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Again I marvel how two devotionals written by
different men in different countries and at different times can be saying the
same thing to me. So I ask, “Lord what
are you trying to tell me?” I am challenged! Let me share the following from
those studies;
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“And
Jesus said to him, [Blind Bartimaeus] ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’
Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road.” (Mark
10:52 NASB)
Rick Warren
remarked[1],
“I don’t know what step you need to take next, but I do know that you need to take it. For some of you,
the next step is to accept Jesus Christ into your life. For others, it may be
to be baptized. Maybe you need to join a church, get into a small group,
tithe, find a ministry, go on a mission trip, or invite a friend to church. I
don’t know what your next step is, but I do know this: You have one. God will
never be finished taking you deeper in faith. There is always a next step.
What happens if we do not take the next
step?
Before ‘blind’
Bartimaeus met Jesus, he was sitting beside the road. After he received his
sight from the Lord, he “began following Jesus on the road” (Mark 10:52b
NASB). Which of those two phrases describes your life: sitting beside the
road or following Jesus on the road? Which of those two lifestyles do you
think is more fulfilling? Which do you think has more joy, more meaning, and
more satisfaction? Which one do you want to represent your life?
There’s only one
way to follow Jesus on the road: Take
the next step.
Faith is more
than believing. Faith is more than thinking, talking, or having convictions
about Jesus. Faith is action. It
is movement; it is activity. Faith is something you do. In fact, the Bible
says in James 2:14, “If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their
faith is worth nothing” (NCV).
Where do you get
the faith to begin a fresh start? There’s only one source: Jesus Christ.
“Everything that
we have — right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh
start comes from God by way of Jesus
Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:30 MSG). Bartimaeus had no idea that Jesus Christ
was going to pass his way that day. To him, it was just another day. But God
gave him an unexpected opportunity that offered him a fresh start. God is
giving you the same opportunity. Don’t blow it. Take your next step of faith
before the opportunity passes you by.
Jesus asks,
“Where is the trusty, thoughtful steward whom the lord and
master will set over his establishment?”[2]
Selwyn Hughes comments, “Note the two words ‘trusty’ and ‘thoughtful’. A
trusty servant will go through to the end; a thoughtful servant will consider
best ways to achieve that end”. He concluded, “Determine whatever God asks
you to do, that you will stay with it - and finish it”.
“Is it possible that God’s ways baffle us because He is determined to
give us more and better than we ask for?
We know what we want – explanations and escape from life’s pain. He [God] knows what we need – to find Him
in the midst of everything. We want to be given reasons and relief. He waits
to gives us His grace and glory”.[3]
Reflect on this.
Talk about It in your small group or with your prayer partner.
Barry Klaer
Pastoral Care & Fellowship Team Leader
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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, “Fighting the Good Fight”. This week’s message is “Answering
Accusation” Hear, you mountains, the Lord's accusation;
listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case
against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. (Micah 6:2 NIV)
Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do
not regret it... I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your
sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so
were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to
salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Cor 7:8-10
NIV)
Bible Readings: Job 1:1, 6-12; John 16:7-11 and 2 Corinthians
7:8-10
Cultural Day Celebration – dress up time!
Kids, get ready to dress up!!
We will be celebrating the many cultures in our community THIS SUNDAY! Come along for a short interactive lesson,
followed by a community lunch in the hall. Come dressed in a traditional outfit
from a country of your choice. Everyone is welcome…please bring a dish to
share. Contact Barry Klaer for more info.
School Holidays
There will be no Kingdom Kids
on the 23rd and 30th September or the 7th October due to the school holidays.
However, we would like to encourage you to continue worshipping with us during
this time and look forward to all that is in store next term.
Twilight
Playgroup – only 2 weeks to go!
We are very excited to invite
you to playgroup’s end of term celebration on Wednesday 26th of September. A
special twilight playgroup will be held in the hall from 5pm – 7:30pm.
Please note that there will be
no playgroup on the last week of term, Wednesday 19th September due to the
school concert.
Family and/or special people
that can’t normally come to playgroup are invited to join us with a provided
BBQ tea. Please bring a piece of fruit to share, which we will have with a
special treat for dessert! Cans of drink will be available to purchase for $1
each with proceeds going to the playgroup.
Children are invited to wear
their pj’s and bring their favorite teddy. There will be a fun craft activity
and a special musical guest to entertain the kids with some great live music!
It is going to be a fantastic time and we hope that you and your family can
make it!
The cost is $5 per family.
Please put your name and the number of people you are expecting to bring on the
registration list by Wednesday 12th September so we know how much food to
provide (or contact Beth Einthal on 8258 4878).
