Philip Yancey writes about Nouwen and his change. “Nouwen changed his approach from ‘selling perals,’ or peddling the good news, to ‘hunting for treasure’ already present in those he was called to love – a shift from dispensing religion to dispensing grace. It makes all the difference in the world whether I view my neighbour as a potential convert or as someone whom God already loves…”
This week we’ll begin our July series looking at the path which is the foundation of Christianity. The series, titled ‘Going Solo,’ is not about living life or faith solo, but understanding the five solas , or ‘alones,’ of Lutheran identity.
Saved by Grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, found in scripture alone, for the glory of God alone.
In our first week, we’ll discover the difference between what Dietrich Bonhoeffer calls ‘cheap grace’ which is not a saving grace, and God’s love that passes all understanding in the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.
We’re going to challenge our own human natures to be masters of our own destinies to be drawn into God’s graceful story. From his story, we move into the world.
Bring your Bibles or follow along on your phones. We’ll be digging in this week.
Bible Readings: Acts 20:22-32, Isaiah 58:6-12, Luke 7:11-17
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.
July is Family Focus Month
During the month of July, Pastor Reid would like families and children to serve in the worship services. This could include prayers, readings or testimonials. If you would like to be involved, please let Margot know how and which Sunday you would be available.
We would also like to have families serving together. This could include welcoming, hosting, taking up the offering or helping out with morning tea.
Please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au
To God be the glory in July as his people serve Him in worship and each other!
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 now on a break. We will resume on Wednesday 26th July.
SOUL Crew is on this Friday, last for the term, and we will be finishing the last in our series of “Jesus – Who is He?” Bring your bible and bring your friends as we learn about Jesus the Miracle Man in an interesting, fun way. There will be a time of large group, small group, games and of course we always have supper!!
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. Cost is $2 to cover supper.
Christian Life Week is coming up in the July school holidays and these are week long camps, spending time with other Christian teens hanging out, playing games, studying the bible and having small group discussions. This year the camp is held at Port Hughes and run over 2 weeks – split into school year levels - and the camps will be tailored to the specific age groups.
10th-14th July – Year 7-9
17th-21st July – Year 10-12 Cost $220-00
Para Vista has a number of campers already registered and also quite a few SOUL Crew leaders will be leading on camp. I urge you to go ahead and register and be set for an awesome time. If finances are the only reason stopping any young person attending camp, please contact me and we can come to some sort of arrangement.
WANTED - Off-Site Camp Prayer Warriors
"I used to think that prayer should have the first place and teaching the second. I now feel it would be truer to give prayer the first, second and third places and teaching the fourth."
- James O. Fraser (1886 – 1938; missionary to China)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.
Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
– Ephesians 6:18
This year, we have an exciting opportunity again for parents, caregivers, friends and fellow believers to be involved in an off-site prayer team for camp. Working with the prayer support of leaders during camp, you are able to nominate this year to participate in receiving prayer requests throughout a week of camp (or both camps, if you like!) These requests will be distributed to you via text messages from a leader on camp; there are generally 3-4 updates each day.
We are excited at the idea of having so many parents, caregivers, and church members praying for our campers and leaders throughout the week. We have experienced the power of prayer in our lives, and we know how good it is when we are united in prayer. We hope you will be interested in supporting camp in this way.
Details needed from participants:
● During which camp they would like to receive prayer updates; from Sunday 9th - Saturday 15th July (Year 7-9), or from Sunday 16th - Saturday 22nd July (Years 10-12), or both
● Name (at least a first name)
● Mobile phone number
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au
Notice Board
Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
BAROSSA: Position Vacant – Financial Counsellor
We are looking for a qualified Financial Counsellor to assist clients with budgeting, debt-related issues and information about their financial rights and responsibilities. The position is a 12 month contract to 30 June 2018, working 3-4 days a week. For more information, please contact Leigh tel: 8269 9300 or email: lgoodenough@lccare.org.au A copy of the Job Description is available on our website: www.lccare.org.au
Adelaide: Op Shop Volunteers Needed
LCC is in need of volunteers to help in our Op Shops at Blair Athol and Smithfield. We are also looking for volunteers to help sort donations at the Blair Athol shop. 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
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.
Cost $100.00 couple
For more information please contact Merv & Ros Thiele 0429009847 or email: mervrost@bigpond.net.au
Professional Standards
The Professional Standards Department of the SA/NT District was established by the LCA to assist all those who engage with our church to care for one another.
There is now a Professional Standards Officer in every District of the LCA.
Caring for one another requires a little effort from us. It's something we need to choose to do. It's love in action.
It's what we are called to do as Christians.
The LCA and its districts have policies and procedures to help us know appropriate ways of behaving and responding to matters that life throws at us. We need to take special care of the vulnerable people, the frail, the sick, the sad and especially our children. In the past we may have tried to ‘fix things up’ after an incident occurred, but our new focus is on the prevention of harm.
The LCA offers a number of different types of training and workshops to help congregations meet their Health and Safety, and ChildSafe obligations.
As part of this Good Shepherd will host two opportunities to participate in the Professional Standards Workshop (PSW) on Sunday 6th August and again on Sunday 10th September commencing at 12.30pm and finishing at 6.30pm. You only need to attend one.
This workshop focuses on the prevention of harassment and abuse (including Safe Place) and ChildSafe team member combined into one workshop, removing the need for congregation members to complete two types of training.
This is the foundation training which must be completed before other levels of training offered by the LCA.
The workshop numbers are capped at 35 people. This is due to the interactive nature of the sessions so early registration is recommended. Registration is via online system and is accessible here: https://goo.gl/Zanktk and also via the SA/NT District website. If you do not have computer access please contact the church office and they will assist in registration.
Cost for each participant is $40.00. If this is prohibitive for you please contact the church office or Stephen on 8263 5087 and some concession can be arranged.
This workshop is required by all church leaders and recommended for all adult members. A luncheon will be provided for participants directly after service on Sunday to enable the workshop to commence and finish on time. Please see the notice board and slide adverts for further information.
“In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”
Psalm 5:3
