Weekly News: 07/01/2014

Friday, July 25, 2014

Overtime

Have you ever been in or watched a sporting match which has gone into overtime? Suddenly the intensity of the game sky-rockets and every movement matters, every goal is crucial. Each player knuckles down and reaches for that last bit of strength. Spectators lean in with hearts racing, investing in the outcome of the game as much as the players. The tension and excitement in the air is palpable. Essentially things are still the same as they were before the buzzer – the players are the same, the venue is the same, the game is the same – but the stakes are much higher and this transforms everything.

As Christians we are living in overtime. The buzzer announced the end of everything, because of our sin the game was over. But then Jesus came and through his death we were given more time. We were allowed to go into overtime. We were given a second shot at life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says if anyone is in Christ they are a new creation, ‘the old has gone, the new is here!’ Even though many things are still the same – we still have the same bodies, live in the same world, have the same family – everything has changed, all things are new. Like overtime in a game, the stakes are now higher. No longer do we live for an earthly prize – now we live for God and to build his kingdom on earth and invite others into eternity. Each moment is a gift that allows us to love more, give more and live more.

Jesus not only gives us a second chance but he enables us to live better, to be transformed into his perfect likeness. We aren’t just playing the game with our basic skills anymore but through Jesus we can now access all the gifts and talents of the Father. So be thankful for every moment you have and live with the awareness that you are playing in overtime.

Emma Kluge

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Samson - Great strength or great weakness?”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Judges 16:1-30

Kingdom Kids is back on this week and we will be exploring the following topics:

Baby Zone: God Made Me
Kindy Zone: Promises and Prayers (Genesis 25:19-28)
Kids Zone: God sends a rescuer: Gideon (Judges 6-8)
Kool Zone: Elijah and Ahab (1 Kings 17:1-6)

More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We urgently need more teachers and helpers in ALL Kingdom Kids Zones, please consider if you can help out once or twice a term to help take ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!!

Term 3 Diary Dates
Chris Jaensch Concert - We are lucky enough to be having a Chris Jaensch concert for Kindy Zone and Kids Zone on the 10th of August. It will be in the school library during Kingdom Kids so put this date into your diary!

Boy/Girl Chats - Kool Zone will be having their once a term boy/girl chats on the 10th of August.

Kingdom Kids Serving
Last Sunday Kingdom Kids made pikelets and sold them in the hall after the 10:30am service. They raised an amazing $129.15 which will be donated to Family Zone Ingle Farm Hub which is a child and family centre that brings together a range of supports for families. Family Zone aims to facilitate the development of healthy attachment in the early years and create an environment which enhances the development of children 0-12 years in the physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual domains. Well done Kingdom Kids!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

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.

How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd, we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership.

Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 19th and Tuesday 26th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

You can register for Discovery in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@parvista.org.au or by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.

Para Vista Lutheran Women’s Fellowship
Next meeting on August 5th, 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall for Bible Study and business meeting followed by "Tasty Titbits".

We ask that each member attending, bring a small plate of the tasty titbit which she likes preparing, along with one or several copies of the recipe. These tasty titbits will be enjoyed for afternoon tea as we share and compare. Looking forward to seeing you with us.

Cebu Major Fundraising Night
Time to buy your tickets for 'A Night with the BordererS'. Saturday 23rd August in the Good Shepherd Church. 7 for 7.30pm start, BYO drinks and supper, Tea and Coffee will be provided. Bring coins for Raffles, Lucky Squares, Guessing game and Coin Slide. Tickets $20, (cash only) available on Sundays 3rd, 10th and 17th August in the Hall, or from Team members: Rex Post, Aston Schenscher, Di Ollino, Karen Small, Karen McAleer or Joan McCarthy. Also available from the Church Office on weekdays. We look forward to your support for this event.

Noticeboard

Hymnfest 10th August - Hope Valley Lutheran Church
The Bible Society is conducting a festival of hymns on 10th August and all are welcome to attend, enjoy the music and sing our praises. This may be easier to attend for those who cannot attend Hymnfest scheduled for St Peter's Cathedral on July 27th.

