Living one day at a time

It is so easy to get ahead of ourselves in life. We can be so focussed on what is going to happen in a week or two, or even a year or two that we fail to fully engage with what is before us today. This can cause us to miss out on enjoying today; it can prevent us from being grateful for what we have today.

 

Many of us suffer from what I call “When and then” thinking. When I am less busy then I will be happy. When I go on holidays then I can relax. When I get a pay rise then we will be able to worry less about money. When my kids stop acting out then I will be able to enjoy them. There’s no denying that we all go through tough times and when these pass life becomes easier. Yet “when and then” thinking can become habitual robbing us of the ability to enjoy today and being grateful for what it brings. It can also shift our dependence and trust away from God and on to our circumstances.

 

In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread.” Notice the word ‘daily’. Jesus wants us to ask God for what we need today, not tomorrow or next week? Why is that? By asking God each day for our daily bread we firstly acknowledge God as our provider and secondly declare our dependence on him for our daily needs. It also helps us to live each day as it comes depending on God for what we need today and not getting ahead of ourselves by worrying about tomorrow.

 

Many of us have more than our daily food in our refrigerators, freezers and pantries. We often have enough food for several days. This can cause us to not look to God for our daily food. However, when we pray “Give us today our daily bread,” it reminds us to be thankful to God for what we have today and enables us to enjoy it. “When and then” thinking stops when we thank God for what we have today.

 

Praying the Lord’s Prayer helps us to live one day at time. It keeps our hearts focussed on God our heavenly Father who gives us each day to live under his care and provision.

 

Pastor Noel

 

This Sunday at Good Shepherd

This week’s message will be ‘Succeeding at Work’ as part of our previous series ‘Getting a Grip on Life’. Podcasts of the message are available at www.paravista.org.au

 

Bible Readings: Ecclesiastes 2:17-26, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

 

 

Playgroup:

Our theme for playgroup this term is “God makes growing things” and this week we celebrated ‘Father’s Day’. Next week we will celebrate ‘mini beasts’ and would like to invite you to join us. Come along between 9:30am and 11:30am in the Church Hall. All welcome. $2 per child or $3 for a family (please being a piece of fruit to share).

Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671.

 

Playgroup twilight event

Do you usually miss out on coming to playgroup? Here’s your chance! Come along to our 2013 Twilight event on Wednesday 18th September from 5pm-7pm in the Church Hall. Please bring $5 to cover the cost of BBQ meat, bread, drinks and dessert for your family, as well as a salad to share. We will have lots of fun activities as well as music and movement with Chris Jaensch. All welcome.

 

Please don’t dump unwanted items…

We have noticed that lots of items have been left near the sign in table in the church narthex over the past few months. Most of the items have been of no use to the church or local communities and have been thrown away. To aid us in keeping this space safe and tidy, please don’t leave your unwanted items in this location.

 

Food can be stored in the boxes titled ‘LCC food only’. Larger items will need to be taken to Salvos, LCC or other bin that is designed for this purpose. However, please do not dump your unwanted, broken or unusable items in these bins. If it is of no use to you because it is broken, old or worn out, then it will be of no use to the church or wider community. Thank you for your cooperation in this way.

 

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

 

Prayer requests

Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

 

Para Vista Lutheran Women's Fellowship

Next Meeting - Tuesday, 3rd September, 1pm in the church hall

Fashion Parade featuring styles and clothing from LCC collection

All Welcome

 

Casserole Sunday Cookery - Take the plunge!

In celebration of (Dis) Different-ability Recognition Day

Sunday 8th September after 10:30am service

Can you please assist the Sunday Hospitality Team by preparing & bringing a casserole to share? If you have a ‘signature dish’ that you enjoy preparing and sharing, your contribution would really be appreciated. If you can assist please let me know by writing ‘assist with stew’ on your welcome card, via email bklaer@paravista.org.au or by contacting the church office before next Thursday 5th September. Your support will be significantly appreciated.

 

Barry Klaer and the Sunday Hospitality Team

 

 

From the Office

 

Staff on Leave

Stephen Zanker is on leave and will return to the office on 24 September 2013.

 

 

Notice Board

 

Community Food SA Needs Your Help!

Community Food SA is a low income support food Centre @ Gepps Cross and is in urgent need of Check-out operators. For further details, please contact Morris Clarke on: 8269 3396

 

An Afternoon of Music and Entertainment

We are only four weeks away from Lutheran Community Care’s concert benefiting the Peachey Place Living Skills Centre.  ‘An Afternoon of Music and Entertainment’ concert is scheduled for Sunday 29 September at Concordia College to celebrate Christian Community Care Sunday and to raise funds for the Centre. Tickets are available now by calling 8269 9333 or online at www.trybooking.com.au/DEVC.

 

SPIN 

The new state-wide camp for young people in years 4-7!

