Friday, November 8, 2013

A call to prayer
 
During October I presented the Impact 2014 sessions. Many of you appreciated the video clip where people new to Good Shepherd shared how they have been impacted through their involvement with our church. It was very reassuring and encouraging to hear firsthand how our contributions to Good Shepherd of time, energy and money are making positive spiritual differences in people’s lives. Your enthusiasm to further contribute to making a difference was evident in the great response to our need to increase our offerings in 2014 to meet rising costs. While it is too early to give a final figure, it does appear we should be able to cover the increased costs in 2014. I want to say big “thankyou” for your generous response.
 
While we have much to thank and praise God for, I believe there is a renewed need to be vigilant in prayer for our church and the people who are part of it. Over the last few months I have noticed a significant increase in the pastoral issues that I have had to deal with. While we have seen a lot of good things happen in people’s lives, we have also seen an increase in serious problems in people’s lives.
 
As the church we operate like a body and when one member is going well it lifts the whole body. Conversely when another member struggles it also impacts the body and pulls it down a little. Now dealing with struggle and problems are a part of life. Jesus said to his disciples, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus is saying, “There is no escaping problems but we do not need to lose heart because I have overcome the source of these problems, sin and evil.”
 
The interesting thing is what Jesus does next. We’re told, ‘After saying all these things Jesus looked up to heaven and said…’ (John 17:1) What is the outcome of taking heart? It is prayer. We demonstrate our confidence that Jesus has overcome sin and evil in this world by praying.
 
Now is the time for us at Good Shepherd not to lose heart because of the problems that may have arisen, though we still have much to give thanks for. Now is the time to pray. Pray for our church and pray for the people in it. Continue to thank God for all the good things he is doing among us. At the same time pray for our relationships with God and each other. Pray for unity of Spirit and purpose. Pray for our spiritual and physical health. Pray for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus. Pray for God’s protection from the evil one and the ability to stand strong against his schemes and temptations that pull us off track. Pray that God good can work his good purposes out of whatever struggle we may be going through. 
 
We are to be people who have not lost heart, but rather confident people pressing forward through prayer trusting in the Jesus who has overcome this world.
 
Pastor Noel
 
This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message will be “God’s promise of strength in temptation” as we continue the series ‘God’s promises in tough times’ Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
 
Bible Readings: Luke 22:39-46 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

 
Kingdom Kids: The Promise of a Saviour King
We would like to invite all children aged 3-12 to join us in the school for the next 2 Sundays (during the 10:30am service) as we prepare for our 2013 Celebration Service – The promise of a Saviour King. Kindy Zone will meet in their usual classroom for a special lesson titled ‘Prophecy Fulfilled’. We will have a full dress rehearsal for all ages in the school gym on the 24th November from 10:45am-12pm, followed by the Celebration Service at 10:30am on Sunday 1st December.
 
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.
 
Please pray for God to bless our preparations and the event itself.
 
Playgroup: The things we love about Christmas!
Come along to playgroup this term to help us celebrate “the things we love about Christmas”. Each Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am the church hall is transformed into an inviting play area with loads of fun and interesting activities for everyone to take part in. Our theme for next week is ‘Let’s Celebrate’ which will be followed by Giving Gifts, Christmas Tree Decorating, The Nativity Story and finally Carols and Community (a joint celebration with Bethany Kluges classroom at GSLS). $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. Please RSVP to Beth Einthal on 0438 233 671 or beth.einthal@paravista.org.au by the 9th November for catering purposes. Thanks 
 
Giving gifts at Christmas
It has become a tradition at Good Shepherd Para Vista to give the children a Christmas pack as they enter church on Christmas Day, as a way to include and bless them in the service. This year we have started making up packs that include an activity booklet from the Lutheran Tract Mission, a set of coloured pencils, a bookmark and some Christian based Christmas stickers (all of which will be given in a small zip lock bag). To help cover the cost of this expense, we would like to ask for small donations from the congregation. The total expense of making 150 of these packs is just over $200, so if you feel led to make a small donation towards this gift we would be thrilled. Please place your donations in the ‘Kids Christmas Packs’ tin located on the Kingdom Kids sign in table on Sundays, or in the main office during the week. Thanks in advance for your support 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 – Honey Biscuits
We will be sending honey biscuits to Lutheran Community Care near the end of this month. The biscuits will then be distributed to people who need extra love and Christmas cheer. We welcome the baking efforts of any congregation members and ask that you bring your biscuits to the church kitchen by Sunday 24 November where they will be collected.
 
