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 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
- 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)
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
