Friday, February 24, 2012

26 February 2012

When you’re at the end of your rope…

Jesus: "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” (Matthew 5:3 MSG)

What do we mean when we say: “I’ve reached the end of my rope?”

I think it happens when we’ve tried everything, but end up getting nowhere - whether it’s fixing something, solving a problem, or reconciling with a family member.  It’s when we finally admit: “This is too hard for me!  I can’t do it myself.  I need help!”

Jesus says that you are blessed by God when you reach the end of your rope. 
Why?  Because when something is too hard for us, that’s when we can turn to God for help.

God is ALWAYS ready to help us.  God wants to give his children GOOD things (cf Luke 11:11-13).   We see that in Jesus!  When people reached the end of their rope and came to Jesus for help, they were made whole, forgiven, freed; they received God’s favour and peace.

Whenever you run out of wisdom, answers, strength, or resources, ask your Father in heaven for help!  James urges us:  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5 NIV)

What do you need God’s help for at the moment? 
             Maybe a relationship that’s conflicted – or a tough personal issue you’re facing?
             Maybe you need God’s help to be less selfish… and kinder to others?
             Maybe past baggage that you can seem to break free of?
             Maybe parenting wisdom, patience, perseverance and love?

Tell your Father in heaven about it, and ask him to help you. 
With more of God and less of us, we will never be the losers!

Pr Rolly Stahl


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 commence a new series, “Jesus crossing the boundaries”. When Mark writes about Jesus crossing the boundaries between heaven and earth he begins by saying, ‘The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.’ (Mark 1:1)

Why is Jesus crossing the boundary from heaven to earth good news? 

Bible Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5; Mark 1:1-13
Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au


Lenten Services
Lenten services will be held in the church at 4.00pm commencing 29th February for 5 weeks. The topic for this week will be “What is Lent?”



Kingdom Kids at the 10:30am service for ages 0-12.

Groups:
Baby Zone (Education Centre) 0-2
Kindy zone (School OSHC Room) 3-5 including reception
Kids Zone (School Library) year levels 1-3
Kool Zone (End Classroom) year levels 4-7 including Junior Assistants

Registration forms: All participants will need to complete a 2012 registration form. This needs to be done by parents/carers but thankfully only one form needs to be filled out per family. To save postage, we will have these available on Sundays before and after Kingdom Kids. Please take a few minutes early in the term to complete a family form. Thank you

Ignite Youth
 Sophie Gerrie


Bring a mate with you for Breakfast at
Good Shepherd  Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road  Para Vista
Saturday 3rd March
Served at 0730
Are you a typical Bloke .. BBQ Chief,
Mr Citizen, Son, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Husband, Neighbour, Drive a car,
A Workmate or Student, Gardener, Like the outdoors,  Spend hours in the shed on projects ?

Do you know the answers to…
What is a Burn? How do you treat a burn?..
Cold water or tried & true butter?
“So what it doesn’t hurt its OK“.
Is this the right answer ? YES or No ??

What happens in the RAH Burns Unit ?
Donation of $5.00 for breakfast costs  is appreciated.  
Any ????’s   Contact Jim 0438 899 629


Women's Fellowship
 Next meet on Tuesday 6th March at 1.00pm in the church hall. The afternoon will include bible study
Guest speaker, Heather Cosh will be sharing her experiences in Uganda and helping to set up Maranatha Health
There will be a trading table and afternoon tea.
The meeting on 3rd April will be a bus outing to Vadoulis Garden Centre, Gawler and includes lunch> Bus leaves Para Vista church at 11.00am and returns at 3.30pm.
Another date for your diary is the LWSA Convention at Loxton on Thursday 3rd May.  If you are interested in a day bus trip for this, please phone Jan on 8264 8288.


