Friday, September 4, 2015

God’s response to suffering

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.  If you read Matthew 22, Jesus responds to some awkward questions with impeccable logic and great wisdom.  It’s worth a few hours of Bible study and reflection! 

Over the last five weeks we’ve explored: Does science disprove God?  Can we trust the New Testament accounts of Jesus? Who is Jesus?  What is the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection?  And: Is there only ONE way to God?

This Sunday we look at suffering.  The question is often posed: “Why does God allow tragedy and suffering?”  If someone asks you this, I suggest you follow up with a question: “Are you asking this as an intellectual question; or as a question from your own personal experience?” 

The response will determine how you explore the question: whether it’s primarily a theological/ philosophical issue; or pastoral care. This Sunday we will be addressing the latter: providing a caring and compassionate response to people in pain (that is also theologically solid!).

Our theme: What is God’s response to suffering? 

Sunday Readings:
John 3:13-17 Jesus must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
Romans 8:14-25 Along with creation, we groan waiting for our redemption of our bodies.
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”.  Last Sunday Georgie Schuster came in to share with us the gifts that God has given her to serve in our church.  She reminded us that the Bible doesn’t say you need to be an adult to serve – anyone of any age can!

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.

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

Maranatha Health Market Stall
Join us on Sunday 20th September following our worship services for a cuppa and a chat and purchase some delectable goodies, with all proceeds to support Maranatha Health. The children of Kingdom Kids will be helping create and serve so please get involved too.

If baking or creating is one of your strengths, please bring a plate of baked goods or craftwork to sell at the market stall following the services. All donations of goods will be much appreciated!

For more information please speak to Bronwyn Holliday, Julie Freund, Wendy Hampel or Keren Sutton.


Noticeboard

Lutheran Community Care
VACANCY: Alternative Care Worker
LCC Level 4 - 1.0FTE, one year fixed-term contract (backfill for parental leave)
We are seeking a highly skilled person to undertake in-depth assessments for people applying to become foster carers across our service area. This position would be suited to applicants with a human services, psychology, or social work background, experience in foster care or with relevant transportable skills.

A Job Description can be found at lccare.org.au where you must fill out an online application by 8.30am on Monday, 14 September.

BAROSSA: Volunteer for Christmas Hampers
We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the packing and distribution of Christmas Hampers. Packing and distribution will take place in December. If you have time to spare and would like to help those in need this Christmas, please contact our office at 08 8562 2688 for more information on how to get involved.

ADELAIDE: Donations of bric-a-brac appreciated
Lutheran Community Care Op Shops at Blair Athol and Payneham are running low on bric-a-brac items to sell. If you are looking to clear out your cupboards we will gladly accept any donations. Please drop them off at LCC, 309 Prospect Road, Blair Athol and we'll take care of the rest. Thank you in advance for your support.

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.

St Paul’s Hahndorf 125th Anniversary Celebrations
You are cordially invited to join with the members of St Paul’s Lutheran Church Hahndorf on Sunday 13th September 2015 to commemorate the 125th Anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of our church building at 10 Main Street Hahndorf.

The event will commence with a thanksgiving service at 10.15 a.m. and followed at 12.00 noon by a shared community lunch (any savoury and sweet finger food contribution is appreciated) in the adjoining hall. The afternoon will feature a memorabilia display including the contents of the 1890 and 1990 time capsules.

Your presence will not only help us better share our historic and cultural legacy with the local community, but as we look to the past, it will help us understand our relevance to the present community and how we can continue to serve in it!

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
Meeting on Monday 21st September 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Flinders Street in the City when the guest speaker will be David Moore, a researcher & linguist from Alice Springs. His talk will be of interest to anyone who has heard about the work of Hermannsburg and the Finke River Mission. Letters and postcards tell parts of the story of the mission in 1903-1962. These letters & postcards have recently been translated from Aranda into English. All welcome. Supper & gold coin donation.

Lutheran Nurses
 Monday 21st September at 7.30pm at the District Office, 137 Archer St., North Adelaide with entry from the rear. Guest speaker is David Phillips, Glynde on “Changes in Residential Aged Care". All are welcome not just nurses; CPD evidence is available if necessary.


“Children, obey your parents in all things”
Colossians 3:20