Is truth
relative?
I recently heard that the greatest threat to Christianity
in Australia is ‘relativism’. Relativism asserts that truth is relative and
what is true for me is my truth and what is true for you is your truth. There
is no longer an absolute truth. Truth is what we decide for ourselves. People
are no longer interested in truth but rather opinion and my opinion is just as
valid as yours.
I have noticed that people’s opinions are often different
and in many cases in total opposition to each other. Now that is no big deal if
we are arguing over which is the best football team or which is the better car
to drive or where the best restaurant is. In the big scheme of things these are
not life or death decisions.
But what about when we start talking about God, Jesus,
sin, death and eternal life? If I assert that there is a God and you maintain
there isn’t, how can that be true for both of us? There is either a God or
there isn’t! If I believe there is a heaven and the way into heaven is through
Jesus and you say there isn’t a heaven and when you’re dead you’re dead, how
can we both be right? Does that mean our eternal destiny is simply set
according to our opinion? If truth is truth then there cannot be another truth
that is in direct contradiction.
When Jesus walked this earth he said “I am the way and the truth and
the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). Now
people disagreed with Jesus both then and now. Yet I am inclined to believe
someone who dies and then comes back to life as proof that he really is the
way, the truth and the life. There are eye witness accounts to his resurrection
which I am willing to stake my life on.
What truth are you living your life according to? Is it
the so called “truth” of peoples’ opinions which can change at a drop of a hat
or is the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ? I appreciate that asserting Jesus
is the way, the truth and the life will not win you any popularity awards with
many people but who are you going to trust? Are you going to put your trust in
the opinions of others who by and large are motivated by self-interest? Or, are
you going to trust Jesus who loves you so much that he laid his life down for
you to not only prove he was the truth, but to make it possible for each of us
to live our lives both now and in eternity based on real truth?
Pastor Noel Kluge
This week we start a new series,
“More stories that stir”. This
week’s message is “The parable of the two sons” For it is by
grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it
is the gift from God- not by works so that no one can boast.’ (Ephesians 2:8,
9)
Bible Readings: Matthew 21:28-32 and Ephesians 2:8-10
Kingdom Kids
This term Kingdom Kids are on a ‘Journey to Jesus’ and will soon be busy
preparing for their celebration service on Sunday 2nd December. We
look forward to sharing more about this over the coming weeks but please mark
this date in your diaries – it will be a must see!!
Baby Zone
Baby zone has been without a team leader for over six months and
urgently needs someone with a passion about this ministry to inject some time
and energy. Baby zone is much more than a crèche and aims to encourage the
beautiful faith that young children already have as well as make faith fun!
Please pray for this ministry and consider if you or anyone you know could be
involved in any way.
Playgroup
Please feel free to
pop in and say hi as the kids always love new faces and visitors! Playgroup is
on each Wednesday of the school term from 9:30-11:30am in the hall. Our
Christmas celebration will be 12th December so please mark this date
in your diaries. Please contact Beth Einthal (8258 4878 or beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for more info.
Beth Einthal
Relief Children and Family Team Leader
From the Office
Storage of items
in the church facilities
Over the past few months a number of functions have occurred where bowls
and containers have been bought into the kitchen and have remained. Members are
requested to remove items from the kitchen that belong to them or they will be
disposed of in the community bin or other.
Hall and Kitchen
use
Members and ministry groups are reminded that the facilities are not
professionally cleaned and a user cleans policy is in place. If your group uses the hall or kitchen,
please replace items where you found them (especially tables and chairs) and
ensure the facilities are in the clean condition you would expect to find them
in. Remember to leave it looking better
than when you arrived. (I do not wish
to charge a cleaning fee to groups or users). If you have an issue with the
facility before you start, please let me know via the front office on phone 8263
5087 or email szanker@paravista.org.au
Items for sale
The following items are still for sale.
• Market Outdoor Patio
Umbrellas includes base stand. $80.00 ea
ONO
For further information or item inspection contact the office during
office hours or the Administration Manager, Stephen on ph: 8263 5087 or email szanker@paravista.org.au
Positions vacant
Four Positions are available on the Maintenance team at Para vista. The Maintenance team assist in the
organising, direction and conducting the maintenance of all the buildings and
facilities at Para Vista Lutheran Church.
An eye for detail and a heart for quality workmanship are all that is
required. No handy person or trade skill is necessary although this would be of
benefit. There are no age or gender barriers for these positions. However
skills can be obtained and quality social time with others is assured.