BSF (BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP) is an interdenominational women’s bible study happening weekly at Good Shepherd.
Each Tuesday morning from 9:30-11:30 between 50-60 women of all ages are meeting to study God’s word.
Babies and children up to school age are wonderfully cared for and taught in their own age-specific classes.
This year the focus is on the book of Acts. Would you like to join us? Turn up on any Tuesday morning to join an introductory class, or contact Sonia Hulme on 7122 2903 for more information.


Prayer Ministry Night

Tuesday 6th March, 7.30 pm in the Education Centre

This night is for anyone who has been involved in praying for people either during services or after. It is an opportunity to share any concerns, ask questions and have input into our future directions with prayer ministry.

We would also like to grow our pool of people who are equipped to pray for others. If you are interested or have a passion to be involved in praying for others come along to this night. We would love to share with you how you can be involved in being used by God to richly bless others.

If you have any questions please contact Pastor Noel on 8263 5087 or nkluge@paravista.org.au


Hey Ewe! Wot’s your name?

John 10:3 “…He calls his own sheep by name…”
I would like a dollar for every one who has told me that they now do not know the names of many people in the congregation! I am told, “I see them around the place but I don’t know who they are!” They probably don’t know your name either.
We are expanding through church transfers and those beginning a new life in Christ or reconnecting with God. If you have a name badge, please, please wear it. Consider that having a name badge helps people connect and reconnect particularly if they are a visitor. Avoid being sheepishly addressed as, ‘hey ewe!’
Name badges can be ordered by writing “Name Badge” on the Welcome Card or by contacting the office staff on 8263 5087 or churchenquires@paravista.org.au The cost per name badge is $9:50  (Please nominate if you want a magnet, clip or pin backing) 
Barry Klaer,   Pastoral Care and Fellowship (Hospitality and Integration)

Health Care Fellowship Adelaide
End of Life Care
Saturday, 3rd March 2012 9:30am – 3:00pm
Ingle Farm Salvation Army Centre, Corner Bridge and Maxwell Roads, INGLE FARM
This is an incredible and not to be missed opportunity to hear the following key note speakers
Leonora Van TONDER, a trained nurse and midwife and fulltime missionary for 30 years. She speaks on fear at the close of life and how to cope with it.
Lemmy Lao MD – The founder of Health Care Fellowship in 2009, Lemmy will tell the true story of euthanasia.
Trevor Harslett – Compassion and understanding on facing grief and how to deal with pre-arranged funerals.
Marion Seal – Respecting Patient’s Choice Project Manager QEH. Her topic is “Personal Arrangement for End of Life” answering questions regarding power of guardian/power of attorney, how to appoint them and how to make advance life directives regarding your wishes for resuscitation, life support, feeding etc.
Cost for seminar is $25  Concession $15 – includes lunch
Brochures available in rack in narthex
For further information contact Barry Klaer 8263 5087 or
coordinator Margaret Muller  0430 548 849 / 8263 1885
by close of business next Tuesday 28th February 2012
Barry Klaer,  Pastoral Care and Fellowship (Shepherding and Care)

MASTERCHEFS, COOKS OR CHEFS
FOOD FOR FAMILIES NEEDS YOUR HELP
There are several ways to help:
A small group has offered again to have a cook-up. To greatly assist I am asking for your help with donations of non-perishable food, such as pasta, rice, tins of sweet corn, peas, diced or puree tomatoes, tuna, salmon and any other ingredients that will help make a delicious wholesome meal for, well, maybe you!  If you can assist in this area, for your convenience a clearly marked “Food For Families” box is placed in the narthex and front foyer near the hall entrance doors.
Or,…. are you able to prepare ‘one off’ meals for those with special needs, eg. diabetic, gluten free and etc.   If you can assist in this area – and can I say that you do not know how much of a blessing this is to the recipient and us - please contact me at the church office 8263 5087 email bklaer@paravista.org.au or Sue Renfrey on 8250 0576, email rengal9@bigpond.com.
Or… if you are able to prepare several meals for freezer storage, disposable containers are available. Again, contact me and I will arrange for you to be provided with the containers. 
Thank you in anticipation for love and care you provide for others in our church family.
Barry Klaer,  Pastoral Care and Fellowship (Shepherding and Care)
Sue and Graham Renfrey, Food For Families Coordinators.


