Friday, September 2, 2016

Getting past your past - Part 2.

Forgiving those who hurt you

Since all of us are imperfect people, at times we will offend or hurt one another. When you’re on the receiving end of that, how do you usually deal with it?

What we do with that hurt will either enslave us in bitterness; or release us into freedom.  And it all depends on forgiveness. 

Yes, forgiveness always comes at a cost. 
But the cost of unforgiveness is much greater! 

Bitterness from hurts of the past is like dragging around a rotting carcase. Sure, we can put on a mask and pretend we’re doing well.  But like spraying air freshener, it doesn’t deal with the cause!   Unless we deal with those hurts, they keep fouling up our relationship with God, and tainting our relationships with others.

Jesus didn’t just talk about forgiveness - he lived it!  By the presence of Jesus in us, we can do the same!  This Sunday’s theme: Forgiving those who hurt you.

Come along and let Jesus free you from hurts of the past. “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36 NIV)

Bible Reading: Matthew 18:21-35
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.

Call Meeting outcome
Last Sunday 99 people who call Good Shepherd their church home attended the Call meeting to decide who to call to be our new Lead Pastor. After an explanation of the process used by the Call Team to reach its recommendation and prayer lead by Bishop David, the meeting voted unanimously to issue a call to Reid Matthias to be our new Lead Pastor

Special Screening ‘Miracles From Heaven’
Sunday September 11th 4-6PM
Our follow up movie afternoon from War Room - Miracles from Heaven is an equally compelling movie based on a true story.

Miracles from Heaven is a 2016 American Christian drama film directed by Patricia Riggen and written by Randy Brown. It recounts the true story of a young girl who had a near-death experience and was later cured of an incurable disease.
 
Kingdom Kids
This Sunday is Fathers’ Day and we will be having an activity for the children during the message at the 10.30 service in the hall.  Our Kingdom Youth will be preparing and serving morning tea to Dads after the service.  We would love to see you there!

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 September 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
Last Friday night we had a great informal time of worship and sharing and those that came along shared their favourite songs with us and we had an awesome time of free discussion and singing. 

We played a few board games which provided many, many laughs and some great hidden talents of drawing!! Next Friday we will be entertained by our guest speaker, so we are all excited on what will be presented. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth
Last Saturday we again had a fantastic group of 50 youth from the four different Lutheran youth groups in the local area come along for a fun filled day. The young people participated in an Amazing Race and we put them through the rounds of matching socks, keeping balloons airborne, a bible quiz, a playground routine, kicking soccer goals, doing some shopping and finishing off through an obstacle course. 

They actually had to leave the grounds and navigate their way around the local venues.  After 2 ½ hours some very tired young troupers returned to a nourishing dinner.  This was followed by a fantastic message on being a team player and who delivers our ultimate victory, delivered by Pastor Greg Fowler from Golden Grove. 

To top that off we had our very own leaders from all youth groups forming an awesome sounding band to finish our worship.  A great day had by all.  Stay tuned for details on our next NELY joint event on November 19th!!

Margot Mertin
Ministry Team Leader

Maranatha Health
You are invited to celebrate our blessings with Maranatha Health
Saturday 17 September, 10am-12pm
Philps Reserve, Glynburn Rd, Leabrook

We want to say a big 'thank you' to Maranatha Health supporters, welcome new supporters, and tell you all the latest stories and developments of our projects in Uganda – with special guests, the Findlays.

Bring along a chair or picnic rug and join us for a family friendly morning of live music and morning refreshments (brunch), with traditional Ethiopian coffee and espresso coffee for sale. Browse at the market stalls of homemade, African and other goods, with all proceeds to support the work of Maranatha Health.

Please be part of the celebration and invite your family and friends!
RSVP for catering purposes to contact@maranathahealth.org

Maranatha Health Spring Stall - After services Sunday 11th September
Spring is just around the corner! You are invited to celebrate the blessings of spring by sharing your blessings with others. Join us after services in the hall and or courtyard (depending on weather) for a Spring Goods and Gifts Stall, with all proceeds to support the work of Maranatha Health. We'd love you to gather some goodies from your garden, kitchen, craft corner or shed to make the stall a diverse delight for all (please include an ingredients list if you provide baked goods). Tax deductible donations are always welcome too.

Maranatha Health exists to bless others and bring life - be a part of the blessing this spring!
For more information contact Keren keren.sutton@maranathahealth.org

Para Vista Women's Fellowship
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 6th @ 1pm
WHERE: Good Shepherd Hall
WHO:  June Barring
TOPIC: Breast Cancer
All are very welcome to attend.

From the office

LED Sign
Due to the technical difficulties we have been having with the electronic componentry of the LED sign on Montague Road since installation, the installation company One World LED has decided to remove the sign casings to be taken to a workshop for repairs.  Repairs to date have not been satisfactory and further work cannot be completed onsite and will need to be done in a workshop. At this stage we do not have a completion date.  

Thank you
To the volunteers who helped mulch all the garden waste for the front garden beds and levelled the garden beds in preparation for planting. 

Vacancy
An opportunity exists for respondents to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church.  Please contact Stephen on szanker@paravista.org.au, the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card if you are able to assist.

Noticeboard

Professional Standards Workshop
Venue Salisbury Luth. Church 10 Waterloo Corner Road
Date 15th October 2016 Time 9am-4pm (sign-in from 8:45am) Cost: $35 per person
REGISTRATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL! Please register online at www.sa.lca.org.au

A new workshop providing a coordinated & comprehensive approach to:
•    Health & Safety for congregations
•    Prevention of harassment, bullying & abuse
•    Complaints handling
•    ChildSafe Team Member
This is more than a replacement for Safe Place and ChildSafe training

Lutheran Media
You are invited to the Lutheran Media 70th Anniversary High Tea to celebrate 70 years of communicating Christ.  Come along and hear Jayne Lochert, radio host of Coffee O’Clock on Life FM share her insights and listen to talented Lutheran musicians.

Join us for an afternoon of fun food and friendship as we hear how media may be used to reach out to people in the future.  The event is on the 18th September from 2pm to 5pm at the Pavilion on the Park, South Terrace, Adelaide. Tickets are $49 per person Phone 1800 353 350 or go to www.lutheranmedia.org.au  to order online

Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14