The Good Shepherd Village residents are looking for an entrepreneur who
is willing to do odd jobs in return for remuneration. Items include placing bins out for collection
and washing cars.
For further information on the above contact the Administration Manager,
Stephen on 8263 5087 email szanker@paravista.org.au
Women's
Fellowship
Invitation to Birdwood Lutheran Ladies
Fellowship Garden Party at the Birdwood Lutheran Church, Lot 95 Church
Street, from 11am - 3.30pm Wednesday 21st November 2012
– Guest Speaker Alex Kowald, light lunch and stalls, gift baskets. RSVP 11th
November 2012 Phone 8389 3066.
Honey biscuits required
for Christmas cheer to be left in church kitchen by Sunday 25th November
marked accordingly. Jan Oldman will pick up for packaging and delivery to
Lutheran Community Care (LCC) by Friday 30th November. Can you
please help with supply? Many residents in many institutions benefit from
this small gift brightening up their day. A small Christmas tract of Good News
is attached.
The December meeting will be a Luncheon on Tuesday 4th December beginning at
12noon in the church hall. A donation of $10 at the door would be appreciated. Please
RSVP by Friday 30th November to Jan 8264 8288. Limited seating of 100 people.
Quilt Project for LCC - Stitch and chat afternoons to finish off quilts. Will be held in the
church hall from 1pm to 4pm 13th November 2012, 29th
January 2013 and 12th March 2013.
Cebu Mission
Fundraising News
Many thanks to
all who purchased plants from our Plant Stall recently and to those who donated
plants. Thankyou Irene for your help and a big thankyou to Daryl who potted up
6 big trays of veg seedlings....they were definitely very popular! We
raised the wonderful amount of $448!
Christmas Card Stall
Yes, it's that time of the year again when we are thinking of and making preparations for Christmas. So once again, we have our Christmas cards available, also Ringpull Bags, Jewellery and Bible Covers all handmade by the Filipinos and they would make great Christmas gifts. Our stall will be set up after both morning services on the following dates: 4th, 18th and 25th November, 9th and 16th December. All proceeds to CMF in the Philippines.
Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich Day
Sunday 25th November - Sausage Sizzle after 8.45am service at $2 for sausage, bread and sauce. After 10.30am service there will be Steak Sandwiches available at $4 each as well as sausages, for your lunch. The Church Half Yearly meeting then starts at 12.30pm.
New Members
Our Fundraising Team is losing 2 members at the end of this year, so we are desperately seeking more members to come on board. If you are looking for some way to be involved in a project at our church and you have a passion to help the needy, then please prayerfully consider joining our team. We have approximately 5 meetings per year. Please talk to me or a member of our team for further information, or call me on numbers listed below.
Joan
Christmas Card Stall
Yes, it's that time of the year again when we are thinking of and making preparations for Christmas. So once again, we have our Christmas cards available, also Ringpull Bags, Jewellery and Bible Covers all handmade by the Filipinos and they would make great Christmas gifts. Our stall will be set up after both morning services on the following dates: 4th, 18th and 25th November, 9th and 16th December. All proceeds to CMF in the Philippines.
Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich Day
Sunday 25th November - Sausage Sizzle after 8.45am service at $2 for sausage, bread and sauce. After 10.30am service there will be Steak Sandwiches available at $4 each as well as sausages, for your lunch. The Church Half Yearly meeting then starts at 12.30pm.
New Members
Our Fundraising Team is losing 2 members at the end of this year, so we are desperately seeking more members to come on board. If you are looking for some way to be involved in a project at our church and you have a passion to help the needy, then please prayerfully consider joining our team. We have approximately 5 meetings per year. Please talk to me or a member of our team for further information, or call me on numbers listed below.
Joan
Team Leader
8262 7429 or
0402 469 433
Our Reformation Celebrations – DID YOU KNOW?
In 1667 John George II, the Elector of Saxony,
ordered the first REFORMATION FESTIVAL. The chosen date for the celebration was
31st October; the anniversary of Luther’s famous posting of the 95
theses. Luther chose the eve of All Saints Day (1st ovember) to post
the theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517 to take
advantage of the larger crowds who would be expected to gather for worship at this
ancient celebration. With the rediscovery of the ramifications of the doctrine
of justification, that is, the good news of salvation by grace through faith
for Christ's sake, a reformation took place across the church in many parts of
the world. It is our heritage to this day.
