Trust in God

If you didn’t already know or hadn’t guessed by my rapidly expanding waist line, I am pregnant and due with our second child in March next year. It’s very exciting and an incredible blessing to be growing another little human inside my body (with God’s help of course). I thoroughly enjoy feeling the baby move every day and involving my four year old daughter in the preparations at home.

However, as wonderful and amazing as being pregnant is, it has also been very hard for me at times with ongoing nausea, fatigue and a few other small bumps in the road. This has kept me in bed or rendered me basically helpless with day to day tasks for a number of days/weeks/months. I know many others have much worse pregnancies than me but I will admit that it has definitely been hard. Hard to keep up with my work, my household duties, being a mum, a wife, a sister and a daughter, and hard on my husband who has picked up a lot of the slack.

My husband Aaron has been an AMAZING support but it is God who I have relied on every day to just get me through. He has given me strength and comfort through endless months of nausea all day every day, wisdom to let go of the things that don’t really matter and His unconditional love. To know that God loves me no matter whether I can make it out of bed or not is amazing and comforting. I have felt like a failure so many times when I can’t do everyday tasks but I know and trust that God is growing me and my family through this experience - to rely completely on Him and to keep my focus on Him.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

It is through Jesus that this amazing relationship with God is possible so I look forward to celebrating Christmas and Jesus being born, with my growing family! I hope you also enjoy celebrating the birth of our Saviour this Christmas and draw closer to Him for everything you need.

God bless,
Beth   

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “How God keeps his promises”
as we continue the series “Advent Adventure”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 and Luke 1:26-38

Kingdom Kids is now on a break over the School Holidays! We have enjoyed an amazing year learning about Living in God’s Love! A MASSIVE thank you to all the volunteers who have run this program this year - you have all helped to plant God’s word in our kids that we pray will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come!

There will be activity sheets or booklets available in church for the kids each week as well as the Personal Journals for older kids to help them listen to God during the services.

Kingdom Kids will return on 8th February after the Back to School service on 1st February. 

Beth Einthal
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 Service times
Christmas Eve - 5.00, 6.30 & 8.30 pm
Christmas Day - 9.30 am with Holy Communion
Please note that all Christmas Eve services are exactly the same.

From the office

Your Free Gift this Christmas
One of the simplest free gifts you could give this Christmas is to park either in Mattiske’s car park or on the school oval for the Christmas Eve services and allow our visitors to park close to the entrance of the church.  Car parking attendants will be directing traffic for the 5.00 and 6.30pm services and your assistance in following directions will be appreciated. 

Christmas whirlwind
Last chance!  Can you be available on Wednesday 24th December at 9.30am 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. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare.  Please advise Stephen or the front office on 8263 5087or via email szanker@paravista.org.au of your availability.

Library
Note for all library users.  Please assist our volunteer librarian by not putting return items back onto the shelf but return them to the return box once you have finished borrowing.  This will prevent you from receiving an overdue notice.  Accordingly, if you remove items and then can’t remember where they belong please put them into the return box.

Vacancy
An opportunity still exists for two willing persons local to the church to become second and third contacts to respond to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church.  Work may be at random hours and in most cases to date have been proven honest operator error.  However these incidents do require a physical check of the facilities to ensure security is maintained. All expressions of interest please contact Stephen, the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.

Office closure over Christmas
Office will be closed from 3.00pm 24th December 2014 to 9.00am Tuesday 6th January 2015

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Bakers Delight, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse.  

LYSA Reunion Weekend
Blueprint Ministries presents an event ‘not to be missed’ on June 13-14, 2015, Barossa Valley.
Celebrating the rich history of the Lutheran Youth of South Australia. See and hear how young lives are still being impacted by the great things God is doing through Blueprint Ministries.
Put this on your calendar! Look out for more info in the New Year.

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will towards men.

Luke 2:14

The encouragement of Christmas

Discouragement is something we all go through in our lives. We get discouraged in our relationships, our parenting and our jobs. We can be discouraged by our inability to lose weight, get fit or change a behaviour that creates problems for us. At the heart of discouragement is lacking the courage to keep going.

On the flip side, encouragement is receiving the courage in something to keep going. Many of us become discouraged when we lose perspective on the situation and lose belief in ourselves to deal with it. Encouragement comes through others as they help us see things differently. It comes as they show their belief in us to deal with whatever we are facing. It’s amazing how a few words of encouragement can change our whole outlook on a problem and give us the confidence to tackle it.

The message of Jesus’ birth at Christmas is a message of encouragement. When the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds he said, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy to all people. The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem.” (Luke 2:10, 11)

One of the names given to Jesus is ‘Emmanuel’ which means God with us. If discouragement is caused by feeling helpless in the face of adversity, the declaration that God is now with us is hugely encouraging. Secondly, Jesus has come as our Saviour. He has come to save us from our enslavement to sin which is at the heart of all discouragement. Jesus came to do for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves.

Sometimes the words “You can do it!” is all we need to hear to feel encouraged to keep going. Other times “You can do it” does not encourage us because we know deep down we can’t do it. The message of Christmas is incredibly encouraging because our source of courage is not ourselves. Our source of courage is Jesus—God’s own Son who came into this world as one of us to be our Saviour. We no longer need to be fearful. We can draw courage from Jesus who is both God with us and God for us.

Whatever discouragement you are facing this Christmas season, may the news of Jesus’ birth give you the encouragement you need to keep going.

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Persisting through encouragement”
as we start the new series “Advent Adventure”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:1, 5:6-11

Kingdom Kids is now on a break over the School Holidays! We have enjoyed an amazing year learning about Living in God’s Love! A MASSIVE thank you to all the volunteers who have run this program this year - you have all helped to plant God’s word in our kids that we pray will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come!

