26th May 2013

Punching above your weight

We have a saying that we use to describe situations where people achieve or receive something that is far greater than their ability or resources to make it happen and that saying is ‘Punching above your weight’. It comes from the sport of boxing and describes boxers who have ability to punch harder than is normally expected of someone in their weight range.

I’ve heard people say that a man of average looks and personality ‘punched above his weight’ when he was able to attract a beautiful wife with a charming personality. This probably describes me! Likewise a sporting team with no recognised stars that continues to beat teams who are better than them can also be described as ‘punching above their weight’.

The reality is that in life there are limitations that we find hard to break through. In the sporting arena where winning is everything it is not surprising that people are tempted to push these limits by using performance enhancing drugs. In a sense they are trying to ‘punch above their weight’ through the use of illegal drugs. They are looking for an unfair advantage.

When it comes to life and being the people we want to be and feel called to be by God, it can often feel like we are pushing up against certain limiting factors that hold us back. We may feel limited by our own gifts and abilities. We may feel that we are being held back by our circumstances or by the hurts we have experienced in our lives. We may feel stuck by our inability to change those thoughts, attitudes and behaviours that pull us down instead of lifting us up. Is there any way we can in a sense ‘punch above our weight’ when it comes to living the life God calls us to?

The answer is an emphatic “Yes!” We can’t do it in our own strength but God gives us his power to work in us and through us to be the people he calls us to be and this power is the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Bible tells us that we are being transformed to be more and more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. The Holy Spirit works in us to chip off the rough edges and sand down the rough bits so that we reflect more and more of Jesus in our lives. This work of the Holy Spirit in us is not always easy or pleasant, but the results are life changing.

How do we receive the power of the Holy Spirit? We ask God for it. God’s first movement towards us is always one of love and of blessing. God wants to give us the Holy Spirit to bring blessing in our lives. We just need to ask. Why not take the time today to ask God to fill you afresh with his Holy Spirit so that you can be filled with a power to ‘punch above your weight’ and grow into the person God declares you to be in Jesus?

Pastor Noel Kluge

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’s message is “Having Maximum Impact” “Jesus says, ‘You are the salt of the earth. … You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:13, 14, 16)

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Thanks - We would like to thank you for your on-going prayers for Helen. Also thank you for your love and prayers on the loss of my brother, Bob.

Jo Voigt

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, School and Homes

AGM 12.30pm 26^th May, 2013

Sausage Sizzle Day after both morning services.  There will also be Steak Sandwiches available after 2nd service. Sausages are $2 and Steak Sandwiches are $4 each.  Also be available on this day, Sue's Card Stall, Kathy's Scarf Stall and the handmade Ringpull bags and jewellery from Cebu.

Our Cebu Fundraising Project this year is to help purchase Bethlehem Day Care Centre in Cebu, which is currently operating as a child care centre and school up to level 2.

Thank you for your support.

Joan McCarthy Team Leader

  

Getting more out of the Bible

A workshop for anyone who wants to get more out of the Bible

Facilitator: Pr Rolly Stahl

Place: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista

Aim: Help people develop skills to unpack the Word and apply it to their lives. After explaining a framework (observation, interpretation, application), we will practice by working through Jonah. Please bring your Bible and a biro.

When:  Four Wednesday evenings: June 5, 12, 19, 26 -  7:30pm – 9pm

Register:

·         By writing your name/s and “Wed Bible workshop” on a Sunday Welcome Card and place in offering bowl.

OR:

·         contact the Para Vista Church Office: 8263 5087  or email:  churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

MEMBERSHIP AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Why become a member of this or any church family?

Well membership says many things. A few are:

• I belong here (Hebrews 10:23-25)
• We share the same ministry goals (Ephesians 4:16)
• I accept responsibility for fellow believers in the family of God. (Galatians 1-6, 10)
• I am accountable to others for my walk with God. (Hebrews 13:17, Matthew 18:15-20)
• I accept responsibility for how things are done. (1 Corinthians 12:20-27)
• I respect the policies. (1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 2:13-17)

Discovery is the vehicle by which membership is attained – it is the “Road to Relationship and Growth”.

