Faith in your home

Did you know that parents are the single greatest influence on their children’s faith, with grandparents coming in a close second? One of the most important things for you to do is to be continually growing in your own relationship with God. Here are some ideas to help you keep growing with God:

• Read the Bible regularly
• Worship and be a part of a faith community
• Participate in a small group/bible study
• Pray
• Serve or volunteer at church or in the wider community
• Listen to or sing worship music
• Be involved in a mentor/mentee relationship
• Talk about Jesus and your faith with your children and others.

Parents (and in fact anyone) who participates in these practices regularly will find them helpful to build their own faith as well as model their faith to their children! It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family!

God’s desire is that our faith is more than just coming to church on Sunday, He desires our faith to be something living and active that is discussed and shared in daily life. Here are some ideas on how to have ‘Faith Talk’ in your home and with others:

• Share your ‘highs and lows’ each day and pray about them.
• Share your daily ‘God sightings’ or ‘God moments’.
• Share about what your faith in Christ means to you.
• Talk together about how God’s Word applies to issues that arise in your lives.
• Look for the many ‘unscripted’ opportunities that arise.

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”  Deuteronomy 11: 18-21

God bless,
Beth E.

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “The necessity of prayer”
as we continue the series “The Lord’s Prayer”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Matthew 6:9-13, James 1:12-15

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.

Cebu Mission Fundraising Team News
The Fundraising Team would like to thank all the members of Good Shepherd Para Vista for their support of our events in 2014. We had a great year, raising the wonderful amount of $7000. The mission was able to put this money towards several different projects at the school, church and clinic at Inayawan, in Cebu. They thank you all very sincerely. We pray that you will support our events again this year.

Our Major Fundraiser for 2015 will be held on Saturday 20th June, so please mark your calendar and watch this space for more details. Our Plant Stalls will be held on Sundays 4th and 11th October.

We are possibly losing a member from our Team, so we need a couple more people to come and join us. If you would like to join us, please contact Joan on 8262 7429 or put CEBU on the Connect Card in service and your details will be forwarded on to the Team.

Our first event for 2015 will be a Pancake Day on Sunday 15th February. Freshly cooked pancakes with maple syrup or sugar and lemon juice will be available for $1 each, after both services.
Joan McCarthy - Team Leader

Welcome to PVLW Fellowship for 2015
The executive committee looks forward to meeting you all on Tuesday, 3rd February at 12noon in the Church Hall for our first meeting. Please bring your sandwich, wrap or salad as we share each other’s greetings and news from over the last two months. Fruit platters will be supplied by the committee and tea and coffee will be provided also.

After our meal the program planned for this 2015 year will be presented for your approval. We will also be circulating a program on which you can volunteer to lead closing devotion, host afternoon tea and help on the trading table. We are so very grateful for your willingness to help.  Hope to see you on the 3rd FEBRUARY. Check your pigeon holes, too.

From the office

Gardening
The gardens at our facility are low maintenance and require very little to maintain. I am requesting assistance from a member/family who is willing to spend an hour a month at their leisure to maintain one small garden section to help keep our facility looking great. Please
mark your connect card with garden help or contact Stephen on szanker@paravista.org.au or 8263 5087.

Parking Notice
The school are upgrading the library area. A transportable site office will be placed over a number of carparks between the Hut and the welfare bin for the contractors working on this project over the next term. Please also be aware of the parking restrictions on a Sunday morning near the Montague Road entrance.

LCA Yearbook
LCA Yearbook now available from church office. Cost $20

2015 Small Group Launch - ‘Caring is for Everyone’
Sunday 8th February at both services

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Bakers Delight, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

Happy New Year from all the Grassroots Training team!
Our February workshops are nearly here and it's not too late to register!
These workshops are open to all members, whether for personal interest or professional development. All workshops are being held at Australian Lutheran College, North Adelaide.

Workshops available:
Toolkit for Ministry: 9 and 10 February and Building Healthy Relationships: 11 and 12 February
Further details can be found on our Grassroots Training website www.grassroots.edu.au or by contacting our friendly team on 1800 625 193 or grassroots@alc.edu.au.

