Friday, April 27, 2012

29th April 2012

LEST WE FORGET

Significant on our national calendar is ANZAC Day, celebrated last Wednesday, 25th April. It is said to probably to be Australia's most important national occasion. Marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War, ANZAC Day became established as a national day of commemoration for the 60,000 Australians who had died during the war.

Today ANZAC Day serves to commemorate the lives of Australians who died in World War II and since WW II the meaning of the day has been further expanded to include Australians killed in military operations such as the Boer War, the Malay confrontation, the Korean, (a.k.a. “The forgotten War”), the Vietnam conflict, and other “skirmishes” including the current Afghanistan conflict. In all records show that approximately 102,734 Australian military men and women have lost their lives in wars in which Australia has been involved.

The word ‘lest’ can mean, ‘in case – we forget, ‘for fear that’ – we forget, or ‘so as not to’ – forget. As Australians we live in a country with democracy and freedom unknown in many countries. We praise and thank God for each and every defence force person who has and is serving to preserve this democracy and freedom we enjoy today in what Pedro Fernandes de .Queirós declared in May 1606, over 400 years ago, was the great Southland of the Holy Spirit. (Australia del Espiritu Santo)

We have returned servicemen in our church family. If you know them or any returned service man or woman, thank them for the freedom we have to worship the triune God. Regularly pray for them – lest we forget!

Barry Klaer

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, “Hope that lasts forever (How Jesus’ resurrection rubs against everyday life)”. This week’s message: The HOPE of Heaven - our heart's true home.  No matter how good you can imagine heaven to be, truth is it's going to be even better!!!  Paul tells us: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV -quoting Isaiah 64:4)

Bible Readings: Isaiah 25:6-9, Revelation 21:22-27

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au
 
   Kingdom Kids at the 10:30am service for ages 0-12.

Kingdom Kids
Term 2 has begun and we can’t wait to hang out with you this Sunday. Kingdom Kids will now only run at the 10:30am service for ages 0-12. This term we have so much to look forward to including a Buddy Week, Pentecost, Mother’s Day Celebrations, the installation of our new School Principal, Step Up (for those who choose to be involved) and awesome lessons with our incredible God inspired Leaders and Helpers and SOOOO MUCH MORE!

School Holidays
I am already looking for a small team of 3-4 to run our Term 2 School Holiday Program. Unfortunately we were unable to run anything during our Term 1 Holiday break due to a lack of helpers. I am determined to make sure our Team Leaders and Helpers get a break during this time so I’m looking for people who aren’t usually involved. Please contact me ASAP if you are interested. Providing holiday programs for our ever growing community of young families and children is a really important part of our Sunday Ministry. Please consider getting involved.

Baby Zone
Baby Zone is still look for extra helpers and a leader. I will continue to pray and know God will provide. If you have been considering this PLEASE let me know. I would love to chat to you about what’s involved in this important and valuable program.

Baby Food
We have generously been given the opportunity to raise some funds through selling Baby Food Products. We have a variety of pureed fruits and vegetables on sale for $5 per box (6 meals in each box) or 5 boxes for $20. ALL money raised will go towards Playgroup and Baby Zone to ensure both ministries are well equipped and resourced. Please speak to Debbie Wesselingh or Laura Carson if you are interested. All the products are made in SA and contain no additives and are purely natural. They also expire within the next few months so please get in soon.

Play Group
We have recently received news that our application for a Government Grant was successful. We now have enough financial support to provide a better equipped, safer and more exciting program. We praise God for the way he has provided for us this year and continue to pray for a 5th member of the team to oversee morning tea and food rosters. We will start up again on Wednesday 2nd May and look forward to seeing you then. Contact Beth for more info 8258 4878.

Move Urban Dance
Dance for term 2 will start up again on the 3rd May. The date has been pushed back by a week due to the concern of those due back at school the Thursday before. New dancers are welcome. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Step Up To Communion 2012
We are now less than 2 weeks away from our 2012 Step Up Family Lunch.  Please contact the church office or email Laura ASAP if you would like to participate in this year’s course. Registrations close on the 1st May. 

