Life...lit up!

One of my earliest memories – perhaps when I was just 3 or 4 - was Christmas at the farm where my mum and her 10 siblings grew up!  There were lots of aunts and uncles, amazing food cooked in grandma’s wood-fired oven, and a massive dining table stacked with presents for everyone. 

And in one corner of the room was a large pine Christmas tree, decorated with baubles and real candles!  With the aroma of pine needles, and burning candles shining light into the darkness, I hold a precious memory of generations gathering to celebrate when Jesus was born.

John presents Jesus as God’s light in our world of darkness: ‘The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.’ (John 1:4-5 NLT)

No one likes to be in darkness.  Now that God has come up close and personal to us in Jesus, we are no longer in the dark about who God is, or God’s love for us!

Jesus promises that anyone who follows him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).  In Jesus we see God clearly, and find ourselves loved. The light of Jesus brings healing, transformation, and hope.  As we do life with Jesus, he guides us, grows us, and shines to others through us.  Life lit up!

I invite you to come and be part of the generations who celebrate Jesus’ birth and worship him at our Christmas services.  Christ in you is the hope of glory! 

Pr Rolly Stahl

PS. On behalf of the Good Shepherd staff, thank you for your prayers and encouragement over this last year and your best wishes for our families in this festive season.  May Jesus infuse you and your families with his light and love this Christmas! 

Bible Readings: Luke 2:1-20, John 1:1-14, John 8:12
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Reminder
Christmas services this year are:
Christmas Eve 5pm, 6:30pm & 8pm, and Christmas Day at 9:30am

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.

Advocacy
We’ve been given a truly biblical task – straight from the book of Jeremiah.

God instructs Jeremiah to go straight to the place of power, to the palace of Judah, where he is to say to authorities and the people in control, “This is what the LORD says: do what is just and right.  Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.  Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow…”  Jeremiah 22:3

Throughout our country and community, there are new and beautiful people coming to the shores of this immensely blessed country seeking a new life, one of peace and safety.  In the current state of our restlessly fearful world, our governments and society often try to exclude those from foreign shores.

We have a biblical responsibility to be an advocate for those who have been marginalised, especially those who seek refuge from the strain of a terrified life. 

Into our community in the last week, we have had requests from Good Shepherd Lutheran School for some congregational members to be advocates – those who would walk with our brothers and sisters from foreign lands. 

Some of the difficulties that have been encountered deal with the speed at which English speaking Australians communicate and this is very difficult when working with Centrelink payments, or working with the electric companies on the high costs of electricity bills.

If you have time to be part of an advocacy team to work with people, to create a relationship of trust so that the transition to Australian culture may be eased, please contact either Tim Oestmann at Good Shepherd Primary School, or let your name be known at the Good Shepherd Congregational office.

Thank you in advance for responding to God’s call to our brothers and sisters in need.

Pastor Reid Matthias

As the school is now closed for the school holidays, please contact the Church office and leave your name to participate in this program.
We will be holding an information session at the end of January 2018.

From the Office
Office closure over Christmas
The office will be closed from 3pm on Friday 22nd December 2017 and re-open at 9am on Thursday 4th January 2018.

Christmas Whirlwind
Its’ that time of the year when the competition heats up for the great blower challenge.  Can you be available on Saturday 23rd December at 9.00am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?
Bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare you can put to the test.
Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine you can still compete for the longest broom handle.

A Parking blessing for Christmas
Mattiske’s car park will be open.  Please consider parking in either the Mattiske car park or on the school oval leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions is appreciated.

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.

A book by Peter Steicke
“How different would life be if we all knew we were loved beyond our wildest imagination?”
Localy available from Debbie Wesselingh for $20.00 or from www.yourbooksonline.com.au or see Peter’s website: www.incrediblyloved.com

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

“And this will be a sign for you: 

you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths

and lying in a manger”

Luke 2:12

Rise and Shine!

Perhaps you heard these words as a child, teenager or young adult?  Or maybe your parents had some other greeting to rouse you from your slumber?

Daytime is when we wake up, get up, get dressed and get into life.  Night time is when we sleep. 

One day we will “fall asleep” and no family member will be able to wake us up.  Instead, they will be arranging our funeral.  And what will be next for you and me?

Death as always been regarded as a curse.  For ancient peoples, death meant a descent into the shadowy underworld of darkness – a sleep from which no one would rise and shine... unless the Creator God stepped in. 

Enter Jesus!  His words have authority to wake dead people and restore life.  As we reach the third Sunday of Advent, we recall that Jesus has rescued us from the darkness of death, and calls us to walk in his light.  Rise and shine! 

