Weekly News: 08/01/2014

Friday, August 29, 2014

When first means last

As Australians we love our sport. We enjoy participating in sporting activities and we love watching sports. It is often said that for many sport is their religion.

Our love of sport also means we admire those who excel at it. We love those who come first and win. We are quick to give celebrity status to people who can win and come first. We call then “legends” and “greats”.

While it is fine to acknowledge the exceptional skill of athletes and those who play sport at the top level; when all our definitions of greatness are linked to winning our life’s focus can quickly become how we can best come out in front of everyone else. Our major concern will be what is best for us and not others. Invariably this leads to conflict as each of us strives to be first.

Defining greatness in people as those who come first is nothing new. Jesus’ disciples got into an argument one day about who was the greatest. Jesus responded to their argument by redefining what greatness would be in his kingdom. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone.” (Mark 9:35)

Greatness for Jesus was not putting ourselves first, but rather putting ourselves last by serving others. Greatness in God’s kingdom is not defined by how often we come first but rather how often we put others first as we serve them. It sounds simple enough but putting others first does not come naturally to any of us. How can Jesus ask us to do something that is often so unnatural for us?

Jesus can call us to this because he has put us first and himself last. Jesus put us first when he gave his life for us on the cross for our sin. By putting us first Jesus has broken the hold of sin over us and made a way for us to be embraced by God as his children in this life and the next. The greatest title you and I can be given is ‘Child of God.’ Nothing in this life or the next surpasses this in terms of greatness and significance.

We do not have to strive for our own greatness by putting ourselves ahead of others. As children of God we are already great. We can put others first because Jesus has put first. This is what makes us great. When you look at this way, when we put others first we are simply being like Jesus, a child of God. Our serving doesn’t make us great but rather reflects how great God has already made us in Jesus.

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “When first means last” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Philippians 2:1-11; Mark 9:33-35

Kingdom Kids will not be on this week as we have an all age service to celebrate the month of August and our engage initiative!

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 ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Term 3 Diary Dates
Saturday 30th of August
Sean W Smith – LIVE CONCERT TOUR 2014!! Featuring 60 minutes of High Energy Fun, Music and Hilarious Dancing Antics for the whole family! Sean W Smith will be live in Adelaide on the 30th of August and tickets can be purchased from Koorong for $7 each.

Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

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.

A HUGE THANK YOU
The past 12 months have provided our family with some very difficult challenges. On the 2nd of July our family business was totally guttered by fire and we were lucky to escape with the shirts on our backs. As a result we have been emotionally fragile, traumatised by our employee being trapped and burnt in the fire and left with no immediate income.

We are totally over whelmed with the love, support, prayers and friendship shown to us by the beautiful families and friends who make up The Good Shepherd Family. We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts and are amazed be the many different ways people have assisted us.

Although this has been a horrific time for us, God has shone through and been so good, from blessing us by ensuring our precious little Taylor was not there on the day, to giving us appropriate scriptures, songs and fantastic caring people. We are very aware that many positive and wonderful things will eventuate out of this and for everything, there is a reason.

“Great comebacks often require some setbacks”

Regards
Pete, Donna and Taylor Hoeymakers

Women's Fellowship, Para Vista
On Tuesday, September 2nd at 1pm in the church, our next meeting will be held featuring Bible study, a business meeting and guest speaker. Joy Wandel will share with us her impressions and experiences during a visit to the Amish comunity in America. A power point presentation will accompany her talk. We WELCOME anyone who wishes to join us for this presentation. Afternoon tea in the hall will follow Joy's illustrated talk. Hope to see you join us.

Maranatha Health Spring Party - September 6
You are invited to celebrate with Maranatha Health at our Spring Party.
Join us at Phillips Park, corner Rochester Ave & Glynburn Rd, Leabrook from 10:00 – 11:30 am, presentation at 10:30 am.

