ARE WE BUSY MAKING OUT WHAT WE ARE NOT
I was very interested in a comment written by Rick Warren where he wrote, “Satan doesn’t mind Bible Study never applied”. (Daily Hope 17/01/2012)
Rick wrote, “Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word of God are all a waste of time if we fail to put them into practice. We must become doers of the word (James 1:22 KJV). He went on to say, “I understand this is a hard step, because Satan fights it so intensely. He doesn’t mind you going to Bible studies as long as you don’t do anything with what you learn! (emphasis mine) We fool ourselves when we assume that just because we have heard or read or studied a truth, we have internalized it”.
Another reality which Rick Warren highlighted is that many are so busy (there’s that ‘busy’ word again) going to the next home group or seminar or Bible conference that you have no time to put into practice what is learned. He said, “You forget it on the way to your next study. Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless”.
In the last few weeks our Pastors have preached sermons with gems of practical instruction, guidance and training for us to live functional uncluttered lives conducive to being a person of God. I have just asked myself, “How have I applied or changed in my life, that has needed to be applied or changed?”
Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV) Jesus also pointed out that God’s blessing comes from obeying the truth, not just knowing it. He said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17 (NIV)
Of Bible studies, Rick states that the value of being a part of a small group cannot be understated. We always learn from others’ truths we would never learn on our own. Other people will help you see insights you would miss and help you apply God’s truth in a practical way.
(If you are not in a small group, the opportunity is being given to be invited into one before the 2012 small group launch on the 19th February).
I agree with Rick Warren who suggests the best way to become a doer of the Word is to always write out an action step as a result of your reading or studying or reflecting on God’s Word. Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do.
This action step should be
• personal (involving you),
• practical (something you can do), and
• provable (with a deadline to do it).
Every application will involve either your relationship to God, your relationship to others, or your personal character.
Think about it – What has God already told you to do in his Word that you haven’t started doing yet?
Talk about it with someone, a prayer partner maybe, so they can help you become accountable.
Barry Klaer Pastoral Care & Fellowship team Leader
Prayer Requests Please pray for
For privacy the prayer list is not included in this Blog but if you would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this site. 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 theme, “Better Than Busy”, with the title “Focussing your Life”. We’re trying to do a hundred things at the same time and we think they’re all of equal value when they’re not, and that leads to overloaded lives. God has a plan and He has a purpose for your life.
Bible Reading: Luke 4:38-44
Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au
Back to School Service – I need your help!
Our 2012 Back to School Service will be held on Sunday 5th February at 10:30am. The service will be packed with prayers and blessings for our teachers, students and brand new receptions. There will also be great music, children’s entertainment, God filled and inspired message ‘Better than Busy’ and a shared FREE community lunch. I am looking for people to help in the following areas
- 5-10 people to bring salads for our shared lunch
- 5-10 people to bring finger food desserts (i.e. cupcakes, fairy bread, slice etc)
- 5 people to help with set up, serving and pack up
If you are able to help with one of these tasks please contact Laura on 8263 5087, write on your welcome card ‘back to school lunch’ or send an email to lcarson@paravista.org.au. Please consider helping to make this day a truly special event for the children and families in our church and school communities.
Messy Church Play Group…We are in the early stages of starting up a Messy Church style Playgroup and have already been blessed financially and spiritually, giving the program a healthy start. We will have a brand new team of 6 running our play group this year and I ask that you keep the team in your prayers as we meet to pray, plan and prepare for what we believe will be a life changing year in the life of our local community. There is still room for more involvement so don’t be shy! Grab a jersey and come join the team. Play group will start on Wednesday 8th February from 9:30am-11:30am in the hall. All welcome.
Kingdom Kids Holiday Program – last week
Messy Church - Come along this Sunday for some fun and adventure as we learn more about our awesome God. See you there (both morning services)
Move Urban Dance
Due to popular demand, primary dance classes will continue this year on Thursday afternoons in the church Hall. Classes will begin on Thursday 9th February for ages 4-7 (3:45pm-4:30pm) and ages 8-12 (4:30pm – 5:30pm). We don’t have enough interest to run a middle school/early high school class but encourage those who are interested to check out www.one50.com for local hip hop classes. Please contact Laura on 8263 5087 to register.
