The people in John's time were called out to the wilderness, where they received the full blast of John's fire-and-brimstone preaching: “You brood of vipers! You are not true children of Abraham! You're so smug, focused only on yourself and what you can get!”
Are we any different, as during Advent, we prepare for the coming of Jesus at Christmas? Advent seems to have become a time of buying, grabbing, spending, hoarding and splurging. We seem to have made this season into a time of getting for “me, me, and me” instead of a time of giving.
This Sunday, we'll unpack how John challenges us to repent - to do an about face and look towards our neighbour before ourselves. It is God's gift of Jesus in our heart that enables us to love our neighbour. And not just as a “nice deed at Christmas,” but every day in our day to day interaction with others!
Sunday Readings: Luke 3:2b–18 NIV
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Download the app
Our church app is now available to download, search 'Good Shepherd Lutheran Church' in the app store for iPhones or the play store for Android phones”
Christmas @ Good Shepherd
Christmas Eve - A necessary MESS 5.00, 6.30 and 8.30pm
Christmas Day – Courageous or Crazy 9.30am
New Year’s Eve - 7.30pm
Kingdom Kids is now on holidays. We wish all families a blessed Christmas.
Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.
Advent
After the 10.30am service last Sunday the children made lighthouses to take home to remind them that “Jesus is my light”! This Sunday we will have another activity after the 10.30am service so don’t miss out!
Faith at Home
December booklet out now! Pick up a copy of the December booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.
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.
Shine the light of hope this Christmas with Maranatha Health
Christmas is a time of peace, joy and hope.
This Christmas we invite you to help shine the light of hope for families living in poverty in Uganda. By making a donation to Maranatha Health, you can help provide life-saving medical care, increase community understanding about hygiene and health, and help build an effective, more accessible health care system that will bring lasting change to people’s lives.
Plus, when you donate to our Maranatha Health Christmas appeal we’ll send you a collection of Maranatha Health Christmas cards so you can share the message of hope with your family, friends and colleagues.
For giving options, please go to www.maranathahealth.org/christmas
May your Christmas be filled with peace and joy as you shine the light of hope and life to others!
The future is always full of possibilities and our new work is proving just how exciting these can be. Join us in celebrating and supporting Maranatha Health, as we look to a bright future in Uganda.
Maranatha Health Gala Dinner - 29 January 2016
6:45pm for a 7pm start. Fogolar Furlan Centre, 69 Briar Road, Felixstow
A delicious three course meal, entertainment, and auctions will feature on the night.
Reservations can be made for tables of 10 for $90 per guest, or individuals for $100 per guest.
Please RSVP and inform us of dietary needs by Friday 8 January 2016: www.trybooking.com/161959
Further information: contact@maranathahealth.org
From the Office
Christmas whirlwind
Can you be available on Thursday 24th December at 9.30am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off? Please mark your connect card ‘Whirlwind,’ contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087or via email szanker@paravista.org.au of your availability.
Car parking attendants will be required to assist with safe traffic movement and parking on Christmas Eve for the 5pm and 6.30pm service. Please mark your connect card ‘Parking,’ contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087.
Lutheran Community Care
Loaves & Fishes - This month we invite you to replenish our Emergency Relief shelves with:
Breakfast Cereals, Pasta Sauce, Spreads, Toothpaste
Thank you for helping us help others.
Your LCC representative will ensure we receive your donation.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good”
Romans 12:9
