New ideas are difficult

If you think back over the last fifty years, imagine if nothing had ever changed.  Have you ever thought of what things we would be missing out on?  Mobile phones (even if you don’t like the idea of them, they can still be helpful), personal computers, microwave ovens.  Imagine if we were still twirling the curly cord around our fingers as we were paying twenty-five cents per minute to talk to someone across the street.  Now we can text them for free when they are sitting right next to us.

New ideas can bring out the worst in people, especially for those who have power over the last new idea.  No one wants to be replaced.  No one wants their ideas to be outdated.  For the priests, the captain of the guard and the Sadducees in Jerusalem, this new idea – that in Jesus, there was a resurrection from the dead – was so difficult.  Because they could control the population with rules, with temple taxes and with force, they wanted to squelch the rumour that Peter and John were healing in the name of a crucified carpenter.  They wanted to keep power.

But all power is revealed this week in our scripture lessons in Acts.  Salvation comes in one name only: Jesus Christ.

So, this week we will look at three new ideas of the church in infancy that transformed Jerusalem.  Read along in Acts 3 – 5 and discover the story of how the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, can allow the lame to walk – perhaps even an immobile to move and jump and praise God!

Come hear a difficult new idea!

Bible Readings:   Acts 4:1-20
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is now on a break - returning Sunday 7th May.  Happy Holidays!
Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our church App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup will resume on Wednesday 3rd May at 9.30am in the OSCH room over at the school.

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.


Conferences
There is a wonderful opportunity for faithful Christian growth for both men and women coming in May.  The Grace Conference, held May 27th, is an encouragement for women of any age.  If you would like more information, please speak with Andrea Brooks, Kathy Tscharke or Debbie Wesselingh.  Also, the Adelaide Men’s Convention occurs two weeks prior, Saturday, May 13th.  More information will be coming in the next weeks, but space is limited.  Sign in early!

Notice Board

Professional Standards Workshop
A new national congregational training model is now being rolled-out across Australia and New Zealand.  The core module upacks the Standards of Ethical Behaviour policy.  It is introduced by LCA/NZ Bishop, John Henderson through a new Lutheran Media video production.

Visit http://www.sa.lca.org.au/ for upcoming workshops.

LCC: Position Vacant: Executive Assistant
We are currently seeking an experienced person with excellent written skills to prepare letters, reports and presentations in line with professional standards. A comprehensive understanding of office management systems and procedures is required, critical thinking and sound decision making skills.  The position is based at Sefton Park. For further information contact Robyn, rrichter@lccare.org.au or 8269 9333

2017 “Organists Meet and Swap”
Will now be held on SATURDAY JUNE 24th at St Martins Lutheran Church, 82 Cliff St., Mannum 10am to 3pm. Optional extra River Paddle Boat Cruise 3:30pm to 5pm
Cost: $12 students free (Cruise extra)

PLEASE REGISTER by WED JUNE 14th. For PROGRAM, REGISTRATION FORMS including Cruise information please contact Joy Mildren - 0458 650 135 or 8367 9969, joymildren@hotmail.com or your check your church noticeboard.

“Whenever I am anxious and worried,

you comfort me and make me glad.”

Psalm 94:19

Past the tomb and into life

This is the title of our new worship series starting Sunday.  Now that Jesus has conquered death, and given us a share in His resurrection, our lives can never be the same.  We now live each day in the light of:

Eternity - When you reflect on this word, what thoughts, images or feelings stir within you? 

This Sunday, come and find out what a dramatic difference Jesus made in Arthur’s life – and how his calling to write Eternity on the sidewalks of Sydney impacted the city… and decades after he died a global audience. 

An eternity of life – that’s what God offers ALL people through Jesus.  It’s Good News for every person in this planet.  As we share in the life of Jesus, we want others to experience a Jesus-focused life and to finally step into a God-filled eternity.

Bible Readings:  John 3:14-17, John 5:21-27
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Thanks for the Feast!
Many thanks to all who participated in our amazing services last weekend!  In fact, our whole season of Lent – from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday - was a feast for our eyes, music to our ears, renewal of our minds, and life for our souls. 

Thank you to all who contributed: our visual arts and drama teams, our music and tech teams, our worship hosts and hospitality teams; to those who arranged chairs, vacuumed floors, brought hot cross buns along to share; to those who organised activities for children and families; to those who prayed and to those who helped visitors feel welcome and part of our Good Shepherd family.  Your acts of love have been used by God to touch our hearts and transform our lives!