Reflections for Lent
Mark 1:12, 13 The Temptation of Jesus
"The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him."
Immediately after his baptism where Jesus is claimed as God’s beloved Son, he is driven into the wilderness, a place where he suffers physically, emotionally and spiritually. But Jesus is not alone in his suffering with the wild beasts. We read that ‘the angels waited on him’.
Many people around the world and in our own communities suffer greatly. Some are hungry, others are separated from the love and care of their families and communities, and many suffer through traumatic events and their aftermath. Sometimes we wonder where the angels will come from to serve those who suffer.
As children of God who have experienced God’s unconditional love in our baptism, we have the opportunity to serve like those ‘ministering angels’ wherever we are. Our caring words and actions may seem small and insignificant, but we may never know their impact.
At Lutheran Community Care we try to respond to the needs of those who come to us. Often we don’t hear what happens after we have helped them get back on their feet, but there are exceptions. Recently we received a letter from a Lutheran pastor in Victoria. A man had come to his door with a cheque. Why? Well, in the early 1990s he had arrived in Australia as a refugee with nothing, he said, and had received a loan from ‘some Lutheran place on Prospect Road’. But now, 20 years later, this man had the money and wanted to pay it back. It’s rare that we hear about the long-term ripple effect of our deeds of kindness. And it’s not important that we do. But the kindness of ‘some Lutheran place’ or ‘some kind person’ or ‘a ministering angel’ is sure to have a profound effect.
You too can have a profound effect in someone's life by donating to LCC's Lenten Appeal. Use the tear off donation slip at the bottom of the letter in the March edition of the Together magazine,  visit our website at www.lccare.org.au Or telephone
8269 9333 to make a donation that will make a real difference.


From the Office
Payment for Training
Good Shepherd is blessed by the number of people who get involved in serving in various ministries.
Those serving in ministry areas involving people under the age of 18 must complete Child Safe training. We don’t expect volunteers to pay for this training whether it is the initial training or the refresher course. The congregation will meet all the training cost.
Let the staff member responsible for the ministry area you volunteer in, or the Administration Manager know about the training you require and arrangements will be made to pay for you. If you pay on the day of training contact the Admin Manager for reimbursement.

Parking on Montague Road on Sundays
The first 50 metres to the west of the entrance to the church property is designated as a no parking area on Sunday mornings. Cars parked in this area cause a danger for vehicles exiting the property as they obstruct the view of oncoming vehicles.
We ask that you observe these parking restrictions. The first car dictates where the rest of the vehicles park. It is harder to police visitor parking.
A reminder that Mattiske’s car park is again open on a Sunday for those who approach from the south.

New member of the Board
Joey Pietsch, a young adult member of the congregation had expressed an interest in joining the Board. After prayerful consideration she indicated that she would like to become a member of the Board.
It is with excitement that at the February meeting it was agreed to her joining the Board. It is really pleasing to have a member of the Young Adults on the Board to give the perspective of the younger members of the congregation.

For Sale
Laminated table
To increase efficiency in the church office we have installed a new desk which gives much more room for staff and volunteers working at the computers.  The laminated desk that was in use is for sale. It measures 1500mm x 900mm. It can be used as a work or computer table. Cost $100
If interested please contact John Dolling on 8263 5087

From the Administration Manager

Facilities
To assist with catering and for safety reasons an extra power point has been installed in the hall. This will enable the urns to be operated without running extension cords.
A double power point has been installed in the courtyard. This will allow more flexibility for catering in the courtyard.

notice board


Borders to share house in Para Vista and Nailsworth
See notice board for more information


Bushed blokes
SHOW ME A SIGN!

Ever felt like this?
Not sure which sign post to follow…….
Well come to BuShed Blokes and get some direction.

