“…Life is not measured by how much one
owns." (Luke 12:15 NCV)
During my
working life, I have been made redundant 7 times due to businesses going broke,
staff downsizing and seasonal work ‘drying up’. I thank the Lord that I was
able to quickly ‘secure’ other employment. Losses and other tragedies have a
way of putting everything into perspective. They illuminate our values and help
us figure out our priorities. We realise what matters most. People matter, not
things.
I believe
when Jesus said, "Life is not measured by how much one owns” is for
us to realise and not confuse our net worth with our self-worth. We are not to confuse our possessions with
our position in Christ and our purpose. We should not confuse what we're living
on with what we're living for.
In the
season of loss, we need to clarify our values and really remember what’s
important and that is relationships and people. We should not lose our joy over
things that are unimportant. One of my favourite sayings is “Have you ever seen
a tow-bar on a hearse?” The Bible says, "We brought nothing into the
world, so we can take nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:7)
A job can
be taken; there is no such thing as job security. Our health can decline; we
can lose the person we're married to! We can lose our youthful attractiveness!
I understand these things as I have (except for the latter) experienced them
all! Real security comes when we have to build your life on something that
can't be taken from us.
When
we're going through a season of loss, we need not only the support of other
people; we also need the perspective of other people. When we're in a season of
loss, we don't see the whole picture, our pain constricts our focus, and we
need other people who can help you see the big picture. Scripture says, “Look after each other so that none of you
fails to receive the grace of God.” (Hebrews 12:15 NLT) We need each other to a great extent at this
time. And I praise God for those in our church family who are there in an
instant to sit and be with those who are and have been in a season of loss to
give you comfort, pray with, encourage, and provide meals — whatever was
needed.
For
reflection:
·
What does
your life reveal are the most important things to you?
·
What do
you think is the best way to approach someone who has experienced a loss so
that you can offer help?
Barry
Klaer
This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This
week’s message will be “God’s promise of
purpose in the suffering”
as we continue the series ‘God’s promises in
tough times’
Bible Readings:
1 Peter 4:12-19 and Romans 5:1-5
Kingdom Kids: The
Promise of a Saviour King
We would like to invite all children aged 3-12 to join us in the school
this Sunday (during the 10:30am service) as we do final preparations for our
2013 Celebration Service – The promise of
a Saviour King. Kindy Zone will meet in their usual classroom for a special
lesson titled ‘Worship the King’. 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. 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 give s 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.
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. This term we have covered topics such
as getting ready, Creative Cooking,
Holiday Adventures, Helpful Hands (serving others at Christmas) and let’s
celebrate. Our theme for next week is ‘giving gifts’ which will be followed by 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.
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. $56
has been raised so far to go towards our 2013 Christmas Day packs. 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 of the church, school and
village will be held next Sunday November 24th @ 12:30pm. Lunch will be
available after the second service so enjoy lunch, socialise and then attend
the meetings. Copies of the church and school agendas and associated materials
will be available this Sunday in the member’s information section. The church
material will also be emailed to those on our email list.
Main agenda items are:
- 2014 budget
- The connect Project
- Overseas Mission Support for 2014
Fundraising
Christmas
Stalls
Available after both morning services on the
following dates: 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.
Urgent
Typhoon Haiyan Disaster Assistance
Typhoon Haiyan caused enormous destruction with
winds of up to 380kmh destroying the majority of structures in its path. It is
estimated 10,000 people were killed, 480,000 people displaced and up to 12.9
million people affected.
We want to encourage everyone at Good Shepherd to
show the love and compassion of Jesus by making a donation to help provide
immediate assistance to those affected by the Typhoon.
This Sunday, 17th November, we will have a retiring
offering after both services to support the work of Cebu Missionary Foundation
in the Philippines. They will be sending a team to Leyte Island which
encountered the full force of the Typhoon to provide food, water and medication
to those affected in Samar region. Donations can be deposited directly into
their Australian bank account- International Gospel Centre, BSB 034-204 Account
no. 125599. Please include ‘typhoon relief’ in the deposit reference.
Alternatively you can make a tax deductible donation
to Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS) online at
http://www.alws.org.au/urgent-action.html. ALWS is linking with churches around
the world through ACT Alliance to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the
Philippines.
From the Office
2013
Budget
·
Income in September below
budget as offerings slightly below budget.
·
Expenditure $3,073 under
budget – ministries $1,000 and plant $3,000 under budget and staff about
$1,000 over budget.
·
Although total income
some $12,866 under budget, expenditure is $5,401 under budget which counteracts
this to some degree.
·
Offerings in October were
$1,018 over budget.
·
REG was slightly under
and Plate offering was $1,214 over budget.
·
Since our Marathon began
we have reduced the offering deficit from the peak of $10,755 at end of June to
currently $9,058 behind budget.
A
reminder to all users of the hall and kitchen facilities at Good Shepherd
All users are reminded to ensure the kitchen floor
is swept and moped after use. Sweepings are to be picked up and placed in the
bin and the bins in the kitchen emptied into the large kerbside bins in the
chair store area. If the stoves are used for cooking then they will need to be
cleaned and any spills removed prior to lockup. Any equipment is to be returned
to its storage place.
The hall floor is to be swept as a minimum and any
spills are to be moped up with a damp mop.
Please do not leave any water on the floor as this damage the surface.
If you do find the facilities in an unacceptable
condition when you come to use them please let Stephen or the office staff know
at first available opportunity.
Please
note office closed for staff meeting and lunch
On Thursday 21 November from 11.30am to 1.30pm
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.
Sharing
the Journey Walk/Ride cancelled
Unfortunately Lutheran Community Care has had to cancel our Sharing the
Journey Walk/Ride that was scheduled for this coming Sunday, 17 November at
Bonython Park. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused to your
congregation and families. Anyone who purchased tickets to take part in the
ride will be refunded. Please contact us at 08 8269 9333 if you have any
questions.
Research
on conversion to Christianity
Researchers from Flinders University (theology department) are seeking
participants for research on why individuals convert to Christianity. If you
are aged over 18 years, from an English speaking background, have begun
considering yourself a Christian in the past two years and are willing to be
interviewed about your experiences, they would love to hear from you. More
information on the noticeboard or from Lynne Taylor
Mobile: 0488 497 881,
Phone: 08 8358 2149 or
“The best preparation for tomorrow
is the right
use of today”
