Friday, January 16, 2015

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