Friday, October 25, 2013

Great Encouragers
Who has been a great encourager in your life?  What difference has it made?
 
In the New Testament, Barnabas stands out as a ‘son of encouragement’.
 
In the Old Testament, David’s mate Jonathan is a great encourager. During a season when David is on the run from the murderous intentions of King Saul, we read: And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (1 Samuel 23:7-18 NIV)

Some things we learn from Jonathan about encouragement:
 
1. Jonathan is loyal – and wants God’s best for David.
2. Jonathan could allow David to surpass his own position as a prince of Israel – and still rejoice in David’s success.  Encouragers cheer on others who outshine them.
3. Jonathan finds David when he is cut off from his home, running for his life as a fugitive, and most likely depressed. Encouragers are friends who walk in when everyone else is walking out. 
4. Jonathan helps David find strength in God. What does this mean? I can imagine Jonathan reminding David: “Mate, God is your refuge and strength. God is watching over your life. And God will fulfil his plans and purposes for your life – even though you cannot see how right now!” 
 
Who does that for you?  Who are you encouraging in this season?
 
We all do better with encouragement. You never see a person go backwards with encouragement.  When you encourage people in the love of Jesus, it sends ripples of blessing throughout their lives – and every person they influence. 
 
Prayer:
Lord, give me a ministry: not of pulling down, but of building up.
Help me to encourage, to uphold and to understand.
That my life might be a blessing to those you love.  Amen.
 
Pr Rolly Stahl
 
This Sunday at Good Shepherd
Pastor Rolly will be presenting Reformation Sunday.
This week’s message will be ‘God comes down - for us
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
 
Bible Readings: Romans 3:20-25 and Philippians 2:5-11
 

 
Kingdom Kids: Let the preparations begin!
We would like to invite all children aged 3-12 to join us in the school for the next 5 Sundays (during the 10:30am service) as we prepare for our 2013 Celebration Service – The promise of a Saviour King. Workshops for Kids and Kool Zone start this Sunday. Kindy Zone will meet in their usual classroom for a special lesson titled ‘The best treasure’. We will have a full dress rehearsal for all ages in the school gym on the 24th November, followed by the Celebration Service at 10:30am on Sunday 1st December. PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE.
 
Baby Zone:
Baby Zone ministry for ages 0-3 will continue to run during term 4 and will conclude on Sunday 15th December. This term we will cover topics such as Jesus loves children, Jesus gives me food and Jesus was a baby. There will be no Baby Zone on the 1st December as all ages will be involved in our Celebration Service.
 
2013 Celebration Service 1st December - Things you can do to help*:
  • PRAY: For God to bless our preparations and the event itself
  • ACT: We need adult shepherds (minimal prep required)
  • SEW: Help make costumes
  • PAINT/MAKE: Help make props (on Sundays during Kingdom Kids)
  • COOK:  At least 2-3 people to help cook the community BBQ lunch
  • BRING: A salad for the community BBQ lunch
  • FACE PAINTERS or makeup enthusiasts who can help with stage makeup
  • LEND: old brooms, scrubbing brushes, dusting cloths and rags (needed ASAP for rehearsals)
  • KEEP THE DATE FREE AND COME ALONG!!!
*Please forward your expressions of interest via email, or write your name down on the sheet located at the Kingdom Kids sign in table.
 
Playgroup: The things we love about Christmas!
Playgroup is back on for families with preschool children. This term we will be celebrating the theme “the things we love about Christmas”. Each Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am the hall will be transformed into an inviting play area with loads of fun and interesting activities for everyone to take part in. We will cover topics such as getting ready, creative cooking, holiday adventure, helpful hands (serving others at Christmas), let’s celebrate, giving gifts, Christmas tree decorating, the nativity story and finally carols and community.  $2 per child or $3 per family.
Please bring a piece of fruit to share. All welcome.
Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671.
 
C & F Ministry Volunteers Dinner:
Children and Family Ministry volunteers, you and your family are invited to a celebration to thank YOU for your time and efforts volunteering in C & F ministry this year. Please keep Saturday 16th November, 4pm-7:30pm free. Invites have been sent…we hope to see you all there!
 
