Christmas Eve: Finding your missing PEACE

We’ve been looking at some of the names of the promised Messiah prophesied by Isaiah around 700 years before Jesus was born: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us… And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT)

Over the last three Sundays, we’ve seen how the first three names are a perfect fit for Jesus.  On Christmas Eve, we’ll see how Jesus is our Prince of Peace. 

Jesus brings us into God’s peace plan for his world.  The Prince of Peace comes to bring restoration – not devastation.  Whatever we pursue this Christmas, only in Jesus will we find our missing peace!

Bible Reading:  Luke 2:1-14

Christmas Day: Christmas…Why??
Why do we have Christmas? Why is it such a big event in the calendar?
And why has it become so commercialized?
Is it about human beings showing peace to each other?
Is it about family? Is it the season for giving? Why is it so important?

A lot of traditions have crept into our understanding of Christmas. While traditions may be helpful, sometimes they can diminish or distract us from the miracle of God coming to earth as one of us. 

Bible Readings:  Matthew 1:18-25 NLT; John 1:1-4, 10-14 NLT
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Installation Service for Pastor Reid Matthias
One combined Sunday service:  9:30am Sunday January 22nd, 2017.  The service will be followed by a morning tea in the hall.  Good Shepherd people, please bring a disposable plate of yummy food to share!  

Kingdom Kids
We are on holidays. Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Faith at Home
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of December that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
Last Friday night we had a great night celebrating our end of year.  Sausage sizzle was enjoyed by all.  We played cricket, played on the playground, played “human trouble” and then ran “The Gauntlet”!  It was fantastic to have some parents also join in the fun.  It was a great end for a fantastic year.  Feel free to check out the photos on the youth or church Facebook page.
Sadly we farewelled a couple of leaders as they move on to other ventures, we said goodbye to Heather Eckert, Aled Proeve and Ben McAleer.  Your time as leaders have been appreciated by myself and the youth alike.  God Bless in your future ventures and you are always welcome back to visit.

In saying goodbye to some we will be welcoming a whole new bunch of leaders as well, which is really exciting.  I will be taking all the leaders away for a weekend retreat in January for some training and planning for 2017.
 
It has been a great year with these awesome young people and their leaders and I am so excited for what lies ahead for 2017!  I look forward to journeying with your young people. 
Youth will recommence on Friday February 4th 2017. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Wishing you all a safe Blessed Christmas and New Year.

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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.

Office closure over Christmas 
The church office will be closed from 3.45pm 23rd Dec 2016 till 9.00am 9th January 2017.
For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message. 
Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

Thank you from Noel
Noel and Bethany were overwhelmed by the generosity of the congregation. Of the choices he had he chose to purchase a coffee machine. He is still experimenting with it to make the ideal coffee but I can testify it makes a great one.
JD

Have you an hour to spare
I am seeking several members who have an hour to spare once a month to help water the new plants in our front garden. Most of the 107 plants have survived but with the hot weather still to come it is important we get them through their first summer. If you can help contact John Dolling 8367 5296 or jdolling@bigpond.net.au

Maranatha Health Gala Dinner
Partnerships create possibilities
Come on a journey with us to discover the tastes, aromas, colours and sounds of Africa, and support Maranatha Health as we create bright new futures in Western Uganda. The evening will feature a delicious 3 course meal (including Ethiopian buffet), energetic African entertainment from Moore Black & the Organic Roots, a silent auction and fundraising fun, and all the latest updates from our in work Fort Portal, Uganda.

Special guests: Kimberley & Michael Findlay, MH Founders
MC: Kate Collins, from Channel Nine News
Guest speaker: Suren Krishnan, Associate Professor of Surgery at Adelaide University (who recently performed MH's first surgeries in Uganda)
  
Venue:
Furlan Centre - 69 Briar Road, Felixstow, SA 5070
Tickets: Tables of 10
1 ticket $100* pp
10 tickets $90* pp
Book tickets at www.trybooking.com/NDRM
Contact: RSVP 17 January, including dietary needs contact@maranathahealth.org

From the office

Christmas Whirlwind
Can you be available this Saturday 24th December at 9.00am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?If yes, please bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare. Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.
.
A Parking blessing for Christmas
Please consider parking in either the Mattiske car park or on the school oval leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions is appreciated. 

Car parking attendants are still required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve from:
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please, contact Stephen on 0403 180 814 to assist.

Food hamper for Pastor Reid
Pastor Reid Matthias will be arriving around the 12th of January and as a gift we would like to put together a pantry of items so they feel welcomed.  Donations can be dropped off at the church office during office hours or left in the hall kitchen in the marked containers.  Please provide essential items that are in date and are not perishable.  Some examples are: Cereals, tined fruit & vegetables, dried fruits, sauce, toilet tissue, paper towel, spreads, flour, pasta, sugar, rice, oil, alfoil & gladwrap, dishwashing detergent and garbage bags.

Security
The pigeon-hole corridor door will be locked for the 5pm Christmas Eve service for child safety.  Please use the main or rear entrance during this time

“Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 2:11 NIV

He will be called… Everlasting Father

During Advent, we’ve been looking at some of the names of the promised Messiah prophesied by Isaiah around 700 years before Jesus was born: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us… And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT)

Over the last two Sundays, we’ve looked at how Jesus is our Wonderful Counsellor and Mighty God. This Sunday we explore the name: Everlasting Father.   

Our picture of God is often shaped by the experiences of our earthly fathers. For some of us, our image of God as Father is a positive one because of the close and safe relationship with our dads. For others, that image has been damaged by negative experiences with our earthly fathers. 

If you ever want to know what God is like as a Father, then look at Jesus - and suddenly the picture becomes clear.  In Jesus, we meet this Father up close and personal.

