Friday, November 24, 2017

Finishing the race together

Over the last few weeks we’ve been talking about life together with Jesus as a relay race – one where we are always seeking to pass on the baton to the next generations. 

How often do you think about finishing the race – and what comes next?
Do such thoughts fill you with dread – or with eager anticipation? 

OK, I get that none of us looks forward to suffering. Yet in time, each of us will cross the finishing line of this life… and enter eternity. 

Where will you spend eternity – and how can you be sure about that? 

What’s your favourite picture of heaven – and when’s the last time you talked about that with the people you know and love? 

When’s the last time you shared the reason for the hope that you have with gentleness and respect? 

I wonder, have we allowed the world fill us with its desolation and gloom?  If we are more infused by the despair of our culture than hope in Jesus, what sort of baton are we passing on to the next generations?   

Paul writes: “For me, to live in Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)  After encountering Jesus, Paul never lost sight of his identity and destiny in Christ.  He kept pointing people to Jesus so they could have a hope and a future. 

Having conquered death, Jesus has opened the way for every person on this planet to inherit eternal life.  In a culture filled with despair, we have Good News of hope to share. 

The next generations need us to run alongside them, pass the baton to them, and keep cheering them on for as long as we’re around. 

The next generations need to see us finish our race with faith and hope in Jesus – that crossing the finishing line of this life - to be with Jesus - is better by far! 

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings:    Philippians 3:10-14    2 Timothy 4:1-8 
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.

Half Yearly AGM
The Half Yearly meetings for the congregation and school will be held this Sunday 26th November at 12:30pm.  Hard copies of the meeting information are in the Church Foyer. 


Christmas Eve 5pm Service
This year we will again have a 5pm service where children can participate.  First rehearsal Sunday 3rd December.  Speaking and non speaking parts are available.  If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids
This Sunday Kingdom Kids will be available at the 10.30am service for 10 month – Year 7 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
Little Lambs Playgroup meets in the church hall at 9.30am on Wednesday mornings during the school term.  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.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Celebrate this Christmas with Maranatha Health
Maranatha Health invites you to join us this Christmas as together we share Momentous News, Dynamic Hope, Boundless Joy and Fervent Love.

Read, reflect and share our four-part reflection series in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Our advent reflections are available in printed form from the church, or download them here Advent Reflections

We invite you to learn, share and donate - and give a gift that lasts long into the future. Plus, when you donate you'll receive a gift card so you can share your gift with your family, friends and colleagues.

May your Christmas be filled with delight as you share Momentous News, Dynamic Hope, Boundless Joy and Fervent Love with those around you!
maranathahealth.org/give/christmas

From the Office

Office Hours Reminder
Reminder that the church office now closes at 3pm each day

Offering Envelopes
Dated weekly offering envelopes are now available in the front foyer of the church. 
Should you wish a box to be put aside please let office staff know via email or phone.

Ignite the Future building update
We were given a tentative hand over date of Friday 24th November.  However as there are still defects that need to be rectified it is highly unlikely the builder will meet this date.

This week the electrician has installed all the lighting fixtures, and the small passageway from the old Narthex to the Hall has been re-opened.  Painting is finished except for a few touch-up areas and the dishwasher has been installed in the main kitchen along with associated bench space.

Flooring has also been added to the cafe area and entrance, and the temporary hoarding has been removed from the corridor so you can get a clear view of the new area.  As it is tempting to venture in for closer look, bollards and flags have been put in place.  Please resist the urge as the site is still under the control of the builder until it is officially handed over to the congregation.

There will be a detailed report given at the congregational meeting on Sunday.

Notice Board

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au 
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

Dried apricots 
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

ALC Graduation
All are invited to celebrate the academic achievements of graduates of Australian Lutheran College at the University of Divinity’s upcoming Adelaide Graduation Ceremony.
The Graduation will be held at Immanuel College, Novar Gardens on Thursday, 30 November at 7.30pm.


