Friday, July 31, 2015

Has science disproved God?

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week we begin a new sermon series called ‘Questions that deserve an answer’. The purpose of this series is twofold. Firstly, to answer some of the common questions you may have about the Christian faith. Living by faith is not easy and it’s normal to have questions about God and the way he works in this world. Questioning what you believe and looking for answers will not weaken your faith, but rather strengthen it. Faith that is built on blindly accepting everything you’re told is a faith that can be quickly challenged when a more compelling argument comes along.

The second purpose is to help equip you to answer the common questions you may encounter as you seek to share the love and good news of Jesus with others.

The first question we tackle this week is “Has science disproved God?” This is a big question and one that comes up every time science claims to have made a discovery that proves God doesn’t exist. How do we deal with these claims? Do we have to choose between God and science or can they coexist together? If you’ve ever wondered about this question yourself or you’re not too sure how you would answer it if someone threw it at you, come along this Sunday to hear how we can respond to this question.

Pastor Noel

Sunday Readings: Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 2:18-23
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.

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.

Thank you
Thank you to everyone for your kind words and encouragement on my retirement!
I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to work on the staff team at Good Shepherd. It is an honour and a privilege to serve this community, and I have enjoyed meeting so many people over the years. 

I look forward to what God has in store for this new chapter of my life.

Blessings - Lorraine


Kingdom Kids
In Kingdom Kids this term, our focus will be on “Serving in our Church”.
Last Sunday we enjoyed a presentation from Joan who serves in the Cebu Ministry. We enjoyed her many photos from a recent trip which helped the children to understand how we can serve other people in other countries.

This Sunday we have Maranatha Ministry coming in to lead the session.  All zones will combine in the school library.

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

Cebu Mission Fundraising Event
Scone Day will be held this Sunday 2nd August after both morning services.  Freshly baked scones, with jam and cream for $1 each.

Women’s Fellowship
Meets on Tuesday, August 4th in Good Shepherd Hall at 1pm to hear all about the making of "Miniatures". Our presenter will be Marlene Janusaitis, who has had years of experience in this field of craft. Some of her work will be on display for us to enjoy.

Please take note of the following dates
August 20th, 9:30am, Metro North Fellowship Day, Salisbury Church Hall, entrance through Winzor Street. Soup provided, bring small plate to share, excellent spot speakers.   Baby clothing (new) for LCC to be handed in and dedication on this day.
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.

From the Office

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.

Noticeboard

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.


“I will praise thee with my whole heart”
Psalm 138:1