And I thank God for our worship team leader, Rochelle Denton, who has given above and beyond the call of duty to communicate with team leaders and coordinate a large chunk of this activity – together with the supervision and creative juices of Pastor Reid.  Here at Good Shepherd we are indeed blessed by you both!

Joy in Jesus!  Pr Rolly Stahl

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 now on a break - returning Sunday 7th May.  Happy Holidays!

Activity folders and Easter booklets will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our church App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup will resume on Wednesday 3rd May at 9.30am in the OSCH room over at the school.

From the Office

For sale
Surplus to requirement a Godfrey Steel 4 drawer filing cabinet.  $100.00  ONO.  For further information please contact Stephen, the church office on 8263 5087 or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Conferences
There is a wonderful opportunity for faithful Christian growth for both men and women coming in May.  The Grace Conference, held May 27th, is an encouragement for women of any age.  If you would like more information, please speak with Andrea Brooks, Kathy Tscharke or Debbie Wesselingh.  Also, the Adelaide Men’s Convention occurs two weeks prior, Saturday, May 13th.  More information will be coming in the next weeks, but space is limited.  Sign in early!

Notice Board

Professional Standards Workshop
A new national congregational training model is now being rolled-out across Australia and New Zealand.  The core module upacks the Standards of Ethical Behaviour policy.  It is introduced by LCA/NZ Bishop, John Henderson through a new Lutheran Media video production.

Visit www.sa.lca.org.au for upcoming workshops.

LCC: Position Vacant: Executive Assistant
We are currently seeking an experienced person with excellent written skills to prepare letters, reports and presentations in line with professional standards. A comprehensive understanding of office management systems and procedures is required, critical thinking and sound decision making skills.  The position is based at Sefton Park. For further information contact Robyn, rrichter@lccare.org.au or 8269 9333

Adelaide: Free Workshop: The ABCD’s of Parenting - Campbelltown
This workshop is for parents and carers and aims to provide basic tools to create happy families, build memories and raise great kids.  Monday 8th May, 6.30pm for 6.45pm-9.00pm, at Campbelltown Library Meeting Room.  To register: www.trybooking.com/PIDB 

Adelaide: Free Workshop: Balancing Screen Time for Families - Elizabeth
This interactive workshop is designed to support your understanding of the effects of too much screen time on children and the impact on families.  Wednesday 10th May, 12.30pm-2.00pm, at Elizabeth Community Centre.  For enquiries and bookings, please contact Jan Oliver at the City of Playford, 8256 0448

Adelaide: Family Fun Day and Foster Care Open Day - Glynde
Join us as we celebrate National Families Week at our family fun-day. Come along to see the newly renovated facilities at our Glynde Foster Care office, drop in for a friendly chat with our staff to enquire about foster care or simply come along, be a part of the atmosphere and join the family fun celebrations! Saturday 20th May 2017, 10.30am-2.30pm, 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde.  If you can help on the day or have an enquiry about running a stall, please contact Tessa fostercare@lccare.org.au or 8337 8787

Adelaide: Op Shop Volunteers Needed
LCC is in need of volunteers to help in our Op Shops at Blair Athol, Payneham and Smithfield.  If you want to contribute to the community and be part of a friendly team, contact Di for more information: 8269 9300 or dgerrie@lccare.org.au

2017 “Organists Meet and Swap”
Will now be held on SATURDAY JUNE 24th at St Martins Lutheran Church, 82 Cliff St., Mannum 10am to 3pm. Optional extra River Paddle Boat Cruise 3:30pm to 5pm
Cost: $12 students free (Cruise extra)

PLEASE REGISTER by WED JUNE 14th. For PROGRAM, REGISTRATION FORMS including Cruise information please contact Joy Mildren - 0458 650 135 or 8367 9969, joymildren@hotmail.com or your check your church noticeboard.

“Therefore encourage one another

and build each other up,

just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Easter Edition

Gerhard Forde writes:

The Theology of the cross arises out of the realization that it is simply disastrous to dissolve the cross in the story of glory.  Jesus was crucified “outside the camp,” not in the temple, as the Epistle to the Hebrews tells us.  The cross insists on being its own story.  It does not allow us to stand by and watch.  It does not ask us to probe endlessly for a meaning behind or above everything that would finally awaken, enlighten, and attract the exiled, slumbering soul.  The cross draws us into itself so that we become participants in the story.