Last Sunday 28th October we celebrated
the grace of God in Christ who delights in having mercy on us. Thank you to all
who came and participated in the community of great food and fellowship.
The day’s Celebration in pictures
However nothing happens without a bit of ‘hard’
work….
And the Sunday Hospitality Team…
I thank the “BBQ Boys” Perry Campbell, Kym Liebig,
Wayne Maloney, Alex Bogdanowicz and Jim Molloy for fantastically cooked
schnitzels and bratwurst.
And the Sunday Hospitality Team…
Thanks to the team, Sue & Graham Renfrey,
Helen & Trevor Bridge, Helen and Ian Foot, Betty & Don Schwarz, Tracey
King and Bron Klaer and Jürgen Lehmann for the preparation of the food and
coffee setting up of the hall and courtyard. And a huge thank you for those
many that assisted in cleaning up after the lunch, your help was greatly
appreciated.
(left) Graeme Tscharke and Gary Cooper musing
over the photographs and other items of Good Shepherd’s church
memorabilia. We thank Joy and Mel Wandel
and Rae and Jürgen Lehmann for their contribution of items and books and photos
of memorabilia.
Inside the
hall;
We were privileged to have visiting pastors Martin
Lalthangliana and James San Aung worship with us and then join in the
Reformation Day celebratory lunch (above right) Pastor Martin Lalthangliana,
Ian Kluge (yes Ps. Noel’s younger brother) and Alan Modra share a coffee.
(Above
left) Dianne Kluge with Pastor James San Aung and Ursula Meier.
In the
Courtyard;
We praise and thank God
for this day, the food, fun and fellowship – a real community spirit on a
perfect sunny spring day.
Barry Klaer
Pastoral Care &
Fellowship
Hospitality
Vacancies
Employment
opportunities at Australian Lutheran College
ALC is advertising for two part-time (.8)
administrators to be based in North Adelaide, commencing December 2012.
Applicants must have high level expertise and experience in administrative
functions.
See www.alc.edu.au/community/employment-at-alc for further information. Applications close 7th November 2012.
See www.alc.edu.au/community/employment-at-alc for further information. Applications close 7th November 2012.
Notice Board
Please see Notice Board for more Information
THE
LUTHERAN—NOVEMBER EDITION OUT NOW
BY FAITH, NOT SIGHT
It wasn’t only in the velodrome that faith was pushed to the max for
Paralympian cyclist Kieran Modra.
HONEST ATHEISTS
Not all atheists choose not to believe. Some want to, but can’t.
FOR THE CHILDREN’S SAKE
‘One day they can make up their own mind.’ Is it irresponsible not to
give your children spiritual direction?
FRESH AIR
The Roman Catholic Church flung the windows open with Vatican II. What
does that have to do with Lutherans?
To subscribe, visit www.thelutheran.com.au
Subscriptions – 11 issues per year; $40
Australia, $42 New Zealand
BUMPER Christmas Market
November 24th 2012
Glynde Lutheran church 15
glynburn rd
9am -1pm $10 PER TABLE
Toys, Gifts, Bric-a-brac,
Devonshire, tea/Bbq and lots more.
Last one for this year
Contact Diane 8266 2798 /
0416 113 451
You are invited to come along to Salt Factory Worship Service at
Golden Grove Lutheran Fellowship this Sunday 4th Nov at 6.30 pm.
You are welcome to come beforehand at 5.45 pm for a light meal –
gold coin donation.
This week "RACE FOR YOUR
LIFE" - See Ivan Schmocker’s Off Road Race Car, share his racing
experiences and hear how his passion for racing and being a Christian are very
similar.
‘Making the Most of Parenting’ (5-12 year olds)
Saturday afternoon 17th November 2012 from 1.15pm cuppa for
1.30pm start – 4.00pm.
In our Hall, 182 Hancock Road, Ridgehaven. This 2½ hour workshop is for
parents, grandparents, and carers, offering support and encouragement through discussing
some of these issues together, listening to each other, receiving ideas and
tips. Presenter: Emily Lim, Lutheran
Community Care
Cost: Donation on entry towards
Emily’s expenses, materials.
A crèche will be available if needed.
Enquiries and registrations to Ruth Olsen or Sharon Minge by Friday 9th
November:
Phone: 8396 4466 or email: ttglutheran@adelaide.on.net
The heart of education is education of the
heart
Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au