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader
8263 5087


Women's Fellowship

Instead of our regular meeting which would have been on 1st May you are encouraged to attend the 46th Lutheran Women of SA (LWSA) Convention on Thursday 3rd May 2012 in St Peter's Lutheran Church Loxton from 9.30am - 3.45pm. Please bring BYO lunch and cup.

If you would like to participate in a day trip by bus, please phone Jan on 8264 8288. The bus will leave Para Vista Church at 6.00am and return by approx.7.00pm. The fare will be approx. $45.00. There are still a few seats available.

The June meeting is a luncheon at 12noon in Para Vista Church Hall. Donation $10.00. Guest speaker Matthew Huckel on his experiences as a Music Therapist. Please phone Jan on 8264 8288 to book.


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.


Upcoming Fundraising Events

A Night with the BordererS
The Event will be held on Saturday 26th May 2012. Come along for a fun night with Jim and Alex. Bring your friends and make up a table of 10.  Raffles, Lucky Squares, Lucky Spot Prize. Lots of dancing and fun for everyone.  BYO alcohol, soft drinks and plate of nibbles. Tea and brewed coffee provided. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from the Church Office during office hours Mon - Fri. Hurry, they won't last long! All proceeds go to the Cebu Missionary Foundation in the Philippines.

Cebu Mission Fundraising Team
We are still looking for another Team member, so if you are thinking you would like to be involved in some fundraising and have a passion for the poverty people, then please prayerfully consider joining our team.
Please contact Joan on 8262 7429 or email joanrmc@bigpond.com

Plant Stall
Our Fundraising Team have been asked to hold a Plant Stall at the Rubies Night on Fri 18th May.  If you have any pot plants you don't want any more or some that you have potted up since my last request, then please bring them along to the Hall on Fri 18th.  Please put a label on your plants as to what they are and flower colour if they flower.  If you can't get your pots to the Hall, please contact Joan on 8262 7429.
If your plants aren't ready to sell by May, we will be holding our annual Plant Stall on 17th and 24th June, so bring them along then.
Thank you again.....in anticipation.

From the Office
On the Notice Board

THE LUTHERAN
MAY ISSUE OUT NOW

IT’S NOT FAIR
The way ALWS teaches it, even a child can see that greed is wrong.
WHERE FAITH FLOWS
Can Christian life be neatly divided between the sacred and the secular?
THE RING-IN
A bloke walked up and started to talk to him. That simple act of kindness brought Malcolm back to church.
ALL WE NEED IS LOVE
Sometimes all a child needs is the chance to start over again.
Subscriptions – 11 issues per year; $39 Australia, $41 New Zealand. You can SUBSCRIBE ON-LINE www.thelutheran.com.au or contact the office.

Mission Thailand

You’re invited to be a part of a unique team experience to serve in Thailand.

We are currently calling for volunteers to come to Thailand in January 2013.  The trip will be an opportunity to serve Christ in a different way, enjoy fellowship with Lutherans from another culture and have a little bit of fun….

The ‘MT2013: Here I am! Send Me!’ trip is planned for Friday 4th January to Sunday 20th January 2013.  We will fly into Chiang Mai via Bangkok from Sydney.  The cost will be approximately $3,000 AUD (this will cover airfares, car hire, fuel, food while in the village and accommodation).  We are looking for expressions of interest by 15th June, completed applications and deposit paid by 30th June.

To register your interest in the team or to know more about the exciting things happening in the Nan province of Thailand, please contact Simon King on e-mail: project.thailand@lca.org.au or on 0403 999 979 for an Application Package.

Are you interested in seeking God’s blessing
for the health, life and mission of our Good Shepherd community?
If you are a person who loves to pray or if you like praying together with others,
or if would just like to try it out…then please come along come to our:

Good Shepherd Prayer Gathering
Tuesday 1st May, 2012, 7:30 – 9pm
in the Worship Centre.
We will sing. We will learn a little about prayer from the Psalms
(so please bring your Bible along). And we will pray.

