Friday, February 7, 2014

What are you hungering for?

Hunger is a universal feeling. God has designed us to feel hunger so that we eat and nourish our bodies. Without food we would all die. If you are anything like me you probably find it hard to imagine not feeling hunger. I often wished I felt less hunger as that would have some definite benefits for my waistline!

God has not only given us physical hunger but he has also given us a spiritual hunger. Spiritual hunger is not a physical craving but rather deeper yearnings we have such as a need to be loved; a need to feel valued; a desire to make a difference and to know the purpose we are here for. Just as God has given us physical hunger to draw us to food to nourish our bodies, he has also given us spiritual hunger to draw us to him to nourish our souls.

When we are not aware of God we will seek to satisfy this hunger apart from him. We will look to people, possessions, pleasures and other pursuits to satisfy this hunger within us. While it is true that these things can bring some temporary relief, they are more like eating a snack when we are starving hungry. We are left wanting for more.

Jesus made this promise to us. He said, “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” (Matthew 5:6 Message) When we realise these desires within us for love, self-worth and significance are from God and for God, he will satisfy us like the best meal we can ever imagine. The greater we realise our need for God the greater God will bless our desire for him.

Someone once said that there is a God shaped hole in each of us. We can try to stuff all sorts of things in there to fill the hole, but only God can fill it to the full and in a way that will satisfy and won’t leave us craving for more. Do you have a yearning for something more in your life? Do you have a nagging feeling that something is missing? Could that be a spiritual hunger? Could it be a hunger that can only be satisfied by God? Why not seek God out and discover the truth of Jesus’ words for yourself?

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Love” as we start a new series ‘Our story in God’s story’ 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: 1 John 4:7-12, 19  


Our 2014 Kingdom Kids and Baby Zone programs began on Sunday with all zones meeting together in the library for some prayers, worship, faith talk and fun! Baby zone had their first week in their new room!

Kingdom Kids 
We really need at least 8 more people to help in Kingdom Kids and help grow our kids in their faith. You would be most welcome to serve in Baby Zone, Kindy Zone, Kids Zone or Kool Zone! We need at least two volunteers in each zone, but urgently need someone to help in Kids Zone!  If you are interested, please write it on your welcome card, email or call, or have a chat with me on Sunday! You are usually only rostered on 2 times a term or whatever you can commit to!


Kindy Zone Team Leader
A big thank you to Rachel Liebelt who has led Kindy Zone for a number of years and has decided to have a break from this role. We are praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of a passionate and fun team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat! 

Playgroup
Playgroup started again on Wednesday 5th of February. I have finished up as coordinator as I take on the Team Leader role here at Good Shepherd.  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 .

Baby Zone Room
The new Baby Zone room is taking shape and looks amazing! Looking forward to the next steps over this term to help paint, decorate and furnish this new space! It's going to be amazing!! Feel free to pop past and have a look! 

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.

Position Vacant - Pastoral Care and Fellowship Team Leader - 20 hours per week
We are seeking someone with a passion to bring the love and acceptance of Jesus through our church to all people as they give leadership to the pastoral care and fellowship ministries of Good Shepherd. This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead through empowerment and trust while accepting accountability for outcomes. The person we are seeking will invest a significant portion of their time in recruiting, equipping, and supporting leaders and teams who will carry out this ministry.

Skills and experience in pastoral care and leading teams are essential for this role. The successful applicant will be accountable to the Senior Pastor and supported by the entire staff team.

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 the church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 28th February 2014, are to be submitted to the Chairman:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA 5092

GSPV Small Group Launch 2014 - Sunday 9th February
Our theme: Our story in God’s story - Love.  God’s love is always other-centred.  Likewise, small groups provide opportunities to love one another. 

Flyers will be available for people to register interest in trying out a small group. There will be a prayer of blessing for small group leaders and co-leaders, as well as committing the small group ministries of our congregation to God’s grace and guidance. 

If you’re part of a small group and haven’t yet caught up this year, let me encourage you to set a date, time and place to come together soon!

Pr Rolly Stahl

From the Office

SA/NT District Convention
The SA/NT District Convention of Synod will be held at Endeavour College from Friday 2nd May to Sunday 4th May. We are entitled to 5 lay delegates. The congregation will meet all the costs of the delegates. Registrations are required by Monday 10th March to allow the office to process payment for delegates.
If you are interested in attending as a delegate and representing our congregation or would like more information please contact John Dolling.

New Baby zone
The Baby Zone is now situated where the library used to be. The library is now in the Education Centre in the hall. You can enter the library via the steps at the left hand side of the hall.
New signs were installed this week to clearly indicate where all the relocated areas are.

Noticeboard

Lutheran Community Care - Special Request for Greeting Cards
Alternative Care Services is in need of unused greeting cards with envelopes to acknowledge special moments for children and young adults in family-based foster care. Cards are also needed to acknowledge the foster carers and family members who provide support and care. We are collecting a wide range of unused cards that include generic and age specific birthday cards for girls, boys, teenagers, adult men and women; thank you cards; bereavement cards; thinking of you cards and much more. 

If you are able to make a donation, cards can be sent to:
Alternative Care Services
PO Box 2137
North Magill SA 5072

or contact Tina on 8337 8787 to arrange a drop off time to the office located at the Glynde Lutheran Church. Thank you for your continued support of Lutheran Community Care.


SENIOR HR ADVISOR
An opportunity exists to join a great team in this newly created role. We are looking for an experienced person to provide professional advice, support and guidance across a range of human resource functions.

For a Job Description and further details:
or contact Wendy Schultz
Tel: 08 8269 9333

Applications close Monday 24 February at 5.00pm  




  
 “God’s hand of discipline is a hand of love”