If you have been attending Good Shepherd for some time and have not attended Discovery, or are new at Para Vista – Discovery is for you!

Those who previously attended Discovery commented on their experience

“Discovery was twofold for me. Firstly it gave me an introduction and an understanding of Good Shepherd. Secondly it gave my wife and I the opportunity to meet others also coming into the church – like an ice-breaker situation,
very positive”.

“I enjoyed ‘A Journey of Discovery’ because it gave me an opportunity to meet and fellowship with others who were also seeking a new place in God’s family. It provided insight into basic Lutheran teaching which in turn strengthened the building blocks of my faith in God and affirmed His love for me.  The course also provided an overview of Para Vista’s purpose and strategy and helped me identify with the church family of which I am now a member.  I completed the course with a greater sense of acceptance and belonging, and a rekindled desire to seek a deeper worship experience with God”.

·         Want to know more about how you can find Christian friendships?

·         Growing in a relationship with the God who loves you?

·         How this church family can serve you?

·         How you can make a difference to others?

·         The core beliefs and purpose of Good Shepherd?

·         How a large church can provide intimacy?

Discovery runs over two Tuesday evenings

25^th June 2013 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Come and meet the staff over a complimentary dinner with tea, coffee and dessert

2nd July 2013 6:50pm – 9:00pm

Complimentary coffee & tea

Enrolment is simple

Ring the church office (8263 5087);

Email, churchenquiries@paravista.org.au;

Write ‘Discovery’ on your welcome card in a worship service

Women’s Fellowship

PVLWF has their next meeting on 4^th June at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hope Valley at 1pm.

Our Guest speaker is Megan De Vries who will lead us through a tour of the Aged Care Facility Unit of The Vines, McLaren Apartments, Barossa, Coonawarra and Zinnbauer Hall.

All are very welcome. There will be a devotion, Bible study, short business meeting and afternoon tea after the tour. No trading table.

Notice Board

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

May 1993 saw the launch of one of Australia’s favourite and most iconic fundraising events, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. A small and simple concept – getting together over a cuppa – has since grown to something much bigger with over a million Australians getting together in living rooms, community centres, schools and workplaces to put the kettle on for a cause each year.

YOU ARE INVITED

The school and church community have joined together to invite you to

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Good Shepherd Church Hall

Friday 31^st May, 9:15 am (after chapel)

Come along and make your cup count in the fight against cancer!!

(Men, toddlers and babies welcome!)

You are welcome to attend chapel at 8.45am then stay for the morning tea,

or just join us for the morning tea from 9.15am.

Guest Speaker – Thelma Eckert

Make a donation in exchange for coffee/tea and nibbles, and help raise funds for the Cancer Council SA. In 20 years Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea has raised over $110million with breakthrough advancements in treatment, successful screening programs and major improvements in survival rates for many cancers - just some of the reasons to celebrate.

For any enquiries please contact Lenna Uebergang or Tina Pfeiffer on 8263 8545

'Preparing for Marriage' Courses

Saturday 15^th [9am-5pm] and Sunday 16^th June 2013 [1pm-5pm]

Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista

Cost: $160/couple if both employed; $85 if one employed; $65 if neither employed/students.

For registrations or more information: Tel: 8331 3111; Email: magill@lccare.org.au

Community Food SA

Volunteers Needed to help with a Customer Survey. The Community Food Store located at Shop 5, 580 Main North Road, Gepps Cross will be conducting a survey of their customers over the two weeks beginning Tuesday May 28 & Tuesday June 4. If you have a few hours to spare and can assist, talk to Maurice Clark phone 8269 3396.

 

It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

 

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm

Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au