This camp will run for the first time in January 2014, from Monday 6th until Thursday 9th at Victor Harbor. The purpose of SPIN is to create an inclusive and encouraging community for young people so that they grow in relationship with Christ and others.

 

If you’d like to know more – as a parent or as an interested helper – join us for an information night on Thursday 19th September at 7pm in the SA/NT District Office Meeting Room 1, 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide. Includes supper.

 

Contact us at spin@blueprintministries.org.au for more details.

 

 

 

“Others see what we do, but God sees why we do it”

 

 

Foundations
How often do you think about the foundation of your house? or the structural stability of it? If you are like me, it’s not very often. I trust that the builder did his job right. But what if he didn’t?

 

Imagine moving into a tall building with a weak or poorly laid foundation. How comfortable would you be moving your belongings, your family, your life, into a building with a weak foundation? Imagine what would happen if a storm came, or worse an earth quake? With just a tremor the building could be in trouble. If I knew that a building had a weak foundation I wouldn’t live there.

 

There is another important structural component to buildings – that is the cornerstone. This is the first stone that is laid; it determines the direction and stability of the building as well as the foundation. In the bible it says that Jesus should be our cornerstone.

 

Have you ever considered what it is that forms the foundation of your life? What is the cornerstone? What or who do you put your hope and trust in? If we wouldn’t trust a building with a weak cornerstone or a weak foundation then why are we often happy to build our lives on one?

 

We all build our lives on something. Cornerstones come in all shapes and sizes in our lives. If you were really honest with yourself, what would you say your cornerstone is? What do you put your hope and trust in? Good health, a good income, your family, your favourite sporting team, what other people think of you?

 

We are so willing to allow temporary and unstable things to be our foundation and to build who we are. But Jesus alone should be the cornerstone of our lives. He is the only cornerstone that is trustworthy, that is solid enough. The only cornerstone that is constant and dependable, that will never let you down.

 

Isaiah 28:16(NLT) says “Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.”

 

Note that it doesn’t say those who believe will never have trouble but that you won’t be shaken. Jesus says in John 16:33 that: in this life we will have trouble. Life with Jesus won’t be without its trials. The difference is that His presence gives us hope. And that hope stops us from crumbling. When the storms come in your life, will you still be standing firm with Jesus as your cornerstone?

 

Sophie

 

This Sunday at Good Shepherd

This week’s message will be ‘Giving to what matters most’ as we continue our series ‘Cultivating Generosity’ Podcasts of the message are available at www.paravista.org.au

 

Bible Readings: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Matthew 6:19-24

 

Kingdom Kids: for ages 0-12 on Sundays

This Sunday in Kingdom Kids we will be looking at the following topics

Baby Zone - ages 0-3: God gives me friends (we will start a new theme next week)

Kindy Zone - ages 3-5 + reception: ‘Chosen by God’ 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Kids Zone - year levels 1-3: ‘God provides for His people’ Exodus 16-17

Kool Zone – year levels 4+: What Happens when I sin? Part 4 of our ‘Raising Up Spiritual Champions’ Discipleship Program

All welcome!

 

2013 Father’s Day Celebration – The Good Shepherd

We would like to invite you AS A FAMILY to come along to our 2013 Father’s Day celebration ‘The Good Shepherd’ on Sunday 1st September at the 10:30am service. More info to come next week (Baby Zone will be cancelled on this day so that all children and leaders can participate in the event).

 

How could you sew a seed in Children and Family Ministry?

We may never know the impact we have on those around us, but that should NEVER stop us from investing in people. Children desire to be loved and included, not only at school and in their homes, but also in the church.

 

In the words of Mark Conner, Citylife Church Melbourne, “Christianity is always one generation from extinction. That is why Children’s Ministry is so vital in the life of every church’. Our prayer continues to be that we as a church will embrace and believe in our kids! That we will take the time to teach and nurture them in our homes and on Sundays.

 

PLEASE don’t underestimate the importance of supporting and getting involved in this ministry. Without leaders, helpers and support we can’t meet the needs of our kids. They are too important to us and to God to let this happen. We need many more members of our church, young and old, to come on board our team – to partner with us as we embrace the future generation of our church. We want to hear from you…..don’t hesitate!!! Call or email today.

 

Please contact Laura Carson for more information on how to get involved, or how to complete the Child Safe screening process.

 

Playgroup

Playgroup provides a friendly and welcoming environment for families with young children to play, build friendships and learn more about God’s love for His people. Our theme for playgroup this term is “God makes growing things” and this week we celebrated ‘caring for the environment’. Next week we will celebrate Father’s Day. Come along between 9:30am and 11:30am in the Church Hall. All welcome. $2 per child or $3 for a family (please being a piece of fruit to share). Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671

 

Child Safe Team Member Training

Thank you to everyone who completed Team Member Training on Saturday 10th August. Your commitment to Children’s Ministry in this way is greatly appreciated.

