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 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.
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
- 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
"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