Jesus is the perfect image of God, and the exact representation of his being. Jesus alone makes the Father known to us. Indeed, no one can come to the Father except through him (John 14:6).

Come along this Sunday and discover what sort of Father we meet in Jesus.  In Jesus we find our Everlasting Father’s heart goes out to us… and that he always wants to do us good! 

Bible Readings:  Psalm 103:8-13; John 14:1-11
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
We are on holidays. Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Faith at Home
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of December that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
This week we have our end of year celebration family BBQ where we meet the year 6s and hopefully some other new faces too.  Bring a salad or dessert to share.  A night of fun and fellowship guaranteed.  Hope to see a lot of you there.  I wonder who is game enough to take up the challenge and run “The Gauntlet”!! Don’t know what that is - come along and join in to see.

It has been a great year with these awesome young people and their leaders!
Youth will then recommence in February 2017. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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.

Office closure over Christmas 
The church office will be closed from 3.45pm 23 Dec 2016 till 9.00am 9th January.
For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message. 
Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

Maranatha Health Gala Dinner
Partnerships create possibilities
Come on a journey with us to discover the tastes, aromas, colours and sounds of Africa, and support Maranatha Health as we create bright new futures in Western Uganda. The evening will feature a delicious 3 course meal (including Ethiopian buffet), energetic African entertainment from Moore Black & the Organic Roots, a silent auction and fundraising fun, and all the latest updates from our in work Fort Portal, Uganda.

Special guests: Kimberley & Michael Findlay, MH Founders
MC: Kate Collins, from Channel Nine News
Guest speaker: Suren Krishnan, Associate Professor of Surgery at Adelaide University (who recently performed MH's first surgeries in Uganda)
  
Venue:
Furlan Centre - 69 Briar Road, Felixstow, SA 5070
Tickets: Tables of 10
1 ticket $100* pp
10 tickets $90* pp
Book tickets at www.trybooking.com/NDRM
Contact: RSVP 17 January, including dietary needs contact@maranathahealth.org

From the office

Car parking this Sunday 18th December
We are expecting a large number of visitors for baptism this Sunday and would appreciate members parking on the school oval to allow our guests to park in allocated parking spaces. 

Car parking attendants are still required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve from:
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please mark your connect card with parking, contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 to assist.

Food hamper for Pastor Reid
Pastor Reid Matthias will be arriving mid-January and as a gift we would like to put together a pantry of items so they feel welcomed.  Donations can be dropped off at the church office during office hours or left in the hall kitchen in the marked containers.  Please provide essential items that are in date and are not perishable.  Some examples are: Cereals, tinned fruit & vegetables, dried fruits, sauce, toilet tissue, paper towel, spreads, flour, pasta, sugar, rice, oil, alfoil & gladwrap, dishwashing detergent and garbage bags.

Anniversary wine
There is still a limited amount of both the red and white 50th anniversary wine available but stocks are fast disappearing. If you are interested in obtaining some of this never to be offered again wine contact John Dolling (83675296) or Andrea Brooks (0407 799 772)

Watering new plants
Before our 50th anniversary celebrations there were over 100 plants planted in our front garden. By this time next year our grounds will start to return to their former glory. To survive their first summer they need to be watered weekly. This task using a hose takes about an hour. If we can get 4 volunteers it would mean an hour a month for 4 months – a total of 4 hours for the year. If you can assist please contact John Dolling 83675296

Notice Board

Barossa: Position Vacant: Reception and Administration Worker
We are seeking applicants with experience in office administration and reception to join our team in supporting families and individuals in the Barossa.  This position is part time (2 days per week).  A Job Description with further details about the position can be found at www.lccare.org.au  For further information please contact Louise Mather
lmather@lccare.org.au or 8562 2688.  Applications close 15 December.

“When they saw the star,

they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

Matthew 2:10

He will be called… Mighty God

From ancient times, exalted names and titles have been used of Kings and Rulers.  Eg: Alexander the Great. William the Conqueror. Richard the Lionheart.

Around 1000 years before Jesus was born, the Lord promised King David that one of his descendants would establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7). 

God keeps his promise when the angel announces to Mary: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.  He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.   And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:31-33 (NLT)

About 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah tells us some names of this “son of David”:  For a child is born to us, a son is given to us… And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT)

Last Sunday we began with Wonderful Counsellor.  As our Wonderful Counsellor, Jesus knows what life is like for us, cares for us, and is always available.  We looked at how we can find healing with our Wonderful Counsellor.

This Sunday we explore the second name in Isaiah 9:6: Mighty God.  What comes to mind when the word “mighty” is used of someone?  Perhaps a mighty athlete, a mighty leader, or a “super-hero”? 

Come along this Sunday and discover the picture behind the name Mighty God – and how Jesus demonstrates through his mighty deeds that he is Mighty God who delivers us and makes us his! 

Bible Readings:  1 Chronicles 11:10-25, Mark 2:1-12
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids
This Sunday at our 10.30am service our Kingdom Kids we will be having their final session for 2016 and celebrating Christmas! We would love for you to join us!

Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Faith at Home
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of December that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
Last Friday we had our last actual Youth event.  We had a great night looking back over the past 12 months and Ben McAleer produced a great trip down memory lane for us via YouTube which can be viewed on our Facebook page or the Church’s Facebook page.  The youth wrote letters to their future selves for their hopes, dreams and faith growth for the next 12 months.  We then looked at what we want to learn about and how we want to grow over the next 12 months and wow – they really want to go into some great stuff.  These guys are really eager to grow their faith!!  With a whole heap of new leaders coming on board and potentially a lot of new youth 2017 is looking awesome.  Of course what would youth be without fellowship, food and fun!!!