We are asked to comply with the following requests: No nuts or 100s and 1000s, some biscuits may be iced and long sprinkles are acceptable. We thank you for your help towards others through our congregation.
 
Para Vista Lutheran Women's Fellowship - Christmas Break Up Luncheon  
Held on Tuesday 3 December at 12 noon in the Para Vista Church Hall. Members of our Good Shepherd Community are invited to a delicious lunch. You will enjoy carol singing, Christmas readings, a Bible message and joyful fellowship.
 
RPVS to Ruth Oster on Ph. 82650221 or email: kroster@senet.com.au by Tuesday 26 November. Donation of $12 pp
 
Half Yearly Meetings
The half yearly meetings for the church, school and village will be held on Sunday 24 November @ 12:30. Lunch is available after the 10:30am service so enjoy a meal and then attend the meetings. Reports/2014 budget for the church will be available from next Sunday 17 November.
 
 
Fundraising
Christmas Stalls
Available after both morning services on the following dates: 10, 17 and 24 November, 1 and 15 December. All proceeds to Cebu Mission. Thank you for your support.

Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich Day
Sunday 24 November. Sausages are available after 1st service. Sausages and steak sandwiches are available after 2nd service. Grab some food and then take part in the Half Yearly meeting at 12.30pm. 

Christmas Puddings for sale this Sunday 10 November
Help support the Children, Youth and Family Ministry of our local and wider church by purchasing a Christmas pudding! Blueprint Ministries who oversee this ministry in our state are selling Christmas Puddings from Pudding Lane. These all natural, all Australian puddings come in a variety of flavours including Classic Christmas Chocolate, Macadamia and Brandy and Gluten Free. Pudding Lane supply puddings to Jamie Oliver and Donna Hay!
 
Please see Andrea Bowden in the hall following the service to pre-order or purchase. Prices range from $27 - $45 depending on flavour and size. Orders can also be placed by email to: tandabowden@gmail.com
 
 
From the Office
 
Appreciation of items left for charity
If you don’t need it at home and wish to donate to a charity then the church may not need items either. In past weeks a number of electrical and household items have been left in the narthex area of the church. Please leave all charity donated goods in the welfare bin located on the northern end of the car park. Please note all electrical items, broken or unserviceable household goods left in the bin or narthex have to be disposed of at a cost to the church.


I am seeking the assistance of a couple of members to assist in the cleaning of the gutters at Para Vista. The task would only involve an hour of spare time whilst being able to gain a view of the surrounding area not normally seen by others. Please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or put on your Sunday welcome card your intention to be part of the “View Adelaide with a difference” team.
 
Staff on Leave
Lorraine Johns will be on leave until 18th November
 
 

Notice Board

 
Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood
We have high quality Christmas trees at $30 each available for purchase again this year. Delivery to the church will be on Saturday 14th December.
 
Please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or contact the church office 8263 5087 or write your order on your welcome card by Wednesday 4th December. It will be helpful if you can state a preferred height of tree.
 
 
Vacancies
 
Cleaner
Australian Lutheran College - 20 hours per week (9.30am-2pm)
Cleaning experience an advantage but not essential. For further information and details contact Kristine Leonard (Boarding Manager) on Ph: 8267 7361 or 0417 601 123 between 8.30am – 12.30pm Tuesday to Friday. Starting date: Thursday 28th November.
Applications close Friday 15th November.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A true friend is a gift from God
And one who points us back to Him