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 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
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.
Come along for a time of food, community and a wonderful family movie you can watch together and chat about together during Advent!
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”
but of power and of love and of a sound mind”
2 Timothy 1:7
