Make room for more God in your life!
Listening to God can be
scary. What if I don't like what He has to say or what He wants me to do? What
if I don't think I can do what He wants me to do? I have had many of those
questions recently and I wasn't sure I could do what God wanted me to do. My
faith has been tested and although it has been a big learning curve over the
past few months, it has grown and is now stronger!
I have always believed in
God, but only in the past few years have I learnt and realised that faith is
not just acquired. It is a path that you choose to take; a journey on which you
travel your entire life. It is a journey on which you continually learn, ask
questions, have troubles, share triumphs, feel pain, experience love, laugh and
cry and feel joy. It is a journey which I am so glad to be on; a journey where
I am learning the importance of reading the Bible, praying, spending time with
God and worshipping Him. These practises are now so much a part of my life that
I miss them terribly if I go without for too long!
It is a journey on which I am
learning that God will give me everything I need to do the work that he wants
me to do. It is scary; to step forward and completely and utterly trust God; to
believe every day that no matter what comes across my path, God will be with me
and help me through. I have to look to him on a daily basis, sometimes on an
hourly basis to get me through but I know He will get me through! He only wants
what is best for me!
"May
the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that
you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
My life has completely
changed from what it was only five years ago. God is no longer just part of my
life, he is my life! He is the source of my hope, my joy, my energy and my
strength. When I don't think I can carry on, he gives this to me. If I
continually look to Him, then I can find hope is in everything. Things may not
happen when I want them to, or how I would expect or like them to happen, but God
will answer all my prayers!
"Humble
yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due
time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter
5:6-7
"Wait
for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" Psalm 27:14
I am learning about the power
of prayer; the importance of delving into God's word regularly and of meeting with other Christians where I can
share my troubles and triumphs, share my life and speak about God and pray with
others. Some days, even some weeks, have seemed like they are never going to
get any better but when I stop to pray, be honest with God and others and say
‘I need help!’ He brings me peace, comfort, hope, wisdom and energy to continue
to do work for Him.
"If anyone
serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things
God may be praised through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:11
Develop a deeper relationship
with God; it will change your life! I can attest to that. He has given me a
hope and strength within that I have never experienced before and didn't know
that I had. I want to encourage you to read God's word regularly because the
more you read it, the better you get to know God and the easier it becomes to
recognise the things that aren't of God. Thank and praise Him in all that you
do and you will find joy for your life; speak with God daily and take time to
listen to Him. Make room for more God in your life, it will be the best thing
you can ever do!
"Choose
for yourselves this day whom you will serve....But as for me and my household,
we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
Beth Einthal
This week we start a new series,
“Get ready for Jesus”. This week’s
message is ‘Be Alert!’ “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape
all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son
of Man.” (Luke 22:36)
Bible Readings: Luke 21:25-36
Kingdom Kids
The Kingdom Kids celebration service is this Sunday 2nd
December at the 10:30am service. The kids, Team Leaders and Team Members have
been working very hard over the past few months to present an inspiring message
at this service. We hope you can come and experience this service and enjoy the
message from the kids!
There will be a free BBQ lunch after the 10:30am service to celebrate
Kingdom Kids in 2012, please come and join us! It would be fantastic if you are
able to bring a salad to share for the lunch, please let Beth know ASAP if you
are able to!
There will be no more Kingdom Kids after this service for the remainder
of the year.
Baby Zone
Please pray for this ministry and consider if you or anyone you know
could be involved in any way. Volunteers are usually rostered on once a month
and we need more volunteers to keep this ministry going. Please contact Beth if
you would like to know more!
Playgroup
This term Little Lambs Playgroup has been learning about and enjoying
the meaning of Christmas through craft, stories, songs and play. There is a
display on the wall in the hall which is being added to each week, so please
take a look!
Our Christmas
celebration will be 12th December at the Victory Church Cafe on
Maxwell Road from 9:30-11:30am so please mark this date in your diaries. Please
let Beth know if you plan on coming by 30th November (8263 5087 or beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).