Pr Rolly Stahl (We hope to have two more prayer gatherings in 2012: 7th August, 6th November)

Organ Recital by Thomas Heywood
Music for the Queen’s Royal Jubilee
~ Elgar, Walton, Handel, Tchaikovsky … and more ~
at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 170 Flinders St, Adelaide
Sunday 6th May 2012 at 2.30 pm
Admission at door:  $25 adult / $20 conc / under 12 free
Proceeds to Bethlehem Organ Fund

You are invited to the first opportunity to experience a brand new workshop:

Disability 101
Lutheran Disability Services (formerly Amandus) invites you to a new workshop "Disability 101" which gives practical information to assist your church to grow as a place of acceptance for people with disabilities.  This workshop has been produced by CBM and is just one of a wide range of materials available for that purpose.  We invite attendance by one or two people from each congregation.

Date:  Thursday, 24th May 2012
Time:  9.00am - 1.00pm
Venue:  Lutheran Church SA District Office, 137 Archer St, North Adelaide
Cost:  $10, which includes materials and morning tea

To register by phone:  8212 7766
By fax:  8212 7744
By email:  admin@ldssa.org.au
 (see notice board for more details)

Vacancies

Please check the church notice board for details of all job vacancies

International Gospel Centre 2 positions available for:
 Office Staff and for an auditor

If winter comes, can spring be far behind

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, April 20, 2012

22nd April 2012

Atheism and Christianity – two different faiths?

Watching the recent debate between Richard Dawkins and Cardinal George Pell on Q&A, I was reminded that atheism and Christianity are both faith perspectives. 

1. In faith, atheists believe that God doesn’t exist, so supernatural events cannot happen.  This faith is based on materialism and the scientific method. 

2. In faith, Christians believe that God does exist, and that God chooses to get involved in this world.  This faith is based on the account of Jesus passed down to us from eye-witnesses.

With two vastly different world views, it is difficult to engage in meaningful conversation.  As a committed Christian theist, all my evidence for believing in Jesus is dismissed as invalid by an atheist friend.  And my atheist friend is alarmed that I can believe in God doing miracles!  I guess that 100 years from now, we will both know who was right.

I believe that my faith is a gift of God, worked by the Holy Spirit through the Good News of Jesus.  If my atheist friend comes to faith in Jesus, it will also be a miracle worked by the Spirit of God.  In the meantime, I keep praying for the Holy Spirit to grant revelation to both me and my friend – so that we may both come into what God has prepared for those who love him.

This section from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Christians helps me make sense of the difficulty in communicating between the two faiths perspectives: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" - but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God; so that we may understand what God has freely given us.

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them, because they are discerned only through the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:9-14 NIV)

Pr Rolly Stahl

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, “Hope that lasts forever (How Jesus’ resurrection rubs against everyday life)”. This week’s message: HOPE for Our Ultimate Healing.  Every time we get hurt or fall sick, we long to be well again. So we dress our wounds, rest our strained muscles, take medicine, or seek out doctors in the hope of healing. 
Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, Colossians 3:1-4

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids at the 10:30am service for ages 0-12.
Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on holidays.
Our program for term 2 will begin on Sunday 29th April. We look forward to seeing you all then.

Baby Zone
We will run sessions during the term 1 school holidays. We hope you can join us.

Urgent prayer
Baby Zone is struggling to survive with very few team members and no team leader. For this reason we have had to cancel the program on several occasions. Please pray for this ministry and consider getting involved.

Play Group
Playgroup is recommencing on Wednesday 2nd May and we look forward to seeing you there. Contact Beth for more info 8258 4878.

Move Urban Dance
Dance for term 2 will start up again on the 26th April. Well done to everyone involved. What a great first term it has been!

Step Up To Communion 2012
Our invitations for this year’s Step Up program have been sent. If you would like to be involved but missed out, please email or call me so that I can send you the information ASAP.