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.

 
From the Office
 
2013 Budget
 

 
Notes to end of June 2013:
  • Total Offerings in September received were $43,584 against the budget of $44,200.
  • Offerings received each Sunday exceeded budget in September, with REG Offerings slightly below budget.
  • Total Offerings to end of September are currently $10,066 below budget.
 
It has been encouraging to see the Sunday offering being exceeded for this month. The extra cup of coffee (make it a double shot) added to the REG for the next few months would achieve the results required to see the finances allow the ministries of PV being continued in the current capacity for next year.
 
Thank you to those who have submitted the blue Impact 2014 slips. If you have not completed and returned a slip please prayerfully consider doing so.
 
Volunteers make it happen
Our community is desperately short of volunteers to assist in two areas. One is vacuuming the church and the other is placing the bins onto the kerb. 
 
Vacuuming; all the carpeted areas of the complex require cleaning weekly. Back pack vacuum cleaners are available at the church or you can bring your own.
 
Bins; Bins are required to be placed onto the kerb at the front of the church on a Sunday or early Monday morning. A green or yellow pick up roster is attached to the bin enclosure for reference.
 
Volunteering can be a lot of fun when done in small groups but becomes a huge chore when it has to be done on your own. The more volunteers we have the greater the time between being rostered on. Can I strongly encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute to shining the light of the good news of Jesus into our community through your service?
 
Please contact the front office or Stephen on 8263 5087 or mark your Sunday welcome card with volunteer vacuum/bin.
 
Car parking
As a service which can be done every Sunday, without cost or time, please consider parking in the Alliance or Mattiske’s carpark on a Sunday morning. This will allow those who are guests or have mobility issues to gain easy access to the facility.
 
Together in Mission
The LLL supporting the Lutheran Church 2012/2013 information booklet is now available from the information area. Please take a copy and find out whether the early disciples operated cafes or restaurants.
 
2014 Daily Devotion Book “Time out with Jesus”
Orders are being taken now. Cost is $22. Please let the office know by 28th October. Thanks.

We are seeking someone with a love and passion for Children and Family ministry to join our pastoral ministry team in 2014. The purpose of this position is to lead and prepare teams focussed on children (0-12) and their families to:
·         Disciple children and their families in the Good Shepherd community
·         Help equip families to be the primary place of faith nurture and development.
 
This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead through empowerment and trust while accepting accountability for outcomes. The person we are seeking will invest the majority of their time in recruiting, equipping, and supporting leaders and teams who will carry out this ministry. The successful applicant will be directly assisted by the Children and Family Support Worker
(8 hours) and supported by the entire staff team.
 
Remuneration will be according to the Lay Workers Salary Scale Level 2 for accredited Lay Workers or as negotiated in the interview for applicants without accreditation.
 
A Position Description is available on request from the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.
 
Applications in writing by 3rd November 2013 are to be submitted to:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306, Modbury North SA 5092
 
Reformation Sunday Celebration Lunch
When? Sunday 3rd November 2013 after 10:30am Service
Where? Church Hall
Why? Come and enjoy the celebrations as we have fun and fellowship together eating yummy German Fare - bratwurst, schnitzels, sauerkraut, metwurst, green salad and dilled cucumbers!
Dare I say it? Enough fun with yum to make Martin Luther smile!
(Gold coin donation would be appreciated)
 
Notice Board
 
Twilight Tour and Middle Years at Endeavour College,
Thursday 31 October
Come for our Twilight Tour between 4:00 – 6:30pm, stay for a BBQ and at 7pm find out just how Endeavour is preparing for the Middle Years right now, ready for Year 7s in 2016. Many plans are already in place to continue the LENS commitment of providing our students a holistic education in a dynamic learning environment. Our strong, supportive Christian community provides many pathways, enabling each student to reach their potential. Please give the College a ring on 8368 3311 if you have any queries about the transition enrolment or to arrange a tour when it suits you.
 
