I remember the first time I heard the song, “I Come from the Land Down Under,” by Men at Work. Released in 1980, it realistically only hit the American charts in 1983, when I was an impressionable ten year old. At that time, never would I have guessed I would eventually end up living Down Under, and never would I have guessed that I could actually understand what the song was about.
It seemed like it was a foreign language. Here is some vocabulary from the song which was quite confusing to me in 1983:
What is a ‘Fried out kombi?’
Head full of Zombie?
Why are the women glowing? What are the men plundering?
And anyway, what does the word ‘chunder’ mean?
Of course now that I have lived here and been involved in the culture for over two decades, some of these questions have been answered, but the middle of the song is, in some ways, a reflection of Pentecost. (Gulp. Walk with me…)
Buying bread from a man in Brussels. He was six foot four and full of muscles. I said, “Do you speak-a my language?” He just smile and gave me a Vegemite sandwich.
Granted, I don’t understand the fascination with Vegemite – it’s well documented in my past, but the man from Brussels understands the gist of Pentecost. The Belgian is able to communicate with someone from a remote place on a completely different level by A.) smiling at the stranger and B.) offering him a connection with which he can understand.
On that first Pentecost, the disciples were baptised with the Holy Spirit and called to make a connection with words and actions. As the sound of the Living Wind swirled around them, they spoke the words God gave them, but the Holy Spirit opened the ears of all those who heard – like the reverse of the Tower of Babel. Instead of confused language, they were able to hear this new - old – message.
This week we’re going to take a look at the new words of Pentecost and the power that stems from finding connection with those with whom we are speaking. What message do we share? How do we share it?
Is there a Spiritual Vegemite sandwich?
Bible Readings: Romans 5:1-5
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Ignite the Future building update
All car parks running parallel to Montague road will be out of bounds for Saturday 3 June 2017 due to the school concrete pour. Traffic will still be able to enter from Montague road and park in the eastern carparks.
As reported at the AGM the project is now running behind schedule. The builder plans to try to finish the education/library centre as soon as possible and hand this back for use prior to the kitchen/café completion so we can have access to the full hall area.
This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost. At our 10.30am service our Kingdom Youth (Year 5-7s) will be focussing on Pentecost during their session finishing around 12pm with lunch provided afterwards. All other zones will be operating. The children will be leave worship immediately after the drama for their sessions.
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 will be held 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 is on this Friday night. We are looking at Jesus the Teacher – Part II. We will again be taking another part from the “Sermon On The Mount” and looking at how Jesus’ teachings in His time are still very relevant in today’s world to these young people. There will be lots of fun, small group time and of course food!
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 to 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. See you there. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au
Soul Crew Young Adults
The band is polished and Pastor Rolly is prepared! We are all excited about what God has planned for this Saturday night. 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, and throwing it out there for contemplation and discussion. 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
Pastoral Care Worker
(Previously known as “School Chaplain”)
GULFVIEW HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL
Schools Ministry Group along with Salisbury Hills Interchurch Network are seeking applications for this 10 hour per week position, commencing Term 3, 2017. The position exists to offer Chaplaincy Services to students, staff and the school community. A Job and Person Specification, including details on “How to Apply”, is available from Schools Ministry Group on 8378 6800 or mail@smg.asn.au
Closing date: 4 pm, Wednesday 7th June, 2017
Interested? For more info, attend the next SMG Information Session. For details, go to: www.smg.asn.au
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.
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
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;
be courageous; be strong.”
1 Corinthians 16:13
