Discouragement is something we all go through in our lives. We get discouraged in our relationships, our parenting and our jobs. We can be discouraged by our inability to lose weight, get fit or change a behaviour that creates problems for us. At the heart of discouragement is lacking the courage to keep going.
On the flip side, encouragement is receiving the courage in something to keep going. Many of us become discouraged when we lose perspective on the situation and lose belief in ourselves to deal with it. Encouragement comes through others as they help us see things differently. It comes as they show their belief in us to deal with whatever we are facing. It’s amazing how a few words of encouragement can change our whole outlook on a problem and give us the confidence to tackle it.
The message of Jesus’ birth at Christmas is a message of encouragement. When the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds he said, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy to all people. The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem.” (Luke 2:10, 11)
One of the names given to Jesus is ‘Emmanuel’ which means God with us. If discouragement is caused by feeling helpless in the face of adversity, the declaration that God is now with us is hugely encouraging. Secondly, Jesus has come as our Saviour. He has come to save us from our enslavement to sin which is at the heart of all discouragement. Jesus came to do for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves.
Sometimes the words “You can do it!” is all we need to hear to feel encouraged to keep going. Other times “You can do it” does not encourage us because we know deep down we can’t do it. The message of Christmas is incredibly encouraging because our source of courage is not ourselves. Our source of courage is Jesus—God’s own Son who came into this world as one of us to be our Saviour. We no longer need to be fearful. We can draw courage from Jesus who is both God with us and God for us.
Whatever discouragement you are facing this Christmas season, may the news of Jesus’ birth give you the encouragement you need to keep going.
Pastor Noel
This week’s message is “Persisting through encouragement”
as we start the new series “Advent Adventure”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:1, 5:6-11
There will be activity sheets or booklets available in church for the kids each week as well as the Personal Journals for older kids to help them listen to God during the services.
Kingdom Kids will return on 8th February 8th after the Back to School service on 1st February.
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.
Christmas Service Times
Christmas Eve - 5.00, 6.30 & 8.30 pm
Christmas Day - 9.30 am with Holy Communion
Congregational Prayer Meeting
A prayer meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th December, 7.30 pm in the church. The key focus of the evening will be to pray for the upcoming Christmas services, seeking God’s provision and blessing as we share the good news of Jesus to all. Everyone is welcome and we would love to see to you there.
Cebu Fundraising
Thankyou very much to all who supported our Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich Day recently. We raised the wonderful amount of $460. A very big thankyou to Matt, Vern and Haydn for cooking the meats, also to Lorraine, Judy and Merilyn for stepping in to help after the second service, as some of our team members weren't available.
Thankyou to all of you who have purchased Christmas cards, ringpull bags and Jewellery over the last few years. Only have 1 ringpull bag left and some jewellery (ask me if you want to have a look or purchase). This was the last year of having the Christmas cards on sale, still have a few packs left so ask if you need any, just ask me or a Team member. After Christmas, the remainder will be sent to LCC for them to sell in the shops.
The Fundraising Team thanks the Congregation for deciding to support Cebu Mission again in 2015. We look forward to serving you once again, with sausages, pancakes, scones and a major event. Cebu Mission thanks you for all your support and generosity.
Our Team is looking for one or two more members, so would you prayerfully consider coming onto our Team in 2015. To find out more about what is involved with being a Team Member, please contact Joan McCarthy or one of our other members for a chat.
May you all have a very happy and blessed Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!
From the office
Your Free Gift this Christmas
One of the simplest free gifts you could give this Christmas is to Park on the school oval for the Christmas Eve services and allow our visitors to park close to the entrance of the church. Car parking attendants will be directing traffic for the 5.00 and 6.30pm services and your assistance in following directions will be appreciated.
Church Signage
The installation of the signs has already commenced and is expected to be completed by 18 Dec 2015. The car park may be fairly busy and access restricted at times due to the works. Reminder to all, to please use caution in the car park.
Christmas whirlwind
Last chance! Can you be available on Wednesday 24th December at 9.30am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off. Please bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare. Please advise Stephen or the front office on 8263 5087or via email szanker@paravista.org.au of your availability.
Office closure over Christmas
Office will be closed from 3.00pm 24th December 2013 to 9.00am on Tuesday 6th Jan 2015
Vacancy
An opportunity still exists for two willing persons local to the church to become second and third contacts to respond to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church. Work may be at random hours and in most cases to date have been proven honest operator error. However these incidents do require a physical check of the facilities to ensure security is maintained. All expressions of interest please contact Stephen, the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.
Christmas Action packs are now in your pigeon hole
This year the focus is Burundi, supporting and empowering communities as they develop fish-farms, cattle-raising, goat-rearing and kitchen vegetable gardens.
The good news is that all Christmas Action donations this year can be linked with an Australian Government Grant that TRIPLES our impact.
For just $16 ALWS can provide direct care to one person in Burundi, with flow-on benefits to another three people. All donations above $2 are tax deductible.
Donations may be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday till the end of 2014.
Please remember to include your name and address details if you want a tax receipt.
Ebola Update – we are making an impact!
More than $280,000 has been given to support Lutheran action against Ebola on the front line in Liberia.
We thank God for such great kindness and also the fact that new cases and death rates in Liberia have slowed. The president is vowing no new cases by Christmas. Our church’s love is truly coming to life in Liberia. Thank you!
Advent Movie Night
A note from the Children and Families and Men@ParaVista Teams
Like the Bible story of the Loaves and the fishes to feed the multitude, the busy band of helpers prepared over 370 sausages, 5kg of onions along with 22 loaves of bread, 123 little jelly cups and 96 fruity icy poles so they were ready and waiting……
Before 5.30 pm the hall transformed into a lively room full of chat and fellowship with the food eagerly consumed by the time the movie was due to start. The Movie “The Christmas Candle” reflected the value of community spirit interweaved with the Christmas Story that was enjoyed by all.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed in making the evening an enjoyable night. From the cooks to servers and all helpers at the end of the evening, and especially the consumers of the food.
The money taken on the night covered the costs of the Film Copyright & DVD Package as well as the food related costs. A few dollars left over has been given to the Children and Families Team.
Wishing all a very blessed and peaceful Christmas
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as
Pastoral Care and Community Team Leader (Starting January 2015)
This 8 hour per week position is to lead and coordinate the pastoral care and community care ministry teams of Good Shepherd. The primary focus of these teams will be to serve those in the congregation who do not receive care through our small group network and those in our community who require practical assistance.
This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. The role requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to organise and coordinate teams. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Associate Pastor who has accountability for the pastoral care and small group ministries within the congregation.
The position is offered as an 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 14th December 2014, are to be submitted to: John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306,
Modbury North SA 5092
Noticeboard
Disability Support Workers
Lutheran Disability Services is looking for skilled Disability Support Workers in the Adelaide Hills area. For a Job Description or further information please contact LDS directly at admin@ldssa.org.au or phone 8212 7766. Applications close Friday 19th December at 5.00pm
“I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
Psalm 91:16