Next week we have our end of year celebration family BBQ where we meet the year 6s and hopefully some other new faces too.  A night of fun and fellowship guaranteed.  Hope to see a lot of you there.  Youth will then recommence in February 2017.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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 Freund family
We would like to thank you for your condolences on the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Rita Niemz. We appreciate your caring concern and prayer support.  We are comforted knowing that Rita has been carried home in the arms of the Good Shepherd.

Julie, Lindsay, David and Kayla Freund

Maranatha Health Gala Dinner
Partnerships create possibilities
Come on a journey with us to discover the tastes, aromas, colours and sounds of Africa, and support Maranatha Health as we create bright new futures in Western Uganda. The evening will feature a delicious 3 course meal (including Ethiopian buffet), energetic African entertainment from Moore Black & the Organic Roots, a silent auction and fundraising fun, and all the latest updates from our in work Fort Portal, Uganda.

Special guests: Kimberley & Michael Findlay, MH Founders
MC: Kate Collins, from Channel Nine News
Guest speaker: Suren Krishnan, Associate Professor of Surgery at Adelaide University (who recently performed MH's first surgeries in Uganda)

Venue:
Furlan Centre - 69 Briar Road, Felixstow, SA 5070
Tickets: Tables of 10
1 ticket $100* pp
10 tickets $90* pp
Book tickets at www.trybooking.com/NDRM
Contact: RSVP 17 January, including dietary needs contact@maranathahealth.org

From the office

Time-Out Devotion Book
Yearly devotion books are now available to pick up from the office for a cost of $23.
The book provides Christian devotions by Australian writers for each day of the calendar year.
There are only 5 copies available, so get in quick to avoid disappointment.

Contact the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087 to get your copy.

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve. Assistance would be required for three time slots.
•    4.30pm to 5.00pm
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please mark your connect card with parking, contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 to assist.

Notice Board

LLL Interest rate change
Our congregation has received an “LLL Interest Rate change” notice advising us that the rate will be 2.50% from 1 December 2016. This notice has been placed on the church notice board for your information.

Christmas Appeal: Changing the Lives of Families
Thousands of families across Australia are struggling with abuse, neglect and poverty as we prepare for Christmas.  Lutheran Community Care provides caring support and walk with families to bring hope and joy this season.

You can change the life of a family through a donation of $75, which provides services tailored to meet the needs of each family.  If you have not already done so, could you help by giving a donation to support families struggling at Christmas?

Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to give a gift that will bring joy this Christmas.

Barossa: Position Vacant: Reception and Administration Worker
We are seeking applicants with experience in office administration and reception to join our team in supporting families and individuals in the Barossa.  This position is part time (2 days per week).  A Job Description with further details about the position can be found at www.lccare.org.au  For further information please contact Louise Mather
lmather@lccare.org.au or 8562 2688.  Applications close 15 December.

Adelaide: Emergency Relief Volunteer Needed
Lutheran Community Care are in need of an Emergency Relief Volunteer to join our friendly Blair Athol team on Mondays.  Volunteers interview and provide assistance to clients who present for emergency food and clothing.  Professional training is provided.  For more information, please contact Michelle on 8269 9300 or mbusto@lccare.org.au

“If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9

He will be called… Wonderful Counsellor

As soon as a child is born, everyone wants to know the baby’s name. One of the questions often asked of parents, “How did you come up with those names for your child?”

In Hebrew culture, one’s name reflects one’s character.  In first century Palestine, the name Jesus was relatively common.  It comes from the name Joshua meaning “The Lord saves.”  The Greek form is Yaysous which in English is Jesus.

Jesus’ name is his character.  As the angel said to Joseph: ‘You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ (Matthew 1:21 NIV)

There are many names for Jesus, but what do they really mean? Join us over the next few weeks as we discover why He is called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. You'll gain a new and relevant perspective on the Saviour who was born and laid in a manger over two thousand years ago.  

This Sunday we begin with Wonderful Counsellor.  After unpacking the meaning of those words in the original language, we will address two questions:
1.    How is Jesus our Wonderful Counsellor? 
2.    How can we find healing with the Wonderful Counsellor?

Bible Readings:  Isaiah 9:1-7 NLT,  Luke 5:27-32 NLT. 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 
 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on this Sunday at our 10.30am service.  This Sunday our Kingdom Youth - Year 5-7s will be having their final session for 2016.  Lunch will be shared afterwards in the hall.

Toddler Zone has finished for the year.

Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

WANTED!  Children for Christmas Eve 5pm Service
This year our children will be participating in the 5pm Christmas Eve service.  Non speaking parts are still available.  If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au

Faith at Home
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of December that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for our final Playgroup session for 2016 this Wednesday morning at 9.15am in the church hall.  We will be celebrating Christmas!  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
This Friday we have our last actual Youth event.  It is going to be a great night about looking over our spiritual journey over the past 12 months, and then looking towards the future and what God has in store for us.  It is going to be a great night of reminiscing and some great discussions on our future, and our growing relationship with God will be forthcoming I am sure.  Of course what would youth be without fellowship, food and fun!!!

Youth is a great way of being fed both spiritually and physically, with like-minded teens learning to own their own faith.  It’s never too late to start coming along and making some great friendships and connections with fellow young Christians. Then in two weeks we have our end of year celebration family BBQ where we meet the year 6s and hopefully some other new faces too. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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

Thank you
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Noel and Bethany’s farewell last Sunday – all involved in planning and running of the service, to the volunteers who served lunch and cleaned up, to all who contributed to the lunch, to the organizers and participants in the afternoon “roast”, to the contributors to the Book of Memories, and those who gave extra towards the farewell gift. It was a great team effort which made it a memorable last official Sunday at PV for Noel and Bethany.

