Is there only one way to God?

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week in our sermon series Questions that deserve an answer, we’re looking at ‘Is there only one way to God?’

When Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples said, “We don’t know the way to God the Father”, Jesus replied, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

In multicultural Australia with religious pluralism and tolerance, this exclusive claim of Jesus is considered intolerant and even arrogant. People will ask, “How can Christians assert their religion is the right one and then try to covert everyone to it? How can they claim to have the superior religion? Aren’t all religions trying to find their way to the same God?” Perhaps you’ve even wondered about this yourself.

To help us better understand the exclusive claims of Jesus, I will be addressing the following questions this Sunday. What is truth? Are all religions the same? Do all religious paths lead to God? How can we share the message of Jesus without appearing smug or superior?

We’ll finish off by looking at how incredibly inclusive Jesus’ message is when we place our faith in him.

I hope you can join us for worship this Sunday.

Sunday Readings: John 14:1-6; 2 Timothy 2:1-6
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
In Kingdom Kids this term, our focus is “Serving in our Church”.  If you are a parent or grandparent, please remember to have your child or grandchild serve alongside you in your ministry area at least once this term.  This will give the children an opportunity to think about where they might like to serve in their church as they grow. Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Fathers’ Day
On Fathers’ Day, 6th September, we would like to invite families to arrive at 10am in the school library.  Craft materials will be available for families to respond creatively to one of the Bible readings for the day.  At 10.25am we will all move into the church to worship.  At the end of the service, families will be invited to come forward and share their creative responses.  We hope you can join us!

Faith at Home
September booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the September booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Small Group Leaders’ Workshop 101
Basic training for those interested in starting a small group;
or for those who’d like to be more effective in their small group.  
Five Wednesday evenings from Sept 2 - Sept 30, 7:30-9pm

1. Why small groups?
2. Leading a small group
3. Starting a small group
4. Growing in Jesus as a small group
5. Praying in the small group

Prerequisite: a love for Jesus and a love for people.  Bring your Bible and a pen.
Each session will be held in the Education Centre (via main front entrance).
Register by August 31st via email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or ph: 8263 5087.
A minimum of 6 people will be required to run this workshop.    

Pr Rolly Stahl

Women’s Fellowship
PVLW Fellowship welcomes members to our meeting on TUESDAY, September 1st at 1:00 pm in Good Shepherd Church Hall. Our guest will be retired Pastor John Hoopmann, formerly of the Adelaide Deaf Community Church, whom we hope will be accompanied by an Auslan (sign) translator who can communicate his story to us, and our questions and comments to him. He is looking forward to visiting us as he has been communicating by email.

WELCOME to any interested congregation members and friends who may like to hear him and join in for afternoon tea afterwards.

Please take note of the following dates
September 10th, 10am, Morning Tea and Spring Fashion Parade in Immanuel Lutheran Church Hall, Gawler.  Proceeds to Chaplaincy in Gawler Schools. There will be a trading table.

Card Stall
There will be cards for sale after service this Sunday. Father’s day cards will also be available.

Noticeboard

Lutheran Community Care - Loaves & Fishes
This month we invite you to replenish our Emergency Relief shelves with:

• Canned Fruit, 
• Coffee
• Long Life Milk 
• and Toothbrushes

Thank you for helping us help others.
Your LCC representative will ensure we receive your donation.

Sermon Series – 7 Deadly Sins
We have had some requests for CD copies of the recent sermon series - 7 Deadly Sins.
If you would like a set, please place your order via your connect card or at the church office.  Cost is $10.

2016 Australian Christian Diaries are now available for order.
Please indicate on your connect card or contact the church office before September 30 to place your order.  The cost is $10.

“I am with you always”

Matthew 28:20

Jesus’ resurrection – The Evidence

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
In our current worship series: Questions that deserve an answer, we’re tackling some of the intellectual challenges of our time. Our desire is to equip you to: Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

Over the last three weeks we’ve explored: Does science disprove God?  Can we trust the New Testament accounts of Jesus? And: Who is Jesus?  This Sunday’s question that deserves an answer: What is the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection?  

Sceptics and Atheists dismiss the resurrection of Jesus as just another ancient myth or legend like others from ancient cultures. They maintain that since it cannot be scientifically verified by repeated experiments, the resurrection of Jesus is impossible. Dead people don’t come back to life again.  End of story. 

As Christians, how do we respond to this?  Are we “deluded” for believing a unique and unrepeatable event that happened nearly 2000 years ago?  Is it just “wishful thinking” to trust Jesus has conquered death – or does the evidence from the historical record substantiate the claim? 

Just like in a court of law, when we look at events in history, we carefully examine the evidence to draw a conclusion that is consistent with all the evidence.  Likewise, on Sunday we will explore six solid pieces of historical evidence from that time and culture, and see what conclusion is most plausible in light of the evidence. 

 “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains - however improbable - must be the truth.”  (Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle).