This event is to say thankyou to supporters for staying with MH, a welcome to new supporters and a chance to tell you about the new and exciting Progect #2 set to happen in Uganda. Morning refreshments will be provided with coffee for sale. BYO chair
Please RSPV for catering purposes: contact@maranathahealth.org

September 14 (After the 10:30 service)
Meet Andrew Sajjabi from Maranatha Health Uganda.
Andrew is a rare African man - he loves to cook! He is also an exceptional administrator and manager, and Marantha Health would not be about to launch its new project in Uganda if it weren't for his tireless work. Andrew will be visiting Para Vista with Kim and Michael Findlay on Sunday September 14. Join him for a cuppa and hear about his story and his passion for the people of Uganda.

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For God is working in you,

giving you the desire and

the power to do what pleases him

Philippians 2:13

Friday, August 22, 2014

Serving Family

Family is the first circle of ministry. When family members keep serving one another, those families are usually healthy and happy. Isn’t that what we all want?

Yet getting on with family members is not always easy.

In families, we are not always caring – or care-full – with our attitudes, words or actions. We are rude, make demands, and take one another for granted. We tend to put mouth into gear before engaging the brain. We know how to push one another’s buttons. We vent the frustrations of our day onto family members.

Ironically, our worst behaviour comes out with those we claim to love the most.

How can God change this? It starts with acknowledging our selfishness and asking God to change us! God forgives us for Jesus’ sake. As Jesus lives in our hearts, the Holy Spirit changes us to more consistently bear the fruit of Jesus’ character in our family relationships.

So by the grace of God, we can become more generous with our time and attention, more encouraging and thankful, more willing to do those menial tasks around the home, more able to apologise, more ready to forgive, more disposed to random acts of kindness… more like Jesus.

Serving your family has three huge benefits. First, it’s showing the love of Jesus to others. Second, it helps us to be more giving – less selfish. And third, it helps you grow closer as friends. Twenty years from now, you may not have the same bunch of work or play friends – but by the grace of God you can still be friends with your family.

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Ground for growth” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 15:1-8

Kingdom Kids will be exploring the following topics this week:

Baby Zone: God Gives Me Friends
Kindy Zone: Homecoming (Genesis 31:3, 32-33)
Kids Zone: God Chooses David (1 Samuel 15:10-12, 22-26, 16:1-13)
Kool Zone: God Answers Elijah (1 Kings 19:9-21)

Offerings are starting to show signs of tapering off after the encouraging start to the year.
Plate offerings have regularly kept pace with budget and are only $2,350 below budget.
REG has been $2,000 below budget for the last 3 months.
Overall income is below budget primarily due to Offerings.
The good news is that expenses are under budget by greater amount than income being under budget.
Staff expenses & Ministries are the 2 areas where this is most evident.
Staff expenses are now $7,000 under budget and this amount is growing month on month, primarily due to vacancy in the Pastoral Care and Fellowship position not being filled.
Ministries have shown restraint and are currently $3,500 under budget.
Most other expense areas are running close to budget.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
Have you updated your REG? Over half our weekly offerings are made through REG. For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from the information rack at the rear of the auditorium 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

Radio Microphones
Policy changes by the government over the last few years has led to our radio microphone equipment becoming obsolete and non-compliant with regulations. The tech team have been proactive in investigating equipment over the past 12 months and have now purchased equipment that will see us well into the future. The new equipment was operational last week without any noticeable change thanks to the experience of the tech team. For any problem solving with the equipment please talk to the tech team or contact the front office during office hours.

First Aid
As part of providing child safe programs for our children we are required to have safety management systems in place. To assist our leaders and teams, anyone with a current first aid certificate is requested to provide a copy to the office for recording. Your services would only be required in the unlikely event that minor assistance is required.