Pascal candle
The Pascal candle stand was designed and constructed by Craig Pruszinski a member of Clovercrest Baptist Church.

The design represents our life as Christians with Jesus the light at the centre of our life (the candle). The twisted outer metal stripes represents our lives- some short, others long, parts of our lives going smoothly, others twisted with struggles, and intertwined with many others.
It is worth a close inspection as the design is not symmetrical.

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve.
Assistance would be required for three time slots.
•    4.30pm to 5.00pm
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please mark your connect card with parking, contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 to assist.

Notice Board

Thank You from LCC
Thank you for your gift to the work of Lutheran Community Care. Your contribution will make a real difference to those struggling in our community.

Your support helps people like Amy who struggled with depression after the birth of her baby. She was a young professional and found it very difficult to cope with the feeling of helplessness in raising her newborn. She was referred to our home visiting service and also attended a 'Being with Baby' support group at our Ingle Farm Family Zone Hub. Five years later and her child is at school and Amy is a regular volunteer at Ingle Farm, supporting new mums who come into the Hub.

Wishing you many blessings as you continue to serve.

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

It’s all about Jesus!

Just as a spotlight reveals the star of the play, whatever we focus on is "the star" of our lives.  Who or what is "the star" of your life?  Who or what do you think about most of the time?  Who or what gets most of your attention? 

If I am to be honest, a lot of the time it’s all about me. 
Sadly, when I focus on me, I lose sight of Jesus. 

John the Baptist was a gifted preacher who became a celebrity.  Yet John wasn’t the star of his own life.  In his ministry, he keeps pointing people to Jesus. 

All who follow Jesus are to be “signposts”: pointing people to Jesus!
That’s what Good Shepherd’s mission to our community is all about!

Over the last 13 years and 8 months, Pr Noel has kept pointing us to Jesus.  This coming Sunday will be his last service as our Lead Pastor.  At both Sunday services, there will be a rite of farewell and blessing for Pr Noel and Bethany. 

Following the 10:30am service, there will be a community lunch.  We will then gather in the church building to honour and show our appreciation to Pr Noel and Bethany – with mirth and ‘dad jokes’ thrown into the mix! 

Friends, when it comes to being caught up in God’s story, it’s not all about us.
It’s ALL about JESUS!

Bible Readings:  John 1:19-37, John 3:22-30. 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on this Sunday at our 10.30am service.  This Sunday our Kingdom Youth - Year 5-7s will be staying in worship with their families.

Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

WANTED!  Children for Christmas Eve 5pm Service
This year our children will be participating in the 5pm Christmas Eve service.  Non speaking parts are still available.  If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravist.org.au

Faith at Home
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of December that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for Playgroup on Wednesday mornings at 9.15am in the church hall.  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Kathy Liebig
Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
What a weekend we had with youth.  Friday night we had our “fun” event -“Locked and Loaded” Laser Skirmish. We had team against team battling it out to be the ultimate winner.  Several styles of games were played, including one that involved me being taken hostage by one team and rescued by the other.  It was a fantastic night enjoyed by all.

Then on Saturday we had our final NELY Event for the year.  We had around 40 young people booked in for our “day of battle” for our Tribal Wars.  The day went off really well and we thoroughly enjoyed our games such as Tug-of-War, Four-way soccer, Rob the Nest, Human Trouble and many more.  We shared a great time of worship, with a fun but relatable message delivered to us by Joshua Ridley.  By Saturday night there was literally no energy left in anyone.  The kids arrived noisily and full of energy and left quietly with no energy at all!! It was a great weekend, and God was kind to us with the weather, which really helped.

Youth is a great way of being fed both spiritually and physically, with like-minded teens learning to own their own faith.  It’s never too late to start coming along and making some great friendships and connections with fellow young Christians. Only two more events for the year, including our end of year BBQ for families and the current year 6s to come and meet us. 
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Merti
Faith Formation Leader

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.

Placement and ordination of Dan Mueller
Dear Good Shepherd friends, we are excited to announce that the Lutheran Church of Australia has placed me as a graduate pastor at Walla Walla parish in southern NSW. The Wiradjuri Aboriginal word “Walla” fittingly means “place of strength” or “place of rocks” reminding me of Psalm 18:2 — “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.”

My ordination service is on Sunday 4th December at 2pm, St Paul Lutheran Church, 44 Audrey Ave Blair Athol SA 5084. A light afternoon tea will follow the service. All are welcome. I will be installed sometime around early February 2017. We are looking forward to this new adventure!

From the office

Family Zone LCC @ Ingle Farm
Quote from Kathleen Wilson from Lutheran Community Care, Ingle Farm

Sincere thanks for this exciting email – MUCH appreciated.
We continue to count our blessings for the great support offered by Good Shepherd – it makes such a difference to our ability to support the community.
It is really great to know that we have people behind us and next to us!
Please pass my thanks to everyone concerned and please keep the invitation open for visitors – all welcome to see ‘their’ money at work.

This is in appreciation for the donation of $1080.00 the total result of your generous giving above average from the 50th anniversary offering on Sunday 6th November.

Please continue to support our outreach into our local community by becoming a volunteer with the Lutheran Community Care Team at Ingle Farm.

Igniting the future appeal update
•    Pledge forms for Igniting the future and cash received without Pledge Forms totals approximately $118,000
•    To date approximately $75,000 has been received.

Envelopes and response slips are available at the information area for IGNITING THE FUTURE appeal to raise $250 000 to upgrade our hall, kitchen and rear church entrance are still available at the information area. It is still not too late to donate to this appeal.  Please contact the office if you have any questions and still wish to contribute to this mission.

Please remember your gift can be given in one payment or via instalments.
We look forward to celebrating God’s provision for this project through your generosity. 