Sunday Readings:
Luke 24:1-12 Several women find Jesus’ tomb empty, meet two angels, and tell the disciples.
1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Writing around AD 55 Paul cites a fixed and established oral tradition that he received much earlier when he was converted (c. AD 35).
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
In Kingdom Kids this term, our focus is “Serving in our Church”.  If you are a parent or grandparent, please remember to have your child or grand child serve alongside you in your ministry area at least once this term.  This will give the children an opportunity to think about where they might like to serve in their church as they grow.

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Fathers’ Day
On Fathers’ Day, 6th September, we would like to invite families to arrive at 10am in the school library.  Craft materials will be available for families to respond creatively to one of the Bible readings for the day.  At 10.25am we will all move into the church to worship.  At the end of the service, families will be invited to come forward and share their creative responses.  We hope you can join us!

Faith at Home
August booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the August booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Small Group Leaders’ Workshop 101
Basic training for those interested in starting a small group;
or for those who’d like to be more effective in their small group.  
Five Wednesday evenings from Sept 2 - Sept 30, 7:30-9pm
   1. Why small groups?
   2. Leading a small group
   3. Starting a small group
   4. Growing in Jesus as a small group
   5. Praying in the small group
Prerequisite: a love for Jesus and a love for people.  Bring your Bible and a pen.
Each session will be held in the Education Centre (via main front entrance).
Register by August 31st via email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or ph: 8263 5087.
A minimum of 6 people will be required to run this workshop.    

Pr Rolly Stahl

Report on August Board meeting

• The congregational survey was discussed. There will be several workshops to follow up on the survey and to give members an opportunity to discuss the responses and contribute further information.
• There was an initial discussion on staffing for 2015 and beyond.
• The transfer of the village to FLH (Fullarton Lutheran Homes) is proceeding. Representatives from PVLH have met with Legal and Accounting firms to seek advice on the process and the legal requirements.
• Review of Facilities is progressing with a meeting with the architect planned

Noticeboard

Sermon Series – 7 Deadly Sins
We have had some requests for CD copies of the recent sermon series - 7 Deadly Sins.
If you would like a set, please place your order via your connect card or at the church office.  Cost is $10.

2016 Australian Christian Diaries are now available for order
Please indicate on your connect card or contact the church office before September 30 to place your order.  The cost is $10. 


Friends of Lutheran Archives - Why did Martin Luther see educational changes as critical for his theological reformation? What educational insights from Luther are relevant for the LCA today? Dr Malcolm Bartsch, emeritus ALC lecturer, will explore the topic 'Learning for faith and for life: Martin Luther as educational reformer in home, school, university and church' at the (FoLA) meeting on Monday August 24, 7.30 pm in Bethlehem House, Flinders Street, Adelaide.  Supper & Gold coin donation. All welcome!

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.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord

will be saved”

Romans 10:13

Who is Jesus?

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week in our sermon series Questions that deserve an answer, we’re looking at ‘Who is Jesus?’

For Christians this question seems very basic, but for those who do not know him, the answers put forward by mainstream culture are often incomplete or incorrect. Answers like, “Jesus is the baby in the manger at Christmas. Jesus is a mythical figure made up by the church. Jesus was a great teacher. Jesus was a good man and a good example to follow. Jesus was the guy in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar who died at the end.”

While many in Australia have lost interest in organised religion and the church, there is still strong interest in Jesus. As Jesus’ followers we need to be ready to answer questions about “Who he is?” and why we believe this.

This Sunday we’ll help equip you to answer this question as we look at who Jesus is and what evidence exists to support our answers. 

Sunday Readings: John 12:37, 42-46 & Mark 14:60-64
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
In Kingdom Kids this term, our focus is “Serving in our Church”.  If you are a parent or grandparent, please remember to have your child or grandchild serve alongside you in your ministry area at least once this term.  This will give the children an opportunity to think about where they might like to serve in their church as they grow.

Last Sunday we enjoyed a presentation from the Worship Hosting Ministry.  Perry explained to the children the many different ways people serve each Sunday.  The children were encouraged to serve alongside their parents if they are currently serving in this ministry.

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Fathers’ Day
On Fathers’ Day, 6th September, we would like to invite families to arrive at 10am in the school library.  Craft materials will be available for families to respond creatively to two Bible readings for the day.  At 10.25am we will all move into the church to worship.  At the end of the service, families will be invited to come forward and share their creative responses.  We look forward to finding out what God is showing us.

Faith at Home
August booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the August booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Small Group Leaders’ Workshop 101
Basic training for those interested in starting a small group;
or for those who’d like to be more effective in their small group.  

Five Wednesday evenings from Sept 2 - Sept 30, 7:30-9pm

1. Why small groups?
2. Leading a small group
3. Starting a small group
4. Growing in Jesus as a small group
5. Praying in the small group

Prerequisite: a love for Jesus and a love for people.  Bring your Bible and a pen.
Each session will be held in the Education Centre (via main front entrance).
Register by August 31st via email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or ph: 8263 5087.
A minimum of 6 people will be required to run this workshop.    

