Friday, May 25, 2012

27th May 2012

 
As for me and my House
Joshua 24:15
As a young child, one of my favourite songs to sing was “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. I specifically remember the tune and the way it always encouraged and uplifted me in worship. Now that I am older, I not only love the tune but am also deeply in love with what this song is about.

Our homes are a place where we eat, sleep, share, love, argue, retreat, hide, mourn and grow. Our homes can be the physical buildings we live in and so much more. To me this song talks about the physical, emotional and relational elements of family. The place we live, the people we share our lives with and the way we relate and feel when we are together. Most importantly this song talks about our relationship with God and our desire to serve him holistically.

Here at Para Vista we have been gifted with an incredibly loving, talented and Christ centred family, ready and willing to serve the Lord. But are we singing this song together or on our own? I believe God has brought us into a time of incredible growth and blessing. We have been handed the opportunity to be a vibrant church family that serves its members and community through kindness, love and compassion. A community that impacts the Kingdom of God simply through serving the Lord together as one body made up of many parts. The body doesn’t separate its parts and send them on their way. The body stays together as one unit at all times.

Our church body is changing and growing on a regular basis with the welcoming of new life, new members and sadly the passing of loved ones. As we grow and change let us remember to stay together as Christ’s body, his vessel for communicating Good News to the world. From the little child growing in the womb to the experienced and wise leader, we are all equally important in the eyes of the Lord.

Please join me in making it your mission and challenge to get to know all parts of the body so that we can better understand and support each other in the life of this community. This will also enable us to pass on the baton of faith from one generation to the next as we mentor and disciple each other.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord. We have made a choice and will follow our God. We will obey his word from this day and for the rest of our lives. We will serve the Lord.

Laura Carson
Children and Family Team Leader

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 is “The Holy Spirit creates HOPE in our hearts” The Holy Spirit unites us with Jesus through Baptism.  When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptised, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father. If we shared in Jesus’ death by being baptised, we will be raised to life with him.  (Romans 6:3-5 CEV)

Bible Readings: Acts 2:1-6, 14-24, 36-41 and Romans 15:13 
  
Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au
 
                 Kingdom Kids at the 10:30am service for ages 0-12.
Kingdom Kids - Family visits
Have you come for a visit yet? If not, why not come and hang out with us this Sunday in Kingdom Kids. We’d love to have your company.

Sticky mess
Parents, please note that the kid’s cordial on Sundays will now be served from the kitchen due to the amount of mess that was being made in the Kids’ corner on Sundays. Please help us by ensuring the cordial remains in this spot to reduce spills. Thank you.

Cheap and delicious pureed food for sale…
We have loads and loads of pureed food to sell with all profits going towards new resources for Playgroup and Baby Zone. The food is located in the church hall and can be purchased at $5 a box or $20 for 5 boxes. Please feel free to take as much as you want (money can be given to Laura Carson, Debbie Wesselingh or the church office). This SA made product contains 100% natural ingredients and expires in less than 6 months SO GET IN NOW!

Play Group
When: Wednesdays from 9:30am -11:30am
Where: Church Hall
Who: anyone with children or grandchildren 5 years and under
What: Craft, shared morning tea, story and music time and free play. Everyone is welcome
Contact Beth for more info: 8258 4878

The power of prayer…
I mentioned in church a few weeks ago that our greatest area of need in Children’s Ministry on Sundays is Baby Zone, our program for ages 3 and under. We are struggling to survive with a tiny team and no leader, yet have a growing community of young children who need spiritual support and encouragement on Sundays. Please join me in praying for a break through where we would see an abundance of volunteers, resources and financial support to make this ministry come to life. Our young children are invaluable and they need our support now. Thank you in advance for prayers.

Could this position be for you?
The Baby Zone Team Leader helps with the following tasks:
-          Putting together term rosters, made up of 4 teams that rotate throughout the month
-          Organizing and running team meetings once a term to discuss the program and future needs/directions
-          Helps to unpack and implement the wonderful Gospel Lights program (that includes everything) ‘Baby Beginnings’.
Please contact Laura if you are interested in being our new Team Leader

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader
lcarson@paravista.org.au
8263 5087

 Women's Fellowship
This year's annual fundraising luncheon will be held on
Tuesday 5th June 2012 at 12noon in the church hall.
 Donation $10.00 on entry. 
There will be door prizes and a trading table.
 Pastor Rolly Stahl will present a devotion.
Guest speaker will be Matthew Huckel on his experiences as a Music Therapist.
 Please RSVP Jan on 8264 8288 or email joldman@bettanet.net.au before 29th May