Laura
Carson
Children
and Family Team Leader
From the Board
At this week’s Board meeting the main topics of discussion were:
Developments of an attractive socialising area that will help
facilitate the mission of both the congregation and school of reaching into the
community. One area being considered is the courtyard. This will be discussed
at the AGM in November.
The congregation’s policy on Social Media (use of facebook, twitter
etc.) was finalised.
The date and process for the Senior Pastor’s annual review were set.
Board vacancies for 2013
Several Board members have indicated that they will not be continuing
in 2013.
If you are interested in finding out more about the work of the Board,
please contact the chair of the Board Keren Sutton.
Upcoming Events
For catering purposes please r.s.v.p. front office 82635087,
writing Card night on your welcome card or email bklaer@paravista.org.au;
sschenscher@paravista.org.au; by Wednesday 17th
October 2012.
All
cards hand made with Jesus’ love by them….and by you!
Barry Klaer
Pastoral Care & Fellowship
(Shepherding & Care)
NAME BADGES
With the number of new attendees now
coming to our church, it would be gracious, courteous and respectful to them
for each of us to wear our name badges.
Haven’t got a name badge? Or the other is lost?
You can order
your name badge by writing ‘name badge’ on your welcome card.
(Don’t forget to indicate if you want a pin, clip or
magnet backing and your preferred first name – for example James likes to be
known as Jim or Elizabeth likes to be known as Beth)
Cost is $9:50 payable at front office
Notice Board
Please see Notice Board for more Information
Mission Trip to PNG
postponed
This
mission trip to PNG in January 2013 that was promoted during the services on
Sunday 19th August has been indefinitely postponed due to scheduling
difficulties with the University in Goroka PNG. We apologise to anyone who was
seriously considering participation in this trip. Should another opportunity
arise at a different date we will advertise the details.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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 volunteers to help with Cooking
Classes.
When: Mondays
10.30am-1.30pm. Where: 309 Prospect Road, Blair Athol
Contact: Audene on 08 8269
9300
Social club
Celebrate special days with
the social club meeting every Thursday in the church hall from 1.00 to 4.00pm. Loads of activities to keep you young at heart and
involved in a community activity. Enjoy a social chat or sip on a cuppa while
watching or participating in the entertainment. All ages are welcome.
Young Adult Event:
La Grande is back! Join us Saturday October 27 - 7.30pm
til Midnight
Prospect Town Hall (128 Prospect Rd) $30 ticket
includes live Swing band, dancers and supper!
Buy tickets from http://lagrande.eventzilla.net
Friends of Lutheran
Archives meeting. Topic:
Humour in the Lutheran Church.
Speaker: Dr Erich Renner. Is this an oxymoron? Can we laugh at
ourselves? A funny evening guaranteed. At Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place,
Adelaide, on Monday 17 September at 7.30 pm. Supper. Gold coin donation.
Sharing the Journey
Lutheran Community Care is excited to announce our ‘Sharing the Journey’
Walk or Ride scheduled for 11th November. The easiest way to
register for this event is online at www.lccare.org.au. We are also
accepting registrations over the phone and through post. Please see notice
board for more information.
National Church
Event:
The LCA Board for Youth and Family Ministry is hosting a national youth
forum in Adelaide in October (5-7) with the purpose of giving young people the
opportunity to voice their opinion on the issues facing our church. The forum
will involve three youth representatives from every Lutheran District in
Australia. The representatives will discuss and share their views on a range of
topics including human sexuality, social media and worship.
The Department for Child, Youth and Family Ministry SA/NT is looking for
three young people (aged 15-18) to represent youth from the SA/NT District at
this special forum. All participant expenses will be covered (including
flights, accommodation and food), however representatives will be expected to
complete some pre and post forum work including surveying the opinions of their
friends.
You can apply to represent SA/NT at this unique forum by sending an
application email to Fiona Weckert at fiona.weckert@sa.lca.org.au In addition to your contact details, your application should
address the following questions:
1. What is it like to be a young Lutheran in your community?
2. Why do you want to represent SA/NT at this forum?
ST JOHN’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Highgate SA
Celebrating 60 Years
Friday 19 October 2012
All past students, staff, parents
and friends are welcome.
The day will begin with a
Thanksgiving Service at Concordia College Chapel at 9.30am,
followed by an Open Morning at St John’s.
For further details please contact
the school office at
admin@stjohnsls.sa.edu.au or phone 8271 4299.
God doesn’t expect you to be perfect, just
faithful.
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au
