Receive, Share and Give.
As adults, we often forget these important lessons and we become hesitant to do any of the three. Why is this? Because if we receive a gift, often we believe that deep down we are somehow inadequate and we must rely on someone else. Inadequacy is a great fear of most adult humans. When this happens, often we will lead with the words, “Oh, you shouldn’t have…” With one hand we try to downplay the gift and with the other, we reach out to accept the gift.
We do this with God quite regularly. Since the consumption of the Forbidden Fruit, humans have wanted to be God and so we believe that if we just try hard enough, or are good enough, we can do without any of God’s gifts because we can manage on our own quite well, thank you. At the same time, God’s great gifts are beyond measure so we begrudgingly accept them, at times, loving God and hating that we can’t manage on our own.
Every person has heard the words from their parents or adults in their lives, “Now, you just have to share…” These are bitter words for children because hoarding is a natural reaction in a limited world. All of the gifts we have received from God are not for hording but sharing – especially those that work the congregation: We have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy according to your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach, if it is to encourage, then encourage; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully!
Romans 12:6-8
Every Sunday, we speak briefly about giving of our time, our gifts and our resources (given first to us from God), but if you are anything like me, I give last fruits, not first fruits. From my resources of time, after a long week of work, I can ‘spare’ an hour or two to help my neighbour. From my talents, I can share a little bit (if I have to) to help my neighbour. From my resources, I carefully check my budget first before I help clothe the naked, feed the hungry, visit the imprisoned – you know the list. This is the terrestrial human condition of making sure I have enough before I give. But ironically, our greatest joys come from the times when we actually do give of our time, our gifts and our resources, and we find new zest in life when we use them for their intended purposes.
This week, we find a young man, Timothy, a seeming favourite of the Apostle Paul, who is in the midst of discovering how to receive, how to share and how to give. Even as a young man, he has been ordained with the task of remaining in a city of idolatry – Ephesus – to be ‘An example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.’ How is that for a difficult task?
Walk with me through the letters to Timothy to experience to ability to receive, share and give the Spirit of Power.
Bible Readings: 2 Timothy1:6-10
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Congregation and school AGM’s
The AGMs of school and congregation will be on this Sunday May 28th @12:30pm.
Child care for children 5 years and over will be provided for those wishing to attend the AGM this Sunday. Please sign your child in on the registration sheet at the Kingdom Kids sign in desk at the rear of the church.
This Sunday at our 10.30am service Kingdom Kids will be available for Kindy – Year 4 students. Kingdom Youth will be staying in worship this Sunday.
Toddler Zone will not be operating this Sunday.
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
Playgroup is held on Wednesdays at 9.30am in the OSCH room over at the school. Please bring pre-cut fruit 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
SOUL Crew was on last Friday night. We looked at one of the important parts from Jesus’ “Sermon on The Mount” where he talked about the Wise and Foolish Builders. The youth then got to construct their houses from biscuits and icing and a lot of lollies!! Even though we had some youth - and some leaders too I might add – on a sugar high, we still had some excellent results and everyone realised a solid foundation makes the best house.
We then had small group time looking at the verse and putting it into perspective of our lives today, and how the teachings of Jesus way back in biblical times are still very relevant to our lives today. Jesus is and always will be our ROCK!
We are really excited to now be opening up SOUL Crew to those in school year 6, so look forward to welcoming some new young people. Refer flyer for SOUL Crew dates and mark them in your diary.
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
The band has started rehearsing and Pastor Rolly is preparing his talk and discussion for the event. Preparations are well underway and we are all excited about what God has planned for this evening. Come along for a night of worship, discussion, small group time, fellowship and great music.
Pastor Rolly will be answering some questions relevant to young adults 18 and over. How do I cope with university exam pressure? My journey with Jesus as I’m getting older and possibly leave the Christian home I may be living in – what does that look like? How does my relationship change with my parents and do I need to “obey” them anymore? Where is my future headed/what does my future look like? Pastor Rolly may not have the specific answer you are looking for but come along and join in discussing these issues with other young Christians in the same or similar life stage as yourself.
A great band of young adults is preparing great music for the night too. Feel free to invite all your friends as it will be a great opportunity to reconnect or form some new friendships.
Any further questions 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
Parking lot safety
Due to the number of near misses and incidents in the church/school car park and a duty of care that we as an organisation need to adhere to, the car park at Good Shepherd will become permanent one way to all traffic. Entry only will be permitted from Montague Road and all vehicles will be required to exit onto Hillary Crescent. New traffic signs indicating flow of traffic will be in place. Please note as this is a shared area speed is restricted to 10KPH.
Notice Board
Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
Preparing For Marriage Course
4th, 11th & 18th July 2017 from 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista
An enjoyable, interactive, non-threatening way to share time with your partner and other couples, bringing benefits that can last a lifetime.
• Topics include: resolving conflict, realistic expectations, communication, and God’s Plan for marriage
• Presented in a relaxed adult educational style (it is not counselling)
• For couples planning to marry and for those recently married
Cost $100.00 couple
For more information please contact Merv & Ros Thiele 0429009847 or email: mervrost@bigpond.net.au
Winter Appeal – Donate and Give Hope
This winter we are asking you to donate and give hope to those who need it most.
Many of the people that Lutheran Community Care meets are homeless and they urgently need assistance this winter. Not only have they survived the circumstances which have resulted in homelessness, the isolation they often experience adds a further burden and getting support can be difficult. With your help, we can help people get back on their feet and experience hope again. Please visit www.lccare.org.au or phone 8269 9333 to make a donation. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Adelaide: Market Day – 3 June
Join us for a Market Day on 3 June at Family Zone Hub, 2 Belalie Rd, Ingle Farm (located on Ingle Farm primary school grounds). Toys, clothing, bric-a-brac, sausage sizzle, face painting, free giveaways. Stallholders welcome ($10 fee to book a stall), please contact inglefarm@lccare.org.au or 8349 6099
Shed Happens
Real-Deal Marriages Are Worth It
“Be turbocharged to good love, from good love to great love”
Learn How Men & Women Can Appreciate One Another’s Differences
Venue: St John's Lutheran Church Hall
Address: 182 Hancock Rd, Ridgehaven
Date: Wednesday 21st June 2017
Time: 6.00pm Registration - 6:30pm Sharp Start to 9:30pm
RSVP required by: 16th JUNE 2017 to arrange catering
Phone Jim Molloy: 0438 899 629 to reserve your seat and arrange payment
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19