 

 

God’s word is the compass that keeps us on course
 
 

Friday, October 18, 2013

What are you looking at?
 
I have been thinking a lot lately about the difference between the world’s standards and God’s standards. As I thought about this, a passage from 1 Samuel came to mind.
 
God has just rejected Saul as king and instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint another king from the sons of Jesse. After some protest, Samuel agreed to go and to visit Jesse and his sons. When Samuel first arrived he saw one of Jesse’s sons Eliab. When he saw him Samuel thought: ‘surely this is the Lord’s anointed!’ But God said to Samuel: ‘don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16:6-7, NLT). God had to remind Samuel that he is not judging the situation by worldly standards and that his agenda is to find someone with a good heart not good biceps or a handsome face.
 
How often do we fall into the trap of judging people and ourselves by the external – by wealth, looks and achievements? In this passage God tries to show Samuel that he has a different measuring stick – he is looking at the heart. God is looking for a good heart because he is looking for the next king of Israel. Saul has already shown that he does not have what it takes to be king. The next king needs to have a good heart in order to honour God and fulfil the plans that he has. Often we fail to see the importance of having a heart that is right with God. But Jesus told us that ‘the mouth speaks what the heart is full of’, that it is out of our heart that evil thoughts come and he commands us to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart’ (Matt 12:33, 15:19, 22:37). Jesus speaks about the heart so much because it is from there that our lives are shaped. We may be able to fake good deeds or perfection but you can’t fake a sincere heart.
 
How are you judging your life right now: by your external actions or your internal heart?
Do you need to allow God to shape your heart?
 
Emma
 
This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This Sunday Pastor Noel will be presenting Impact 2014. Impact 2014 is like a “state of the nation” event for our church community where we celebrate how God has impacted people’s lives through our church and look forward to where God is calling us in 2014. We would love you to join us this Sunday for Impact 2014.
 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
 
Bible Readings: Psalm 96:1-13 (NLT) and Matthew 5:14-16


 
 
Kingdom Kids: Let the preparations begin!
We would like to invite all children aged 3-12 to join us in the school for the next 6 Sundays (during the 10:30am service) as we prepare for our 2013 Celebration Service – The promise of a Saviour King. All ages will meet in the school library this Sunday for an introduction to the term, some worship time and an introduction to the workshops that will be on offer over the next few weeks. We will have a full dress rehearsal in the school gym on the 24th November, followed by the Celebration Service at 10:30am on Sunday 1st December. PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE. If your child is particularly interested in having a more significant role, please contact me so I can include them in the best way possible.
 
Baby Zone:
Baby Zone ministry for ages 0-3 will continue to run during term 4 and will conclude on Sunday 15th December. This term we will cover topics such as Jesus loves children, Jesus gives me food and Jesus was a baby. There will be no Baby Zone on the 1st December as all ages will be involved in our Celebration Service.
 
Participation NOT Performance: How can you get involved?
We want this Celebration Service to provide the opportunity for the WHOLE Good Shepherd community to get involved, not just the kids! There are lots of ways that you can help out with our Celebration Service. There will a large sheet titled ‘things you can do to help’ at the Kingdom Kids sign in table throughout the term. Please take a few minutes to check it out. Thanks in advance for your support and participation in this way.
 
Playgroup: The things we love about Christmas!
Playgroup is back on for families with pre school children. This term we will be celebrating the theme “the things we love about Christmas”. Each Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am the hall will be transformed into an inviting play area with loads of fun and interesting activities for everyone to take part in. We will cover topics such as getting ready, creative cooking, holiday adventures, helpful hands (serving others at Christmas), let’s celebrate, giving gifts, Christmas tree decorating, the nativity story and finally carols and community. $2 per child or $3 per family. Please bring a piece of fruit to share. All welcome.
Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671.
 
C & F Ministry Volunteers Dinner:
Children and Family Ministry volunteers, you and your family are invited to a celebration to thank YOU for your time and efforts volunteering in C & F ministry this year. Please keep Saturday 16th November, 4pm-7:30pm free. Invites have been sent…we hope to see you all there!
 
