One of
the things I used to like about starting a new school year was getting new text
books. I loved opening up a new exercise book to the first clean crisp white
page. It motivated me to write as neatly as I could so that my new book would
stay looking good. It was also an opportunity to start again. Whatever mistakes
I had made the year before, whatever tests I had failed, they were nowhere to
be seen in my new book. It was completely empty of my mistakes.
Just as I
used to get a new start every year at school in a new exercise book, the Bible
says that we get a new start with God every day. Lamentations 3 says, ‘The
faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his
faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.’ (Lamentations 3:22, 23) Every
day God’s forgiveness is offered to us to start again like writing on the first
page of a new exercise book. No matter what happened the day before, or even
the week before, when we hand that to God he gives us a new book to begin writing
our lives in.
This
doesn’t mean the consequences of our bad choices the day before instantly stop.
Just as the choice to not study may mean we start a new school year in the same
class as the year before, there are choices we make that we have to endure even
after God has given us a new start each day. However, a new start with God
means we live with these consequences in the assurance of God’s forgiveness and
not under the burden of God’s condemnation.
Together
with the gift of a new start, God also gives us his empowering Spirit to enable
us to make the most of our new start. When we cooperate with God’s Spirit we
can avoid making the same mistakes over again. We can develop the capacity to
keep growing and developing in our walk with God. It is harder than it sounds
and there are times when we mess up again. Yet when we do we know that with the
next day comes the promise of God’s new start.
What are
some of the things from 2013 that you would like to leave behind in 2014 and
make a new start? Whatever they are, look to our God of new starts and his
empowering Spirit so that you can make the most of them.
Pastor
Noel
This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This
week’s message is “I am part of a family”
as we continue the series ‘who on earth am I?’ Podcasts of weekly messages are
available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Genesis 2:18-24;
1Timothy 5:3-4, 8
School Holidays
Our Children’s Ministry programs are now on School Holidays. Our
2014 Kingdom Kids and Baby Zone programs will be launched at the Back to School
Service on the 2nd February 2014.
Playgroup
Playgroup will start up again on Wednesday 5th of February. I
have finished up as coordinator as I take on the Team Leader role here at Good
Shepherd so Playgroup is now looking for a new coordinator to be part of a
great team of people! Please prayerfully consider if this might be you and
contact Beth Einthal for more info on 8263 5087 or beth.einthal@paravista.org.au .
Laura is finishing
This Sunday we will be saying farewell to Laura as she finishes in her
role at Good Shepherd to have her third baby and spend some quality time with
her family and enjoy being a mum. She has been an amazing leader and such a
blessing to the community at Good Shepherd, we will certainly miss her around
the place! Thank you for all your hard work and all that you have done Laura
and we wish you God’s richest blessings on this new season of your life. We
hope to still see you around the place (maybe in Baby Zone)!
Also a big welcome to Kathy Leibig who started in her new role this week
as Children and Family Support Worker! All the best Kathy!
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.
From the office
Church improvements
Hall Floor - The hall floor has been resurfaced. I thank you for your
assistance in removing any spills straight away (use water only) and lifting
the furniture to prevent damage to the floor and keep it looking great.
Painting - Due to damage and wear and tear the front wing walls of the
church have been repaired and repainted. The surface should last another 10
years.
For Sale
Roller Door. No longer required
due to the library relocation. Will fit
opening 1850mm wide. Any offer
considered. Please contact Stephen on 8263 5087 for further information.
Noticeboard
Tertiary Students
2014
First round offers for University and TAFE are now out! Are you aware of
students commencing or continuing Tertiary Study in 2014? As the SA/NT District
Tertiary Chaplain, I would be very happy to meet with students/parents in order
to assist students settle into tertiary life. Country students may have
particular needs with which I can be of assistance. Whatever the circumstance,
everyone is most welcome to contact me by any of the means listed below.
God Bless!
Peter Miller
District Office: 137
Archer Street North Adelaide 5006
Phone Number: 8267 5911
Mobile: 0409
725 573
Email: peter.miller@sa.lca.org.au
Rest is a
God-given gift!