Bring ya mates, ya camping gear and a heart to be encouraged by Peter ‘Sticks’ Steicke and Ian ‘Watto’ Watson. Connect with your identity as a Son of the King and come to know who you were created to be. All blokes welcome!

Date: Friday 23rd March 6pm – Sunday 25th March 11am 2012
Location: South Kilkerran Picnic Grounds, MAITLAND SA
Cost: $50 per Bloke/ Under 15 free
For more info and registration forms contact: Luke Doecke  Ph: 0403 801 990  Email: lukedoecke@bigpond.com



A lit candle loses nothing by lighting another but the light generated is doubled.



Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au


388 Montague Road                                      Phone: 8263 5087                                     PO Box 306
Para Vista SA  5093                                       Fax: 8395 2680                    Modbury North SA  5092

Friday, February 17, 2012

19th February, 2012

Being the good news through prayer

One of the biggest challenges for us as followers of Jesus is to know how to effectively share the Good News of Jesus to others. In a culture that is often sceptical and suspicious of any organised religion it can be really hard to know where to start when it comes to sharing something of our faith with others.

To break down the scepticism and cynicism people have towards Christianity it is best to be the good news before sharing the good news. In others words let the love of Jesus shine through you as you love and serve others. People sense your love for them when you show concern and interest in their lives. This is especially powerful when people sense your concern during difficult times in their lives.

We can probably all think of times where we have kept in contact with someone we care about as they have gone through a litany of tests and procedures due to a health problem. In addition to this contact and concern we can bring something of our faith to light as we let people know that we are praying for them. Even people who don’t profess to be Christians are often open to prayer.

I recently let someone who is not a Christian know that I was praying for them as they went through tests for cancer. They thanked me and said, “I can use all the help I can get.” My long term prayer for them is that they come to know the God who can help them through any situation. When that will be is up to God, but for the time being I will continue to show my love for this person by not only walking with them through this, but upholding them in prayer and when appropriate letting them know of my prayers as a way of encouraging them.

Who has God put in your life to pray for? Who might God be prompting you to not only pray for but to let them know you are doing so as a way of bringing your faith to light with them? Sure they might dismiss it, but from my experience when things get tough people are happy “to use all the help they can get!”

Pastor Noel Kluge

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

This week we celebrate Small Groups, “Growing in Jesus together”. Most life change happens through relationships.  Most of the turning points of your life have been with other people who have graciously pointed you to Jesus.  Whenever we discuss the things of God and commit to them, they move from being mere head knowledge to heart convictions.
So how can we keep abiding in Christ and growing in Christ-like character? 
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au


Kingdom Kids at the 10:30am service for ages 0-12.

Kingdom Kids – we are trialing new rooms!
There will be some room changes this year and a slight change in the way Kingdom Kids sessions are run. This year we will be going straight to our zone rooms to maximize the time we have in our age groups. There will be an assistant to point you in the right direction for the first few weeks while we adjust to the changes.

Groups:
8:45am – Supervised activity in parenting room
10:30am - Baby Zone (Education Centre) 0-2
10:30am - Kindy zone (School OSHC Room) 3-5 including reception
10:30am - Kids Zone (School Library) year levels 1-3
10:30am - Kool Zone (End Classroom) year levels 4-7 including Junior Assistants

Registration forms: All participants will need to complete a 2012 registration form. This needs to be done by parents/carers but thankfully only one form needs to be filled out per family. To save postage, we will have these available on Sundays before and after Kingdom Kids. Please take a few minutes early in the term to complete a family form.  Completed forms can be given to a Team Leader or placed in Laura Carson’s pigeon hole. Thanks

Home and Church working together
Have you made a time to come and visit Kingdom Kids this term? If not, why not whip the diary out and lock in a date. We look forward to sharing our faith adventures with you.

Play group…
Play group runs every Wednesday in the church hall between 9:30am and 11:30am. We still need a Coordinator and a 5th team member. Could that be you? The coordinators role is not as big as it sounds! This year we have a team to run play group, we just need someone to pull it all together through offering support, encouragement and leadership to the team. Please consider this role.