There will be activity sheets or booklets available in church for the kids each week as well as the Personal Journals for older kids to help them listen to God during the services.

Kingdom Kids will return on 8th February 8th after the Back to School service on 1st February. 

Beth Einthal
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 Service Times
Christmas Eve - 5.00, 6.30 & 8.30 pm
Christmas Day - 9.30 am with Holy Communion

Congregational Prayer Meeting
A prayer meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th December, 7.30 pm in the church. The key focus of the evening will be to pray for the upcoming Christmas services, seeking God’s provision and blessing as we share the good news of Jesus to all. Everyone is welcome and we would love to see to you there.

Cebu Fundraising
Thankyou very much to all who supported our Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich Day recently. We raised the wonderful amount of $460. A very big thankyou to Matt, Vern and Haydn for cooking the meats, also to Lorraine, Judy and Merilyn for stepping in to help after the second service, as some of our team members weren't available.

Thankyou to all of you who have purchased Christmas cards, ringpull bags and Jewellery over the last few years. Only have 1 ringpull bag left and some jewellery (ask me if you want to have a look or purchase). This was the last year of having the Christmas cards on sale, still have a few packs left so ask if you need any, just ask me or a Team member. After Christmas, the remainder will be sent to LCC for them to sell in the shops.

The Fundraising Team thanks the Congregation for deciding to support Cebu Mission again in 2015. We look forward to serving you once again, with sausages, pancakes, scones and a major event. Cebu Mission thanks you for all your support and generosity.

Our Team is looking for one or two more members, so would you prayerfully consider coming onto our Team in 2015. To find out more about what is involved with being a Team Member, please contact Joan McCarthy or one of our other members for a chat.

May you all have a very happy and blessed Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!

From the office

Your Free Gift this Christmas
One of the simplest free gifts you could give this Christmas is to Park on the school oval for the Christmas Eve services and allow our visitors to park close to the entrance of the church.  Car parking attendants will be directing traffic for the 5.00 and 6.30pm services and your assistance in following directions will be appreciated. 

Church Signage
The installation of the signs has already commenced and is expected to be completed by 18 Dec 2015. The car park may be fairly busy and access restricted at times due to the works.  Reminder to all, to please use caution in the car park.

Christmas whirlwind
Last chance!  Can you be available on Wednesday 24th December at 9.30am 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. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare.  Please advise Stephen or the front office on 8263 5087or via email szanker@paravista.org.au of your availability.

Office closure over Christmas
Office will be closed from 3.00pm 24th December 2013 to 9.00am on Tuesday 6th Jan 2015

Vacancy
An opportunity still exists for two willing persons local to the church to become second and third contacts to respond to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church.  Work may be at random hours and in most cases to date have been proven honest operator error.  However these incidents do require a physical check of the facilities to ensure security is maintained. All expressions of interest please contact Stephen, the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.

Christmas Action packs are now in your pigeon hole
This year the focus is Burundi, supporting and empowering communities as they develop fish-farms, cattle-raising, goat-rearing and kitchen vegetable gardens.
The good news is that all Christmas Action donations this year can be linked with an Australian Government Grant that TRIPLES our impact.
For just $16 ALWS can provide direct care to one person in Burundi, with flow-on benefits to another three people. All donations above $2 are tax deductible.

Donations may be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday till the end of 2014.
Please remember to include your name and address details if you want a tax receipt.

Ebola Update – we are making an impact!
More than $280,000 has been given to support Lutheran action against Ebola on the front line in Liberia.

We thank God for such great kindness and also the fact that new cases and death rates in Liberia have slowed. The president is vowing no new cases by Christmas. Our church’s love is truly coming to life in Liberia. Thank you!

Advent Movie Night
A note from the Children and Families and Men@ParaVista Teams
Like the Bible story of the Loaves and the fishes to feed the multitude, the busy band of helpers prepared over 370 sausages, 5kg of onions along with 22 loaves of bread, 123 little jelly cups and 96 fruity icy poles so they were ready and waiting……

Before 5.30 pm the hall transformed into a lively room full of chat and fellowship with the food eagerly consumed by the time the movie was due to start. The Movie “The Christmas Candle” reflected the value of community spirit interweaved with the Christmas Story that was enjoyed by all.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed in making the evening an enjoyable night. From the cooks to servers and all helpers at the end of the evening, and especially the consumers of the food.

The money taken on the night covered the costs of the Film Copyright & DVD Package as well as the food related costs. A few dollars left over has been given to the Children and Families Team.

Wishing all a very blessed and peaceful Christmas

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as
Pastoral Care and Community Team Leader (Starting January 2015)
This 8 hour per week position is to lead and coordinate the pastoral care and community care ministry teams of Good Shepherd. The primary focus of these teams will be to serve those in the congregation who do not receive care through our small group network and those in our community who require practical assistance.   

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. The role requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to organise and coordinate teams. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Associate Pastor who has accountability for the pastoral care and small group ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as an initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office - churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 14th December 2014, are to be submitted to: John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306,
Modbury North SA 5092

Noticeboard

Disability Support Workers
Lutheran Disability Services is looking for skilled Disability Support Workers in the Adelaide Hills area. For a Job Description or further information please contact LDS directly at admin@ldssa.org.au or phone 8212 7766. Applications close Friday 19th December at 5.00pm

“I will reward them with a long life

    and give them my salvation.”

Psalm 91:16

What’s in a name?

