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

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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.


“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