Beth Einthal
Relief Children and
Family Team Leader
Women's
Fellowship
A big thank you to all
who generously donated honey biscuits for Lutheran Community Care Christmas
cheer
- 56 bags were filled which will warm many
hearts.
The
next 'sit & stitch' afternoons, to finish patch work quilts for blessing at
the Lutheran Women of Australia Convention in April 2013 and then to be handed
on to Lutheran Community Care for distribution to those in need, will be on
29th January & 12th March 2013 from 1pm - 4pm in the church hall.
From the Office
Please note office closed for staff meeting
On Thursday 6th
December 2012 from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
HELPING OUR LIBRARY VOLUNTEER
Yolande Elliott does a
great job looking after our library – cataloguing new material and processing
returns. To make Yolande’s job much easier when using the library can you
please:
BORROW
USING YOUR LIBRARY CARD.
If you do not have a card
please write library card on your welcome card and the office staff will ensure
you receive a card.
To ensure
you always have your card available when required a suggestion is to leave it
in your pigeon hole.
If
you do not have a card or have forgotten it please complete the borrowing form
provided. THE BARCODE NUMBER REQUESTED IS THE ONE
ON THE BAR CODE STICKER WITH THE CHURCH’S NAME.
Please do not take
books/material from the library without following the borrowing procedures, as
this makes it impossible to keep track of the materials.
Report on Half Yearly meeting
Last Sunday the half yearly meeting of the congregation was conducted.
Elections for 2013 were held:
2013 Board
We welcome Andrew Adamson and Josh Champion as new members.
Chair
|
John Dolling
|
Vice chair
|
Keren Sutton
|
Finance Team Leader
|
Simon Janetzki
|
Congregational Secretary
|
Sue Schenscher
|
Public Officer
|
Stephen Zanker
|
Seal Holders
|
Sue Schenscher
|
Merv Thiele
|
|
Lorraine Johns
|
|
Endeavour Reps
|
Jim Materne
|
Tim Pfeiffer
|
Board Members
|
Andrew
Adamson
|
Helen
Bridge
|
|
Josh
Champion
|
|
Keith
Kemp
|
|
Joey
Pietsch
|
|
Adjudication Team
|
Trevor
Bridge
|
Gil
Fielke
|
|
Ken
Rodgers
|
|
The following 2 motions were passed.
- That in 2013 the 2 overseas missions that Good Shepherd will support will be Maranatha Health and the Cebu Missionary Foundation.
- The Board were empowered to further investigate enclosing part of the courtyard. This would include an upgrade of the kitchen and an extension of the Worship Centre.
Maranatha Health founders Kim (nee Hampel) and Michael
Findlay will be speaking on Sunday 16 December at both services about the
growth of MH and future plans. After the service a stall will be held,
where you will be able to buy gift cards as Christmas presents, where all
proceeds will go to MH Uganda projects. Another opportunity to support MH
coming up is a Gala Dinner, on Jan 25. More details will be announced soon.
Vacancies
ST STEPHEN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH,
ADELAIDE - PART TIME YOUTH WORKER (0.2 FTE)
At St Stephen’s we
value our young people. We want a person to work with us and share our
passion to support and care for young people. If you want to find out more
about this important ministry check our Website. www.ststephensadelaide.org.au or call or email James on 08 8223 5491 jameswin@tpg.com.au
Applications close on 7/12/2012.
Notice Board
Please see Notice Board for more Information
High quality
Christmas trees
From Birdwood Lutheran Church will be
available at $30 each.
Delivery will be on Saturday 8th December
2012 to a church nearby
(yet to be determined – depending on the orders received)
Please place your order to the church
office phone 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au no later
than 1st December.
Proceeds will go towards supporting chaplains in local schools.
Donations Needed
for Christmas Hampers
As registrations
begin to pour in, we are still in need of toys for children under 18 as well as
food items for our Christmas Hampers. If you are able to help, it is preferable
that toys have some educational value (eg. Lego, ball, board game, or any other
sports toy you choose) as we currently have enough soft toys.
