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 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
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
