Friday, July 25, 2014

Overtime

Have you ever been in or watched a sporting match which has gone into overtime? Suddenly the intensity of the game sky-rockets and every movement matters, every goal is crucial. Each player knuckles down and reaches for that last bit of strength. Spectators lean in with hearts racing, investing in the outcome of the game as much as the players. The tension and excitement in the air is palpable. Essentially things are still the same as they were before the buzzer – the players are the same, the venue is the same, the game is the same – but the stakes are much higher and this transforms everything.

As Christians we are living in overtime. The buzzer announced the end of everything, because of our sin the game was over. But then Jesus came and through his death we were given more time. We were allowed to go into overtime. We were given a second shot at life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says if anyone is in Christ they are a new creation, ‘the old has gone, the new is here!’ Even though many things are still the same – we still have the same bodies, live in the same world, have the same family – everything has changed, all things are new. Like overtime in a game, the stakes are now higher. No longer do we live for an earthly prize – now we live for God and to build his kingdom on earth and invite others into eternity. Each moment is a gift that allows us to love more, give more and live more.

Jesus not only gives us a second chance but he enables us to live better, to be transformed into his perfect likeness. We aren’t just playing the game with our basic skills anymore but through Jesus we can now access all the gifts and talents of the Father. So be thankful for every moment you have and live with the awareness that you are playing in overtime.

Emma Kluge

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Samson - Great strength or great weakness?
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Judges 16:1-30


Kingdom Kids is back on this week and we will be exploring the following topics:
  • Baby Zone: God Made Me
  • Kindy Zone: Promises and Prayers (Genesis 25:19-28)
  • Kids Zone: God sends a rescuer: Gideon (Judges 6-8)
  • Kool Zone: Elijah and Ahab (1 Kings 17:1-6)

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 take ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!!

Term 3 Diary Dates
Chris Jaensch Concert - 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 be having their once a term boy/girl chats on the 10th of August.

Kingdom Kids Serving
Last Sunday Kingdom Kids made pikelets and sold them in the hall after the 10:30am service. They raised an amazing $129.15 which will be donated to Family Zone Ingle Farm Hub which is a child and family centre that brings together a range of supports for families. Family Zone aims to facilitate the development of healthy attachment in the early years and create an environment which enhances the development of children 0-12 years in the physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual domains. Well done Kingdom Kids!

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 August 5th, 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.

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 and all are welcome to attend, enjoy the music and sing our praises. This may be easier to attend for those who cannot attend Hymnfest scheduled for St Peter's Cathedral on July 27th.

Work Opportunities at the LCA SA/NT District Office
  1. Executive Assistant/Administration Assistant
  2. 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


God didn’t bring you this far to leave you
Philippians 1:6