Everyone has a name.  Friends and family greet you by name. People call you by name to get your attention, tell you things, warn you, encourage you, or invite you. 

Parents choose their child’s name.  Do your children know why you chose their name?  Does that name have a significant meaning? 

Joseph and Mary did not choose the name of her first child.  Before Jesus was born, an angel appeared to Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.   You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (Luke 1:30-31 NIV)

Later, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21 NIV)

Jesus’ name tells us what he came to do.  “Jesus” is from the Hebrew name “Joshua”, which means: “The Lord saves.”  We see what that looks like in Jesus’ ministry, as he restores broken and hurting people to wholeness. He calls people by name, and seeks to save them.

Jesus knows you by name.  He knows everything about you – the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Jesus loves you so passionately that he died for you - so you could be forgiven… and rose to life again so he could do life with you here on earth – and one day bring you into his heaven.

One day Jesus will make everything right again in this world – including us! 

We can be part of this future by trusting in Jesus as our Saviour!

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 NLT)

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Ready when Jesus returns”
as we start the new series “Advent Adventure”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Mark 13:26-37, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Term 4 Diary Dates:
7th Dec – Family Advent Movie Night at the church – 5:30pm start

We are very excited to be bringing you a Family Advent Movie Night on Sunday 7th of December! We will be showing Max Lucado’s ‘The Christmas Candle’ which is rated PG and runs for 100mins.

The evening will start at 5:30pm with a sausage sizzle in the church hall and the movie will begin showing at 6:30pm in the church. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family and includes the sausage sizzle and movie!

Come along for a time of food, community and a wonderful family movie you can watch together and chat about together during Advent!

Beth Einthal
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.

Congregational Prayer Meeting
A prayer meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th December, 7.30 pm in the church. The key focus of the evening will be to pray for the upcoming Christmas services, seeking God’s provision and blessing as we share the good news of Jesus to all. Everyone is welcome and we would love to see to you there.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as

Pastoral Care and Community Team Leader (Starting January 2015)

This 8 hour per week position is to lead and coordinate the pastoral care and community care ministry teams of Good Shepherd. The primary focus of these teams will be to serve those in the congregation who do not receive care through our small group network and those in our community who require practical assistance.   

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. The role requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to organise and coordinate teams. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Associate Pastor who has accountability for the pastoral care and small group ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as an initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 14th December 2014, are to be submitted to: John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306,
Modbury North SA 5092

Card Stall
Sue will be selling cards next Sunday 14th after both morning services.
This will be the last time people will be able to purchase cards until February next year. The price of cards will also be increasing in 2015 to $2.50, so come and purchase them before this price rise.

Noticeboard

Meningococcal Information
Please make yourself aware of Meningococcal via an online fact sheet from www.health.sa.gov.au or on the church notice board. It is requested that any person experiencing the symptoms as described in the fact sheet should contact the communicable diseases department on 1300 232 272 or present yourself to the nearest medical centre as a matter of urgency.

LLL Annual Report
The LLL Annual Report for 2013/2014 is now available from the information rack.

Disability Support Workers
Lutheran Disability Services is looking for skilled Disability Support Workers in the Adelaide Hills area. For a Job Description or further information please contact LDS directly at admin@ldssa.org.au or phone 8212 7766. Applications close Friday 19th December at 5.00pm

Lutheran Community Care - Your gift this Christmas
We are asking for your help to again give out over 800 Christmas Hampers to families in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley and 75 hampers to families in Alice Springs. Your gift can make Christmas special and provide much needed emergency relief throughout the year.
If you have not already done so, could you help by giving a donation to support families struggling at Christmas? A donation of $50 can supply a hamper to a person on their own or a small family while $100 can supply a hamper to a larger family. Your gift will also ensure that we can stock up for the increase of people who will access our services throughout the year.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to give a gift that will help make a real difference to someone's life.

“Greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”

1 John 4:4 KJV

Put Down the Stone

I was watching a video the other day by Glennon Doyle Melton and she was talking about the issue of judging other people. The way she explored the issue hit me like a tonne of bricks. It always makes me uncomfortable to think how often I fall into the terrible stereotype of the ‘judgemental Christian’.

The biggest danger in our attempt to judge other people is that we can’t see things the way God does. Melton compares it to being a heart surgeon operating with a blindfold on. We are trying to change other people’s hearts but we can’t see what God can see. Jesus highlights this same idea in Matthew 7 when he tells us to first remove the plank from our own eye (i.e. deal with our own sin) so we can then ‘see clearly’ enough to help others (v5).

What the bible does tell us to do though is to love our neighbour and sacrifice for one another the way Jesus did. The roles are simple: we are to love; God is to judge. Now most of us know this but it is easy to lose sight of this and begin to judge people under the façade of speaking the ‘truth with love’ (Eph 4:15).

Melton explains when she shares this idea people often quote the story of the Pharisees trying to stone the female adulteress. In this story, Jesus steps in to stop the Pharisees and says ‘whoever is without sin can throw the first stone’ and everyone hangs their heads in shame and walks away. Jesus then says to the adulteress ‘you’re forgiven go and leave your life of sin’ (John 8:3-11). “See! He told her to go and leave her life of sin,” is the common response. “You read that story and you think you’re Jesus?” Glennon asks. “When I read that story I’m not Jesus, I’m the one holding the stones… what that story says to me is that whenever I find myself judging another human being or deciding what needs to change about [them] the only job I have is to put down the stone, hang my head and turn and walk away. And let Jesus have a moment with whomever I was previously stoning.”