“Therefore encourage one another 
and build each other up, 
just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Friday, November 17, 2017

Not a Marathon but a Relay


For those who are older, have you ever started a sentence with the words, “Back when I was a kid, we…”

They are reminiscing words.  In saying them, we remember a different time and, often, compare and contrast with the present age.  Usually the past has become more golden, and the present more tarnished, and yet if we look with unclouded eyes, will see that nothing ever really changes other than hairstyles and clothing.

The Psalmist who writes the 71st, is reflecting back on a life lived in the glorious shadow of God’s power and strength.  Everything that has happened, and everything spoken and acted, has been a response to how God has willingly moved in the Psalmist’s life.  And as he nears the end, as he reflects back, he pauses to rejoice that he has been given the task and duty to declare the magnificence of God to the next generation.

In essence, his duty has been to pass the baton of religious faith to the next generation.

Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generations, your mighty acts to all who are to come.  (Psalm 71:18)

Have you reflected lately on the power and majesty of God in your own life?  How have you passed on this religious faith to others?  Can you put your finger on a moment, or moments, when there could have been no other power on earth that could have conquered other than that of Jesus Christ in all of his glory?

This week, we’ll be exploring the traditional understanding of life as a marathon race, run in competition with others, and a better understanding of life as a relay race where the baton of religious faith is passed on from generation to generation by the retelling of the stories of God in and amongst everyday life. 

We’ll look at Jesus own relay race in which he ran with the baton of faith and passed it on to the disciples without them really even knowing it at the time.  It was subtle.  It was quick.  And it was dangerous.

Pastor Reid

Bible Readings:     Psalms 71:5-18   
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.

Half Yearly AGM
The Half Yearly meetings for the congregation and school will be held on Sunday 26th November 26th at 12:30pm.  Hard copies of the meeting information are in the Church Foyer.  Copies will also be emailed out early next week.

Thank you
A big thank you to all for your support of our recent plant stall which raised $275 for the work of Lutheran Community Care and the Family Zone Hub. Your support is invaluable.  Also, a massive thank you to Eric Hoffmanis who spent many hours installing desperately needed shelving for storage of toys and equipment at The Hub.


 Kingdom Kids
This Sunday Kingdom Kids will be available at the 10.30am service for 10 month – Year 7 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
Little Lambs Playgroup meets in the church hall at 9.30am on Wednesday mornings during the school term.  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.  We look forward to seeing you there!

From the Office

Office Hours Reminder
Reminder that the church office now closes at 3pm each day

Finance Report 
Offerings
January – October 2017
Total Offerings – Budget $420,500 Actual $421,002 OVER $502

Budget Summary
January – September 2017
Total Income – Budget $415,085 Actual $414,702 UNDER $383
Total Expenses – Budget $412,882 Actual $394,167 UNDER $18,715
PROJECTED SURPLUS OF $19,461 FOR 2017

Notes since last Board meeting:
Offerings in October were $1,500 under budget due to REG being well under budget and plate above budget continuing this year’s trend
Plate Offerings for the first 8 months were averaging around $4,000 per Sunday, since then we have been averaging $3,750 per Sunday
Expenses were under budget in August & September mainly in administration and ministries

Ignite Budget Update
Ignite donations expectedly were the lowest since campaign started as we have now received $4k above that pledged
A $3,990 oven has been purchased for building project which has been funded from the Asset Replacement Account
Donations for the Ignite project are still appreciated as there are fittings and furnishings still required to make the new area hospitable

Donations to the Ignite building project can be made via:
The collection plate in an envelope marked Ignite Project, or
Direct debit BSB: 704 942 Account: 154796 Account Name: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Media Shout Familiarisation
A free Media Shout Familirasition will be held at the church on Tuesday 21st November starting at 6pm.  Learn how to program our Sunday Display screens.  No prior knowledge is required.

Time Out/Devotion Books
If anyone would like to order a 2018 Time Out Devotion book please let the office know via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087

Yearbook 2018
If anyone would like to order a 2018 Year Book please let the office know via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087

Notice Board

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au 
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

Dried apricots 
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

ALC Graduation
All are invited to celebrate the academic achievements of graduates of Australian Lutheran College at the University of Divinity’s upcoming Adelaide Graduation Ceremony.
The Graduation will be held at Immanuel College, Novar Gardens on Thursday, 30 November at 7.30pm.