 

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

 

Prayer requests

Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

 

Para Vista Lutheran Women's Fellowship

Next Meeting - Tuesday, 3rd September, 1pm in the church hall

Fashion Parade featuring styles and clothing from LCC collection

 

 

From the Office

 

2013 Budget

 

 

Notes to end of June 2013:

• Income was $4,000 below budget in June. Offerings and Interest earned in June were both $2,000 approximately below our projected budgeted figure.
• During 2012 we had over $4,000 credited to our offerings account which was interest forgone by members. This dropped dramatically to only $760 in 2013 and this is major reason why interest for June is well below budget.
• On a brighter side, interest forgone by members and deposited to our loans for 2013 was $5,100 more than in 2012. This will go a long way in helping to repay our current loan quicker than anticipated.
• Expenditure was about $2,000 below budget and was primarily due to staff expenses. Ministries were under budget, which was offset by plant expenses being same amount over budget.

 

The response to our chairperson’s request to prayerfully consider supporting our mission at Good Shepherd and forgo that cup of coffee still continues to be positive and encouraging. Thank you to all who have responded and embraced REG. 

 

REG forms can be obtained from the information section at the rear of the main church auditorium for those who still wish to avail themselves of this easily accessible service.

 

 

Notice Board

 

An Afternoon of Music and Entertainment

Sunday 29th September, 2.00pm at Concordia College Chapel, 45 Cheltenham St Highgate. Featuring a line-up of great performers including Mark Stefanoff from The Voice, the Hills Musical Cast of ‘A Little Night Music’ and Peter Goers as MC.

Adults: $25

Concession & Children 11-17: $20

Children under 10: FREE

Family: $75

Bookings via www.lccare.org.au or phone 08 8269 9333

 

 

 

“To show His love, Jesus died for us: to show our love, we live for Him”

 

 

 

18th August 2013

Entitled…?

My parents’ generation grew up in the shadow of the great depression of the 1930’s and then the Second World War. They knew what it was like to be hungry, to go without life’s luxuries, to waste nothing, and to find contentment with life’s basic provisions. 

 

What a difference we have in Australia today. “Affluenza” has given us a sense of entitlement: that the world owes me, that I deserve all the perks and pleasures I can muster, and that any delay to those things is an infringement on my rights. 

 

People take this same attitude into their relationship with God:  “God owes me. God exists to bring me wealth, pleasure, success and happiness!” It’s all about me, Me, ME!

 

Sadly, a lot of people who call themselves “Christians” have swallowed this lie – and wonder why they have houses full of dumb stuff – yet hearts and lives empty of meaning.

 

Greedy, rich, self-righteous, smug, self-absorbed “Christians” – there’s an oxy-moron!

 

What a hurting and broken world wants to see is the compassion, mercy, generosity and justice of Jesus!

 

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 “Cultivating generosity”

The message is “Generous with time for others”

 

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14, Luke 5:12-16

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

 

 

 

Kingdom Kids: for ages 0-12 on Sundays

Parents/carers, please remember to sign your child in and out of Kingdom Kids each week. This way we can ensure everyone is safe and accounted for.

 

Playgroup:

Come along between 9:30am and 11:30am in the Church Hall. All welcome. $2 per child or $3 for a family (please being a piece of fruit to share). Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671

 

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

 

Para Vista Lutheran Women's Fellowship    

Next Meeting - Tuesday, 3^rd September, 1pm in the church hall

Fashion Parade featuring styles and clothing from LCC collection

All Welcome

 

Cebu Mission Fundraising

Scone Day - Sunday 18^th August after both morning services.

Cost is $1/scone, freshly baked including jam and whipped cream!

 

 

From the Office

 

Road Safety

Please remember road safety when entering the church car park. Traffic is restricted to one way from Monday to Friday between 8am - 9am and 2.30pm - 4.00pm, enter Montague Road and exit Hillary Crescent. Please remember parking on Montague Road during these times is also restricted. The speed limit at all times in the car park is 10 kph.

 

 

Notice Board

 

Christmas Hamper 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 the allocation and preparation of food for our Christmas Hampers at Blair Athol.

Contact: Audene on 08 8269 9300

 

An Afternoon of Music and Entertainment

Sunday 29^th September, 2.00pm at Concordia College Chapel, 45 Cheltenham St Highgate. Featuring a line-up of great performers including Mark Stefanoff from The Voice, the Hills Musical Cast of ‘A Little Night Music’ and Peter Goers as MC.

Adults: $25

Concession & Children 11-17: $20

Children under 10: FREE

Family: $75

Bookings via www.lccare.org.au or phone 08 8269 9333

 

 

“Forgiveness is God’s grace in action through us”