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve. Assistance would be required for three time slots
•    4.30pm to 5.00pm
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please mark your connect card with parking, contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 to assist.

Half Yearly meeting
At the half Yearly meeting of the congregation last Sunday the following was decided:
•    the budget for 2017 as presented was accepted
•    The following motions were passed by the meeting
a)    Authorizes the Board to proceed with the redevelopment of our facilities
b)    Empower the Board to select the best tender as recommended by the Facilities Team in consultation with our architect Craig Vale
c)    Empower the Board to apply for a loan of $450000 from the LLL.
•    Sexist language was removed from our constitution.

Notice Board

Lutheran Nurses
Next meeting is Monday the 28th November at 7.30pm at the District Office, 137 Archer St., North Adelaide with entry from the rear. Guest speaker is Annemarie Klingenberg on “Self-harm and Suicide". All are welcome not just nurses; CPD evidence is available if needed. We also ask for donations for a Christmas Hamper for Lutheran Community Care.

The grace of the Lord Jesus

be with God's people.

Amen.

Revelation 22:21

Celebrating God’s story of growing

Celebrating God’s story in our story #4

This Sunday we finish off our sermon series based on our five branding words as we look at the theme ‘Celebrating God’s story of growing’.

With my farewell service next Sunday, 27th November, this will be my last message to the Good Shepherd community as the Senior Pastor. While I really wanted to come up with something new and interesting for my final message, my thoughts kept coming back to something I have repeatedly said over the years: God loves you just the way you are but he loves you too much to leave you that way.

We don’t seek to grow as followers of Jesus to earn God’s love. In Jesus, God already loves us. Does this mean we don’t have to worry about growing spiritually? The answer is an emphatic “No!” We cooperate with the Spirit’s work of growth in us because God has something better for us than a life led by our old sinful nature. God wants to transform us to be more and more like Jesus in character and message.

Spiritual growth is not something we can generate ourselves. Spiritual growth is the result of the Holy Spirit working in us. This doesn’t mean we are passive in the process. There are things we can do that will either work with what the Spirit is growing in us or work against it.

This Sunday we will look at how we can work with the Holy Spirit so that we can grow more and more like Jesus every day. 

Bible Readings: John 15:1-8, 16; Ephesians 5:1
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on this Sunday at our 10.30am service.  This Sunday we will be having our Kingdom Youth for our Year 5-7s.  Lunch will be provided for these children after their session at 12 and we aim to finish up around 12.30pm.  Parents and carers are welcome to stay for a cuppa in the hall during this time.

Toddler zone will not be available this Sunday.

Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

WANTED!  Children for Christmas Eve 5pm Service
This year our children will be participating in the 5pm Christmas Eve service.  Speaking and non-speaking parts will be available.  If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au

Faith at Home
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of November that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Thank you
Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
What a weekend we have planned for youth.  In recognition of the year 12s and those in more senior schooling years being under so much pressure the last few months we are holding a “fun” event for the youth this Friday.  We are having a “Locked and Loaded” Laser Skirmish night.  The cost for this will be $20 to be paid on the night.  Plenty of murmurings already as to who is going to be the best aim and the winner!! 

Then on Saturday we are having our final NELY Event for the year.  We have around 40 young people booked in for our “day of battle.”  It looks like God is looking favourably upon us to according to the weather forecast too. There may be a few tired young people on Sunday!! 
Remember this term, due to the nature of our events we have a new starting time of 6.30pm.  We will still be going through until 9.30pm.
 
Youth is a great way of being fed both spiritually and physically, with like-minded teens learning to own their own faith.  It’s never too late to start coming along and making some great friendships and connections with fellow young Christians. Check out our term planner for term 4.

Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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.

Maranatha Health Fundraiser Lunch
Join us this Sunday to catch up, browse goods at the MH stall, and grab a bite of lunch before being part of the Good Shepherd AGM. Sausages and salad available after the second service in the hall, in addition to a pre-Christmas stall.

All proceeds will support the Maranatha Health Children's Clinic in Fort Portal, Uganda.
Any goods kindly donated to the stall will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much to the many of you who regularly support Maranatha Health in this way!

Placement and ordination of Dan Mueller
Dear Good Shepherd friends, we are excited to announce that the Lutheran Church of Australia has placed me as a graduate pastor at Walla Walla parish in southern NSW. The Wiradjuri Aboriginal word “Walla” fittingly means “place of strength” or “place of rocks” reminding me of Psalm 18:2 — “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.”

My ordination service is on Sunday 4th December at 2pm, St Paul Lutheran Church, 44 Audrey Ave Blair Athol SA 5084. A light afternoon tea will follow the service. All are welcome. I will be installed sometime around early February 2017. We are looking forward to this new adventure!

Peace in Christ,
Vicar Dan Mueller and family

From the office

Budget Summary
January – October 2016
Total Income – Budget $453,713            Actual $442,988    UNDER $10,722
Total Expenses – Budget $444,090        Actual $424,052    UNDER $20,068
PROJECTED SURPLUS OF $11,087 FOR 2016

Brief report on progress since last Board meeting:

•    Offerings in October were $1,700 under budget due to plate being well below budget.  REG continues a strong trend being nearly $2,000 over budget.
•    Expenses were under budget in September and October mainly in staff costs and thanks to ministries keeping costs low.
•    Projected surplus is maintaining level above $5,000 even though offerings are consistently under budget.

Igniting the future appeal
•    Pledge forms for Igniting the future and cash received without Pledge Forms totals $115,000
•    After Sunday 6th November approximately $35,560 has been received.

Pledge forms for IGNITING THE FUTURE appeal to raise $250 000 to upgrade our hall, kitchen and rear church entrance were due in Sunday 6th November. It is still not too late to donate to this appeal.  Envelopes and response slips are available at the information area or contact the office if you wish to contribute to this mission.