“Have I not commanded you?  
Be strong and courageous.  
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,
for the LORD your God will be with you 
wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

Friday, November 10, 2017

Disciplined for success

Last week Pr Reid used the image of a relay race to talk about our faith journey.  We need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, to consider what he endured for us, and to persevere.  And we need to do the race together as a team.  One key issue for us: How effectively are we “passing on the baton” to the next generations? 

This Sunday we look at how those first Christians were facing trials.  Rather than dropping out of the race, the writer to the Hebrews wants to help them see what God might be doing in their lives.  

Perhaps there are ways God grows us his children though hardships that are unlikely to happen through comfort.  Not everything that’s hard in life is harmful!

One of the key words in our reading is “discipline”. 
•    If a child receives no mentoring or discipline, how does that work out? 
•    Is the aim of discipline to break us or to make us stronger?
•    What might be the long-range benefits of discipline?
•    How does discipline relate to being a disciple of Jesus?

In our Good Shepherd family, the next generations need to see and experience disciples of Jesus who do not drop out of the race because of difficulties, hardships or trials - but regard that as a normal part of their training and growth towards maturity. 

Pr Rolly

Bible Readings:     Hebrews 12:4-13   
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Half Yearly AGM
All congregation members are invited to attend an exciting recap of the last six months and gaze into the future. Begins after the second service on Sunday 26th November 2017.

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
This Sunday Kingdom Kids will be available at the 10.30am service for Kindy – 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
On Wednesday Katya from Salisbury Council will be coming in to run the final session of their preschool age literacy program engaging children and parents.  Playgroup begins at 9.30am in the church hall. Please bring pre cut fruit to share. We look forward to seeing you there!

Youth Ministry
Last week we had an event about Evangelism and sharing our faith.  By the end of the night we walked away with some fresh ideas on how to share our faith without appearing to be a “bible basher”, just being a loving, caring Christian.  We managed to evangelise and preach about God using some very basic items – a rubber band, a freddo frog, a mentos mint, a stapler, some sticky tape and many more every day household items.  The youth were very creative in linking the object to the love of God without being over the top and forcing the issue.  It was a lot of fun.  Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au

SOUL Crew Young Adults
Saturday night - 11th November from 5.30-9.30pm we are hosting an event for 18+ around the topic of “Sexuality and Relationships.”  We will start the evening with some fun and games and of course food.  Then we will have a time of worship together and a large amount of time will be devoted to discussing this very relevant, but often “taboo” subject of sexuality and relationships.  We have an awesome pastor panel line-up – Pastors Reid Matthias, Rolly Stahl, Eugene Minge and Greg Fowler will be joining us to answer our questions. Cost is $5 to cover the cost of pizza.  Bring your own drinks, but there will be $1 soft drinks available.  Invite along a group of friends – Christian or non-Christian to come along for a great night.  Hope to see you all there.  Any further details please contact Margot 0401 850814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au

From the Office

Office Hours
Due to staffing changes the church office will close at 3.00pm each day starting as of Monday 13th November 2017.  If this is going to impact your ministry please contact Stephen on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au to discuss.

Media Shout Familiarisation
Want to learn a new skill for free?  Contact the church office or mark your welcome card with Media Shout to learn how to program our Sunday Display screens.  No prior knowledge is required.

Are these yours?
A number of trays and serving dishes have been left in the hall after the past community luncheons and events.  If they are not removed from the hall by 20th November they will be placed in the Lutheran Community Care bin.

For Sale $30.00 or nearest offer!
Office Desks. Good condition. See picture.
Items can be viewed or for more information please contact Stephen or the front office on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.

Time Out/Devotion Books
If anyone would like to order a 2018 Time Out Devotion book please let the office know via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087

Yearbook 2018
If anyone would like to order a 2018 Year Book please let the office know via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087

Notice Board

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.