Paul reminds his Christian friends in Ephesus of a song that may have been sung at their baptisms: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14)

Each day when we wake up, we can remember that we are God’s loved and forgiven people – set apart for his pleasure and purposes.  We can put to death our attitude and acts of darkness, and walk in the light of Christ. 

Bible scholar, William Barclay, puts it well: “A tree will be fruitless unless the light of the sun can get at it; and a life will be fruitless unless the light of Christ touches it.” (William Barclay, Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians, 195)

In these days I encourage you to make some unhurried space for Jesus to infuse you with his light and love.  Rise and shine!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings:    Luke 8:40-42a, 49-56.   Ephesians 5:13-20
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.

Advocacy
We’ve been given a truly biblical task – straight from the book of Jeremiah.

God instructs Jeremiah to go straight to the place of power, to the palace of Judah, where he is to say to authorities and the people in control, “This is what the LORD says: do what is just and right.  Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed.  Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow…”  Jeremiah 22:3

Throughout our country and community, there are new and beautiful people coming to the shores of this immensely blessed country seeking a new life, one of peace and safety.  In the current state of our restlessly fearful world, our governments and society often try to exclude those from foreign shores.

We have a biblical responsibility to be an advocate for those who have been marginalised, especially those who seek refuge from the strain of a terrified life. 

Into our community in the last week, we have had requests from Good Shepherd Lutheran School for some congregational members to be advocates – those who would walk with our brothers and sisters from foreign lands. 

Some of the difficulties that have been encountered deal with the speed at which English speaking Australians communicate and this is very difficult when working with Centrelink payments, or working with the electric companies on the high costs of electricity bills.

If you have time to be part of an advocacy team to work with people, to create a relationship of trust so that the transition to Australian culture may be eased, please contact either Tim Oestmann at Good Shepherd Primary School, or let your name be known at the Good Shepherd Congregational office.

Thank you in advance for responding to God’s call to our brothers and sisters in need.

Pr Reid Matthias

Christmas Eve 5pm service
Last rehearsal this Sunday after the 10.30am service.  Please bring lunch for your 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.

Youth Ministry
This Friday the 15th December we will be having our final SOUL Crew event.  This will commence at 6pm with dinner and will then be followed with 2 hours of non-stop Laser Tag fun.  The cost is $25 per person and this will cover both dinner and the Laser Tag.  This will be the final event for SOUL Crew and youth on a Friday night as we know it.  Youth Ministry will continue in 2018 in a new direction.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and allowing me the privilege and enjoyment of journeying with your youth for the past 2 years. 

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 closure over Christmas
The office will be closed from 3pm on Friday 22nd December 2017 and re-open at 9am on Thursday 4th January 2018.

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

Ignite the Future building update
Great news!  We have identified all the defects that need to be rectified and therefore have access to our new facilities.  The café has been set up and can be used on Sunday.  The brewed coffee urn will be set up on the café servery. 

This means on Sunday we can use the courtyard for entering the Worship Centre.  Worship hosts and welcomers rostered on this entrace please note this change.
The kitchen is not yet fully operation at the moment, but will become so as equipment is installed over the next week.  Members will need to be trained before using some of the new equipment.

If you have any questions or comments please see a member of the Facilities Team – Jeff Eckermann, Eric Hofmanis, Merv Thiele, Lindsay Freund or John Dolling.

Christmas Whirlwind
It’s that time of the year when the competition heats up for the great blower challenge.  Can you be available on Saturday 24th December at 9.00am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?

Bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare you can put to the test.
Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.

A Parking blessing for Christmas
Mattiske’s car park will be open.  Please consider parking in either the Mattiske car park or on the school oval leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions is appreciated.

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.

A book by Peter Steicke
“How different would life be if we all knew we were loved beyond our wildest imagination?”
Localy available from Debbie Wesselingh for $20.00 or from www.yourbooksonline.com.au or see Peter’s website: www.incrediblyloved.com

“For unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”

Luke 2:11

Exposing Darkness

If I were to begin the Bible verse John 3…

Most people would go directly to verse sixteen, probably the most popular and well known verse in the Bible.  Here we find God’s good intentions for the earth, not just people, but the entirety of the created universe – that because God loved it, he was willing to do whatever it took to bring it back into his good grace.

In this passage, Jesus is speaking with one of the religious elites, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who has some questions for Jesus not just about his faith, but about life in general.   Throughout the discussion, he is found to be scratching his head, mystified by Jesus’ theology – that unless one is born again, no one can enter the ‘kingdom of heaven,’ whatever that might be.

But it is verse 19-21, that hits Nicodemus, and all of us religious ‘elites’ squarely between the eyes.  It is the krisis, which is the Greek word for ‘verdict.’ 

This is the krisis, light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.  Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.

This is quite the crisis of faith.