Lutheran Community Care
Preparing for Marriage
Saturday, 14 March from 9.00am-5.00pm at Sfera's Convention Centre, Modbury
Free with a Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes morning tea and lunch

Time for Us
Saturday, 21 March from 10.00am-5.00pm at Barossa Weintal Hotel, Tanunda
$165 per couple plus a $200 Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes one night's accommodation at the Barossa Weintal Hotel with dinner and breakfast provided.
For more information or to register for an above course, visit www.lccare.org.au

Vacancies
Please see Noticeboard for more details

Lutheran Disability Services: Payroll/Rostering Officer – Full Time
(SCHDSC 4 including salary packaging)
Working between the hours of 11.00am - 7.00pm will be required
To obtain a copy of the Job Description or to make a confidential enquiry, phone 8212 7766 or email admin@ldssa.org.au
Applications must be received by 5pm on 8 February 2015.

Part-time position (0.4 fte)
Cross-cultural outreach and ministry coordinator at Glynde Lutheran Church
Job Description and enquiries to Helene Schulz, Chairperson. Visit www.glyndechurch.org or Tel: 0407 112 034 or Email: schulzkhr@bigpond.com
Applications close 5.00pm Friday, 20th February 2015

“You’re here to be light,
bringing out the God-colours in the world”

Matthew 5:15 message

What is our sign pointing to?

It has been exciting to see the new signage go up around the church. The purpose of signage is to provide people with guidance so they can find what they are looking for. Considerable effort was put in to ensure the new signage provided clear directions for people to find what they are looking for.

The new LED sign also provides people with guidance for what they are looking for. However, the destination is a person, not a place. We want the messages on this sign to point people to Jesus. The challenge is that the vast majority of people reading the sign are not actually looking for Jesus. They are unaware that the stirrings in their heart, the restlessness they often feel, are actually a longing for Jesus.

This means our messages need to connect with where people are at and provide them with something to ponder and apply to their lives. Our goal will be to provide our readers with wisdom that is relevant to their everyday lives and at the same time reflect the values of Jesus.

A vast majority of Australians feel that what the church has got to say is irrelevant to them. Our sign provides us with the opportunity to show them otherwise. It is tool to create curiosity in people. “If what they are saying on the sign is helpful, what else might they have to say that could really help me if I took the time to go inside?”

I’ve personally found the sign a talking point with people in our community when they ask which church I work at. It is not uncommon for people to say to me, “You’re the church with the sign. I like reading the messages you put up.” When people appreciate the messages we display, our sign in a small way creates a positive attitude towards our church.

The important thing to remember is that the purpose of our sign is to point people to Jesus. It is still our job to introduce them to Jesus through our message and our actions that reflect his love and acceptance. Our new sign can never do this for us. Rather, it is a tool we use to help us carry out our mission of ‘Reaching into the community with the gospel that all may know Jesus and worship him.’ 

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “The needs of prayer”
as we continue the series “The Lord’s Prayer”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings:Matthew 6:5-14; Hebrews 5:7-9

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.

From the office

Thank you
Thank you to all the members who gave the gift of parking in either the Mattiske car park or on the school oval for the Christmas Eve services and allowing our visitors to park close to the entrance of the church.  Your assistance was appreciated. 

Hall Floor
The hall floor has been resurfaced. I thank you for your assistance in removing any spills straight away and lifting furniture to prevent damage and keep the floor looking great.

Cleaning
Partial cleaning of the carpets in main auditorium has been completed. Our cleaners do a great job of keeping the facility clean.  I would like to request that as a community members would refrain from bringing food items and liquids into the main auditorium area and assist by removing litter when they leave and place them in the bins provided.