Upcoming Events
Celebrating Pentecost Sunday 27th May 2012
BE INVOLVED IN THE CELEBRATION - COME IN RED OR YELLOW

“FOR THIS REASON I REMIND YOU TO FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD…FOR GOD DID NOT GIVE US A SPIRIT OF TIMIDITY BUT A SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND SELF DISCIPLINE” These are St. Paul’s words of encouragement to Timothy.
These are my words of encouragement to you, “SO CAN I REMIND YOU LADIES AND MEN NOT TO BE TIMID AND TO WEAR SOMETHING RED OR YELLOW* ON 27th MAY AS WE CELEBRATE PENTECOST DAY”
*Power supporters can wear black!
Barry Klaer and the Sunday Hospitality Team
Adelaide Male Voice Choir presents ‘Music from the stage’
A celebration concert for St Stephen’s Lutheran Church celebrating 150 years.
Featuring favorite operatic ensembles, solos and the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Sunday 27th May at 2pm, at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 152 Wakefield Street, Adelaide.
Afternoon tea available at interval
Tickets: $20 Full, $18 Concession, $15 Friend
Available from choir members, the church office (ph 8223 5491) or the door.
Proceeds to St Stephen’s redevelopment project.

On the Notice Board

Senior Christian ladies and grandmas needed to help with reading

Tracey Cooper is a Christian Pastoral Support Worker at East Para Primary School (12 Caroona Ave, Para Hills).  She was asked by one of the teachers whether some senior Christian ladies of this area could listen to junior primary school children read for half an hour on various weekday mornings.  If that is something you’d be interested in, please contact Tracey.  Ph: 8264 3944     Email:  tracey.cooper@epps.sa.edu.au

Alpha Course at the Para Vista Lutheran Church
Is there more to life than this?

Introductory Evening: Wednesday 11 July @ 7.30pm.
Come and find out what’s it all about.
Course commences Wednesday 18 July @ 6.30 pm (including dinner)
And then Wednesday night from 25 July to 12 September @ 7.30 pm

(see notice board for more details)

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

Mission Thailand

You’re invited to be 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.

(see notice board for more details)

From the Office

Annual Leave
Lorraine Johns will be on extended leave as of Friday 25 May 2012. Please refer any enquiries to churchadmin@paravista.org.au or see the front office during opening hours.

Cebu Fundraising After Services
Sue Schenscher will be selling cards to raise money for Cebu on Sunday the 3rd of June after both morning services in the hall.  There are plenty of new cards in the range. 

From the team at Maranatha Health Australia.
We would like to thank you for your supporting the sausage sizzle last week, where $241 was raised for equipment to support Maranatha Health’s work in providing health care and community development progress in Kamwenge, western Uganda. For all the recent news on how MH is making a difference to the lives of the local community, the most recent newsletter is available in the display stand at the back of the church.

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

Office Relief Staff Person
(Part Time Casual)

We are seeking an organised self-starter passionate about our mission and vision at Good Shepherd to relieve the positions of ‘Office Manager’ and ‘Office Support Manager when the current incumbents take scheduled leave.

There will also be some specific responsibilities to be carried out by the incumbent depending on the ‘shape’ of the respective ministry at the time it is being relieved.

Relevant work experience in the church office and reception areas and knowledge of the congregation is considered essential to this position. The incumbent would be expected to either have, or be prepared to gain this experience as a volunteer, prior to the first pay period.  To maintain skills they would be encouraged to continue in a volunteer capacity during periods of non-employment.

General office skills, as well as developed IT skills related to word processing, power point and data base applications are essential; although anyone who can demonstrate an aptitude in these areas and an enthusiasm to build their underdeveloped skills would be considered.

Remuneration will be according to the appropriate award.

Position Description is on the notice board or copies are available upon request from the church office
(8263 5087,
churchenquiries@paravista.org.au).

Applications, in writing only, should include current curriculum vitae together with referees and sent, (marked confidential), to:

The Administration Manager
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
P.O. Box 306
Modbury North SA  5092


ALTERNATIVE CARE WORKER
We have a current vacancy for an experienced person committed to excellence to join our Foster Carer assessment and training team.
For a Job Description visit: www.lccare.org.au
Enquiries to: Aileen Braun or Robin Judd - Tel: 08 8337 8787

BUSINESS MANAGER
.8 FTE PERMANENT POSITION
The opportunity exists for an outstanding individual to join the team at St Jakobi Lutheran School, Lyndoch.  This is a permanent 0.8 FTE position commencing in Term 3 2012, or by negotiation.