Women's Fellowship, Para Vista
On Tuesday, September 2nd at 1pm in the church, our next meeting will be held featuring Bible study, a business meeting and guest speaker. Joy Wandel will share with us her impressions and experiences during a visit to the Amish community in America. A power point presentation will accompany her talk. We WELCOME anyone who wishes to join us for this presentation. Afternoon tea in the hall will follow Joy's illustrated talk. Hope to see you join us.

Pr Rolly recommends an inspiring book…

Last Sunday’s message was on Sharing the Good News. While not all of us are gifted evangelists, Peter urges: ‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…’ (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

The book pictured is full of stories and practical wisdom that has inspired and encouraged me in this. There are 42 short chapters which can be read daily over six weeks. Honestly, I couldn’t wait that long!

The promo blurb is spot on: ‘Bestselling authors Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg use compelling and humorous stories from their own lives in a devotional-style book that paints an irresistible picture of what personal evangelism can be - the fulfilling adventure of a lifetime!’
Available through Koorong at this site:
http://www.koorong.com/search/product/unexpected-adventure-the-lee-strobel-mark-mittelberg/9780310283928.jhtml

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Adelaide: Free 'Building strong, caring communities' workshop
A workshop to help you better serve in your community followed by the launch of our 2014-2019 Strategic Plan. Join us at this exciting afternoon that will include a panel discussion with representatives who have spearheaded community projects within their congregations and a session to discuss how you can help build your community.

Join us for drinks and nibbles afterwards to help launch our Strategic Plan. If you can’t join us for the workshop you are still welcome to celebrate with us at the launch.
When: Thursday, 4 September
Time: Workshop 2.00pm-4.30pm; launch from 4.30pm-5.30pm
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde SA 5070
RSVP: 27 August to mcirocco@lccare.org.au

And now these three remain:

Faith, Hope and Love

But the greatest of these is Love

1 Corinthians 13:13

Friday, August 15, 2014

Jesus with his sleeves rolled up

The story of Jesus washing his disciples’ is one that continues to amaze me. Jesus is sharing his last meal with his disciples before his death on the cross. Out of all the things he could have said and done, Jesus chooses to wash their feet. The Bible says-

‘Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.’ (John 13:3-5)

God had given Jesus authority over everything which means he could’ve done anything. Jesus could’ve chosen to wipe out the whole planet with all its problems and create a new perfect one. However, what does Jesus choose to do with this incredible authority and power? He chooses to roll up his sleeves and wash his disciples’ feet. Jesus uses his authority over everything to serve and this desire to serve flowed from his incredible love for us.

Jesus goes on to say, “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.” (John 13:14) As people served and loved by Jesus we are to serve and love others. A little later Jesus says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35) Our love for each other which is expressed through serving is the clearest way we show the world we follow Jesus. Our love and service also helps people see what Jesus is like.

As we roll up our sleeves and serve, people get a glimpse of Jesus who rolled up his sleeves and served by washing his disciples’ feet. When we use our hands to help others in need, people get a glimpse of Jesus who stretched out his hands to help them in their greatest need by dying on the cross.

God’s love for this world is shown most powerfully through Jesus who rolled up his sleeves and entered our mess to help us. During Engage we continue this story of God’s love for the world by rolling our sleeves up and entering the lives of others to help them in practical ways.

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Sharing the Good News” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: 1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT and Romans 10:9-15 NLT

Kingdom Kids will be exploring the following topics this week:

Baby Zone: God Gives Me Friends
Kindy Zone: God Looks After Us (Genesis 29)
Kids Zone: God Gives His People a King: Saul (1 Samuel 8-11)
Kool Zone: Elijah Prays For Rain (1 Kings 18:41-19:8)

The Team is requesting approx 8-10 helpers at 2pm on Sat 23rd to move all the chairs in the church, to help set up tables and chairs, cabaret style please. If you are available, please put your name on the list at the Ticket Sales table on Sundays 10th and 17th. Also, if you are coming to the Borderers Night, we ask that a few people stay behind and help with vacuuming, putting tables away and resetting all the chairs back into place for the services next morning. Please put your name on the list if you can do this.....it would be VERY MUCH appreciated.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
German language documentation and revival in the Barossa and Beyond.
At the next FoLA gathering on Monday 25th August, Dr. Peter Mickan will tell the remarkable story of how community members have maintained the ability to speak German, how their speech is being recorded and how the community is now working to revitalise the use of German. Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, Adelaide. 7.30 pm. Supper, gold coin donation.

