While prayer can be an instinctive response for believers and non-believers alike, when we are faced with overwhelming circumstances, the regular practice of prayer doesn’t come as easy. Prayer can be a struggle for all of us. In this series we will take a closer look at what the Bible says about prayer and how this can help us grow in our own prayer life.
We begin the series by exploring the question, “Why Pray?” Is prayer simply a means to access the almighty God in an attempt to get him to help us out? Or, is there more to prayer than just asking God for things?
If you struggle to pray; if you are confused about how to pray; or, have a desire to grow in your prayer life, then this new series will help address these struggles and grow your prayer life and with it your relationship with our amazing God, who we address in prayer as “Our Father in heaven!”
Bible Readings: Luke 11:1-4; Romans 8:14-17
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
The AGM’s of church and school
The AGM’S of the congregation and school will be held on Sunday May 29th @ 12:30. Information will be available by Sunday May 22nd. There will be a meal available after the 10:30 service
“Stand Firm” Bible study
What is spiritual attack? Are there evil powers working against me? How do I stand firm against such “powers”?
Vicar Dan will be leading a Bible study over two nights (Wednesday night, 18th & 25th May, 7:30pm–8:30pm) in the church. The study will look at the role of prayer in standing firm against evil “powers.”
Prayer is a gift from God (Luke 11:1–13). One of the purposes of prayer is to strengthen God’s people to stand firm against attack from the evil powers that lead humanity to disobey God. These evil powers include the world, the devil, and the sinful nature (Ephesians 2:2–3). This struggle is real and encompasses all Christians in the present age.
Join us as we unpack the theme of “power” in the book of Ephesians, and how prayer is God’s gift for standing firm when attacked by evil powers.
Kingdom Kids is on again this Sunday at our 10.30am service. We would love for you to join us!
Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during this service.
There will also be activity folders, personal journals and a range of kids bibles to use during the services.
Faith at Home
May Faith at Home booklet out now! Grab your copy from the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk or the parenting room, OR you can access it via the Good Shepherd phone app.
New resources OUT NOW in the church library!! Pop in and borrow something!
Playgroup
Please join us for Little Lambs Playgroup next Wednesday 9:15am in the church hall. Anyone is welcome and we would love to see you!
Youth is on this Friday night 7pm-9.30pm. We will be looking at making a stance and standing up for God and what we believe in. Our theme for the term is “God’s Not Dead”, based on the hit movie of the same name. Come along for fellowship, food and fun. The cost is $2 to help cover the cost of supper.
Further details contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814
Metro CLW
Camp for students in years 7-12 in July school holidays
July 11-15 Years 7-9
July 18-22 Years 10-12
Details: www.blueprintministires.org.au/metroclw
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.
PVLW Fellowship
On Tuesday, June 7th at 1pm we have our regular meeting and DOROTHY BUSCUMB, a member of our executive committee, will be sharing her story. She is a member of Good Shepherd and this may be an excellent opportunity for congregation members to get to know her. So you are all most welcome to join us as we hear Dorothy give us her personal profile. Pastor Noel starts with a short Bible Study at 1pm.
Fund Raising Luncheon
On Tuesday, JULY 5th at 12 noon, our Fellowship invites you to attend our annual luncheon here in Good Shepherd Hall. Invitations have gone out to other Northern Zone Fellowships, too, but we would really like congregation members to attend as well. We will cater for 80 people with wine, two courses, an excellent guest speaker and a few lucky door prizes. We also hope to have a trading table with many goodies for sale. Note the date of July not June. Men are most welcome, friends, partners, spouses. We look forward to seeing you there. Wish to book? Please contact RUTH OSTER on 8265 0221 or Email kroster@senet.com.au
May is MaranathaMONTH
This May is MaranathaMONTH and we invite you to run a fundraiser in honour of mothers in Uganda (and everywhere!) We're making May a month of sharing stories of mums, children and families whose lives are impacted by the work of Maranatha Health, and who positively impact those around them.
Host an event and share stories from our work in Uganda. Download an event kit to make the planning simple or create your own MaranathaMONTH event. Let us know what you are planning to do because we love to share your story too! For more information: www.maranathahealth.org/month or contact keren.sutton@maranathahealth.org
Maranatha Health - Stall and Soup Sunday
Soup weather is here, and Maranatha Health is always ready to serve!
Join us in the hall on 29 May after services for a warming mug of soup and cheese toastie lunch. Browse at our stall of homemade and home grown goods, with items donated by our generous Good Shepherd community. Any donated items are welcome before services on the day. All proceeds of sales go towards the work of Maranatha Health. www.maranathahealth.org
Thank you for your continued support in prayer, giving and serving! We look forward to catching up with you over a cup of steamy soup soon.
Blueprint Ministries Appeal Dinner
June 25, 2016 18:30
Blueprint Ministries Appeal Dinner will be an evening of the choicest company, engaging entertainment & fabulous food. Most importantly, celebrate with us what God has been doing through our ministries, and invest in the future of our children & families, youth & young adults.
**TICKETS AVALIABLE VERY SOON**
Evening Highlights:
• Matt Cowdrey sharing his story and how his strength and courage helped him reach incredible heights in the world of swimming.
• Live Music
• Silent Auction (we will keep you posted with items!)
• Stories from those involved in the ministry of Blueprint Ministries
• Wine Wall
• Cost: $85/head
$765/table of 10
Bring a table of friends and get the 10th ticket free!
Contact us with any questions dinner@blueprintministries.org.au 8267 5211
From the office
Important dates
Sunday May 22nd – pre-call meeting survey to be completed
Sunday May 29th AGM’S of congregation and school @12:30
Sunday June 5th – pre-call congregational meeting @12.30 in the church
Call Team
After lengthy deliberation the Board has nominated the following to form the Call Team to meet with the Bishop on Wednesday June 22nd. In forming the Team the Board endeavoured to ensure all aspects of our large and diverse congregation was represented.
The Team is: John Dolling, Keith Kemp, Keren Sutton, Ian Pfeiffer, Deb Wesselingh, David Wilksch, Ben McAleer and Aaron Einthal
If you have suggestions on pastors who should be considered please give their name to one of the Team.
Altar furniture
This Sunday the options for upgrading the altar will be on display in the hall. A representative from the 50th Anniversary Team will be available to answer questions and you can lodge a vote (as long as you did not vote last week)
Notes from May Board meeting
• The Call Team was discussed and selected
• Motions for the AGM were finalised
• 24 x 7 one way traffic flow through the complex was discussed. It was decided to support on way from Monday thru Friday but not on weekends
• Board Chair for 2017 was discussed without resolution
Noticeboard
Lutheran Community Care
Loaves & Fishes – for May, we invite you to replenish our Emergency Relief shelves with:
Hard Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Sanitary Pads and Tuna
Thank you for helping us help others.
Your LCC representative will ensure we receive your donation.
Jesus did not let him
[the man from whom he had cast out demons]
come with him, but said,
"Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you,
and how he has had mercy on you."
Msrk 5:19
