We continue our worship series: Breaking Free from the Seven Deadly Sins. So far we’ve looked at sloth, greed, anger, pride, and envy. This Sunday: Breaking Free from Gluttony.
Eating and drinking are not only necessary for life – they are a God-given pleasure! Two of our senses are devoted to its cause: taste and smell. But it can reach a point where we live to eat, rather than eat to live. That's gluttony. Gluttony says: "I can just fit a bit more in."
The Greek poet Menander had a line in his comedy Thais: “Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.” Paul asserts that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then one may as well hold to this maxim and indulge one’s self to the hilt (1 Corinthians 15:32, cf Isaiah 22:13).
Around 300BC, the Greek philosopher Epicurus regarded pleasure as the greatest good. While he believed in a balanced life, our modern pursuit of pleasure in food – Epicureanism – tends to push this to extremes. Even though we know lots about healthy eating and drinking, we Aussies have a propensity for over-indulging our appetites.
When people are without God and without hope in the world, they often turn to pleasure. When we seek comfort in food, or refuge in drink, then we are not turning to God. Rather, we are turning to an idol. If we keep doing this, it can become an addiction that destroys us.
God wants to spare us and free us from that. Jesus says: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:51 NIV)
Lord Jesus,
You remind us that life is more important
than the food we eat and the clothes we wear.
So help us to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness,
and all these things will be given to us as well.
Amen.
Sunday Readings: Proverbs 23:29-35; Philippians 3:17-21; Matthew 6:31-34.
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
Kingdom Kids is on holidays! We will resume on Sunday 26 July. Next term we will be looking at how we can serve in our church here at Good Shepherd. Activity folders for use during services in the holidays will be available for the children. Personal Journals are available for the older children.
Faith at Home
July booklet out now! Pick up a copy of the July booklet at the Kingdom Kids sign in desk, parenting room and children’s activity folders.
Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker
Maranatha Health Quiz Night - Think Orange!
Warm up those little grey cells, brush up on your African knowledge, gather your friends and form a team for the Maranatha Health Quiz Night.
When: Saturday 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Tickets: $15pp, tables of 8-10 available online at http://www.trybooking/HWXZ, or at the door.
Theme: Orange (dress up, face paint, food, drink, decorate) Prizes for the most original
Please BYO drinks and nibbles. Hot drinks available. Market stall on the night.
For more information email contact@maranathahealth.org or go to www.maranathahealth.org/act/events
Cebu Mission Fundraising Event
Scone Day will be held on Sunday 2nd August after both morning services. Freshly baked scones, with jam and cream for $1 each.
From the Office
Extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation
This Sunday there will be an extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation at 12:15pm to make very important decisions about the future direction of the Good Shepherd Village. All members are encouraged to attend. Agenda hard copies are available from the information area in the foyer. The agenda gives a detailed explanation the reason for this meeting. We asked that you prayerfully consider this matter.
Office closure 23rd July for Staff meet.
Office will be closed for an extended lunch period on 23rd July 2015 from 12.15pm to 2.00pm for a staff meeting/lunch.
Farewell celebration
On Sunday 26th July we will be farewelling Lorraine Johns after nearly 31 years of service in our church office. A celebration morning tea will follow each service. Please bring a plate of finger food to share and mark this significant occasion.
Praise Point
On the 11 June 2015 a letter was emailed to all members in relation to the current financial position of the congregation during 2015. On behalf of the board I would like to commend members for the way in which this news was taken and the positive response we had to Offerings during the month of June. Offerings during June were the highest for 18 months and were $7,000 above budget. As a comparison most months during 2015 have been around $2,000 under Budget.
There was more good news in June as the Interest we received into our Bank accounts was $5,300 more than in 2014. This interest is from members LLL accounts who forgo the interest which instead is deposited into the congregations Bank accounts. We give praise to God for the generosity of his people and their ability to serve in this way.
These 2 actions by our Good Shepherd community have had a positive impact on our financial position for 2015. We will continue to provide regular financial updates into the weekly news.
Simon Janetzki
Finance Team Leader
Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.
LCC Winter Appeal: Bring warmth to those facing their coldest moment
We need your help to bring warmth to families facing their coldest moment this winter.
Your gift of $70 can provide a warm Baby Bundle to struggling parents or a gift of $110 can supply winter clothes and blankets for the homeless. Through your gift we can show God's love to new parents trying to cope, to children in need of winter uniforms and to people at risk of becoming homeless.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au
or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Expressions of Interest: Micro-volunteering Project Officer
0.2FTE, based at Sefton Park
Are you interested in assisting people to support the work of LCC through one-off, no commitment actions? We are seeking a part-time Project Officer to join us in an exciting new project on Micro-volunteering at LCC.
For a Job Description and instructions on how to apply, please visit our website at www.lccare.org.au Expressions of interest close 9.00am on Friday, 24 July.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”
Psalm 150:6