Adelaide: Free 'Building strong, caring communities' workshop
A workshop to help you better serve in your community followed by the launch of our 2014-2019 Strategic Plan. Join us at this exciting afternoon that will include a panel discussion with representatives who have spearheaded community projects within their congregations and a session to discuss how you can help build your community. We will also be releasing the 2014 edition of the booklet 'When a Neighbour Comes Knocking: Helping People who Seek Emergency Assistance through the Church'.

Join us for drinks and nibbles afterwards to help launch our Strategic Plan. If you can’t join us for the workshop you are still welcome to celebrate with us at the launch.
When: Thursday, 4 September
Time: Workshop 2.00pm-4.30pm; launch from 4.30pm-5.30pm
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde SA 5070
RSVP: 27 August to mcirocco@lccare.org.au

I can do everything through Him

who gives me strength

Philippians 4:13

Friday, August 8, 2014

A lifeless bible

Last week I lost my preaching Bible. And I still haven’t found it. It’s pretty devastating. I have other Bibles (I feel like only other speakers will feel my pain) but I had gotten this one to the perfect point where it lay open so I wouldn’t lose my page and was perfectly creased so I could hold it at the same time as a hand held microphone. Sounds crazy I know, but I’m serious. I’m still praying it turns up somewhere!

However, this week I went into Koorong to buy a new Bible. I was standing there for a least half an hour trying out the different Bibles to see which one “felt right”. None of them did. They were all stiff and lifeless. I eventually found one similar to my old Bible, but it’s still not the same.

It got me thinking. Bibles that are unopened are useless. The Bibles in the shop felt soulless because they had never been opened, never been used for their intended purpose. Bibles need to be worn in.

The power of a Bible is not in the nice thin pages, the gilded lining or the leather cover. The power isn’t even really in the fact that the words have been translated painstakingly from Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic into English or that the original text dates back thousands of years. The power is in the reading, hearing, understanding and applying of the words. The words God has given to us as his people.

Often we complain about not knowing what God wants us to do or worry that God never speaks to us but that isn’t true. God has spoken to us and the words are written in the Bible. We just have to open it. There is so much wisdom in the Bible and yet many of us never give it a chance. There are so many answers to questions which people have been asking for centuries that never make it into our heads or hearts because we never open the book.

How is your Bible looking? Does it still look like it did when you bought it?

I challenge you to rack up some time with your Bible. Dive into it and read the words that have been faithfully recorded and preserved by the people of God. Open it so many times that the spine starts to break. Wear out your favourite book so that it begins to fall out and you can see the fingerprints and coffee stains on the page. That is when the Bible has done its best work – when it has been well used and worn. Not because it makes us look more spiritual, but because the Word of God has been at work in us.

A lifeless Bible is an unopened one.

Sophie

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Being good news” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Luke 4:14-21, 40, 41; 1 John 3:16-18

Kingdom Kids will be exploring the following topics this week:

Baby Zone: God Gives Me Friends (welcome at Chris Jaensch concert with an adult)
Kindy Zone: Chris Jaensch music concert in the school library
Kids Zone: Chris Jaensch music concert in the school library
Kool Zone: Separate into Boy/Girl groups for chats – Boys looking at Elijah, Girls looking at Esther

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 ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Term 3 Diary Dates
Saturday 30th of August
Sean W Smith – LIVE CONCERT TOUR 2014!! Featuring 60 minutes of High Energy Fun, Music and Hilarious Dancing Antics for the whole family! Sean W Smith will be live in Adelaide on the 30th of August and tickets can be purchased from Koorong for $7 each.

Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

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.

Cebu Major Fundraising Night
You can purchase your tickets now, 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 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.

The Team is requesting approx 8-10 helpers at 2pm on Sat 23rd to move all the chairs in the church, to help set up tables and chairs, cabaret style please. If you are available, please put your name on the list at the Ticket Sales table on Sundays 10th and 17th. Also, if you are coming to the Borderers Night, we ask that a few people stay behind and help with vacuuming, putting tables away and resetting all the chairs back into place for the services next morning. Please put your name on the list if you can do this.....it would be VERY MUCH appreciated.

A Winter Sleep out weekend is happening at Good Shepherd
Friday August 8 - Youth and leaders from Good Shepherd will be ‘sleeping rough’ overnight on the grounds of the school oval to understand what many homeless Australians experience every night.

Saturday August 9 - A group of young adults will take up the same challenge.

Sunday August 10 – Sleep out participants will run a sausage sizzle after the 10:30am service to raise money for Mission Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that assists disadvantaged and homeless Australians.

How you can get involved - We welcome you to challenge yourself to a chilly night on the Saturday, or stick around after the service on Sunday and buy a sausage. For more info contact Tennyson Jaensch: tennysonjaensch@hotmail.com'

Noticeboard

Hymnfest 10th August - Hope Valley Lutheran Church
The Bible Society is conducting a festival of hymns on 10th August @ 2.30pm and all are welcome to attend, enjoy the music and sing our praises.

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
German language documentation and revival in the Barossa and Beyond.
At the next FoLA gathering on Monday 25th August, Dr. Peter Mickan will tell the remarkable story of how community members have maintained the ability to speak German, how their speech is being recorded and how the community is now working to revitalise the use of German. Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, Adelaide. 7.30 pm. Supper, gold coin donation.

Installation Service
All are invited to attend the Installation service of Rachel Kuchel as Archivist and Janette Lange as Assistant Archivist of the Lutheran Archives. Sunday 17th August, 9.00am at St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 152 Wakefield Street, Adelaide.
Morning tea will follow.

Adelaide and Barossa: Sign up now to help with Christmas Hampers
The time has come to start preparing for Christmas Hampers! We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the packing and distribution of hampers. Packing will take place at the end of November and the hampers will be distributed in December. If you have time to spare and would like to help those in need this Christmas, please contact our Blair Athol office at 08 8269 9300 or the Barossa office at 08 8562 2688 for more information on how to get involved.

Adelaide: Can you donate sugar, rice or tea bags to help stock up for Hampers?
At Blair Athol we are trying to stock our pantry in preparation for Christmas. We are in need of sugar, rice and tea bags so that we can repackage them in time for hampers. If you are able to donate any of these items please drop them by at 309 Prospect Road, Blair Athol SA 5084. A full list of Christmas Hamper items will be available in the October issue of Together and will be available at the LCC website, www.lccare.org.au.

Schools Administrator (Maternity Contract)
Australian Lutheran College is looking to appoint a part-time (0.8) 9 months Maternity Leave Contract Commencing 1st September 2014

The position description can be obtained from www.alc.edu.au/community/employment-at-alc

Applications should be submitted by 13th August 2014 to:
Human Resource Manager
Australian Lutheran College
104 Jeffcott Street North Adelaide 5006
business@alc.edu.au

You are God’s masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10

Friday, August 1, 2014

Engage

Imagine for a moment a man who spends 12 hours a day at work, leaving little time to spend with his family or do anything he enjoys. Perhaps that’s not so crazy to you. After all, we often need to work hard in order to provide for our families and pay the bills. But what if that man was working 12 hours a day to pay for a mortgage and bills that he didn’t have? Wouldn’t you find that strange?

I think this is sometimes how we see God and his grace. We work and work to please God, all the time not realising that we are trying to pay back a debt we don’t owe.