Please remember your gift can be given in one payment or via instalments.
We look forward to celebrating God’s provision for this project through your generosity. 

Offering Envelopes
Dated envelopes are available for 2017 underneath the pigeonholes.  Please take a box if you require.

Notice Board

Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood
We have Christmas trees available for purchase again this year.
We are able to offer our high quality trees at $35 each. Please note that delivery can only be arranged for orders of 10 or more trees, however, we can notify you of the closest Church from where your order can be collected. Trees will be delivered to your nominated location on the morning of Saturday 10th December 2016.

Please place your order at the front office by Wednesday 23 November.

Lutheran Nurses
Next meeting is Monday the 28th November at 7.30pm at the District Office, 137 Archer St., North Adelaide with entry from the rear.
Guest speaker is Annemarie Klingenberg on “Self-harm and Suicide".
All are welcome not just nurses; CPD evidence is available if needed. We also ask for donations for a Christmas Hamper for Lutheran Community Care.

Honor all people,
love the brotherhood,
fear God,
honor the king.

1 Peter 2:17

God’s story of serving – love in action

Celebrating God’s story in our story #3

Thank you Father God, and well done people of Good Shepherd with our 50th Anniversary Celebrations last weekend.  There was a strong sense of unity as we reminisced over the past; and reignited God’s mission of sharing Jesus with our community.  Hundreds of people helped organise, prepare, host, cook, clean, care, present, entertain, and share over the weekend.  Profound thanks to each and every one of you who contributed to our celebrations.  And praise the Lord for his kindness to us!

This Sunday we’re continuing our worship series: Celebrating God’s story in our story.  We’ve been looking at our five branding words:  Acceptance, Love, Hope, Serving and Growing. This Sunday’s theme: God’s story of serving – love in action.

Jesus does not just talk about serving.  He lives it out – and dies doing it!  

His story of serving continues in this world through you and me.  As we follow Jesus in serving others, God touches lives – and transforms us!

What brings more satisfaction…
When you do something great that people applaud; or when you do a quiet act of kindness that helps someone else?
When you boss someone around; or when you help someone in need?
When you do better than others in a task; or when you help others do better in their tasks?

Bible Readings: Mark 9:30-37, John 13:1-5, 12-17. 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Placement and ordination of Dan Mueller
Dear Good Shepherd friends, we are excited to announce that the Lutheran Church of Australia has placed me as a graduate pastor at Walla Walla parish in southern NSW. The Wiradjuri Aboriginal word “Walla” fittingly means “place of strength” or “place of rocks” reminding me of Psalm 18:2 — “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.”

My ordination service is on Sunday 4th December at 2pm, St Paul Lutheran Church, 44 Audrey Ave Blair Athol SA 5084. A light afternoon tea will follow the service. All are welcome. I will be installed sometime around early February 2017. We are looking forward to this new adventure!

Peace in Christ,
Vicar Dan Mueller and family

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
Kingdom Kids is on this Sunday at our 10.30am service.  This Sunday our Kingdom Youth will be staying in worship with their families.

Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

WANTED!  Children for Christmas Eve 5pm Service
This year our children will be participating in the 5pm Christmas Eve service.  Speaking and non-speaking parts will be available.  If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravista

Faith at Home
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of November that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for Playgroup on Wednesday mornings at 9.15am in the church hall.  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Thank you
Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
Last Friday we screened “God’s Not Dead 2” for our youth event.  The movie was well received and we ran well over time with our discussion, keeping parents waiting for a little while – oops, sorry guys!!  And still the youth wanted to keep talking about the movie, because even though it was set in an American school system the movie themes are still totally relevant and applicable to all of our youth in everyday life.
 
“I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God!”  This is such a powerful quote and so many of the youth spoke about this issue.  Our next event is on 18th November and is our “Locked and Loaded” laser skirmish.
Remember this term, due to the nature of our events we have a new starting time of 6.30pm.  We will still be going through until 9.30pm.

Youth is a great way of being fed both spiritually and physically, with like-minded teens learning to own their own faith.  It’s never too late to start coming along and making some great friendships and connections with fellow young Christians. Check out our term planner for term 4. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth
We are having a “Tribal War” on Saturday 19th November.  Check out our flyer for further details, or our North Eastern Lutheran Youth Facebook page for a direct link for tickets.

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

Maranatha Health Fundraiser Lunch
Join us on the 20th November to catch up, browse goods at the MH stall, and grab a bite of lunch before being part of the Good Shepherd AGM. Sausages and salad available after the second service in the hall, in addition to a pre-Christmas stall. All proceeds will support the Maranatha Health Children's Clinic in Fort Portal, Uganda.

Any goods kindly donated to the stall will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much to the many of you who regularly support Maranatha Health in this way!

Igniting the Future Appeal
Our IGNITING THE FUTURE appeal to raise $250 000 to upgrade our hall, kitchen and rear church entrance finished last Sunday 6th November. However, it is still not too late to submit your completed response slip or donation to this appeal.  Envelopes and response slips are available at the information area.

Please remember your gift can be given in one payment or via instalments over the next 12 months. We look forward to celebrating God’s provision for this project through your generosity. 

From the office

50th celebration Sunday
A BIG THANK YOU to all who :
•    Parked in Mattiske’s car park or on the school oval for the celebration.
•    Bought food to share.
•    Sat in the middle of the isles on entering the service.
•    Were involved in the small groups who assisted in drinks stalls, table and chair set and pack up, assisted in food serving, emptied bins and swept and moped floors.
•    Directed traffic
•    Anyone else who assisted on the day in any way shape or form to make the day a great celebration.