Budget 2014
November 2014
Total Offering - Budget $46,150        Actual $44,875. DEFICIT $1,275

December 2014
Total Offering - Budget $48,750        Actual $42,683. DEFICIT $6,067

January thru December 2014
Total Offering - Budget $537,000    Actual $506,249. DEFICIT $30,751

January thru November 2014 – Total Income & Expenses
Total Income - Budget $510,413        Actual $488,410. SHORTFALL $22,003
Total Expenses - Budget $510,829    Actual $489,412. SHORTFALL $21,417

Notes to report

• Offerings in November were just under budget.
• December was significantly under budget.  The last Sunday in Dec was $2,000 below a normal Sunday plate offering and REG was also $2,000 below budget, however the highest offering since August.
• Christmas Offerings was slightly down on previous years.
• Final offering for 2014 was $3,085 above 2013 figure and shows how the uplift in early 2014 was not maintained during the year.
• Expenses in October and November were generally in line with budget.

Maranatha Health 2015
If you are interested in being part of the team please contact Julie Freund or Bronwyn Holliday julie.freund@ljf.com.au or bronwyn.holliday@gspv.sa.edu.au or write on your connect card on Sunday.

Save the date:
We've decided to shake things up a little and are planning a new, exciting Gala event for 2015 - with a new location, a new date, and a new format. This will be held on Friday evening, April 24. More information coming. 

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Bakers Delight, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

Renew
Renew young adults camp is all about young adults renewing their relationship with God and each other. This year we will be looking at Acts 4:13 with some awesome speakers, electives, activities and theme night.

DATE: 13 - 16 February
LOCATION: Dzintari, Normanville
PRICE: $160 regular and $200 late

Regular registration price extended!! Get in before 31st January for a discount rate.
Contact us renew@blueprintministries.org.au or call 8267 5211
Head to www.blueprintministries.org.au for more details and to register

Lutheran Community Care
MAGILL: Toolbox Parenting Group Information Session
Do you have a child aged 6-12? These middle years can be a fun stage but it is also the stage when children start to develop their identity - who they are and what they believe. At a Toolbox Parenting Group our trained facilitators can help you to create a positive family environment during these crucial years. Join us for a free information session where we will give a brief overview of what you can expect at upcoming groups. The session will include morning tea. Children are welcome.

When: Friday, 6 February from 10.30am-11.30am
Where: Magill Primary School, 11 Adelaide Street, Magill
To register for the session visit www.lccare.org.au.

ADELAIDE & Barossa: Upcoming Relationship Courses Under the Stronger Relationships Trial
Lutheran Community Care has several courses coming up as part of the Australian Government's Stronger Relationships Trial.As part of the trial, Australian couples are able to access a $200 voucher for relationship education and counselling sessions. To learn more or register for a voucher simply visit www.dss.gov.au/strongerrelationships.
Preparing for Marriage

• Saturday, 14 March from 9.00am-5.00pm
• Sfera's Convention Centre, Modbury
• Free with a Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes morning tea and lunch

Time for Us

• Saturday, 21 March from 10.00am-5.00pm
• Barossa Weintal Hotel, Tanunda
• $165 per couple plus a $200 Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes one night's accommodation at the Barossa Weintal Hotel with dinner and breakfast provided

For more information or to register for an above course, visit www.lccare.org.au

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you,

do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”

Matthew 7:12

Heirs and Graces

A friend well into his 60’s recently wrote: “I wouldn’t want to be seen dead without Jesus!”

It made me laugh!   It also moved me to reflect on my own mortality – and what God has in store for all who trust and follow Jesus. He saved us… so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7 NIV)

Because of God’s sheer grace to me in Jesus, I am an heir of eternal life. 
If I were dead, I would be seeing Jesus face to face!
If I were dead, I would have inherited eternal life.

Our inheritance is not something we earn, but a gift bestowed by our Father on his children. As God’s adopted children, we have been brought into the rights and privileges of his natural Son, Jesus. 

The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will one day give life to our mortal bodies.  Along with the rest of God’s family, we will keep celebrating the life that is ours ‘in Christ’! 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you… 
(1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV)

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “The posture of prayer”
as we continue the series “The Lord’s Prayer”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Matthew 7:7-12; Ephesians 3:14-19

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.

Maranatha Health 2015
Dear Friends, thank you for your support over the past 12 months as we have rethought and reshaped Maranatha Health. We are excited to share that Kim, Michael and David flew to Uganda just before New Year to begin Project #2 in Fort Portal, Uganda. We have rented an excellent facility there to establish a clinic which will be focused on providing health support for 0-5year olds. The second part of the vision is to strengthen health care support in other local clinics. Please see www.maranathahealth.org for more detail and for regular updates.

Meanwhile, back at Para Vista we would like to revitalise our Good Shepherd MH fund raising team. We aim to have four Sunday morning events at church to raise greatly needed funds for this new phase. If you are interested in being part of the team to support this MH adventure please contact Julie Freund or Bronwyn Holliday or write on your connect card on Sunday.

julie.freund@ljf.com.au or bronwyn.holliday@gspv.sa.edu.au

Save the date:
We've decided to shake things up a little and are planning a new, exciting Gala event for 2015 - with a new location, a new date, and a new format. This will be held on Friday evening, April 24. More information coming. 

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Bakers Delight, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

Lutheran Community Care
Magill: Child Safe Environments Training
The Child Safe Environments course is designed to help protect young people from all forms of abuse. It helps participants to understand the issues, their obligations and the correct response if abuse is suspected. We offer both the initial course and the 3 hour refresher training.
Initial Training: Friday, 23 January from 9.00am-4.30pm,
The Centre for Learning, 19 Edward Street, Magill, $85, includes a light lunch
Refresher Training: Thursday, 29 January from 9.00am-12.00noon
The Centre for Learning, 19 Edward Street, Magill, $45

Magill: Toolbox Parenting Group Information Session
Do you have a child aged 6-12? These middle years can be a fun stage but it is also the stage when children start to develop their identity - who they are and what they believe. At a Toolbox Parenting Group our trained facilitators can help you to create a positive family environment during these crucial years. Join us for a free information session where we will give a brief overview of what you can expect at upcoming groups. The session will include morning tea. Children are welcome.
When: Friday, 6 February from 10.30am-11.30am
Where: Magill Primary School, 11 Adelaide Street, Magill
To register for the session visit: www.lccare.org.au

"Honor your father and your mother,

so that you may live long

in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

Special Announcement

Donations to help people affected by Adelaide Hills Fire
In response to specific requests, the LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund is receiving donations for the victims and communities of the 2015 Adelaide Hills Fire.

• Credit card payments can be made to LCA Donations and Payments through this link, or to the Adelaide Hills Fire Project on the LCA Donations webpage.
• Cheques may be posted to the LLL, PO Box 45, North Adelaide SA 5006.
• Bank transfer to LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund BSB 704942 Account # 13286S1
• All moneys received will be dispersed from the Fund
• All moneys received will be dispersed through the LCA SA/NT and Lutheran Community Care, SA
• The LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund is approved by the Commissioner of Taxation
• All receipts are tax deductible in Australia

Fire in the Hills – Call to Prayer
Our media have kept us well informed of the fires that have ravaged thousands of hectares of farming and bush land, destroying homes, infrastructure, livestock and pets along the way.

We thank the Lord that no human lives have been lost. We are hearing stories of miracles and grace. People have responded with open hearts to the need of others who have lost so much. Please remember that other needs emerge over time when the immediate danger is past and the enormity of events unfolds.

Lutheran Community Care are coordinating Emergency provision response, also working with Ecumenical Disaster Recovery Ministries. You are encouraged to offer your support through LCC. Please contact Audene Knowles, (LCC Emergency Relief Coordinator) or Robyn Richter (Manager Blair Athol) for assistance in caring for people in your area.

Please pray:

• for peace, comfort and appropriate care for effected people,
• for those who have lost homes and pets and property,
• for those who are fighting the fires,
• for restoration of the land,
• and for those who are providing services and making decisions.

Peace be with you. 
Helen Lockwood (LCC).
Colleen Fitzpatrick (Ecumenical Disaster Recovery Ministries)
Pr Tim Klein (on behalf of Bishop David Altus)

Monday Night Bread Update
The left over bread and other goodies from the Monday night bread run is being well used. It has been taken to the Fire distribution Centre’s at Willaston and Elizabeth and the remainder has been taken to Globe Derby to feed animals.