We are blessed by God every day, just wake up and start the day. ~Graeme A. S. Browne

 
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au


Friday, May 18, 2012

20th May 2012


Do we go to heaven at our death or when Christ returns?


YES!

The Bible points to BOTH – depending on whether we are looking at this event:

“FROM ABOVE” – from God’s eternal perspective beyond time

OR

“FROM BELOW” – from our earthly perspective in time

From above
At our death, we pass from this life to another life.  We leave human history behind and enter eternity.  For those who are in Christ, this is our “day of the LORD” – and so we can rightly talk about “going to heaven”.  Believers who’ve received visions of heaven recall seeing Jesus, catching up with loved ones who’ve already died, and enjoying life to the full.

When confronted by the Sadducees, Jesus makes it clear that God’s people are alive and well with Him: And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is God not of the dead, but of the living. (Mt 22:31-32 NRSV) 

At Jesus’ transfiguration, heaven touches earth.  Peter recognises Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus (Mt 17:3). These two great prophets are with God – and very much alive. 

When Stephen was being stoned: "Look," he said, "I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" (Acts 7:55-56 NRSV)  Jesus welcomes Stephen home.

Paul: For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain…  I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better… (Phil 1:21-23 NRSV) 

From below
At a funeral, the body is buried or cremated.  In history, the “resurrection of the body” is still to take place when Jesus returns. Along with the rest of creation, as we get older and weaker we groan with longing to inherit our resurrection bodies (Rom 8:23).  While alive on earth, we’re looking forward to when Christ returns… on the last day.

Jesus: This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day." (John 6:40 NRSV) 

Jesus said to Martha: "Your brother will rise again."  Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. (John 11:23-26 NRSV)

Paul: For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. (1 Cor 15:52-53 NRSV) 
In between death and resurrection?
Some Bible scholars hold that there must be some “in between” stage of existence between our death and the resurrection of ALL.  For example, Revelation 6:9-11 has the souls of the slain crying out to God for vengeance – and having to wait a bit longer. This still seems to be looking at it “from below” – history on earth is still unfolding. 

Yet if we look at the praise scene in Revelation 7:9-17, those who’ve washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb are altogether praising God and free of all suffering (from above). 

One of the New Testament words for death among Christians is to “fall sleep”.  It’s a good picture, because when we’re asleep there is no consciousness of time.  We will die/fall-asleep – and wake up with Jesus!

Baptised into Jesus’ death and resurrection
Whether we look at our eternal destiny from above or from below, we set our hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God (Col :3-23 NIV)  Rest assured that just as we have died with Christ in baptism, we will certainly be united with him in his resurrection
(Rom 6:3-8, Col 3:3-4).

If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.  For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. (Rom 14:8-9 NRSV) 

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 is “HOPE of a Friend in High Places”. Having completed his work on earth, Jesus sits down on his throne in heaven - to be honoured and worshipped as LORD (cf Phil 2:9, Rev 5:6-14, 7:9-17).  Yet Jesus sits at the right hand of God – bearing our humanity – as our Friend

Bible Readings: Acts 1:1-11 and Hebrews 4:14-16

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au
              
Kingdom Kids at the 10:30am service for ages 0-12.
Kingdom Kids REMINDER
Kingdom Kids is an intentional children’s program that aims to teach the bible through creative forms. It also nurtures faith and supports parents in their role of spiritual mentorship through extended teaching and opportunities to discover more about faith.

Our Kingdom Kids Ministry is growing and growing each term, in size and in desire to worship and honour our amazing God.

This growth has also brought about the need for a larger team of helpers and teachers, more space and new resources. The support of our church family is invaluable. Please continue to pray for this ministry and consider ways you too can be involved in nurturing our future generations for the kingdom.

Family visits
Have you come for a visit yet? If not, why not come and hang out with us this Sunday in Kingdom Kids. We’d love to have your company.

Sticky mess
Parents, please note that the kid’s cordial on Sundays will now be served from the kitchen due to the amount of mess that was being made in the Kids’ corner on Sundays. Please help us by ensuring the cordial remains in this spot to reduce spills. Thank you.