Move Urban Dance classes
Come along on Thursday afternoon for some fun and fitness with Laura and Maddie. $7 per class, in the church hall. No need to register JUST COME!
-          3:45pm – 4:30pm ages 4-6
-          4:30pm – 5:30pm ages 7-12

Final thought – our library needs an update!! If you have ideas of books, cd’s, dvd’s or other resources that you think would be great for the children and family section of our library, please let me know.

For more information on any of the above
Contact Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader
P 8263 5087 (Laura works Mondays and Thursdays)
E lcarson@paravista.org.au
For more information on any of the above
Contact Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader
P 8263 5087 (Laura works Mondays and Thursdays)
E lcarson@paravista.org.au

Ignite Youth

Sophie Gerrie


Bring a mate with you for Breakfast at
Good Shepherd  Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road  Para Vista
Saturday 3rd March
Served at 0730 
Are you a typical Bloke .. BBQ Chief,
Mr Citizen, Son, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Husband, Neighbour, Drive a car,
A Workmate or Student, Gardener, Like the outdoors,  Spend hours in the shed on projects ?

Do you know the answers to…
What is a Burn? How do you treat a burn?..
Cold water or tried & true butter?
“So what it doesn’t hurt its OK“.
Is this the right answer ? YES or No ??

What happens in the RAH Burns Unit ?
Donation of $5.00 for breakfast costs  is appreciated.  
Any ????’s   Contact Jim 0438 899 629

Women's Fellowship

next meet on Tuesday 6th March at 1pm
in the church hall
The afternoon will include bible study
guest speaker - Heather Cosh on her experiences in Uganda and helping to set up Maranatha Health
a trading table and afternoon tea

The April 3rd meeting will be a bus outing to Vadoulis Garden Centre, Gawler, including lunch leaving Para Vista church at 11am, returning 3.30pm

Another date for your diary is the LWSA Convention at Loxton on Thursday 3rd May
If interested in a day bus trip, please phone Jan on 8264 8288

From the Office

Please note office closed for staff meeting
On Thursday 24th February from 9.00 to 10.00am.

notice board


CHILD SAFE ENVIRONMENTS
(Formerly Mandatory Reporting)
FULL DAY COURSE

Full Day Course  Friday 24 February 2012  9.00am-4.30pm  Cost: $75
(includes workbook and light lunch)

Venue:
Lutheran Community Care, Centre for Learning, 19 Edward Street, Magill.
 To register contact:  Alison Tel: 8331 3111 Email: magill@lccare.org.au Website: www.lccare.org.au


 the centre for learning
Lutheran Community Care provides community services on behalf of the Lutheran Church in SA and NT through a range of programs.
We currently have a vacancy for a team player, committed to providing a high quality service to assist in the efficient delivery of all aspects of The Centre for Learning
ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT   Level 2 (0.4 FTE)
Job description and enquiries:
www.lccare.org.au         Email: cparker@lccare.org.au            phone 8331 3111
 Applications to: 
Christine Parker,  Coordinator, Centre for Learning Lutheran Community Care
PO Box 2137 Magill North SA 5072    
By 9.00 am Monday 20th February 2012
Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply
 (Salary packaging is available)

THE LUTHERAN—FEBRUARY EDITION OUT NOW
NEW! Introducing the series NEW CREATION—exciting, encouraging stories about new Christians, new Lutherans, new lives in Christ
IT JUST TAKES ONE
Pinnaroo congregation shows how to start a youth ministry—starting with just one teenager
NO KIDDING!
In Burundi, goat-y Gifts of Grace are changing lives
To subscribe, visit www.thelutheran.com.au




Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.
Frank A Clark

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

388 Montague Road                                      Phone: 8263 5087                                               PO Box 306
Para Vista SA  5093                                        Fax: 8395 2680                              Modbury North SA  5092