Wanting to have your child baptised?
Our first ‘Having Your Child Baptised’ course for 2012 will be held at the church on Wednesdays 29th February, 7th March and 14th March from 7:30pm-8:30pm with Pastor Rolly. If you are interested in having your child baptised please contact the church office for information about course registration and baptism dates.
Invigorate 2012 – Saturday 18th February (Unity College, Murray Bridge)
I am blessed to be on the team organising this State Children’s Ministry event for 2012 and can tell you that we are in for a fantastic day! If you are currently involved in Children’s Ministry or are considering an involvement I strongly encourage you to come along. I am hoping to take a team up with me from our church and will ensure the cost of the day is covered. For more information on the key note speaker, workshops and registration go to http://invigor8.eventzilla.net. Please contact Laura ASAP if you are interested so that registrations can be processed together.
Laura Carson
Children and Family Team Leader
lcarson@paravista.org.au 8263 5087
Ignite youth is back! And with a number of exciting changes.
This year I am pleased to say that we have enough resources to split into Junior (years 7-9) and Senior (years 10-12) youth. Tennyson Jaensch has stepped into the junior youth team leader role and Emma Kluge and I will be co-running senior youth.
Junior youth will be every second Friday night during the school term, from 7-9:30 as it has been for the last few years. The timetable for term 1 is opposite (at left).
Senior youth will be every second Sunday afternoon during the school term, from 3:30- 5:30, tea and then 6pm church. The timetable for term 1 is opposite (at right).
“Transform”, our confirmation program, will also be starting this term. Your prayers for this ministry would be much appreciated.
Blessings,
Sophie Gerrie
Small Groups Launch – Sunday 19th February 2012
Our Sunday services on 19th Februry 2012 will be highlighting the purposes and blessings of small groups, and providing opportunities for people to try out a small group. I will be preaching on the importance of Growing in Jesus Together!
Please note we will NOT be holding a lunch or dinner at Good Shepherd. Rather, we are asking small groups to be open to the possibility of hosting some new people on Sunday 19 February – or a time slot during that following week.
Three weeks leading up to this date, we will be distributing flyers at worship where people can express interest in trying out a small group. I will allocate these to various group leaders to make contact and provide details of the next gathering of their group.
Small Groups can do something social or fun (e.g. lunch or dinner, a gathering in the park, trip to the beach); or follow their normal group pattern. If you’re already in a small group, please explore this with your group so we can have healthy participation.
Lent Studies – Crossing the Boundaries
The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday: 22nd February in 2012. Through Lent we will be taking a fresh look at Jesus through the Gospel of Mark. Who is Jesus? Why does Jesus cross all sorts of “boundaries” of his day? What does it mean for us to follow Jesus?
To “value add” into this series, we will be offering a series of 5 Bible Studies for small groups – which will be emailed to small group leaders in early February. If anyone else is interested, please write “Lent Studies” on your Sunday Welcome Card and your email address. If you require a printed copy, please write “Printed copy” on your Welcome Card and Lorraine will place it in your pigeon hole.
Joy in Jesus!
Rolly Stahl
Associate Pastor - Discipleship & Small Group Ministries
Women's Fellowship
Our first meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday 7th February beginning at 12noon with a BYO sandwich lunch in the church hall. Fresh fruit supplied by the exec committee. Bible study will follow, before discussing and approving the program for 2012.
There will be a trading table, proceeds of which support projects of Lutheran Women of SA (LWSA) and Australia (LWA).
Correction from last week’s news: Cebu and Maranatha Health missions are supported by the Women’s Fellowship from Good Shepherd Para Vista and not the LWA
NAME BADGES
Name badges can be ordered by writing ‘Name badge’ on your welcome card. Write your preferred name and choice of magnet, pin or clip. Avoid the Christmas rush – order your name badge now! Cost is $9:50 each badge.
DISCOVERY IS MORE THAN MEMBERSHIP
Register Now!
The next Discovery course starts on
Tuesday evening 21st February at 6:30pm – 9:30pm beginning with a meal and an informal introduction to the staff; and continues on the 28th February 2012.
Tuesday evening 21st February at 6:30pm – 9:30pm beginning with a meal and an informal introduction to the staff; and continues on the 28th February 2012.