We have followed the journey of the cross in Lent – Dying to Live.  Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life will lose it and whoever loses their life for me will find it. (Matthew 16:24,25)

In essence, the story from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday to Easter is that Jesus was crucified so we also are crucified with him.  We become part of the story.
Journey with us to examine the cross and the empty tomb.
We hope you are dying to live!

These are exciting times for young people at Good Shepherd.  The first weekend of the school holidays is NOVO, a Christian camp for high school students around the state.  We have an excellent group of students and leaders attending the camp – more than a dozen!  In conjunction with Golden Grove Lutheran, we have been allowed the opportunity to ride on the Golden Grove school bus with them, but in order to keep costs down, we’re looking for someone who is able and available to drive the bus to Mt. Barker on Friday, April 21st.  The bus serves many purposes, not just transportation, but connection with Golden Grove; it also benefits those parents who are working on the Friday.  If there is someone willing to drive the students, we would greatly appreciate it!

I would like to thank the incredible the team which has invested time and talents into the Holy Week worship services.  From the worship teams including band, sound technicians, worship hosts and those who work with the visuals.  Thank you to the visual arts team and all who have transformed the visual space of Good Shepherd into a multi-sense area.  Thank you to the ministry team – Rochelle, for her organization of the worship services, Rolly for his incredible ability to bring the message of the scriptures to life, Margot and Kathy for including the youth in everything that we do; Stephen, Sooty, Belinda and Helen for all of their behind the scenes coordinating.  To Steve for continually ministering to those all he encounters. 

God’s peace to you all on the holiest of holidays – Easter.

Pastor Reid
 
Bible Reading: John 20:26-29


Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
Last Sunday the children made butterflies for the Easter Sunday Service.  This Sunday the children will be invited forward to place these butterflies at the front of the church to symbolise our new life in Jesus.

Activity folders and Easter booklets will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Due to the school holidays Kingdom Kids will now be on a break, returning Sunday 7th May.  Happy Holidays!

Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our church App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
The children enjoyed an Easter egg hunt for their last session this term.  Due to the school holidays, Playgroup will now be on a break, returning Wednesday 3rd May.

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.

From Death to Life
And she sat up and ate. Olives, bread, honey. She smiled and played. Alive! This little girl was dead, wept and wailed over, is now alive! Jairus was a man of faith and desperation. He knew his child was dying. He’d seen her struggle for each breath, touched his daughter’s chalk white skin, and felt her raging heat. Seeing her dying he rushed to Jesus, the source of healing and hope. 

And Jesus followed; he prayed and touched the little girl, though she was dead. And she lived and ate and played. (Mark 5:21-43) Can you imagine the wonder and joy of that moment for Jairus and his wife, the moment where fear and grief were exchanged for delight! It’s a moment our team are privileged to share daily with mums and dads. They bring their sick sons and daughters to the Maranatha Health clinic in grief and fear, seeking a place of healing and hope.

Dr Suren Krishnan, an Australian surgeon who recently volunteered at the Maranatha Health clinic in Fort Portal shared with us his wonder at watching a child climbing the playground with his siblings, a child who days before had been on the brink of death from malaria.

This Easter as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the giver of life, please give to Maranatha Health. Your gift will bring joy to parents and children by providing access to healing and care in the Kabarole District, Uganda. www.maranathahealth.org/give

From the Office

Offerings
January - March  2017
Total Offerings – Budget $133,500    Actual $131,017    DEFICIT $2,483    

Budget Summary
January 2017
Total Income – Budget $54,675        Actual $54,196       
Total Expenses – Budget $41,758     Actual $41,840       

Brief report on progress since last Board meeting:
•    March offerings were slightly over Budget.
•    REG recovered from downward trend in February and plate was also encouragingly above budget.
•    Both income and expenditure are in line with budget.
•    We received $5,090 in March for the Ignite the Future building fund and with that already received in April there is currently just under $18,000 of pledged money to be received.
•    Audit was conducted in March.  Waiting to receive the written report by end of April.

Emergency exit pigeon hole corridor
Please note a key has been hung on the left of the pigeon hole corridor door for emergency exits.  The key will be required to exit the external gates out of hours. The key and door are to be used for emergencies only.
THIS KEY IS TO BE USED IN EMERGENCY ONLY

Air conditioners
The evaporative coolers in the church have been closed down for the winter months.  To prevent accidental usage the remote controls have been removed and will be returned when the units are opened for summer.

Chair movers
Two to three volunteers are required to assist moving chairs for the Monday night on Tuesday 18th April.  Please mark your connect card with your availability.

