in Sydney CEO of a profitable business.
While being a very busy in his business, Tony dedicates time to spend encouraging youth at Teen Challenge.
Friday 21st 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 14th 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
The price of alcoholism
SHEDDING THE MASKS
Men are ‘getting real’ at Shed Nights
11 issues per year; $39 Australia, $41 New Zealand
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 6th to 8th 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 29th Sepember from 9.00 to 10.00am.
On the notice board
Saturday 15th October 2011 at St John’s Lutheran Church Tree Gully.
'Preparing for Marriage' CourseSaturday 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.
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
Begin 2 January 2012 Applications close on Friday 21 October 2011
Mr Peter Schirmer, PO Box 488, Albury NSW 2640, ph: (02) 6021 5329 (office)email: peters@alws.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 9th 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
Share accommodation
Hectorville - $75 per week, plus expenses. Call Anna K at Cara: 8347 4588 for more details
Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au