I don’t know about you but this hits me hard. It drives me to God, asking for the grace and mercy I have so often refused to give to others. God can judge because he can also save. The best thing for those around us is for them to have a moment with Jesus their Saviour. So let’s do all we can to extend to others the love of Jesus so they can be transformed from the inside out.

Emma K.

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Venturing into the wilderness”
as we start the new series “Advent Adventure”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Mark 1:1-8

Term 4 Diary Dates:
30th Nov – Kingdom Kids Celebration Service at 10:30am
7th Dec – Family Advent Movie Night at the church – 5:30pm start

We are very excited to be bringing you a Family Advent Movie Night on Sunday 7th of December! We will be showing Max Lucado’s ‘The Christmas Candle’ which is rated PG and runs for 100mins.

The evening will start at 5:30pm with a sausage sizzle in the church hall and the movie will begin showing at 6:30pm in the church. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family and includes the sausage sizzle and movie!

Come along for a time of food, community and a wonderful family movie you can watch together and chat about together during Advent!

This Sunday Kingdom Kids are running the 10:30am service with a message about 'Making room for the Saviour'! If your children are involved, please make sure they arrive early (notes given out on Sunday).

There will be a shared morning tea after the 10:30am service on Sunday 30th November, so please bring a plate of food to share. This service is a great opportunity to invite family or friends along - who have you invited to this special service?

Beth Einthal
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.

Devotion Books
Pre-ordered “Time Out” Devotion books are now available for collection from the church office. Cost $22.  Thank you.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as

Pastoral Care and Community Team Leader (Starting January 2015)

This 8 hour per week position is to lead and coordinate the pastoral care and community care ministry teams of Good Shepherd. The primary focus of these teams will be to serve those in the congregation who do not receive care through our small group network and those in our community who require practical assistance.   

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. The role requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to organise and coordinate teams. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Associate Pastor who has accountability for the pastoral care and small group ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as an initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 14th December 2014, are to be submitted to:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA 5092

Half Yearly meeting report
It was agreed that the congregation support Maranatha Health and the Cebu Missionary Foundation in 2015.

Connect project - The meeting decided that:
•    Due to escalating costs we do not proceed with the original Connect project
•    In 2015 the congregation review our current facilities to ensure they support our mission and if necessary plan to upgrade them.
The budget with a proposed deficit of $4175 was adopted.

Board elections - Chair: John Dolling, Vice chair: Vacant, Secretary: Helen Bridge and
Finance Team Leader: Simon Janetzki

Additional Board member - We welcome new members Yolande Elliott, Kirstyn Schmidt, Rae Hofmanis and Cees Wesselingh plus existing members Keren Sutton and Keith Kemp.

Other elections - Adjudication Team: Trevor Bridge and Ken Rodgers, Public Officer: Stephen Zanker and Seal Holders: Merv Thiele and Stephen Zanker

New Signage
It is hoped the new street sign and additional signage will be installed before Christmas. The new signage is displayed on the pinup board in the hall.

2015 offering envelopes
The 2015 offering envelopes are available in the Member’s Information section in the foyer and under the pigeon holes.

Noticeboard

LLL Annual Report
The LLL Annual Report for 2013/2014 is now available from the information rack.

Finke River Mission (FRM)
FRM has released the 2014 summer edition of their Christ in the Centre Magazine. Pick up a copy from our information rack and stay up to date with inspiring events in Central Australia.

Disability Support Workers
Lutheran Disability Services is looking for skilled Disability Support Workers in the Adelaide Hills area. For a Job Description or further information please contact LDS directly at admin@ldssa.org.au or phone 8212 7766. Applications close Friday 19th December at 5.00pm

Lutheran Community Care - Your gift this Christmas
We are asking for your help to again give out over 800 Christmas Hampers to families in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley and 75 hampers to families in Alice Springs. Your gift can make Christmas special and provide much needed emergency relief throughout the year.
If you have not already done so, could you help by giving a donation to support families struggling at Christmas? A donation of $50 can supply a hamper to a person on their own or a small family while $100 can supply a hamper to a larger family. Your gift will also ensure that we can stock up for the increase of people who will access our services throughout the year.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to give a gift that will help make a real difference to someone's life.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear,
but of power and of love and of a sound mind”

2 Timothy 1:7

Strength through Jesus

Have you ever had something really unpleasant happen to you that whenever you think about it you become anxious and fearful?

I had that happen to me recently. It was an incident with another driver who blamed me for what happened when in actual fact it was their fault.

I’ve been studying Matthew this year and was reminded, while living through this, of Jesus’ authority over all things. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew 28:18. As I have repeatedly claimed this over the past few days, this has prevented me from spiralling into anxiousness and fear of what may or may not happen.

Jesus has been reminding me to lift my focus up to Him and depend on Him.  Believing and knowing that He’s in control and has authority over all things prevents me from spiralling.

The Holy Spirit's gift of peace that I’ve been praying for has prevented that anxiousness from rising within me. And whenever I feel it begin to rise, I pray - claiming that Jesus has authority over all things and asking for peace that only the Holy Spirit can give.

I will need to keep doing this until the insurance companies make a resolution.  But I’m so thankful that Jesus knows me and He will give me the strength to cope when I pray to Him. 

"You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." John 14:14

Kathy L.

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Looking out for each other”
as we continue the series “Set Free to Live Free” (Galatians)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Galatians 6:1-10

Term 4 Diary Dates:
23rd Nov – Full dress rehearsal in the gym – parents pick up at 12 noon from the gym
30th Nov – Kingdom Kids Celebration Service at 10:30am
7th Dec – Family Advent Movie Night at the church – 5:30pm start

We are very excited to be bringing you a Family Advent Movie Night on Sunday 7th of December! We will be showing Max Lucado’s ‘The Christmas Candle’ which is rated PG and runs for 100mins.