Half Yearly meetings
The Half Yearly meetings for the congregation and school will be held on Sunday November 20th at 12:30pm. The 2 main items on the congregational agenda are the 2017 budget and a proposal re our Facilities Development. Hard copies of the meeting information are in the Member’s Information section. Copies will also be emailed out early this week. Budget information and facilities development information will be provided later in the week when they have been finalised.

Pastor Noel’s farewell
Pastor Noel’s final service as Lead Pastor at Para Vista will be on Sunday 27th. He will be farewelled at both services. This will be followed by a lunch in the hall and an official farewell in the Worship Centre. There will be a Farewell Event at 1.00pm in the church, immediately after the luncheon.  Everyone is encouraged to come.  Ministry groups who wish to present something at this event should contact Merv Thiele (0429 009 847).

Support for Lutheran Community Care
The congregation decided that any amount received in offerings at the 50th Anniversary service which were above our weekly average in giving for 2016 would be given to LCC to support their work at Ingle Farm. It is pleasing we were able to forward $1080.

Notice Board

Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood
We have Christmas trees available for purchase again this year.
We are able to offer our high quality trees at $35 each. Please note that delivery can only be arranged for orders of 10 or more trees, however, we can notify you of the closest Church from where your order can be collected. Trees will be delivered to your nominated location on the morning of Saturday 10th December 2016.

Please place your order at the front office by Wednesday 23 November.

Lutheran Nurses
Next meeting is Monday the 28th November at 7.30pm at the District Office, 137 Archer St., North Adelaide with entry from the rear.
Guest speaker is Annemarie Klingenberg on “Self-harm and Suicide".
All are welcome not just nurses; CPD evidence is available if needed. We also ask for donations for a Christmas Hamper for Lutheran Community Care.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

Galatians 5:22 - 23

Celebrating the past: Igniting the future

This Sunday we celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a congregation with a combined worship service at 10am. We have much to celebrate and thank God for.

Who would have imagined 50 years ago that God would take a group of 22 people and grow it into the large church and school we have today? It is amazing what God can do through a small group of committed people. It’s fitting that we as a church community take the time to honour God and celebrate his goodness to us over the last 50 years.

We also pray that our future is ignited through celebrating the past. If God can do all this among us and through us over the last fifty years, what can he do in the next fifty years? What steps of faith is God calling us to take so that we can continue to share the good news message of Jesus with our local community? How can we draw encouragement from our past to courageously move into the future?

Come and join us this Sunday for a very special celebration in the life of Good Shepherd. Bishop David Altus will be our guest preacher and his message will be based on our anniversary theme, ‘Celebrating the past: Igniting the future.’

Bible Readings: John 10:11-18; Psalm 100
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Igniting the Future Appeal
Our IGNITING THE FUTURE appeal to raise $250 000 to upgrade our hall, kitchen and rear church entrance finishes this Sunday 6th November. Please remember to bring your completed response slip to the 50th Anniversary service this Sunday.

Please note that while we’re asking everyone to indicate what they will give to this appeal by 6th November, your gift can be given after this date in one payment or via instalments over the next 12 months.

For gifts made after 6th November, or by Direct Deposit, we ask that you complete the appeal response slip and place it in the offering bowl this Sunday. If you have already donated money you do not need to complete a response slip.

We look forward to celebrating God’s provision for this project through your generosity.

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
Faith at Home
At the Kingdom Kids sign in desk and in the Parenting Room you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of November that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for Playgroup on Wednesday mornings at 9.15am in the church hall.  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
This week we have our screening of “God’s Not Dead 2”.  It is a great movie and will invoke some great discussion, which we will be having after the movie.  As a little teaser I love this quote “I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world than stand with the world and be judged by God!” Now isn’t that saying it all. 
Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Remember this term, due to the nature of our events we have a new starting time of 6.30pm.  We will still be going through until 9.30pm.  Youth is a great way of being fed both spiritually and physically, with like-minded teens learning to own their own faith.  It’s never too late to start coming along and making some great friendships and connections with fellow young Christians. Check out our term planner for term 4. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth
We have a date for the next event – 19th November – so mark it in your diaries. We are going to be having a “Tribal War”.  Check out our flyer for further details, or our North Eastern Lutheran Youth Facebook page for a direct link for tickets.

Australian Lutheran College end of year events
ALC's closing service for the 2016 academic year will be held in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 139 Archer Street, North Adelaide on Friday, 11 November at 9.00 am. Holy Communion will be celebrated at this service and a number of ALC staff who are retiring, will be farewelled. Morning tea will be served in the ALC Refectory following the service. All are welcome to attend.

The University of Divinity will hold its Adelaide Graduation Ceremony for ALC students on Friday, 2 December at Immanuel College, 32 Morphett Road, Novar Gardens, commencing at 7.30pm. All are welcome to attend this celebration. 

From the office

50th Anniversary
Notes for the 50th Sunday morning
Be a gift to our visitors by:
•    Parking will be available in Mattiske’s car park or why not park on the school oval and bring your share food to the school gym before going to the service.
•    Food to share to be dropped off at the gym at 9:15am or earlier on the day.
•    Remember to sit in the middle of the isles on entering the service. Will save embarrassment of being asked to move later

Saturday Night
Table bookings are not required for the 7:30pm start in the church. You are invited to bring nibbles and drinks to help celebrate.  Be a bidder at the silent auction. 
Remember to bring your ‘Igniting The Future’ envelopes with the appeal response slip included for Sunday.

We have planned and done everything we can to make this special celebration perfect.  If you do happen to come across anything we have missed we would really appreciate you stepping in and doing what needs to be done to improve the situation.

Half Yearly meeting
The half yearly meetings of the congregation and school will be held on Sunday November 20th at 12:30pm. To keep the hunger pangs at bay there will be a BBQ after the second service. Proceeds from the BBQ will go to support the work of Marantha Health.