To Register write ‘Discovery’ on your welcome card or contact the office by telephone 8263 5087
or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
FOOD FOR FAMILIES
As coordinators for “Food For Families” we are well aware of how people today are very time poor. (This current sermon series should help alleviate that!!) A small group has offered to have a huge cook-up however, they need your help!
To greatly assist with the cook-up, I am asking for your help with donations of non-perishable food, such as pasta, rice, tins of sweet corn, peas, diced or puree tomatoes, tuna, salmon and any other ingredients that will help make a delicious wholesome meal for, well maybe you!
Can you help? A clearly marked “Food For Families” box will be placed in the church hall servery area for your convenience.
Or,…. are you able to prepare ‘one off’ meals for those with special needs, e.g. diabetic, gluten free and etc. If you can assist in this area please contact me at the church office or Sue Renfrey on 8250 0576, email rengal9@bigpond.com
Thank you in anticipation for love and care for others in our church family.
Barry Klaer, Pastoral Care and Fellowship, Shepherding and Care
Sue and Graham Renfrey, Food For Families Coordinators.
From the Administration Manager
Position Vacant
Administration Manager
(Part Time – 18 hours per week)
We are seeking an organised self-starter, passionate about our mission and vision at Good Shepherd, for the position of Administration Manager.
The Position Description for this position is available from our website www.paravista.org.au, from the church office (8263 5087) churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or from the member’s information section in the church foyer.
Direct any queries to John Dolling, Administration Manager 8263 5087 or jdolling@paravista.org.au
Applications, in writing only, by Friday 10th February 2012, should include current curriculum vitae together with referees and be sent (marked confidential) to:
The Administration Manager
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA 5092
From the Office
Pigeon Holes updated for 2012
Please note that your pigeon hole may have ‘moved’. Please remember to check yours each week. To help you remember, why not leave your name badge in your pigeon hole and collect it each Sunday before worship!
If you have not been allocated a pigeon hole, OR would like one, please contact the church office phone 8263 5087 or
email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
notice board
THURSDAY CRAFT RETURNS
Thursday 2nd February 7.30 – 9.30pm in church hall
Come along with a craft project you are currently doing, or come for a coffee and chat to see what others are doing. People are currently working on quilting, knitting and embroidery projects. All ages and abilities are welcome to attend, especially if you would like to learn something new.
TERTIARY ORIENTATION DAY FOR NEW STUDENTS
If you are heading to uni or tertiary studies, coming down from the country or leaping from high school to a large university, at O-Day you will find many friendly faces and people who ‘know the ropes’ and are seasoned students. You are invited to O-Day on Saturday 18th February at 12.00noon in North Adelaide. It includes a free pancake lunch and pizza dinner and a trip to your particular campus. If you are a student or know a student, check out the noticeboard or web page for all the details: lsf.org.au/sa, or contact Victoria (0448 865 735) or Pastor Mike Pietsch (8370 3615 or 0409 725 573).
Alternative Care Services
Lutheran community care provides community services on behalf of the Lutheran church in SA and NT through a range of programs. Our alternative care services is funded by the department for families and communities to provide home based foster care services.
We currently have a vacancy for a team player, committed to providing a high quality service to assist in the efficient delivery of all aspects of our alternative care services.
Administration and customer service assistant - level 3
Job description and enquiries: visit: www.lccare.org.au Email: rjudd@lccare.org.au tel: 08 8337 8787
Applications to: Mr. Robin Judd, Program Manager, ACS Lutheran Community Care, PO Box 2137 Magill North SA 5072 by 9.00am Monday 30th January.
Indigenous andTtorres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply. (salary packaging is available)
Lutheran Archives and Finke River Mission
Book launch (sponsored by Lutheran Archives and Finke River Mission): The Tale of Frieda Keysser, by John Strehlow. Speaker: Alison Anderson, Member of NT Legislative Assembly. This important book tells the life-stories of Frieda and Carl Strehlow, missionaries at Hermannsburg 1894-1922. Held at Australian Lutheran College refectory (enter off Ward St), North Adelaide, on Sunday 12 February at 3 pm. All welcome. Books available for $90.
Your expression is the most important thing you wear
Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm
