This week we start a new series for Lent called ‘Shaped by the cross.’ When we place our faith in Jesus and accept what he gives us because of his death on the cross, everything changes. God makes us into new people. In this new series we look at how the cross of Jesus shapes who we are and the way we view the events in our lives.
We begin this Sunday by looking at how the forgiveness Jesus paid for on the cross shapes us into new people. We hope you can join us.
Bible Reading: Romans 5:6-10
A small change to the Weekly News
From now on there will be no short devotional article at the beginning of the Weekly News. These articles do take considerable time to write. Given the huge number of excellent devotional resources already available on the web, producing more and essentially duplicating what already exists is not a good use of our time. We hope you understand this decision.
In future our Weekly News will begin with a quick overview of what is happening on the coming Sunday. We will also be encouraging ministry teams to share short highlights from events they run as a way to celebrate what God is doing among us.
We would love your input
Currently we are conducting a survey to help the church leadership better understand the results from the National Church Life Survey we conducted last year. You may have already participated in the survey after service last Sunday. For those of you who missed out there will be another opportunity to complete the survey this Sunday.
Alternatively you can complete the survey online any time by clicking on this link- https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GSPV0215 The survey can be accessed on iPads and smartphones. It may take a few seconds to load but is easily completed once loaded.
All the written surveys will be entered into the online survey so you will be saving us time by completing it online. Your answers will provide invaluable information to help us better lead Good Shepherd into the mission God has given us. We appreciate the gift of your time to do this.
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.
Praise God – we have four people who have stepped forward to help out in Kool Zone once per term. God obviously desires this zone to continue! We still need more adult helpers but this is a great start. Sixteen children attended Kool Zone last Sunday – not including junior assistants who are to be included under our care. So we still need three Child Safe trained adults per Sunday.
Child Safe training will be available for three consecutive Tuesday evenings: March 17, 24, and 31 - 7:30-9:30pm here at Good Shepherd. This is a great opportunity to get trained up. You only have to do it once! All parents are encouraged to attend!
Training is also available on Sunday 15th March at the LCA District Office North Adelaide from noon – 6.30pm. Please advise if you can attend and I will register you.
Reminder: Children and Family Ministry Team Meeting this Sunday 22 March at 9.30am in the Education Centre/Library. All teachers, helpers and junior assistants are encouraged to attend.
Faith at Home
This Sunday we will be launching a Taking Faith Home resource. Have you been using your Faith 5 cards that were included in the Advent bags last year? If you didn’t receive one, there are Faith 5 bookmarks available at the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk and in the parenting room.
The Taking Faith Home booklet that we will be making available contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings. It is an easy way to get started reading your Bible as a family. Don’t worry if you miss the occasional reading. Do it when you can so that you’re being exposed to God’s Word and what He’s saying to you.
On Sunday the sheet being made available includes readings for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Future booklets will include readings for the whole month. Sunday’s sheet will be handed out as you leave. It will also be available at the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk and inserted into the children’s activity folders. Lent has begun! Lent calendars and Lent activity sheets are available in the parenting room, at the Kingdom Kids sign-in-desk and in the children’s activity folders.
Playgroup
Last week a group of ladies met to discuss the year ahead. Four ladies were in attendance and a plan was hatched for term 1. Watch this space!
Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker
Para Vista Women’s Fellowship
Next meeting on Tuesday 3rd March, 1.00pm in the Church hall Featuring Margie’s March Quiz
Bible study: Pastor Noel Kluge and Devotion: Ragna Gaard. All Welcome
Bible Study Fellowship
Did you know that each Tuesday morning a group of about 60 women meet in our church? We come from all denominations and grow in our faith by studying God’s word together. This year we are exploring the life of Moses. We meet from 9.40 – 11.30am. Babies and Pre-schoolers are also welcomed. Contact Sonia Hulme for more details on 7122 2903.
From the Office
Notes from the Board
At the Half Yearly meeting in November there was no nomination for Congregational secretary. Enid Sutton has volunteered to fill this position. Her offer was gratefully accepted by the Board and we welcome her on board.
Notes from February Board meeting
- The Board is investigating the feasibility of putting in place a procedure to respond to natural disasters such as the recent bushfires.
- The Board is planning to undertake a review of all our facilities to work out what modifications need to be made so they better support our mission. When completed an interim report will be presented to the congregation for discussion.
- Next year the congregation celebrates its 50th year. We are looking for people who would be interested being involved in planning our celebration. If interested contact John Dolling or put 50th anniversary on your connect card.
- Preliminary discussions were held re some of the issues to be discussed at Synod later this year.
Currently the Lutheran Church of Australia ordains only men as pastors. Over the last twenty years, the issue of whether scripture prohibits the ordination of women has been discussed and voted on at our General Synod without a change in our current position.
At the 2013 General Synod it became apparent that this issue needed further discussion and consideration. Between now and our next General Synod in October the issue of the ordination of women is open for discussion and there is a possibility that the Lutheran Church of Australia’s current position may change after this.
To help us think through this issue from both sides, the Lutheran Church has developed a website of resources to facilitate the conversation about women’s ordination. We encourage you to take some time to look at these resources and participate in the conversation. There are some suggestions on how to do this in the resources. You can access these by clicking on this link: http://owl.lca.org.au/
If you have any questions regarding this issue feel free to speak to one of the pastors. At this point in time we are not planning to host a local dialogue on the issue. If you are in a small group and would like to discuss this issue, why not use the ‘local dialogue’ resource on the website to facilitate a small group study?
Meet ‘N’ Eat
The Monday night Meet 'N' Eat ministry continues its growth in 2015. At this week’s meeting we were blessed to have 62 guests attend which created a wonderful atmosphere. Our team of volunteers continues to welcome and work with these people from our community.
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 Prices Bakery Hillcrest, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse.
Used postage stamps
Thanks to everyone who have donated their used stamps (and placed them in the “Stamps for Missions” boxes underneath the pigeon holes.) Many people have been involved in cleaning and distributing these stamps since the inception of the program in 1938. To date more than $378,000 has been raised for mission projects. The 2014 contribution was $13,223.
Projects for 2015 are five different mission areas in South East Asia and for a Bible translator working in PNG. There is a poster on the notice board with further information about these projects.
Thank you for your effort and please keep on bringing in your used stamps.
Vacancies
Pastoral Care Workers (Previously known as “School Chaplains”)
Ingle Farm East PS and Para Hills Schools
Schools Ministry Group along with Salisbury Hills Inter-Church Network are seeking applications for 8 to 9 hour per week positions, commencing Term 2, 2015.
These positions exist to offer support to students, staff and the school community.
A Job and Person Specification, including details on “How to Apply”, is available from Schools Ministry Group on 8378 6800 or mail@smg.asn.au Closing dates: Friday 6th March, 4 pm
For details about the next Information Session on Tuesday 17th February go to: www.smg.asn.au
Noticeboard
Beyond the Promise
Beyond the Promises is a teaching ministry that aims to bring Christians from a variety of communities and congregations together for a series of evening sessions. More information can be found in the Information rack and details will also be announced during Sunday service.
“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 ESV