The evening will start at 5:30pm with a sausage sizzle in the church hall and the movie will begin showing at 6:30pm in the church. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family and includes the sausage sizzle and movie!

Come along for a time of food, community and a wonderful family movie you can watch together and chat about together during Advent!

This Sunday Kingdom Kids are having a full dress rehearsal for the service they are running on 30th November at 10:30am! If your child/ren are involved in the service, please make sure you receive a note about arrival times and costumes. Please come and pick your child/ren up from the school gym at 12noon.

There will be a shared morning tea after the 10:30am service on Sunday 30th November, so please bring a plate of something to share. This service is a great opportunity to invite family or friends along - who have you invited to this special service?

Baby Zone will run as normal and be learning their song with actions to lead worship during the Celebration Service.

Beth Einthal
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.

Half Yearly Meetings
The half yearly meeting of the church, school and village will be held this Sunday 23rd November commencing at 12.30pm. Written information is available at the back of the church. BBQ Lunch will also be available before the meetings.

Cebu Mission Fundraising Team
This Sunday 23rd November, our Team will be cooking a sausage sizzle after the first service and sausages and steak sandwiches after the second service.  Stay for lunch then attend the Half Yearly Meeting of the congregation at 12.30pm.

We will have our Christmas Card Stall after both services. Get your good quality cards to give to your family and friends, at a very cheap price. We also have some Jewellery made in Cebu for sale. After this Sunday, there will only be one more opportunity to purchase Christmas cards on Sunday 7th December.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
Has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as

Worship Support Team Leader (Starting January 2015)

This 14 hour per week position is to lead and develop team leaders of our worship support teams (eg: music and vocals, technical support, dramatic arts, visual arts, ushering etc) to facilitate life-transforming experiences and spiritual growth in worship. The role includes preparing a monthly musician’s roster for weekly services.

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. With music ministry being a significant part of this role, musical ability and experience in music teams would be an advantage but not essential. Competent administration skills are also needed to ensure the smooth running of Sunday services. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Senior Pastor who has accountability for all worship ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 28th November 2014, are to be submitted to the Chairman:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA 5092

Noticeboard

Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood
High quality trees at $35 each available for purchase again this year.
Trees will be delivered to a nominated location on the morning of Saturday 13th December 2014. Please place your order, including preferred height of tree, by contacting the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087 by 30th November.
Proceeds will go towards supporting chaplains in local schools.

Disability Support Workers
Lutheran Disability Services is looking for skilled Disability Support Workers in the Adelaide Hills area. For a Job Description or further information please contact LDS directly at admin@ldssa.org.au or phone 8212 7766

Lutheran Community Care - Your gift this Christmas
We are asking for your help to again give out over 800 Christmas Hampers to families in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley and 75 hampers to families in Alice Springs. Your gift can make Christmas special and provide much needed emergency relief throughout the year.
If you have not already done so, could you help by giving a donation to support families struggling at Christmas? A donation of $50 can supply a hamper to a person on their own or a small family while $100 can supply a hamper to a larger family. Your gift will also ensure that we can stock up for the increase of people who will access our services throughout the year.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to give a gift that will help make a real difference to someone's life.

“I took my troubles to the Lord;

I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer”

Psalm 120:1 NLT

Remembering …

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day) is observed on November 11th to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918 … at the 11th hour. The act of remembering helps us realise that our freedom is not cheap. Millions of people gave their lives to ensure our freedom. Lest we forget.

Every week, usually on a Sunday, Christians have been gathering together for around 2000 years to remember Jesus and worship him! Lest we forget that nothing in all creation can separate us from his love.  

Every week, Christians seek to be shaped by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God into the character of Jesus. Lest we forget that growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus is how we relish in and live out our freedom.

Every week, Christians remember the sacrifice of Jesus as they receive the body and blood of Jesus … for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus tells us: “Do this in remembrance of me.” Lest we forget what our freedom cost him.

Every week, Christians remember that as dearly loved children of Abba Father, they can pray for their own needs - and the needs of others. Lest we forget that we have the freedom to talk with God about everything that’s happening in our lives.

Every week, Christians remember that God has called them to be the means by which others get to experience and discover the love of Jesus. Lest we forget that God loves every person – just as much as he loves us.

Every week, Christians remember Jesus’ promises to bring them into his restoration plans of making all things new. Lest we forget that we are heirs of the kingdom of God.

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Freed for growth”
as we continue the series “Set Free to Live Free” (Galatians)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Galatians 5:13-26, John 16-7-15

Term 4 Diary Dates:
16th Nov – Final workshop sessions (kids rehearsing/preparing for the celebration service)
23rd Nov – Full dress rehearsal in the gym – parents pick up at 12 noon from the gym
30th Nov – Kingdom Kids Celebration Service at 10:30am
7th Dec – Family Advent Movie Night at the church – 5:30pm start

We are very excited to be bringing you a Family Advent Movie Night on Sunday 7th of December! We will be showing Max Lucado’s ‘The Christmas Candle’ which is rated PG and runs for 100mins.

The evening will start at 5:30pm with a sausage sizzle in the church hall and the movie will begin showing at 6:30pm in the church. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family and includes the sausage sizzle and movie!

Come along for a time of food, community and a wonderful family movie you can watch together and chat about together during Advent!

Kingdom Kids is in full swing preparing for our Celebration Service on 30th November at the 10:30am service! This week is our last week of workshops and preparations for the service! Next Sunday 23rd of Nov is our full dress rehearsal in the school gym!

