The Greek word for offence is skandalon - from which we get our English word "scandal". It’s the wooden stick that holds a trap open. It’s also the part of a mouse trap we put the bait on.
When the mouse goes for the bait, it does not end well for the mouse! Likewise, once we take the bait of offence, it does not go well for us! If we remain offended with someone, the relationship falls apart.
That can happen in our relationship with God! If we stay offended with God, it can destroy our trust in God and derail our eternal destiny. That’s why Jesus warns us to avoid the snare of offence.
Last week we looked at 3 common causes of offence:
1. Offence at when God doesn’t meet our expectations
2. The offence of familiarity
3. The offence of trouble
If you missed this, please visit our web-site and listen to the podcast.
This Sunday we’ll look at two more common causes of offence. Come along and find out what they are – and how to avoid them!
Bible Readings: Matthew 15:1-20 NLT, Matthew 16:21-28 NLT
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Installation Day
On Sunday January 22nd you are encouraged to be part of the beginning of the next exciting chapter in the life of your church home when Pastor Reid Matthias will be installed as our new Lead Pastor. We will also have the opportunity to welcome his wife Christine and three daughters Elsa, Josephine and Greta.
On the 22nd there will one service at 9:30am followed by morning tea in the hall.
You can assist in making this a memorable occasion by:
o attending the service and joining in the fellowship afterwards
o providing food for the morning tea (see note below)
o assisting with setting food up after the service or cleaning up afterwards (see below)
Food
o Please provide either savoury or sweet (please no food that needs to be heated)
o To assist with cleaning up use a disposable plate
o Bring food to kitchen before the service
o If any food needs to be kept cool, please place into one of the fridges
Preparing and Cleaning up
o Assistance is needed to put food on tables after the service
o After the morning tea, tables need to be cleared and cleaned
o Disposable cups will be used to keep cleaning to a minimum
If you can assist with the preparation or clean up please contact John Dolling - jdolling@bigpond.net.au or 83675296
Food hamper for Matthias family
Thank you to all who donated to the food hamper. Your generosity filled the Matthias’s pantry and fridge and has been gratefully accepted.
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 January that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.
Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker
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.
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.
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
Igniting the future upgrade notes
• Courtyard access
Due to removal of pavers from the courtyard rear entry to the complex is to be via the pigeon-hole corridor only. Rear double doors are for emergency exit only.
• Kitchen freezer
All ministry groups are requested to remove any items from the freezer by COB 25th January so it can be relocated. The unit will not be used for the period of renovation.
• Kitchen / Store items
By COB 25th January, all ministry groups are requested to remove or pack into boxes for storage, items that will be used once renovation has been completed.
Any concerns with the above please discuss with Stephen on 8263 5087 or szanker@paravista.org.au
A view of Adelaide to be experienced could be gained while assisting in the cleaning of the gutters. The task involves an hour of time while being able to gain a view of the surrounding area not normally seen by others. Please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or put on your Sunday Connect card your intention to be part of the “View Adelaide with a difference” team.
Equipment surplus to requirement.
The following equipment is no longer required and is available for a donation.
• 2 X portable stair gates
• 2 X baby bouncer rockers.
If anyone has requirement or knowledge of someone in need please contact the office or Stephen on 8250 1690 or via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Items can be viewed via same contact.
Prayer Training and Workshop
25-26 February 2017
Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista
Cost: $20 per person including lunch on Saturday.
Please let Sue Schenscher know if you wish to attend via 0422 799 668 or schenshes@hotmail.com
Notice Board
Meet n Eat
Meet n Eat resumes on 16th January in the school gymnasium, Mengkiwodli room. Bread distribution will also be from here. Park by school oval and follow the signs to the gym. 6.30 to 7.45pm.
Craft Group
We are a group of ladies who meet together most weeks to craft and also support, encourage, affirm and celebrate one another. We each bring our own craft to do: knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, quilting/applique, just to name a few of the crafts that we do regularly. Sometimes, not much craft gets done; we just sit and talk for 2 hours!
When: Thursday evenings
Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm
Where: currently the cry room at church
“I will instruct you and teach you
in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 32:8
