The Star
About
that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where
is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come
to worship him.”
… And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went
ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. (Matthew
2:1-2,9 NLT)
For as
long as I can remember, we have always put a star on top of our Christmas tree.
The star reminds us of God’s star in the sky – pointing the Wise Men to Jesus.
In ancient times, many
thought that a new star marked the birth of a special king into the world.
In this case, God gave the Wise Men a star to let them know that the promised Messiah had been born: the King of the Jews.
In this case, God gave the Wise Men a star to let them know that the promised Messiah had been born: the King of the Jews.
Through
this special star, God was shining out a message to the nations that Jesus was
not just born as King of the Jews, but for ALL peoples of the world – including
the foreign Wise Men, you and me!
On finding Jesus, the first
thing the Wise Men do is drop down on their knees, bow down before this Child,
and worship him as THEIR King and THEIR God. The real star of Christmas is
Jesus.
Jesus
says: "I am the light of the
world. Whoever follows me will never
walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) People
who follow Jesus are different from those who don’t, because Jesus lights up
their lives. As Jesus lights up our lives, we are like stars that keep pointing
others to Him. Then you will shine among
them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. (Philippians 2:15b-16a NIV)
Pr Rolly Stahl
This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This
week’s message will be “God’s promise to
be with us” as we continue the series ‘God’s promises in Jesus’
Bible Readings: Isaiah
7:1-16 and Matthew 1:18-25
School Holidays have begun!
Our Children’s Ministry programs are now on School
Holidays. Our 2014 Kingdom Kids and Baby Zone programs will be launched
at the Back to School Service on the 2nd February 2014. Playgroup
will also start up again on Wednesday 5th February. For more
information on any of these programs, please contact Beth Einthal on 8263 5087
or Beth.Einthal@paravista.org.au.
You did it!
We are very excited to announce that $230.15
has been raised by you, the congregation members of Good Shepherd Para Vista,
to cover the cost of our Christmas Eve Packs for Kids. Praise God and thank you
for your generosity. This means a lot to us and will also mean a lot to the
children who receive the packs.
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.
Christmas
and New Year’s Eve Service Times
Christmas Eve – 5.00, 6.30 and 8.30pm
Christmas Day – 9.30am
New Year’s Eve – 7.30pm
Great
Car Parking News This Christmas!!
The School Oval is now available for car parking on
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Here’s an idea! Imitate other families and a
particular small group, who gather for fellowship on the oval and enjoy a
‘picnic’ after the service.
I thank and praise God for those whose generous
Christmas gift to visitors is to park on the school oval or at Mattiske’s car
park.
YOUR
NAME IS A GIFT
Warmth, friendliness, openness, welcome, cordiality,
generosity are all synonyms of hospitality.
Christian ethics are described in scripture Romans
12:9-21. Great words of wisdom, all do-able! However I refer particularly to
verse 13(b) “pursue hospitality”.
One minor way which has high impact in which you can
show hospitality is by wearing your name badge*. It is and will be especially
at the Christmas services, truly a gift to those who are visitors or new
worshippers. For me and the other members of the Pastoral Ministry Team to be
able to correctly call you by your right name is a gift!
Barry Klaer - Pastoral Care & Fellowship Team
Leader
*If you do not have a name badge, you can order one
through the front office or by writing ‘name badge’ on your welcome card. Please nominate your choice of magnetic, clip
or pin backing. Cost: $9:50 per name badge.
From the office
Regular
Electronic Giving (REG)
Have you updated your REG? Over half our weekly
offerings are made through REG. For those who are altering their giving through
REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from
the information rack at the rear of the auditorium.
Christmas
whirlwind
Last chance! Can you be available on Tuesday 24th
December at 9.00am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off.
Please bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety
equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church
facility for Christmas.
CEBU
News
Due to the efforts of the fund raising team and your
generous support of the CEBU Mission a sum of $3500.00 was donated to the
foundation for use where most needed. The response from the foundation came
back ’wow - that is wonderful, thank you so much.’ Thank you to all who
have supported and been involved in this project over the past 12 months.
Office
closure over Christmas
The office will be closed from 3pm on 24th
December 2013 to 9am on Monday 6th January 2014.
Christmas
Blessings from all the staff
This is the last edition of the weekly news for
2013. First edition for 2014 will be for Sunday 12th January. The editing
deadline is COB Wednesday 8th January 2014. We thank you for all
your support in 2013 and pray that Christmas is a blessing to you and all your
family. May 2014 be a year of peace and an opportunity to reach out into our
community to share the gospel that all may know Jesus and worship him.
Vacancies
SA
Council of Churches: Office Administrator Vacancy
Applications are invited for the role of
Office Administrator: General Administration, for 18 hours a week over 3 days. The
role is responsible for the coordination, provision and development of a broad
range of clerical and administration services for SA Council of Churches and
Chaplaincy Services SA. Position Description available at www.sacc.asn.au
Email applications addressing the selection
criteria to:
Geraldine Hawkes, Executive Officer
Closing date: 3pm Wednesday 15th January
2014.
ALTERNATIVE
CARE WORKER LCC Level 4 (1.0 FTE)
12
month contract, based at Glynde
An opportunity exists for a person with relevant experience to assess and
train those who apply to be foster carers and to process referrals for the
placement of children in foster care throughout the service area.
Please apply on-line through the LCC website only by 9.00am Monday 6th
January 2014.
For a Job Description and on-line Application Guide please visit: www.lccare.org.au
Notice Board
Christmas
Show on Channel 9 for the Children
Lutheran Media’s Little Shepherd TV show will be airing on Channel 9, Sunday
22nd December. Order your Little Shepherd DVD for $10. Be quick,
there is a limited supply. 1800 353 350 or luthmedia@lca.org.au
Influencers
Conference 2014
24th to 26th January at the Influencers
Church, 57 Darley Road, Paradise. Register online at
Lutheran
Women of South Australia RETREAT 2014
Located at the Australian Lutheran College, Ward Street, North Adelaide
From 17th to 19th January
2014. RSVP required by 8th January 2014.
For enrolment forms or more information, please
contact Ruth Oster on 8265 0221 or email kroster@senet.com.au
“Christmas is the day that holds all time together”