Easter Car parking
The school oval has been made available for parking for the Easter services.  Members are encouraged to park on the school oval to allow our guests to park in allocated parking spaces.  Please assist by parking to the eastern end of the oval and keeping as close to the fence as possible.

For sale
Surplus to requirement a Godfrey Steel 4 drawer filing cabinet.  $100.00  ONO.  For further information please contact Stephen, the church office on 8263 5087or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Conferences
There is a wonderful opportunity for faithful Christian growth for both men and women coming in May.  The Grace Conference, held May 27th, is an encouragement for women of any age.  If you would like more information, please speak with Andrea Brooks, Kathy Tscharke or Debbie Wesselingh.  Also, the Adelaide Men’s Convention occurs two weeks prior, Saturday, May 13th.  More information will be coming in the next weeks, but space is limited.  Sign in early!

Notice Board

East Africa Hunger Crisis
The outlook for the coming months for people in East Africa looks difficult. The drought is widespread, and is deteriorating faster than was even expected.
Conditions are worrying across:
* southern and south-eastern Ethiopia
* northern and coastal Kenya
* almost all of Somalia
* south-eastern South Sudan
* north-eastern Uganda
Please follow this link https://www.alws.org.au/ if you can help.

2017 “Organists Meet and Swap” with the theme, ‘looking back – moving forward – reaching out’, will be a stimulating networking event for all your church’s organists and worship musicians.

PROGRAM features a thought-provoking keynote presentation in celebration of the 500 year old Reformation, practical ‘Stop Talk” on Pogson pipe organ, demonstrations of software to easily arrange music for various worship musicians…. And more! 

SATURDAY MAY 20TH at St Martins Lutheran Church, 82 Cliff St.,
Mannum 10am to 3-30pm with relaxing optional River Paddle Boat Cruise 4pm to 5-30pm
Cost : $12, students free….. (Cruise cost extra). Contact Joy Mildren - 0458 650 135 or 8367 9969, joymildren@hotmail.com for more details.

“He was delivered up for our trespasses

and raised for our justification.”

Romans 4:25

Crowds have enormous power

Last week David Wilksch, the principal of the school, took me to the Power/Dockers game.  Some may know this, but I’m a Fremantle fan and it was an interesting proposition to sit in the midst of a sea of teal listening to the Power crowd become hyped for the game.  There was an interesting moment (yes, just one moment) where the umpire made a questionable call and within moments, even though the Power were winning the game by a large margin, the boo birds took flight at the Adelaide Oval.  As I watched and listened, even the children who weren’t watching the game took notice and began to vociferously add their version of calling out their displeasure.

Sometimes, crowds take on a life of their own and absorb anyone in their path.

In our gospel lesson Palm Sunday, we notice that one of the main characters of the story is the amorphous crowd which has been traveling with Jesus, following his progress and daring to hope that he might be the one about whom all the prophets spoke: to be the true king of Israel – eject the Romans and establish the reign of man forever.

It would have been very easy for Jesus to revel in the love.  It would have been very easy for him, like it is for us, to simply take up the call of the crowds, not because he wanted to, but because it’s such a wonderful feeling to be adored.  But he didn’t. 

He remained silent – the ‘Hosanna’s’ shouted – “Save us!” – would be accomplished in his time and in his way set aside for him by his Father in Heaven.

Listen carefully this week for the complete story of the crowd and what happens in Jesus’ good time.
 
Bible Reading:  Matthew 21:1-11, Romans 1:16-17
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
This Sunday will be our last session of Kingdom Kids for Term 1 as we will be taking a break over the school holidays.  At our 10.30am service the children will be invited out to make butterflies for the Easter Sunday service.

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our church App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Our last session for Term 1 will be held at 9.30am in the OSCH room over at the school.  We will be celebrating Easter!  Please bring a plate of party food to share.  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
SOUL Crew held our Girl/Guy Night with a twist.  We sent the girls off with the male leaders to do “Bloke stuff” and the guys stayed with the female leaders to do “Girlie stuff”.  This proved to be an interesting, yet fun night for all.  We did discover though that girls are happier to adapt to doing guy stuff, rather than guys are at doing girl stuff.
 
SOUL Crew is being held again this Friday due to Good Friday next week.  This week SOUL Crew will be invaded by aliens, and the only way to save SOUL Crew is by the telling of the Easter story and convincing these aliens that they should come to know our awesome saviour Jesus and what He has done for us.  It will be a great night.