Work Opportunities at the LCA SA/NT District Office

Executive Assistant/Administration Assistant
Administration/Professional Standards Assistant

Job and Person Specifications available on the District website: http://www.sa.lca.org.au email: districtadministrator@sa.lca.org.au or phone Jayne Wardrop on 8230 0919.
Applications close Friday 8th August 2014

God didn’t bring you this far to leave you

Philippians 1:6

Friday, July 18, 2014

In the dust of the Rabbi

In Jesus’ day, young Jewish people learnt their Old Testament Scriptures in the synagogue schools. There was a basic level that everyone reached, and then more advanced levels. Those who had a passion for God’s Word and showed promise would eventually seek to follow a rabbi (a teacher). The goal was not to just learn what the rabbi knew – rather it was to become like the rabbi himself: to live out the Word of God in everyday life just like the rabbi did. The disciple learnt by closely following ‘in the dust of the rabbi’. The aim: to become just like him.

Whereas academically bright students searched out a rabbi to follow, Jesus chose people who would have been overlooked by the rabbis of his day. His invitation: “Come follow me!” A bunch of people did. They followed in the dust of the Rabbi, experiencing life with God; and learning how to show and teach others to do the same.

If we are to influence others for Jesus, we too need to be following ‘in the dust of the Rabbi’. This is not just learning about Jesus, but seeking to become more like him - as we do life with him. Intimacy with God cannot be faked. Nor can we produce the fruit of the Spirit within ourselves. As the Holy Spirit shapes us through the Word of God to become more like the Son of God, then the fruit of Jesus’ character will positively impact others through us.

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Ruth - Loyalty in troubled times”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Ruth 1:1-22

There is no Kingdom Kids this week due to school holidays. There will be activities available for kids to do and respond to in the activity folders. Come along and worship together as a family!

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

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.

How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd, we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership.

Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 19th and Tuesday 26th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

You can register for Discovery in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@parvista.org.au or by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.

Para Vista Lutheran Women’s Fellowship
Next meeting on August 5th, 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall for Bible Study and business meeting followed by "Tasty Titbits".

We ask that each member attending, bring a small plate of the tasty titbit which she likes preparing, along with one or several copies of the recipe. These tasty titbits will be enjoyed for afternoon tea as we share and compare. Looking forward to seeing you with us.

From the Office

Vacancy
An opportunity 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. For all expressions of interest please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or mark ‘security’ on your Connect Card.

Noticeboard

Adelaide Hymnfest
The Bible Society invites you to join with us for an afternoon of singing favourite hymns at St Peters Anglican Cathedral, King William St, North Adelaide on Sunday 27th July 2014 at 2.30 pm. Free Admission. A collection will be taken for the work of the Bible Society in China.

Valiant Man
Friday 26th July 7.30pm and Saturday 27th July 9.00am
Then 7.30 - 9.30pm every Wednesday until 11th September

For many years Clovercrest Baptist Church has run the Valiant Man course with great impact in men’s lives. A great opportunity for men to address the challenges we all face in the area of sexuality - in a safe, confidential, non-judgemental and supportive environment. We will be honest, realistic and deepen our understanding of how to develop and maintain a healthy male sexuality.

Facilitator: Lee Haakmeester Cost: $60 per person, Concession $35
Please register by 22 July through the Church Office Clovercrest Baptist Church, 2 Famechon Cres, Modbury North, 5092, P: 8397 9400 E: office@clovercrest.com.au

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
What is an archivist and why does the LCA have one? Archivists keep records that have enduring value as reliable memories of the past and they help people find and understand the information they need in those records. Come along to the next FoLA gathering on Monday 28th July in Bethlehem House, Flinders Street, 7.30 pm to hear the retiring LCA Archivist, Lyall Kupke, talk about his experiences. Supper, gold coin donation. All welcome.

We can finish strong when we focus on Christ

Friday, July 11, 2014

Choices

I don't know how you get on with your family (mum, dad and siblings) but my family get on OK together. We don't see much of each other because of distance or work. But when we do get together - we're Ok. I've always felt though, that there is something not quite right. We all have things in our lives that are holding us back from being the people that God wants us to be.

We've just started up a weekly prayer request. Each Sunday, we email each other how we would like God to help us serve Him better in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. It's a great way to stay in touch but also gives each of us an opportunity to share where we are at in our faith life. But rather than just praying for consequential things, we're praying about deeper things - the root of why we act, say and do things. This is where God wants to change and mould us into the people He intended. "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18. This is the stuff that matters. And coming up with a weekly prayer request like this week after week gives us an opportunity to dig deeper and let God teach us how He wants us to pray for ourselves and each other.

We have a choice. We can choose to stay the way we are, feeling the way we do or putting up with things the way they are, or we can ask God to change us so that we can be transformed into the people that God intended us to be.