Baby Zone and Kindy Zone will run as normal during the term and be learning a song with actions each week to lead worship during the Celebration Service. Baby Zone will run as normal in the Baby Zone room during the term.

Beth Einthal
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.

Half Yearly Meetings
The half yearly meeting of the church, school and village will be held on Sunday 23rd November commencing at 12.30pm. Written information is available at the back of the church. BBQ Lunch will also be available before the meetings.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
Has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as

Worship Support Team Leader (Starting January 2015)

This 14 hour per week position is to lead and develop team leaders of our worship support teams (eg: music and vocals, technical support, dramatic arts, visual arts, ushering etc) to facilitate life-transforming experiences and spiritual growth in worship. The role includes preparing a monthly musician’s roster for weekly services.

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. With music ministry being a significant part of this role, musical ability and experience in music teams would be an advantage but not essential. Competent administration skills are also needed to ensure the smooth running of Sunday services. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Senior Pastor who has accountability for all worship ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 28th November 2014, are to be submitted to the:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA5092

From the Office

Budget 2014
October 2014
Total Offering - Budget $43,000         Actual $38,145. DEFICIT $4,855
January thru October 2014
Total Offering - Budget $442,100     Actual $418,190. DEFICIT $23,910
January thru September 2014 – Total Income & Expenses
Total Income - Budget $419,957        Actual $401,502. SHORTFALL $18,095
Total Expenses - Budget $423,977    Actual $405,370. SHORTFALL $18,607

Brief report on progress since last Board meeting:

• Offerings in October were well under budget. Based on weekly average Offerings are projected to come in around $505,000.
• Plate offering was only just under budget after a slow start to the month with last Sunday in October being over $6,300. The highest Sunday since the Easter weekend.
• Unfortunately REG was again well under budget being the lowest monthly total for 2 years.
• Expenses were in line with budget with ministries just above and Staff and Admin just below budget.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
Thank you for returning your Impact 2014 slips. This assisted the finance team and board to ably formulate the budget for 2015. 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 or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942

Office closure
The church office will be closed from 11.30am till 2.30pm on Thursday November 20 for staff training.  Usual out of hour’s contacts will be available

Good Shepherd Village Board
There will be 3 vacancies on the Good Shepherd Village Board for 2015. The board meets quarterly. Each member of the Board contributes to the governance of the village. This does not mean that they actually do the work. They keep in touch with the persons responsible for each area and report to the Board at the meetings. Please prayerfully consider a position on the board to assist in this important mission. If you interested or want additional information contact Board Chair Faye Godfrey – 8264 7415.

Trial Professional Standards training
A new training is currently being trialled in SA and is aimed at presenting a comprehensive approach to Professional Standards. The training will consolidate both Safe Place and ChildSafe team member training to reduce duplication while covering a broader range of behavioural issues without increasing time commitment.
The training covers 3 Modules:
•    Appropriate Behaviour
•    Inappropriate Behaviour
•    The Child Safe Systems
All adult congregational members are encouraged to participate in this training.  Registrations are essential.  Please see the notice board for further details and contact information.

Security of church
Request members on locking facility do a complete building check prior to setting the alarm.   As you move through the building shut all the doors and windows.  Please take note of the keypad near the office entry - if there are staff names on the key pad, please do not set the alarm.

Noticeboard

“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?

My only hope is in you”

Psalm 39:7

Free at last!

On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr gave his famous speech, I Have a Dream, calling for the end of racism in the USA.  Regarded as the greatest speech of the 20th Century, his concluding words were: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

While there have been significant changes across Western cultures around the world, King’s vision for equality and justice for all is still to be realised.  Questions arise:  
•    How do we exercise our freedom in ways that do not impact the rights and freedom of others? 
•    Does freedom from poverty give me the right to indulge myself and ignore others in poverty?
•    Does freedom from sin, death and the powers of evil give me the right to ignore other’s need for Jesus - and his gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation?

Freedom is not only a gift received, but also a responsibility lived. In order to stay free, we need to avoid those things which can bring us back into slavery. 

Paul urges us not to use our freedom to indulge self and hurt others; but rather to help others experience the difference Jesus makes:  For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13 NLT)

Our freedom is lived out according to WHO we are as God’s children - by the leading and power of the Holy Spirit. Hopefully, living out the freedom Jesus gives us will enable many others to one day exclaim: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Freed to be”
as we continue the series “Set Free to Live Free” (Galatians)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Galatians 3:26-4:7; John 1:10-14

Term 4 Diary Dates:
9th Nov – 16th Nov – Workshop sessions (kids rehearsing/preparing for the celebration service)
23rd Nov – Full dress rehearsal in the gym – parents pick up at 12 noon from the gym
30th Nov – Kingdom Kids Celebration Service at 10:30am
7th Dec – Family Advent Movie Night at the church – more details to come

Kingdom Kids is in full swing preparing for our Celebration Service on 30th November at the 10:30am service! This week we will be continuing with our rehearsals and preparations for the service! Come along to hear about our plans for the service and how you and your kids can be involved – there is still time to be involved!

Baby Zone and Kindy Zone will run as normal during the term and be learning a song with actions each week to lead worship during the Celebration Service. Baby Zone will run as normal in the Baby Zone room during the term

Beth Einthal
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.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
Has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as

Worship Support Team Leader (Starting January 2015)

This 14 hour per week position is to lead and develop team leaders of our worship support teams (eg: music and vocals, technical support, dramatic arts, visual arts, ushering etc) to facilitate life-transforming experiences and spiritual growth in worship. The role includes preparing a monthly musician’s roster for weekly services.