Hard copies of the church information will be available on Sunday November 13th and emailed early the next week.

Main agenda items will be:
•    decision on if we proceed with our proposed facilities upgrade.
•    2017 budget
•    removal of sexist language from constitution

Thank you to
•    the 12 people who turned up on Saturday to complete the tidying of our grounds in preparation for the 50th celebrations. The grounds look as good as they have for many years. In total over 25 assisted over the 3 working bees.

•    those who provided cakes for the LCC fete. The day was successful and they exceeded their target for the day. Money raised will enable LCC to employ a person to coordinate their playgroups in term 4

Notice Board

Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood
We have Christmas trees available for purchase again this year.
We are able to offer our high quality trees at $35 each. Please note that delivery can only be arranged for orders of 10 or more trees, however, we can notify you of the closest Church from where your order can be collected. Trees will be delivered to your nominated location on the morning of Saturday 10th December 2016.

Please place your order at the front office by Wednesday 23 November.

For through wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.

Proverbs 9:11

Celebrating God’s story of hope

Celebrating God’s story in our story #2.

Last week we began a new series based on our five branding words called Celebrating God’s story in our story. This series is designed to tie in with our 50th Anniversary Celebration theme ‘Celebrating the past: Igniting the future’.

We want to celebrate God’s story to us of acceptance, love, hope, servicing and growing. At the same time we will look at how we can join God in telling his story to the world in the years ahead.

This Sunday we look at God’s story of hope to us in Jesus. We all need hope. Without hope we can feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. Without hope our lives can feel pointless.

However, with hope our outlook on life is far more positive. With hope we’re able to get through even the toughest things in life which means having hope is very important for us all.

This week we will look at the certain hope we have in Jesus and what this hope means for our lives and for the life of Good Shepherd. 

Bible Readings: Ephesians 1:15-23; Hebrews 6:16-20; John 14:1-6
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
50th Anniversary
WANTED!  Children of all ages for opening song.  One rehearsal required on Thursday 3 Nov at 6.45pm for a 7pm start.  Please enter your names on your family’s Connect Card if you would like to participate.

This Sunday we will be having our first Kingdom Youth session for term 4 for our Year 5-7s.  Lunch will be provided for these children after their session at 12 and we aim to finish up around 12.30pm.  Parents and carers are welcome to stay for a cuppa in the hall during this time.

Toddler Zone
Toddler Zone for our 10 month – 3 year olds will not be available this week.  This term we will be operating every other week.

Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Faith at Home
At the Kingdom Kids sign in desk and in the Parenting Room you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of November that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for Playgroup on Wednesday mornings at 9.15am in the church hall.  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry

Please remember to let me know if you can join us in the opening song for our 50th Anniversary Service on Sunday 6th November.  There will be one practice required on Thursday 3rd November.

What a fantastic start we had to term 4.  The girls did some great craft based around the scripture of wisdom in Proverbs 4:9 “She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown”.  We also had some great general discussion too.  The guys did “secret men’s business” but I heard a rumour it involved steak and sport!  Remember this term, due to the nature of our events we have a new starting time of 6.30pm. We will still be going through until 9.30pm.  Up next is our screening of “God’s Not Dead 2”.

Youth is a great way of being fed both spiritually and physically, with like-minded teens learning to own their own faith. 

It’s never too late to start coming along and making some great friendships and connections with fellow young Christians. Check out our term planner for term 4.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth
We have a date for the next event – 19th November – so mark it in your diaries. We are going to be having a “Tribal War”.  Check out our flyer for further details, or our North Eastern Lutheran Youth Facebook page for a direct link for tickets.

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

50th Anniversary
As a part of our celebrations of this event we are asking each family to bring food to share for the Sunday lunch for your family and our guests.  Request that both a savoury and a sweet plate be provided giving the taste buds plenty of contrast.

The luncheon will be held in the school gymnasium and for the health of all please observe the following:
1.    There will be no access to heating equipment on the day so we ask you to bring cold platters to share.
2.    Please ensure all food is covered and placed into an esky or cooler bag if the weather is warm to prevent spoilage.  
3.    Food to be dropped off at the gym at 9:15am or earlier on the day.
4.    At the end of the day please collect all your items and take them home with you.

Remember, only disposable plates and serviettes will be supplied for serving of food so please consider this when preparing. If you have any questions or suggestions please discuss with Stephen Zanker or Cees Wesselingh who can be contacted via the front office on 82635087 or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Notice Board

Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood
We have Christmas trees available for purchase again this year.
We are able to offer our high quality trees at $35 each. Please note that delivery can only be arranged for orders of 10 or more trees, however, we can notify you of the closest Church from where your order can be collected. Trees will be delivered to your nominated location on the morning of Saturday 10th December 2016.

Please place your order at the front office by Wednesday 23 November.

Para Hills Modbury Catholic Parish
CRAFT MARKET @ St John XXIII Catholic Community Centre
50 Reservoir Rd, Hope Valley 5090
Saturday 5th November, 9am to 3pm. Free entry and ample free parking
50+ Craft Stalls, Dressed for Success clothing shop, Devonshire Tea, International Food Market including Asian, Indian & Italian food.  BBQ with Beer & soft drinks.  Cake stall, Plant Stall, Produce stall, Bric-a-Brac, Second-hand books including children’s books, St Frances Xavier’s Rock band in the morning and Modbury Ukhords Ukulele Group in the afternoon.  All inside in
air-conditioned comfort.
$500 CASH RAFFLE, tickets $1.
FREE FACE PAINTING FOR CHILDREN

Treat others the same way

you want them to treat you.

Luke 6:31