SOUL Crew is a great way for like-minded teens to come together and explore their faith in a safe non-judgemental environment, so feel free to invite all your friends. 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 Death to Life
And she sat up and ate. Olives, bread, honey. She smiled and played. Alive! This little girl was dead, wept and wailed over, is now alive! Jairus was a man of faith and desperation. He knew his child was dying. He’d seen her struggle for each breath, touched his daughter’s chalk white skin, and felt her raging heat. Seeing her dying he rushed to Jesus, the source of healing and hope. 

And Jesus followed; he prayed and touched the little girl, though she was dead. And she lived and ate and played. (Mark 5:21-43) Can you imagine the wonder and joy of that moment for Jairus and his wife, the moment where fear and grief were exchanged for delight! It’s a moment our team are privileged to share daily with mums and dads. They bring their sick sons and daughters to the Maranatha Health clinic in grief and fear, seeking a place of healing and hope.

Dr Suren Krishnan, an Australian surgeon who recently volunteered at the Maranatha Health clinic in Fort Portal shared with us his wonder at watching a child climbing the playground with his siblings, a child who days before had been on the brink of death from malaria.

This Easter as you celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the giver of life, please give to Maranatha Health. Your gift will bring joy to parents and children by providing access to healing and care in the Kabarole District, Uganda.

www.maranathahealth.org/give

 

From the Office

First Aid
Thank you to all who responded to the First Aid register.  A list has been compiled and is displayed near the worship host desk for reference.  Please advise us if your circumstances change.

Ordination meetings start soon
All LCA/NZ members are invited to be a part of the discussion regarding the ordination of women and men in the church, with consultations already started.
Your chance to be involved can be by attending one of the consultations as below:
Sat 1 April, 9am    St Paul Lutheran Church, Blair Athol SA
Sun 2 April, 2pm    St Paul's Lutheran Church, Glenelg SA
Sun 23 April, 2pm    Zion Lutheran Church, Berri SA
Sun 7 May, 2pm    St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa SA

All available details of consultation meetings are listed in the table on the OWL (Ordination We’re Listening) website at owl.lca.org.au/consultations

Further information can be requested from the LCA National Office email admin@lca.org.au or phone 08 8267 7300.

Conferences
There is a wonderful opportunity for faithful Christian growth for both men and women coming in May.  The Grace Conference, held May 27th, is an encouragement for women of any age.  If you would like more information, please speak with Andrea Brooks, Kathy Tscharke or Debbie Wesselingh.  Also, the Adelaide Men’s Convention occurs two weeks prior, Saturday, May 13th.  More information will be coming in the next weeks, but space is limited.  Sign in early!

Notice Board

East Africa Hunger Crisis
The outlook for the coming months for people in East Africa looks difficult. The drought is widespread, and is deteriorating faster than was even expected.
Conditions are worrying across:
* southern and south-eastern Ethiopia
* northern and coastal Kenya
* almost all of Somalia
* south-eastern South Sudan
* north-eastern Uganda
Please follow this link https://www.alws.org.au/ if you can help.

You are invited to a STATIONS OF THE CROSS An Easter Reflection
Good Friday – 14th April 2017
1pm to 5pm
Please see notice board for further information

Position Vacant
Mainly Music Co-Ordinator (paid position)
4 hours/week including Monday morning session. Ideal position for parent with young children.
Full job description available from office.htlc@lca.org.au or Phone: 8261 6236

Stalin & stinging-nettle soup! At the April meeting of Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) Elisabeth Edser, a member of Blackwood congregation, will describe her mother’s journey from Poland to Australia & the unbelievable challenges that she had to face. Please come & join us on Monday April 24th, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30 pm.  Supper & gold coin donation.

2017 “Organists Meet and Swap” with the theme, ‘looking back – moving forward – reaching out’, will be a stimulating networking event for all your church’s organists and worship musicians.

PROGRAM features a thought-provoking keynote presentation in celebration of the 500 year old Reformation, practical ‘Stop Talk” on Pogson pipe organ, demonstrations of software to easily arrange music for various worship musicians…. And more! 

SATURDAY MAY 20TH at St Martins Lutheran Church, 82 Cliff St.,
Mannum 10am to 3-30pm with relaxing optional River Paddle Boat Cruise 4pm to 5-30pm
Cost : $12, students free….. (Cruise cost extra). Contact Joy Mildren - 0458 650 135 or 8367 9969, joymildren@hotmail.com for more details.

“Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

Ephesians 4:2