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. With music ministry being a significant part of this role, musical ability and experience in music teams would be an advantage but not essential. Competent administration skills are also needed to ensure the smooth running of Sunday services. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Senior Pastor who has accountability for all worship ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing by 28th November 2014, are to be submitted to the:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA5092


Women’s Fellowship Christmas Luncheon
The Para Vista Women's Fellowship wishes to thank all those people who have supported us by booking into the Christmas Luncheon. Bookings are now closed as the required number has been reached. The Luncheon is to be held in our hall at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 2nd.
We look forward to The Borderers entertaining us all.

If, for any reason you are unable to attend, please notify me ASAP, so that others may take your place. Ruth Oster PH 8265 0221.

Christmas card Stall
Cebu Mission Fundraising Team will be holding our usual Christmas Card Stall this Sundays 9th and 23rd November and the final one on Sunday 7th December. Good quality cards to give to your family and friends, at a very cheap price. Thank you for supporting Cebu Mission.

Good Shepherd School Quiz Night
On the 8th November 2014, Good Shepherd School Parents are hosting a fundraising quiz night and silent auction, in an attempt to raise much needed funds for our school. This is the school’s main fundraising event for 2014. We have been lucky enough to secure a sponsor, Garden Grove, who will be covering all the costs for the evening.  What this means is that all monies raised will go directly to our school. The funds raised will be going towards outdoor furniture and shade sails. If you are free on the 8th November grab a few friends and get a table together (tables of 8-12). It will be a great night with lots of prizes and auction items. Together let’s support our school and have a great night.

Tickets are $20 and are available from Sharon in the front office. If you can’t get into the office give Sharon a call (8264 7966) and secure a table. Your tickets can be paid for on the night.

Half Yearly Meetings
The half yearly meeting of the church, school and village will be held on Sunday 23rd November commencing at 12.30pm. Written information will be available on Sunday 16th November and will be emailed in the week prior to the meeting. BBQ Lunch will also be available before the meetings.

From the Office

Office closure
The church office will be closed from 11.30am till 2.30pm on Thursday November 20 for staff training.  Usual out of hour’s contacts will be available

Trial Professional Standards training
A new training is currently being trialled in SA and is aimed at presenting a comprehensive approach to Professional Standards. The training will consolidate both Safe Place and ChildSafe team member training to reduce duplication while covering a broader range of behavioural issues without increasing time commitment.
The training covers 3 Modules:
•    Appropriate Behaviour
•    Inappropriate Behaviour
•    The Child Safe Systems
All adult congregational members are encouraged to participate in this training.  Registrations are essential.  Please see the notice board for further details and contact information.

Car parking attendants
Will be required to assist with traffic and parking on our Christmas Eve services. Please consider planning to assist to make this Christmas a memorable experience for our guests. Please mark you connect card “Car Parking” or let the office or Stephen know your availability on 8263 5087 or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.

Christmas whirlwind
I am again looking for a small team to assist in creating an inviting appearance to our church facility for this Christmas.  In order to do this a whirlwind of the church grounds and facility exterior is planned for Wednesday 24th December starting at 9.00am.  The more helpers we get the bigger the whirlwind and the greater the effect.  If you have someone else in mind that you could bring along, do so and it will all be blown over in a jiffy.

If you have a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out bring it along with safety equip and we can have a dust off comp.  Last year’s winner was a blow in whom only led by a short puff.  If you don’t have a blow vac still mark your availability as equipment can be supplied.
Please mark you connect card “whirlwind”, let the office or Stephen know your availability on 8263 5087or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au 

Security of church
Request members on locking facility do a complete building check prior to setting the alarm.   As you move through the building shut all the doors and ensure nothing is left outside.  Please take note of the keypad near the office entry and it there are staff names on the key pad please do not set the alarm.

Noticeboard

Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood
High quality trees at $35 each available for purchase again this year.
Trees will be delivered to a nominated location on the morning of Saturday 13th December 2014. Please place your order, including preferred height of tree, by contacting the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087 by 30th November.
Proceeds will go towards supporting chaplains in local schools.

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

What is our treasure in heaven?

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount he talks about treasures in heaven. He says, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

What are the treasures that we store up in heaven? We know we can’t take our earthly treasures with us—so what are our heavenly treasures? In the past I’ve always taught that our treasures in heaven are the people we help get there. In essence we store up treasures in heaven when we invest our earthly treasures in helping people get there. While I still believe that people are treasures in heaven, our treasure in heaven is not people, but a person, Jesus.

How do we store up Jesus as our treasure in heaven in this life? Verse 21 gives us the answer: “Wherever your treasure is, the desires of your heart will also be”. Jesus is calling us to make him the desire of our heart in this life and as we do that we will be storing up treasures in heaven for the next life.

So why does Jesus warn against storing up earthly treasures here? Jesus speaks out against storing up earthly treasures because he knows how easy it is for these things to become the desire of our hearts. Jesus knows only too well how quickly we can start looking to our earthly treasures to give us things that only he can provide.

We look to our bank balance for the security that only Jesus can provide. We seek to validate our self-worth through our net worth. Jesus says “You are worth so much that I died for you.” We look for meaning and purpose in the accumulation of earthly wealth and the things we can use it to indulge our desires in. Jesus says, “I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.” Whatever we think storing up our treasures on earth will give us, Jesus our heavenly treasure offers so much more.