“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, 
but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6

Friday, November 3, 2017

Next Generation: The Race Defined

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith.   
Hebrews 12:1b, 2a

The first three verses of Hebrews 12 always fill me with wonder.  The author of Hebrews, someone quite familiar with the history and psyche of the nation of Israel, writes to a group of people that were desperately longing for a Saviour, and now that he had arrived in the person of Jesus Christ, the people of Israel needed to adjust their racing tactics.
 
That’s what the author writes about: a race which has been marked with boundaries; a race that has a goal that established from the beginning of time – Jesus; and a training regimen that seems particularly difficult especially for those who had long since wondered whether their efforts were worthless, their sacrifices heeded and their lives lived in fearsome service of God.

But, the chapter that precedes is an important lead-in to the amazing race of our lives.  From the beginning of human history, the author gives an account of how the race was run – with perseverance.  From Abel to Abraham, Jacob to Moses, to their own present day, the martyrs were waiting patiently for God to reveal the beginning and the end of the race, his son, Jesus.

These (people) were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us that only together with us would they be made perfect!  (Hebrews 11:39,40)

This has never been a solo race!  Together, with the great cloud of witnesses that has gone before us, we are allowed to run with perseverance this race set before us!  On the ultimate to perfection in Jesus, we are still encouraged by those who ran the race first and have handed the baton off.

Now the question is, to whom do we pass the baton?  How is this done?  What does this race look like?

For the next four weeks, the last in the Christian calendar year before Advent begins the new, we’ll be looking from a starting line into the future that we, as a community, as a body of Christ, will be running to.  With the template from Hebrews 12:1-12, put on your running shoes and start training, start disciplining yourselves for the race ahead!

Reid Matthias

Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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. 

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
This Sunday Kingdom Kids will be available at the 10.30am service for 10 month to Year 7 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
On Wednesday Katya from Salisbury Council came in to run a preschool age literacy program engaging children and parents.  Each child received a CD of songs to sing together.  Playgroup begins at 9.30am in the church hall. Please bring pre cut fruit to share. We look forward to seeing you there!

Youth Ministry
Youth is back for term 4. Last week we held our last North Eastern Lutheran Youth Event – a worship night over at Golden Grove.  It was attended by many young people and was a fun night with a great message about how Jesus fits into life today.  This week we are having an event about Evangelism and sharing our faith.  By the end of the night we hope you walk away with some fresh ideas on how to share your faith without appearing to be a “bible basher”, just being a loving, caring Christian.  There will be a time of games, small group and large group sharing.  Cost is $2 to cover the cost of supper.  Soft drink cans are available for $1.  Invite a friend or two.  Looking forward to seeing you Friday.

Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au

SOUL Crew Young Adults
Next Saturday night on 11th November from 5.30-9.30pm we are hosting an event for 18+ around the topic of “Sexuality and Relationships.”  We will start the evening with some fun and games and of course food.  Then we will have a time of worship together and a large amount of time will be devoted to discussing this very relevant, but often “taboo” subject of sexuality and relationships.  We have an awesome pastor panel line-up – Pastors Reid Matthias, Rolly Stahl, Eugene Minge and Greg Fowler will be joining us to answer our questions.  I would encourage anyone with questions to forward them on to Margot Mertin in order for the pastors to prepare.  Confidentiality, privacy and anonymity will be strictly upheld.  Of course the panel will be open to some questions on the night as well.  Cost is $5 to cover the cost of pizza.  Bring your own drinks, but there will be $1 soft drinks available.  Invite along a group of friends – Christian or non-Christian to come along for a great night.  Hope to see you all there.  Any further details please contact Margot 0401 850814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au

From the Office

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.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

Reformation Seminar: Luther’s Legacy in Australian Lutheranism
1 day seminar to be held Saturday 11 November at Ferryden Park church
Discover how items from Lutheran Archives highlight the legacy of the Reformation – restored biblical truths and renewed church life – transplanted to Australia by generations of Lutherans and fostered by them in church, mission and manse, school and home.
Bookings on 8340 4009 by 6 November.
Cost $40- including lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
Seminar curated by Lutheran Archives

“But Jesus looked at them and said,
With men it is impossible, but not with God;
for with God all things are possible.”
Mark 10:27