Do you care enough about someone in your own family to pray that God would help them to move on from where they are? Do you want for them a better way of life, better attitude, greater faith in God? You have a choice and God has the power. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Kathy Liebig

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Esther - In the right place for God’s purposes”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Esther 4:1-14

Rolly attended and shared about the Associate Pastor role
Policy on off budget Ministry Financing Requirements was passed
Safe Place and Child Safe policies were deferred to next meeting for further discussion
Financing new radio microphones (present ones will not be able to operate after December 2014 due to change in band width), replacement of photocopier, replacement of roof on temporary office building and replacement of the hands free headset for the front office was passed. Funding from Asset Replacement Account.

From the Office

Vacancy
An opportunity 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 or the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.

Facilities and Equipment

Kitchen Freezer food safe
The large kitchen freezer has been repaired after breaking down. All ministry areas will be allocated shelf space to temporarily store items for their ministries. Please ensure when storing items they are labelled with the Ministry Name and Date. Any items not marked will be discarded. An audit of the freezer may be done and items stored greater than 6 months discarded. Request any spills or loose packaging be removed on occurrence.

Hall Floor
The hall floor has been resurfaced. I thank you for your assistance in removing any spills straight away and lifting of furniture to prevent damage to keep the floor looking great.

Office Business Machine
The office photocopier scanner decided it was time for retirement and ceased working. Four companies supplied a quote for a new office machine and Ricoh were successful in retaining the maintenance contract and supplying a new machine. This has been funded from the asset replacement account. A loan copier was installed by Ricoh until the new machine arrives with minimal effect on office output.

Noticeboard

Farewell service for retiring LCA Archivist Lyall Kupke
Sunday 13 July 2014, 9am at Zion Glynde 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde followed by a shared morning tea.

Adelaide Hymnfest
Bible Society invites you to join with us for an afternoon of singing favourite hymns at St Peters Anglican Cathedral, King William St, North Adelaide on Sunday 27th July 2014 at 2.30 pm. Free Admission. A collection will be taken for the work of the Bible Society in China.

Valiant Man
Friday 26th July 7.30pm and Saturday 27th July 9.00am
Then 7.30 - 9.30pm every Wednesday until 11th September

For many years Clovercrest Baptist Church has run the Valiant Man course with great impact in men’s lives. A great opportunity for men to address the challenges we all face in the area of sexuality - in a safe, confidential, non-judgemental and supportive environment. We will be honest, realistic and deepen our understanding of how to develop and maintain a healthy male sexuality.

Facilitator: Lee Haakmeester Cost: $60 per person, Concession $35
Please register by 22 July through the Church Office Clovercrest Baptist Church, 2 Famechon Cres, Modbury North, 5092, P: 8397 9400 E: office@clovercrest.com.au

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots for sale
$10.50 a 500g bag. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservatives. They come straight from the grower so have not been rehydrated. More apricots, less water for your money while supporting Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust Inc.

When God gives an assignment

It comes with His enablement

Friday, July 4, 2014

The Heart behind Engage

On Sunday in church we announced the launch of a Good Shepherd service initiative called Engage. Engage is about our congregation engaging with our local community through service. We want to show Jesus’ love through service and be his hands and feet. Many people know about our church because of our sign on Montague Road. This project can be the spark that leads to us being known for our love and our heart for the community as well. Through this project we will continue and grow in the work of our mission statement: reaching into the community with the gospel so that all may come to know Jesus and worship him.

Why we serve
We don’t serve as an attempt to earn God’s favour or our place in the church. We serve as a response to what God has given us. As Jesus says to his disciples in Matthew 10:8: “Freely you have received; freely give” We receive many things from God that he chooses to bless us with just because he loves us. Our heart for service comes from understanding the abundance of these blessings and wanting to freely pass them on as they were freely given to us. We meet the needs of others just as Jesus meets ours.

How we serve
We have all been gifted uniquely and all have different life situations and therefore we serve in a multiplicity of different ways. A good place to start is to ask, ‘what skills do I have? What resources do I have? Who has God placed in my life? What needs exist in my community? What injustices or hardships get me fired up?’

From here, we start to get some ideas about where we might be able to serve. For some of us the idea of actively seeking to serve is a new idea. I encourage you to give something a go – either ask your small group or friends how they are planning to serve, or approach the Engage team about what you may be able to do. It is worthwhile to do something even if you are unsure. Often we learn more about how God has gifted us and what his purpose is through doing.

