But what happened on the Saturday in between?
Jesus was already dead and buried.
The chief priests and teachers of the law were smug about getting rid of him.
The women were weeping and wondering how it had come to this.
The disciples were hiding behind locked doors, terrified and reeling with grief.
For the Jews, it was Sabbath – a day of rest.
It seems like NOTHING was happening - that the kingdom of God ushered in by Jesus had come to a dead stop. Until the next day!
When tragedy strikes or life turns sour - and we cannot fathom what God is up to, or where God is in our mess - we are in the winter season of the soul. Some writers refer to it as: “The Dark Night of the Soul.”
Have you ever felt like that?
- Perhaps the death of a loved one, a dream has been dashed, or a broken relationship has left you a dense spiritual fog?
- After a series of unfortunate events, perhaps you wonder about God’s love for you personally – maybe even question God’s existence.
- There’s a feeling of being stuck, as if nothing is happening, that there are no clear solutions, or our issues are not resolving.
Winter can be a very dark, cold and lonely place to find one’s self. Yet our experience is NOT new. Our ancient book of Psalms has many complaints to God when “it hits the fan”. And Jesus knows exactly how we feel.
This Sunday we look at how to keep a godly perspective in this season, as well as some practical guidelines for getting through this season. I hope it will be helpful for every one of us! It will be the final part of our series: Seasons of the Soul.
Pr Rolly
Bible Readings: Psalm 13 John 12:23-33 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Appreciation
Over the last few weeks of intense pastoral ministry, I have been sustained and encouraged by your support and prayers. I am humbled and grateful. In addition, many of you have helped out with care and comfort of those in grief, as well as in practical ways for the funeral services that have come our way. Together, our Good Shepherd family has showed the compassion of Jesus to hundreds of people in their season of sorrow. Thank you! It is an honour serving with you!
Pr Rolly
Bring in a symbol of your transformation.
Sunday 29th October is our combined service celebration at 9:30am for Reformation - 500 years. Paul was transformed on the road to Damascus. Luther was transformed whilst out in a lightning storm. What about your transformation?
To go along with our theme 'From Transformation to Reformation’ - we are asking people to bring in a symbol - something that was instrumental in their transformation. It could be a painting, a book, a note, a bible! Bring it into the church office this week with a brief note of its importance and we will display them in the Education Centre adjacent to the hall. There will be tables set up inside.
Good Shepherd Remembrance Service
We’re having another Remembrance Service on Saturday November 4th at 1:30pm. The aims are to remember loved ones who have died, to share our grief with one another, and to seek God’s comfort in Jesus. It’s open to all who would like to come. As part of that service, family members and friends will have an opportunity to light a candle.
We also would like to read out a list of names of those being remembered. If you would like a loved one’s name to be read out, you can make this known as you arrive on the day. Some helpers will be recording names for the list, and if you wish you can include the date of their death.
Following the service, there will be an afternoon cuppa in the hall.
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 begins again for term 4 at our 10.30am service this Sunday for 10 month – Year 4 aged children. 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 week at Little Lambs Playgroup, Salisbury Council will be coming in to run a preschool age literacy program engaging children and parents for 4 weeks at 9.30am in the church hall. Please bring pre-cut fruit to share. We look forward to seeing you there!
Youth is back for term 4 – starting this Friday. We are starting our series – Jesus-Who Are We? This week we are looking at what it means to look beyond ourselves and take care of others. Supper will be provided and there will be games, small group discussion times and lots more! See you all tomorrow night. Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au
If anyone is interested in volunteering or supporting Para Vista Green Team in any way, for Schoolies, please get in contact with Margot or the church office as soon as possible. Registrations for Green Team close on 23rd October.
From the Office
Office Desks. Good condition. Size =1800mm wide X 900mm deep, see picture (extras not included). 4 available. To view items or for more information please contact Stephen or the front office on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.
Lost Property
Lost property can be found near the worship host desk. Please have a look and claim any items that you may misplaced. Any unclaimed property that have been left too long will be placed in the LCC bin.
Staff Retreat
The church office will be closed for a staff retreat on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th November.
Notice Board
GARDEN AND GOODIES
'Because we couldn't get to the recent Family Zone Hub market day, we've decided to hold our own GARDEN AND GOODIES stall here at church to support the vital local ministry of Lutheran Community Care. So come along on November 5th after both services and have a browse! We would really appreciate donations of plants and or baked treats on the day. Please contact Sonia Hulme (0428427931) if you'd like to contribute or help out.'
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Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
Christmas Trees
Christmas tree orders can be placed at Holycross Birdwood. Order forms are in the attached email and can also be found on the church noticeboard.
“I will fulfil my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.”
Psalm 116:14
