Philippians 4:7
There are many times throughout the year when we talk about Jesus’ moniker of ‘The Prince of Peace,’ and when I write that, I have this weird thing that goes on in my head. My inner voice goes deep as if I am somehow changing into Darth Vader, ‘The Prince of Peace!’ my voice sinks into the abyss and then I breathe deeply into a mask…
Of course Darth Vader really knew nothing of peace, whether internal or external, and even if he did, I’m sure that the shell of Anakin Skywalker would think about peace the same way that many do:
Striving for peace is giving in to weakness.
Striving for peace is simply an attempt to avoid conflict.
Striving for peace is less important than striving to be comfortable with myself.
But the true sense of peace comes from the Hebrew word Shalom. Perhaps you have heard that word before, maybe from The Fiddler on the Roof, Schindler’s List or Barbara Streisand’s movie, Yentl. You may tend to think that this word, Shalom, simply means ‘peace.’ But it is incredibly deeper than that.
Shalom is not shallow. It is a deep pool of tranquillity by which the ancients would sit. In essence, shalom restoreth my soul.
This week, encounter the true depth of the word Shalom and how we are shaped for it. God draws us into the margins of this shalom to guard our hearts and minds in Christ. When we encounter shalom, we find ourselves being more gentle, less anxious, more thankful, prayerful and lovingly dependent on God. (Philippians 4:6)
Join with us as Bruce Hulme opens the scriptures and this peace beyond understanding.
Reid Matthias
Lead Pastor
Bible Readings: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Jeremiah 29:4-14
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.
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program is in progress. Please keep these young people and their families in your prayers as they explore Holy Communion.
Kingdom Kids
This Sunday is Fathers’ Day! At the 10.30 service during the message the Kindy – Year 4 children will be invited to join us in the hall with their adult to make something for Dad. Our Kingdom Youth will be participating in their service event for this term – preparing and serving morning tea after the 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 on our church Face Book page! To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.
Little Lambs Playgroup
Next Wednesday Chris Jaensch will be coming in to share his music with the children and parents in the church hall. Our start time for the remainder of term 3 is 10am finishing round 11.30am. 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.
Friday night we learnt all about loving our neighbours and most of all loving our enemies. This is a real challenge to all, no matter what your age. We learnt how Jesus taught us this is the way for us all to live by so the challenge was put out to all to love their enemy, or at least think of ways they could overcome their dislike of others. This week we are kicking off our bible study. This will be fortnightly, running opposite nights to our youth events. This will be strictly looking at a topic relevant to the young people and delving into the scriptures. These nights will be more like a small group, and all are welcome. Our first series we are looking into is “Following Jesus in a selfie-centred world.”
On Saturday we had around 70 young people and leaders attend our NELY event at Blair Athol and had a fun day playing Family Feud and various music games too. Michael Mertin delivered a great message about the fact that being a Christian does not mean you have to be boring, and he referred to various Bible verses showing us that God clearly wants us to have fun, but always remembering to keep God at the centre. We had an awesome band leading us in worship too. A great day had by all.
Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au
Para Vista Women’s Fellowship Meeting - September 5th
You are most welcome to attend our next meeting in Good Shepherd Church Hall
at 1.00pm for Bible Study with Pastor Reid immediately after we welcome everyone.
This will be followed by a simple afternoon tea during which we mix and chat to one
another. We would love to see you there - Tuesday, September 5th, 1pm - 2:45pm.
Maranatha Health
It's blooming wonderful to celebrate Maranatha Health with you at our Spring Party!
Saturday 16th September
10am-12pm (presentation at 10:45am)
Knightsbridge Baptist Church Hall & Garden, 455 Glynburn Rd, Leabrook SA
This event is a thank you to our supporters, a welcome to new supporters, and a chance for to hear about the latest developments in Uganda.
BYO rugs or chairs
Gold coin donation
Please RSVP for catering purposes (incl. dietary needs) 12th September contact@maranathahealth.org
From the Office
Professional Standards Workshop
Register for participation in the Professional Standards Workshop on Sunday 10th September commencing at 12.30pm and finishing at 6.30pm. Lunch will be provided for members attending.
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.
Vacancy
Seeking an experienced individual to complete building and facilities maintenance on a casual basis. Hours will be as the need arises to perform general maintenance at Para Vista.
Requirements include: Exceptional work ethic, integrity, general handyman skills, Carpentry experience to a high standard, ability to paint and patch walls, mechanical skills and maintain a neat and tidy worksite. Please contact Stephen or the front office on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au for further information.
Notice Board
Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
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Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.
LCC job vacancies
Several job opportunities have become available at Lutheran Community Care in the last week. Please visit www.lccare.org.au/careers.html for more information.
Lutheran Homes Glynde Spring Fair 2017
is on Saturday 9th SEPTEMBER, from 9.00am till lunchtime at 22 Avenue Road Glynde.
Stalls include Biscuits and Cakes, Books, CD’s, Craft, Jams & Chutneys, Jewellery, Plants and Toys plus Devonshire Tea and continuous Sausage Sizzle.
Proceeds go to LHI Resident Care Facility projects at Glynde. If you have any questions or donations for the fair please contact Marion Schubert 8336 4361
“Whatever your hand finds to do,
do it with your might”
Ecclesiastes 9:10
