Friday, November 14, 2014

Remembering …

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day) is observed on November 11th to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918 … at the 11th hour. The act of remembering helps us realise that our freedom is not cheap. Millions of people gave their lives to ensure our freedom. Lest we forget.

Every week, usually on a Sunday, Christians have been gathering together for around 2000 years to remember Jesus and worship him! Lest we forget that nothing in all creation can separate us from his love.  

Every week, Christians seek to be shaped by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God into the character of Jesus. Lest we forget that growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus is how we relish in and live out our freedom.

Every week, Christians remember the sacrifice of Jesus as they receive the body and blood of Jesus … for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus tells us: “Do this in remembrance of me.” Lest we forget what our freedom cost him.

Every week, Christians remember that as dearly loved children of Abba Father, they can pray for their own needs - and the needs of others. Lest we forget that we have the freedom to talk with God about everything that’s happening in our lives.

Every week, Christians remember that God has called them to be the means by which others get to experience and discover the love of Jesus. Lest we forget that God loves every person – just as much as he loves us.

Every week, Christians remember Jesus’ promises to bring them into his restoration plans of making all things new. Lest we forget that we are heirs of the kingdom of God.

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Freed for growth
as we continue the series “Set Free to Live Free” (Galatians)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Galatians 5:13-26, John 16-7-15



Term 4 Diary Dates:
16th Nov – Final workshop sessions (kids rehearsing/preparing for the celebration service)
23rd Nov – Full dress rehearsal in the gym – parents pick up at 12 noon from the gym
30th Nov – Kingdom Kids Celebration Service at 10:30am
7th Dec – Family Advent Movie Night at the church – 5:30pm start

We are very excited to be bringing you a Family Advent Movie Night on Sunday 7th of December! We will be showing Max Lucado’s ‘The Christmas Candle’ which is rated PG and runs for 100mins.

The evening will start at 5:30pm with a sausage sizzle in the church hall and the movie will begin showing at 6:30pm in the church. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family and includes the sausage sizzle and movie!

Come along for a time of food, community and a wonderful family movie you can watch together and chat about together during Advent!


Kingdom Kids is in full swing preparing for our Celebration Service on 30th November at the 10:30am service! This week is our last week of workshops and preparations for the service! Next Sunday 23rd of Nov is our full dress rehearsal in the school gym!

Baby Zone and Kindy Zone will run as normal during the term and be learning a song with actions each week to lead worship during the Celebration Service. Baby Zone will run as normal in the Baby Zone room during the term.

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.

Half Yearly Meetings
The half yearly meeting of the church, school and village will be held on Sunday 23rd November commencing at 12.30pm. Written information is available at the back of the church. BBQ Lunch will also be available before the meetings.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
Has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as

Worship Support Team Leader (Starting January 2015)

This 14 hour per week position is to lead and develop team leaders of our worship support teams (eg: music and vocals, technical support, dramatic arts, visual arts, ushering etc) to facilitate life-transforming experiences and spiritual growth in worship. The role includes preparing a monthly musician’s roster for weekly services.

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. With music ministry being a significant part of this role, musical ability and experience in music teams would be an advantage but not essential. Competent administration skills are also needed to ensure the smooth running of Sunday services. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Senior Pastor who has accountability for all worship ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 28th November 2014, are to be submitted to the:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA5092

From the Office

Budget 2014
October 2014
Total Offering - Budget $43,000         Actual $38,145. DEFICIT $4,855
January thru October 2014
Total Offering - Budget $442,100     Actual $418,190. DEFICIT $23,910
January thru September 2014 – Total Income & Expenses
Total Income - Budget $419,957        Actual $401,502. SHORTFALL $18,095
Total Expenses - Budget $423,977    Actual $405,370. SHORTFALL $18,607

Brief report on progress since last Board meeting:
  • Offerings in October were well under budget. Based on weekly average Offerings are projected to come in around $505,000.
  • Plate offering was only just under budget after a slow start to the month with last Sunday in October being over $6,300. The highest Sunday since the Easter weekend.
  • Unfortunately REG was again well under budget being the lowest monthly total for 2 years.
  • Expenses were in line with budget with ministries just above and Staff and Admin just below budget.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
Thank you for returning your Impact 2014 slips. This assisted the finance team and board to ably formulate the budget for 2015. For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from the information rack at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942

Office closure
The church office will be closed from 11.30am till 2.30pm on Thursday November 20 for staff training.  Usual out of hour’s contacts will be available

Good Shepherd Village Board
There will be 3 vacancies on the Good Shepherd Village Board for 2015. The board meets quarterly. Each member of the Board contributes to the governance of the village. This does not mean that they actually do the work. They keep in touch with the persons responsible for each area and report to the Board at the meetings. Please prayerfully consider a position on the board to assist in this important mission. If you interested or want additional information contact Board Chair Faye Godfrey – 8264 7415.

Trial Professional Standards training
A new training is currently being trialled in SA and is aimed at presenting a comprehensive approach to Professional Standards. The training will consolidate both Safe Place and ChildSafe team member training to reduce duplication while covering a broader range of behavioural issues without increasing time commitment.
The training covers 3 Modules:
•    Appropriate Behaviour
•    Inappropriate Behaviour
•    The Child Safe Systems
All adult congregational members are encouraged to participate in this training.  Registrations are essential.  Please see the notice board for further details and contact information.

Security of church
Request members on locking facility do a complete building check prior to setting the alarm.   As you move through the building shut all the doors and windows.  Please take note of the keypad near the office entry - if there are staff names on the key pad, please do not set the alarm.

Noticeboard


“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
My only hope is in you”
Psalm 39:7