Pr Rolly Stahl

 
Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives - Why did Martin Luther see educational changes as critical for his theological reformation? What educational insights from Luther are relevant for the LCA today? Dr Malcolm Bartsch, emeritus ALC lecturer, will explore the topic 'Learning for faith and for life: Martin Luther as educational reformer in home, school, university and church' at the (FoLA) meeting on Monday August 24, 7.30 pm in Bethlehem House, Flinders Street, Adelaide.  Supper & Gold coin donation. All welcome!

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.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path”

Psalm 119:105

Can we trust the accounts of Jesus?

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
In our new worship series: Questions that deserve an answer, we’re tackling some of the intellectual challenges of our time.  Last Sunday, Pr Noel launched this series with some insightful responses to the question: Does science disprove God? 

This Sunday’s question that deserves an answer: Can we trust the New Testament accounts of Jesus?  We’ll be addressing two related issues:

1. Can we trust Jesus’ disciples told the truth? 
Sceptics claim that the disciples “fabricated” their accounts, attributing miracles to Jesus to confirm him as the Son of God.  When people with a naturalist world-view decide that miracles cannot happen, then no amount of historical evidence will convince them.  

Yet to the open minded, the historical evidence is indeed compelling.  No one living around that time denied Jesus’ miracles – not even the Jewish leaders who conspired to kill him!

Tens of thousands of people witnessed Jesus. The experiences of a bunch known as The Twelve were crucial to how the accounts of Jesus came about.

2. Can we trust the New Testament texts? 
Some claim that the texts have been tampered with down through the centuries, and therefore cannot be trusted.  In light of the evidence, we will see that the integrity of the New Testament text is exponentially more reliable than any other texts that have come down to us from ancient times. 

Sunday Readings:
Luke 1:1-4 Luke affirms that accounts of Jesus - based on the first eyewitnesses - were in circulation.
1 John 1:1-4 The testimony of an eyewitness who - along with others - knew Jesus personally.
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership. Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 18th and Tuesday 25th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

You can register for Discovery in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or, by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.

Kingdom Kids
This term, our focus will be on “Serving in our Church”.  If you are a parent or grandparent, please remember to have your child or grandchild serve alongside you in your ministry area at least once this term.  This will give the children an opportunity to think about where they might like to serve in their church as they grow.

Last Sunday we enjoyed a presentation from Maranatha Ministry.  The children were given an opportunity to serve in the Maranatha Ministry through prayer and making things to sell at our end of term service event.

This Sunday we have Perry coming in to talk to the children about Worship Hosting.  All zones will combine in the school library to begin with before breaking off into their zones.

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Baby Zone
We would like to remind parents of babies and toddlers about our wonderful Baby Zone room!  In Baby Zone we talk about the same simple topic for one month.
Our topic for August is:  “God Gives Me Friends”
David and Jonathan Were Friends (See 1 Samuel 18:1-4) Love each other (See John 15:12)
This month your child will:

• hear songs and words about God’s gift of friends;
• feel glad to be with his or her friends;
• play with toys and materials to learn about friends.

If you haven't been to Baby Zone before we would like to encourage you and your toddler to come and make some new friends!

Faith at Home
August booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the August booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

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.

From the Office

Audio Visual for Hall
The tech team have completed modifications for audio visual (AV) in the hall.  The system can now be run independently to the church.  To operate the system a key will need to be signed out from the front office.  For any questions on the system please contact the administration staff.

Results from the extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation
On Sunday 19th July an extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation was held to make a decision about the future direction of the Good Shepherd Village. The Village Board wishes to thank all those who attended and prayerfully considered this matter.  The motion put forward was:

That the PVLHI Board be authorised to negotiate the assumption of the assets of PVLHI by Fullarton Lutheran Homes Incorporated (FLH) under the certain conditions:

The decision in favour of the motion was unanimously agreed to and the board will now progress the merger of Para Vista Lutheran Homes with Fullerton Lutheran Homes.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential. None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer. The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month. For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from the information rack at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg  use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942

Heating our facility
To assist all users of our facility in keeping warm the following actions will help to heat the areas in an economical way.  When heaters are turned on, ensure the ceiling fans are turned on to a low speed. For the auditorium the switches are located in the rear corridor and speed setting 5 or 4 will suffice.  In the hall and the rear right of the auditorium the fans are in the dark boxes on the ceiling. The switches for these are located along the northern brick wall in line with the fans. Select speed setting medium.

Valiant Man DVD
The office is looking for a DVD of ‘Valiant Man’ by Allan Meyer.  If anyone has one they’d like to sell - please ring the office or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives - Why did Martin Luther see educational changes as critical for his theological reformation? What educational insights from Luther are relevant for the LCA today? Dr Malcolm Bartsch, emeritus ALC lecturer, will explore the topic 'Learning for faith and for life: Martin Luther as educational reformer in home, school, university and church' at the (FoLA) meeting on Monday August 24, 7.30 pm in Bethlehem House, Flinders Street, Adelaide.  Supper & Gold coin donation. All welcome!

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.

“Love one another”

1 John 3:23