Laura Carson
Children and Family Team Leader
 
Prayer Request:
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, 29th October, 1pm in the church hall
AGM - Elections
All Welcome
 
Plant Stall
The Plant Stall will be held this Sunday 20th October after both morning services. If you have potted up plants to sell, please name your plants and also if they flower, put what colour they will be.
 
From the Office
 
2013 Budget
 
 
Notes to end of August 2013:
  • Income in July and August combined was $2,600 over budget due to both Offerings and Ministry income.
  • Expenses in July and August combined were $1,500 below.
  • Staff expenses were $2,000 over budget, however plant was $2,000 under budget. Both ministry and administration expense were slightly under budget.
  • A significant deficit is currently projected for 2013 at the current trend.
 
Air conditioners
The evaporative coolers in the church have now been opened for the summer months. If you require assistance with the operation of the units please contact the office staff.
 
2014 Daily Devotion Book “Time out with Jesus”
Orders are being taken now. Cost is $22. Please let the office know by 28th October. Thanks.
 
For Sale
There are still two professional table tennis tables for sale.  
Large wooden trestle tables. $50.00 ONO. Great tables for that BBQ spread.
A number of soft dividers that could be used as room partitions or large pinup board.
Please contact Stephen or the front office on 8263 5087or via email szanker@paravista.org.au for further information on for sale items.
 
From the Board
 
We welcome to the Board Erika Kaesler who has agreed to join the Board and will fill one of the 3 vacancies.
 
Changing location of the library and Baby Zone
As part of the deliberations of the Connect project it was suggested it was much more convenient and logical to have the Baby Zone much closer to the Worship Centre, toilets and baby change facilities. To this end the Board is investigating the cost of relocating the baby zone to the present library area. This would include the present library and storeroom behind the library. The library would be relocated to the Education Centre and a new storeroom would be built at the courtyard end of the Education Centre.
 
Other issues discussed at the October meeting of the Board:
·        Our large street sign – the Board has been investigating the cost of changing the sign to an electronic sign. This would allow a much more flexible use of the sign. No decision has been made.
·        A procedure was accepted on how the Board would respond to any request for information from the Child Sexual Abuse Commission which is holding hearings across Australia
·        The congregation’s support for overseas mission in 2014 and the Connect Project – motions will be presented to the congregational meeting in November.
·        It was agreed that we advertise the position of Children and Family Ministry Team Leader
 
 
We are seeking someone with a love and passion for Children and Family ministry to join our pastoral ministry team in 2014. The purpose of this position is to lead and prepare teams focussed on children (0-12) and their families to:
·         Disciple children and their families in the Good Shepherd community
·         Help equip families to be the primary place of faith nurture and development
 
This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead through empowerment and trust while accepting accountability for outcomes. The person we are seeking will invest the majority of their time in recruiting, equipping, and supporting leaders and teams who will carry out this ministry. The successful applicant will be directly assisted by the Children and Family Support Worker (8 hours) and supported by the entire staff team.
 
Remuneration will be according to the Lay Workers Salary Scale Level 2 for accredited Lay Workers or as negotiated in the interview for applicants without accreditation.
 
A Position Description is available on request from the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.
 
Applications in writing by 3rd November 2013 are to be submitted to:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306, Modbury North SA 5092
 
Reformation Sunday Celebration Lunch
(NOTE CHANGE OF DATE)
When? Sunday 3rd November 2013 after 10:30am Service
Where? Church Hall
Why? Come and enjoy the celebrations as we have fun and fellowship together eating yummy German Fare - bratwurst, schnitzels, sauerkraut, metwurst, green salad and dilled cucumbers!
Dare I say it? Enough fun with yum to make Martin Luther smile!
(Gold coin donation)
 
Notice Board

 
LCC Preparing for Marriage Course
Located in Para Vista
Saturday 9th November: 9.00am-5.00pm
Sunday 10th November: 1.00-5.00pm
Cost: $160+GST
Enquiries: magill@lccare.org.au or Tel 8331 3111
 

 

 
God’s warnings are to protect us, not to punish us