Friday, August 31, 2012

2nd September 2012


“So what’s God been showing you lately?”
 
Hmmm.  Good question!
How would you answer that question? 
Stop and reflect on that for a minute or so.

In the body of Christ, I reckon this question is the ideal follow up to: “How’re you going?” Or: “How’s your week been?”

Why?  Because it helps us to remember that we are participants in God’s unfolding story. It reminds us that we are not the centre of the universe!   And it helps us foster awareness of God’s presence in our everyday lives. 

Here’s a few more questions tied around the same theme that may be helpful in going a bit deeper in our conversations:
1.    What’s God been revealing about himself to you lately?
2.    What’s God been showing you in his Word over recent days?
3.    What’s God been showing you about who you are in Christ?
4.    What did God revealed to you through last Sunday’s sermon?
5.    What’s God been showing you through your family relationships?
6.    What’s God shown you through conversations with friends?
7.    What’s God shown you about yourself when you overreacted?
8.    What’s God been moving you to notice and pray about lately?
9.    What’s God been changing in your thinking, values, attitudes and actions?
10.  What challenges has God been helping you through lately?
11.  What’s God been showing you about your job, your use of money, your time?
12.  What’s God been showing you through events in the world?
Whether catching up with a Christian friend, or gathering in a small group, why not try one or two of these?   Some of these are a little more confronting than others – so please consider what question is appropriate for the level of trust you have with the other person/s. You might start with your own answer first!  And honour your friends’ trust by not sharing their responses with others without their permission!

To recognise God at work in our lives reminds us that we serve a living God who cares about us and walks with us!

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, “Fighting the Good Fight”. This week’s message is “Unmasking Deception If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32 NIV)

Bible Readings: Matthew 24:3-5, 23-27, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 and 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, 13-15

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids – Father’s Day Activity
God our Father – Super Dad!
This Sunday 2nd September @ 10:30am during Kingdom Kids
Come along to enjoy a morning of creative activities, music, stories, games and worship. For children aged 0-12 (there will be no Baby Zone. Instead, we’d like to encourage all families with young children to join us in Kingdom Kids). Everyone is welcome!

Cultural Day Celebration – dress up time!
Kids, get ready to dress up!! We will be celebrating the many cultures in our community on Sunday 16th September. Come along for an interactive lesson based on the hope we can provide to people of other cultures who suffer, through loving and caring for them as Christians. Come dressed in a traditional outfit from a country of your choice, and hang around with your family for some shared lunch in the hall after the 10:30am service. Everyone is welcome…please bring a dish to share. Contact Barry Klaer for more info.

Twilight Playgroup – End of term 3 Party
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
lcarson@paravista.org.au


Women's Fellowship
The next meeting of Women's Fellowship will be on Tuesday 4th September at 1.00pm in the church hall. There will be bible study by one of the Pastors, a trading table and afternoon tea. A special feature will be to attend the Good Shepherd School Chapel Service in the church at 1.30pm
The October meeting will be on Tuesday 2nd October with Audene Knowles from Lutheran Community Care as the guest speaker


Upcoming Events
We are many, but we are one! One in Christ
Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity In Unity
Sunday 16th September 2012
 Come in your national dress

Join the fun, food and
friendship as we enjoy
great international food.
Don’t forget! Invite your
 friends and family.
 
Calling all Bikers!
A group motorbike for anyone from the school or church community has been organised for Saturday 15th September. We will be meeting in the church car park at 9.20am for a 9.30am departure. The ride will be up into Adelaide Hills. There will be a morning tea break and a lunch stop. We expect to get back mid-afternoon and you are welcome to head off home any time during the ride if you need to get back earlier. Everyone is welcome and don’t hesitate to invite friends. The ride will be cancelled if raining. For more information, call Noel on 0427 049 296.


From the Office
Please note office closed for staff meeting
The Office will be closed from 11.30am – 1.30pm on Thursday 6th September for our monthly staff meeting.
Notice Board
Please see Notice Board for more Information

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.

SCHOOLS MINISTRY WEEK – 9TH – 16TH SEPTEMBER 2012
 “We have a very strong relationship with one of our local churches – and the benefit to our students is just outstanding” said one School Principal. Use either of the two Sundays during this Week to inform, encourage, inspire and challenge your church communities to be involved in Schools Ministry. Call Schools Ministry Group for a copy of a DVD and brochures showing how you can become involved, celebrate and support your local school or Christian Pastoral Support Worker. Come along to a Combined Church Event at Seaton Christian Family Centre, 185 Frederick Rd Seaton on Monday 10 September at 7.30pm featuring Guest Speaker Darryl Cross (Careers Coach and Psychologist). Worship by Sacred Stone. Info and RSVP to SMG 83786800 mail@smg.asn.au
 
Vacancies
Please see Notice Board for more Information

Lutheran Disability Services
‘To include people with a disability in Christian Community’
Administration (HR) Officer (FTE)
Are you interested in working in a positive Christian environment to provide administration support in Human Resources to a team of dedicated staff who support adults with a disability to live independent and fulfilled lives?
Applications must be received by 5pm on September 7th 2012


God wants full custody, not just a weekend visit.


Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au