If Jesus is our treasure in heaven, then how can people also be treasures in heaven? Every person who goes to heaven is Jesus’ treasure in heaven. That’s right you and I are Jesus’ treasure. You and I are the treasure that Jesus bought through giving his life on the cross. As we receive Jesus as our treasure we become his treasure. The deeper we allow this to sink into our hearts the easier it becomes for us to let go of our earthly treasures because they can never give us what we have as Jesus’ treasure!

So how does this shape the way I use my earthly treasures? How do I use them to store up heavenly treasures? If Jesus is our treasure and we are his treasure then using our earthly treasures to help others hear this incredible news and receive it still remains the best eternal investment of temporal wealth that I know of. Generously giving away our earthly treasures to support the spreading of the gospel also helps keep the desire of our hearts focussed on Jesus, our heavenly treasure.

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Why rules are not enough (Set free from the chains of God’s law)” as we continue the series “Set Free to Live Free” (Galatians)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Matthew 5:17-22, 27-28, Galatians 3:1-14

Term 4 Diary Dates:
2nd Nov – 16th Nov – Workshop sessions (kids rehearsing/preparing for the celebration service)
23rd Nov – Full dress rehearsal in the gym – parents pick up at 12 noon from the gym
30th Nov – Kingdom Kids Celebration Service at 10:30am
7th Dec – Family Advent Movie Night at the church – more details to come

Kingdom Kids is in full swing preparing for our Celebration Service on 30th November at the 10:30am service! This week we will be continuing with our rehearsals and preparations for the service! Come along to hear about our plans for the service and how you and your kids can be involved – there is still time to be involved!

Baby Zone and Kindy Zone will run as normal during the term and be learning a song with actions each week to lead worship during the Celebration Service. Baby Zone will run as normal in the Baby Zone room during the term

Beth Einthal
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.

A prayer support team for Maranatha Health
Maranatha Health is seeking to establish a prayer team to offer prayer support and protection to Michael and Kim and their family and the work of Maranatha Health. It is envisaged the team would meet monthly.  If you would like to be a part of this important work please contact Catherine Carr – clcarr@internode.on.net


Christmas Luncheon
Hosted by PVLWF members for our Good Shepherd Community, is to be held on Tuesday, 2nd December at 12noon in the Church Hall. We invite you to book by Sunday, 23rd November with Ruth Oster on 8265 0221 or kroster@senet.com.au. We have a maximum number of approx 80 for whom we will be catering. We have engaged THE BORDERERS as our guest artists’. They will entertain us with brackets of songs and lead our carol singing after lunch. The Borderers are well known to our community and we look forward to their musicianship on this day. The cost of the luncheon is $12 pp, payable on the day at the entrance door. (Booking is necessary for our catering)

Christmas card Stall
Cebu Mission Fundraising Team will be holding our usual Christmas Card Stall on Sundays 9th and 23rd November and the final one on Sunday 7th December. Good quality cards to give to your family and friends, at a very cheap price. Thank you for supporting Cebu Mission.

Good Shepherd School Quiz Night
On the 8th November 2014, Good Shepherd School Parents are hosting a fundraising quiz night and silent auction, in an attempt to raise much needed funds for our school. This is the school’s main fundraising event for 2014. We have been lucky enough to secure a sponsor, Garden Grove, who will be covering all the costs for the evening.  What this means is that all monies raised will go directly to our school. The funds raised will be going towards outdoor furniture and shade sails. If you are free on the 8th November grab a few friends and get a table together (tables of 8-12). It will be a great night with lots of prizes and auction items. Together let’s support our school and have a great night.

Tickets are $20 and are available from Sharon in the front office. If you can’t get into the office give Sharon a call (8264 7966) and secure a table. Your tickets can be paid for on the night.

Half Yearly Meetings
The half yearly meeting of the church, school and village will be held on Sunday 23rd November commencing at 12.30pm. Written information will be available on Sunday 16th November and will be emailed in the week prior to the meeting. BBQ Lunch will also be available before the meetings.

Noticeboard

Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood
High quality trees at $35 each available for purchase again this year.
Trees will be delivered to a nominated location on the morning of Saturday 13th December 2014. Please place your order, including preferred height of tree, by contacting the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087 by 30th November.
Proceeds will go towards supporting chaplains in local schools.

Employment opportunity with IGC
International Gospel Centre (IGC) is seeking someone with a passion for the under privileged and marginalised to fill the role of Development Manager on either a 0.8 or 1.0 basis. IGC is an Australia wide non-profit gospel agency that exists to develop supportive relationships with the underprivileged and marginalised, so that they are transformed by the love of Jesus, and share Jesus with others. The focus of this position is to assist the IGC Board to manage and develop the supporting ministries indicated in the position summary on a ‘day to day’ basis.
Details and full position description are available on the IGC Website:  http://www.igcfoundation.org

Payroll Officer
Lutheran Disability Services currently has a vacancy for a Payroll Officer. For a Job Description or further information please contact LDS directly at admin@ldssa.org.au

Lutheran Community Care Vacancies
Placement Support Worker Two positions available - 1.0FTE and 0.6FTE
Opportunities exist to provide support to foster carers with children in their care. These roles will require occasional visits to foster carer homes.
•    Full-time position to commence immediately
•    0.6FTE position to commence February 2015

Alternative Care Worker 1.0FTE
This position will recruit and assess foster carers throughout the service area. Position to commence mid-January 2015

Please apply on-line through the LCC website only by 8.30am Monday 3rd November 2014
For a Job Description and online Application Guide please visit: www.lccare.org.au

God is not man, that he should lie,

or a son of man, that he should change his mind.

Has he said, and will he not do it?

Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Numbers 23:19