Cheap and delicious pureed food for sale…
We have loads and loads of pureed food to sell with all profits going towards new resources for Playgroup and Baby Zone. The food is located in the church hall and can be purchased at $5 a box or $20 for 5 boxes. Please feel free to take as much as you want (money can be given to Laura Carson, Debbie Wesselingh or the church office). This SA made product contains 100% natural ingredients and expires in less than 6 months SO GET IN NOW!

Play Group
When: Wednesdays from 9:30am -11:30am
Where: Church Hall
Who: anyone with children or grandchildren 5 years and under
What: Craft, shared morning tea, story and music time and free play. Everyone is welcome
Contact Beth for more info: 8258 4878

The power of prayer…
I mentioned in church last week that our greatest area of need in Children’s Ministry on Sundays is Baby Zone, our program for ages 3 and under. We are struggling to survive with a tiny team and no leader, yet have a growing community of young children who need spiritual support and encouragement on Sundays. Please join me in praying for a break through where we would see an abundance of volunteers, resources and financial support to make this ministry come to life. Our young children are invaluable and they need our support now. Thank you in advance for prayers.

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader
lcarson@paravista.org.au
8263 5087
Women's Fellowship
This year's annual fundraising luncheon will be held on
Tuesday 5th June 2012 at 12noon in the church hall.
 Donation $10.00 on entry. 
There will be door prizes and a trading table.
 Pastor Rolly Stahl will present a devotion.
Guest speaker will be Matthew Huckel on his experiences as a Music Therapist.
 Please RSVP Jan on 8264 8288 or email joldman@bettanet.net.au before 29th May

Upcoming Events
Celebrating Pentecost Sunday 27th May 2012
BE INVOLVED IN THE CELEBRATION - COME IN RED OR YELLOW

“FOR THIS REASON I REMIND YOU TO FAN INTO FLAME THE GIFT OF GOD…FOR GOD DID NOT GIVE US A SPIRIT OF TIMIDITY BUT A SPIRIT OF POWER, OF LOVE AND SELF DISCIPLINE” These are St. Paul’s words of encouragement to Timothy.
These are my words of encouragement to you, “SO CAN I REMIND YOU LADIES AND MEN NOT TO BE TIMID AND TO WEAR SOMETHING RED OR YELLOW* ON 27th MAY AS WE CELEBRATE PENTECOST DAY”
*Power supporters can wear black!
Barry Klaer and the Sunday Hospitality Team
On the Notice Board
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

Mission Thailand
You’re invited to be 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.

Friends of Lutheran Archives meeting.
Topic: SA lawyers of German heritage 1860-1918 – names like von Doussa, Homburg, D’Arenberg, Heuzenroeder, von Bertouch, Spehr and Wallmann. Speaker: Peter Moore. At Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, Adelaide, on Monday 21st May at 7.30 pm. Supper. Gold coin donation.

Disability 101 - Foundations for Enabling the Church
You are invited to the first opportunity to experience a brand new workshop.
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)
Alpha is coming
Stay tuned for more information
COME JOIN US AT THE …..
Monthly Glynde Markets
4th Saturday of the month
Glynde Lutheran Church (15-17 Glynburn Rd)
26th May,  9am-1pm
Join us for a Sausage Sizzle and Devonshire Tea
Stalls include: Plants, Craft, Cakes/Biscuits, Home Produce, Good Second Hand,
Pandora Style Jewellery, Bric-a-Brac


 Adelaide Male Voice Choir presents ‘Music from the stage’
A celebration concert for St Stephen’s Lutheran Church celebrating 150 years.
Featuring favourite operatic ensembles, solos and the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Sunday 27th May at 2pm, at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 152 Wakefield Street, Adelaide.
Afternoon tea available at interval
Tickets: $20 Full, $18 Concession, $15 Friend
Available from choir members, the church office (ph 8223 5491) or the door.
Proceeds to St Stephen’s redevelopment project
.
Vacancies
Please check the church notice board for details of all job vacancies

ALTERNATIVE CARE WORKER
We have a current vacancy for an experienced person committed to excellence to join our Foster Carer assessment and training team.
For a Job Description visit: www.lccare.org.au
Enquiries to: Aileen Braun or Robin Judd - Tel: 08 8337 8787

BUSINESS MANAGER
.8 FTE PERMANENT POSITION
The opportunity exists for an outstanding individual to join the team at St Jakobi Lutheran School, Lyndoch.  This is a permanent 0.8 FTE position commencing in Term 3 2012, or by negotiation.
 

I know God won't give me more than I can handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much

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