We ask that any
donations are delivered this week to allow us ample time for packing and
distribution.
Donations can be delivered to our Blair Athol
office (309 Prospect Road, Blair Athol) and Barossa office (16 Gawler Street,
Nuriootpa). For a full list of required items or for more information, visit
www.lccare.org.au or call 08 8269 9333.
THE
LUTHERAN—DECEMBER EDITION OUT NOW
FINDING
RITA
At Australia’s heart, Indigenous Lutherans are sharing God’s loving heart in challenging communities.
At Australia’s heart, Indigenous Lutherans are sharing God’s loving heart in challenging communities.
BOY
ZONE
You want boys to get involved in serving others? Simple: just add football.
You want boys to get involved in serving others? Simple: just add football.
MAKING
A SONG AND DANCE
Shepparton’s all-African Lutheran choir sings for former PM.
Shepparton’s all-African Lutheran choir sings for former PM.
KINDNESS
FOR KINDY KIDS
A community-minded country congregation joins forces with a band of bike-riders.
A community-minded country congregation joins forces with a band of bike-riders.
To
subscribe, visit www.thelutheran.com.au
Subscriptions–11
issues per year; $40 Australia, $42 New Zealand
*Christmas Gift
Ideas *
What a superb gift idea for Christmas for a loved one, family or
friends!
2 Wonderful
Musical Events at St Michael’s Lutheran Church, Hahndorf
Featuring ...
Chamber Philharmonia Cologne— Offering familiar greats
like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi in dialogue with works from
people such as Sergei Prokofieff through to the “King of Tango” Astor
Piazzolla. Wed 16th January 2013, 8pm. Tickets are $30 -
Adults, $25 - Seniors/Pensioners, and $ 20 - Students/Children.
Tickets from St Michaels
Lutheran Church. Contact Sharon ph: 8388 1225 in our office for further information.
The Idea of North— a quartet of
musicians, serious about their music without taking themselves too seriously.
Their instrumentation: voice (soprano), voice (alto), voice (tenor) and voice
(bass), with a little bit of vocal percussion thrown in. They have a
beautifully distinct sound and style, but they cross many musical genres: jazz,
folk, gospel, pop, classical, comedy. 22nd Friday February 2013, 8.00 – 10.00pm (Champagne available on
the night).
Tickets available from 7th December’ - Adult: $38.00, Concession: $31.00, Child: $18.00, Group: $33.00,
Booking information—FringeTIX www.adelaidefringe.com.au Phone: 1300 621 255.
Tickets available from 7th December’ - Adult: $38.00, Concession: $31.00, Child: $18.00, Group: $33.00,
Booking information—FringeTIX www.adelaidefringe.com.au Phone: 1300 621 255.
Christmas CD
featuring Lutheran School choirs now available!
Over the past few months
Lutheran Community Care has been privileged to work with hundreds (nearly 500)
of gifted and talented children from 19 Lutheran School choirs to develop a
Christmas CD. ‘A Christmas Note 2012’ features 20 Christmas songs including
‘Do You Hear What I Hear’, ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Joy to the World’ mixing school choirs, bands and bells all on one disc. The CD is now available for $25 +postage and would make lovely Christmas gifts for family members and friends or the perfect background music for upcoming Christmas events. Contact our State Office at 08 8269 9333 or call in to 219 Main North Road, Sefton Park to purchase a CD just in time for Christmas.
‘Do You Hear What I Hear’, ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Joy to the World’ mixing school choirs, bands and bells all on one disc. The CD is now available for $25 +postage and would make lovely Christmas gifts for family members and friends or the perfect background music for upcoming Christmas events. Contact our State Office at 08 8269 9333 or call in to 219 Main North Road, Sefton Park to purchase a CD just in time for Christmas.
The heart of education is education of the
heart
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au