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that ‘it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast’. It is not a result of anything that we have done or could ever do that God has given us his grace. We don’t owe God good works or acts of service. The debt of our sin was paid once and for all by Jesus on the cross.

It might seem crazy to work hard to pay a mortgage that you don’t owe, but the house still needs to be maintained. The cleaning still needs to be done; the grass still needs to be mowed. But the work that you do is to care for and cultivate the blessings you have, not to earn them.
As we enter Engage in the month of August, we recognise that there is nothing - no great act of service or love - we can do to make God love us more. Rather we serve out of the overflow of all that God has done for us. Matthew 10:8 says, ‘freely you have received; freely give.’

The knowledge that we have been blessed without doing anything should motivate us to freely pass blessings on – not expecting anything in return or needing anyone else to earn our generosity.

Remember your debt has been paid but ‘saved by grace’ is not an excuse for us to sit back and leave the house work undone.

Sophie

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Love with skin on” as we start a new series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: John 1:1-4, 14; Matthew 5:13-16

Kingdom Kids will be exploring the following topics this week:

Baby Zone: God Made Me
Kindy Zone: God keeps His promises (Genesis 27:1-28:5)
Kids Zone: God cares for His people: Ruth and Naomi (Ruth)
Kool Zone: Elijah and the widow (1 Kings 17:7-24)

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 ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Term 3 Diary Dates
Sunday 10th of August
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 also be having their once a term boy/girl chats on the 10th of August.

Saturday 30th of August
Sean W Smith – LIVE CONCERT TOUR 2014!! Featuring 60 minutes of High Energy Fun, Music and Hilarious Dancing Antics for the whole family! Sean W Smith will be live in Adelaide on the 30th of August and tickets can be purchased from Koorong for $7 each.

Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

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 Tuesday 5th August, 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

First Aid
As part of providing child safe programs for our children we are required to have safety management systems in place. To assist our leaders and teams, anyone with a current first aid certificate is requested to provide a copy to the office for recording. Your services would only be required in the unlikely event that minor assistance is required.

Hall Floor
Just a reminder, please remove any spills from the floor straight away and lift the furniture to prevent damage to keep the hall looking great.

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 @ 2.30pm and all are welcome to attend, enjoy the music and sing our praises.

Explaining your hope with gentleness and respect
Steen Olsen, the Director for Mission, is running his seminar on sharing your faith at Glynde Lutheran church on Sunday 17th August, from 1-3 p.m.
This seminar is entitled ‘Explaining your hope with gentleness and respect’. Come along and participate.

Adelaide and Barossa: Sign up now to help with Christmas Hampers
The time has come to start preparing for Christmas Hampers! We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the packing and distribution of hampers. Packing will take place at the end of November and the hampers will be distributed in December. If you have time to spare and would like to help those in need this Christmas, please contact our Blair Athol office at 08 8269 9300 or the Barossa office at 08 8562 2688 for more information on how to get involved.

Adelaide: Can you donate sugar, rice or tea bags to help stock up for Hampers?
At Blair Athol we are trying to stock our pantry in preparation for Christmas. We are in need of sugar, rice and tea bags so that we can repackage them in time for hampers. If you are able to donate any of these items please drop them by at 309 Prospect Road, Blair Athol SA 5084.
A full list of Christmas Hamper items will be available in the October issue of Together and will be available at the LCC website, www.lccare.org.au.

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

Schools Administrator (Maternity Contract)
Australian Lutheran College is looking to appoint a part-time (0.8) 9 months Maternity Leave Contract Commencing 1st September 2014

The position description can be obtained from www.alc.edu.au/community/employment-at-alc

Applications should be submitted by 13th August 2014 to:
Human Resource Manager
Australian Lutheran College
104 Jeffcott Street North Adelaide 5006
business@alc.edu.au

To be a Christian without prayer

is no more possible than

to be alive without breathing

Martin Luther