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader
8263 5087



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.

Please note office closed for staff meeting
On Thursday 26th April from 9.00 to 10.00am.

Women's Fellowship

Instead of our regular meeting which would have been on 1st May you are encouraged to attend the 46th Lutheran Women of SA (LWSA) Convention on Thursday 3rd May 2012 in St Peter's Lutheran Church Loxton from 9.30am - 3.45pm. Please bring BYO lunch and cup.

If you would like to participate in a day trip by bus, please phone Jan on 8264 8288. The bus will leave Para Vista Church at 6.00am and return by approx.7.00pm. The fare will be approx. $45.00. There are still a few seats available.

The June meeting is a luncheon at 12noon in Para Vista Church Hall. Donation $10.00. Guest speaker Matthew Huckel on his experiences as a Music Therapist. Please phone Jan on 8264 8288 to book.

Upcoming Fundraising Events

A Night with the BordererS
The Event will be held on Saturday 26th May 2012 at the Para Vista Lutheran Church. Come along for a fun night with Jim and Alex. Bring your friends and make up a table of 10.  Raffles, Lucky Squares, Lucky Spot Prize. Lots of dancing and fun for everyone.  BYO alcohol, soft drinks and plate of nibbles. Tea and brewed coffee provided. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from the Church Office during office hours Mon - Fri. Hurry, they won't last long! All proceeds go to the Cebu Missionary Foundation in the Philippines.


Cebu Mission Fundraising Team
Thank you to all those who supported our Pancake Day in March, we raised $221 for the Cebu Mission.
We are still looking for another Team member, so if you are thinking you would like to be involved in some fundraising and have a passion for the poverty people, then please prayerfully consider joining our team.
Please contact Joan on 8262 7429 or email joanrmc@bigpond.com

Plant Stall
Our Fundraising Team have been asked to hold a Plant Stall at the Rubies Night on Fri 18th May.  If you have any pot plants you don't want any more or some that you have potted up since my last request, then please bring them along to the Hall on Fri 18th.  Please put a label on your plants as to what they are and flower colour if they flower.  If you can't get your pots to the Hall, please contact Joan on 8262 7429.
If your plants aren't ready to sell by May, we will be holding our annual Plant Stall on 17th and 24th June, so bring them along then.
Thank you again.....in anticipation.

From the Office

Item for sale
A laminated office desk is for sale and is on display in the hall   All offers will be considered.

On the Notice Board

Are you interested in seeking God’s blessing
for the health, life and mission of our Good Shepherd community?

If you are a person who loves to pray,
or if you like praying together with others,
or if would just like to try it out…
then please come along come to our:

Good Shepherd Prayer Gathering
Tuesday 1st May, 2012, 7:30 – 9pm
in the Worship Centre.
We will sing.
We will learn a little about prayer from the Psalms (so please bring your Bible along).
And we will pray.

Pr Rolly Stahl (We hope to have two more prayer gatherings in 2012: 7th August, 6th November)

Why You and I should be donkeys (so we can be sheep)
Explore what it means to follow Jesus into the most challenging places on earth, where drought and famine and conflict devastate people’s lives.
Come and hear Jonathan Krause (Community Action Manager for Australian Lutheran World Service) speak
on Wednesday 9th May at 7.30pm at St John’s Lutheran Church, Balmoral Road, Dernancourt
Supper to follow.

WANTED: Driver/ Shed Worker
Lutheran Community Care provides community services on behalf of the Lutheran Church in SA and NT through a range of programs.
We are in need of a driver/shed worker in our Blair Athol Lutheran Community Care Op Shop.
We need your skills as a driver/shed worker to help with deliveries, pick ups, dispatching of boxes and various goods, and other general duties.  If you can spare several hours every Tuesday on a regular basis we'd love for you to join our friendly, dedicated team.
Contact:  Natalie Bubner, Shops Manager   8269 9338

Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift

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