How we grow as we serve
It is easy to think about serving only in terms of how we help others but often the experience profoundly impacts us as servers. For example, giving away money or possessions helps to meet a physical need in someone else but it also transforms our sense of ownership and entitlement and can develop in us a greater reliance in God. We serve to pass on the blessings God has given us and to meet needs but we are also transformed by the experience and God gives us spiritual blessings. We can’t out give God – but it is fun to try.

How to get involved in Engage

Prayer: ask God to reveal to you areas of need where you could serve and start to pray for the needs in the community.
Discussion: start talking with your small group, family and friends about ways you could serve together.
Nominate: fill in an expression of interest card at our Sunday service expressing an area you would like to be involved in.

If you have any further questions about Engage you can email me at: ekluge@paravista.org.au or come and talk to one of the Engage team members at church.
Emma Kluge

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Moses - Life in the faith zone, not the safe zone”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Exodus 3:1-14, 4:1-17

There is no Kingdom Kids this week due to school holidays. There will be activities for kids to do and respond to available in the activity folders. Come along and worship together as a family!

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

School Holidays
Looking for something to do during the school holidays? Would you and your children like to be involved in volunteering your time for a morning or afternoon to help others? Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm is an initiative of Lutheran Community Care and supports families in the Ingle Farm area. They are located within the grounds of Ingle Farm Primary School.

Kathlene Wilson is the Manager and she would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in coming along to help out with cooking, reading or participating in outdoor activities with children. Please contact Kathlene on 8349 6099 to discuss and organise a time to help out. She would love to hear from you!

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.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots for sale
$10.50 a 500g bag. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservatives. They come straight from the grower so have not been rehydrated.
More apricots, less water for your money while supporting Ministries in Tonga through
Nazcare Aust Inc.

Preparing for Marriage Course – 19-20 July
These group sessions are designed for couples who are planning to marry or those who have recently married. It will help couples to build on their strengths and develop skills for dealing with difficult times.
When: Saturday-Sunday, 19-20 July; Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-1pm
Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Para Vista SA
Cost: $160 per dual income couple; $85 per single income couple
Contact the Centre for Learning on 08 8331 3111, visit www.lccare.org.au or email magill@lccare.org.au to register, or for more information.

Time for Us Relationship Retreat – 26 July
A relaxed workshop run by an LCC qualified relationship educator allows couples to take timeout from day to day stresses and reflect on what is important for your relationship. Held at Lyndoch Hill in the Barossa, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful gardens, it is a great opportunity to learn, grow and have fun together. There is an option of staying overnight with dinner and breakfast for extra charges.
When: 26 July 2014 from 9.30am-3.30pm
Where: Lyndoch Hill Conference Room, Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch SA
Cost: $120 per couple; Stay overnight for an additional $135 per night with breakfast from $9 per person and dinner at $35 per person
Contact the Centre for Learning on 08 8331 3111, visit www.lccare.org.au or email magill@lccare.org.au to register, or for more information.

Vacancies

Client Services Manager
Full-time Permanent, Level 6 SCHDS Award based in Adelaide
Lutheran Disability Services has an exciting and challenging opportunity for an enthusiastic, experienced and motivated manager to lead and develop teams. Reporting to the Senior Client Services Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for a highly passionate service-orientated team in a thriving organisation.

Client Services Assistant
Level 3 SCHDS Award based in Adelaide
We are seeking highly motivated staff to complement our team to provide high quality client-centred services. You will be responsible for the smooth running of a client house and a small team of Support Workers, through hands on daily activities including personal care and administrative duties.

If you are interested in working in a supportive Christian environment and contributing to a highly motivated team, for further details and a Job Description contact Lutheran Disability Services on: Tel: 08 8212 7766 or Email: admin@ldssa.org.au

Applications to: Senior HR Advisor
136a Wright Street, Adelaide SA 5000 or via the above email address

Applications close Friday 18 July at 5.00pm (Salary Packaging is available)

Regional Worker - Hills Mallee 0.4 FTE
An opportunity exists to recruit and support volunteers to visit aged care home residents and community members in the Hills Mallee Southern region of South Australia.

For a Job Description and further details:
www.lccare.org.au or contact Di Schneider Email: dschneider@lccare.org.au Tel: 08 8331 3111
Applications close Monday 7 July at 5.00pm

Laughter is sunshine you can hear