‘Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.’ (John 13:3-5)
God had given Jesus authority over everything which means he could’ve done anything. Jesus could’ve chosen to wipe out the whole planet with all its problems and create a new perfect one. However, what does Jesus choose to do with this incredible authority and power? He chooses to roll up his sleeves and wash his disciples’ feet. Jesus uses his authority over everything to serve and this desire to serve flowed from his incredible love for us.
Jesus goes on to say, “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.” (John 13:14) As people served and loved by Jesus we are to serve and love others. A little later Jesus says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35) Our love for each other which is expressed through serving is the clearest way we show the world we follow Jesus. Our love and service also helps people see what Jesus is like.
As we roll up our sleeves and serve, people get a glimpse of Jesus who rolled up his sleeves and served by washing his disciples’ feet. When we use our hands to help others in need, people get a glimpse of Jesus who stretched out his hands to help them in their greatest need by dying on the cross.
God’s love for this world is shown most powerfully through Jesus who rolled up his sleeves and entered our mess to help us. During Engage we continue this story of God’s love for the world by rolling our sleeves up and entering the lives of others to help them in practical ways.
Pastor Noel
This week’s message is “Sharing the Good News” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: 1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT and Romans 10:9-15 NLT
- Baby Zone: God Gives Me Friends
- Kindy Zone: God Looks After Us (Genesis 29)
- Kids Zone: God Gives His People a King: Saul (1 Samuel 8-11)
- Kool Zone: Elijah Prays For Rain (1 Kings 18:41-19:8)
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
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.
Cebu Major Fundraising Night
You can purchase your tickets now, 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 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
Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
German language documentation and revival in the Barossa and Beyond.
At the next FoLA gathering on Monday 25th August, Dr. Peter Mickan will tell the remarkable story of how community members have maintained the ability to speak German, how their speech is being recorded and how the community is now working to revitalise the use of German. Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, Adelaide. 7.30 pm. Supper, gold coin donation.
Adelaide: Free 'Building strong, caring communities' workshop
A workshop to help you better serve in your community followed by the launch of our 2014-2019 Strategic Plan. Join us at this exciting afternoon that will include a panel discussion with representatives who have spearheaded community projects within their congregations and a session to discuss how you can help build your community. We will also be releasing the 2014 edition of the booklet 'When a Neighbour Comes Knocking: Helping People who Seek Emergency Assistance through the Church'.
Join us for drinks and nibbles afterwards to help launch our Strategic Plan. If you can’t join us for the workshop you are still welcome to celebrate with us at the launch.
When: Thursday, 4 September
Time: Workshop 2.00pm-4.30pm; launch from 4.30pm-5.30pm
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde SA 5070
RSVP: 27 August to mcirocco@lccare.org.au
I can do everything through Him
who gives me strength
Philippians 4:13