All of us, from the first to the last, have been filled with that which shrouds us in darkness.   This sin is not just about doing the wrong things, but it is about thoughts and words also.  This is why we confess every week so that the light can expose our darkest places and bring a space which only Jesus can fill. 

This week we are going to look at the process of how illumination leads to elimination of sin which then, especially during this time of advent, gives us opportunity to reflect not only on the light that has come into the world, but also on how we can reflect his light also.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Readings:    John 3:19-21      Ephesians 5:8-13 
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.

Christmas Eve 5pm service
This year we will again have a 5pm service where children can participate.  Non speaking parts are still 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 at our 10.30am service Kingdom Kids will be having a Christmas Party to celebrate Jesus coming into the world to save all people!  Toddler Zone will be available in the Toddler Zone room for children aged 10 months – 3 years.  All other zones will be combining in the school for activities and morning tea.
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 will be having their last ever meet in the church hall at 9.30am on Wednesday.  We will be celebrating Christmas!  Please bring pre cut fruit to share and/or a plate of party food. We look forward to seeing you there!

Youth Ministry
Last week Matthew Dutschke shared his journey through life, including his personal faith journey.  He explained about his work at Teen Challenge and what Teen Challenge does in the way of helping people leading troubled lives. 
We then went on to watch snippets from a movie and have discussion around them.  We had our minds blown away with a new way to look at baby Jesus and the manger scene.  We then discovered that the Christmas Tree and Santa actually have their place even in the Christian Christmas.  Even to some extent we can celebrate some form of materialism at Christmas. We all went away with some completely new ideas and eyes opened with regards to our thoughts around Christmas. 

This Monday we have the exciting opportunity to serve again at the Meet’n’Eat Christmas dinner.  This will be another great time of our youth and young adult leaders serving in the community.  Friday the 15th December will see us having our final SOUL Crew event for this year (watch this space for what is around the corner).  This will commence at 6pm with dinner, followed with 2 hours of non-stop Laser Tag fun.  The cost $25 per person will cover both dinner and Laser Tag.  Please let me know by Monday 11th at the latest, of your attendance that to ensure enough laser weapons are available on the night. 
Any queries at all please don’t hesitate to contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au

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 closure over Christmas
The office will be closed from 3pm on Friday 22nd December 2017 and reopen at 9am on Thursday 4th January 2018 

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.

Christmas Whirlwind
It’s that time of the year when the competition heats up for the great blower challenge.  Can you be available on Saturday 24th December at 9.00am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?
Bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare you can put to the test.
Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.

A Parking blessing for Christmas
Please consider parking on the school oval leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions is appreciated. 

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve from:
• 4.30pm till 5.00pm
• 5.30pm till 6.30pm
• 7.00pm till 8.00pm
Refreshments for attendants will be supplied.

LLL Annual Report
A copy of the 2016/17 LLL Annual Report is available in the Office Foyer for those that would like a read

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.

A book by Peter Steicke
“How different would life be if we all knew we were loved beyond our wildest imagination?”
Localy available from Debbie Wesselingh for $20.00 or from www.yourbooksonline.com.au or see Peter’s website: www.incrediblyloved.com

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

“When they saw the star,

They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy”

Matthew 2:10

Light from Light

Over the last few years, we’ve experienced power blackouts that have left parts of our city in darkness.  Hospitals, businesses, and thousands of households were affected.  Our politicians have been rallying to the cause and suggesting solutions ever since.

At night in our city, there’s something foreboding when there are no street lights, house lights, or traffic lights shining.  It makes us uncomfortable.  No one likes to be in darkness.  At night, when the power goes out in our homes, we are quick to find a torch or a lamp.  Even just a candle makes a big difference to how we feel.

When we listen to the news and read the papers, it’s pretty obvious that there is much darkness in this world. The prince of darkness delights in deceiving people and dragging them into destruction and despair.  No one feels whole or at peace when they are disconnected from the living God who is light and love. 

Jesus declares: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)

What do you make of this promise of Jesus? 
How is Jesus lighting up your life? 
And how is Jesus bringing his light to others through you? 

As we commence the season of Advent, we prepare ourselves to again receive Jesus: Light from Light.  Living in the Light of Jesus will be our focus in worship throughout Advent-Christmas.  God fill you with his light and love in these days!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings:    John 12:35-36, 44-46      Ephesians 5:8-10 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Praise Point
We welcome Noah Malcolm Rogers, son of Brad and Tara, brother to Xavier, and grandson to Stephen and Liz Zanker into God’s family through holy baptism this Sunday 3rd December.

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.

Advent Evening
This Sunday 4.30pm at the church on the big screen.  Family movie, shared meal and carols
Please bring a savoury plate to share.  Ice-creams provided for dessert

Christmas Eve 5pm service
This year we will again have a 5pm service where children can participate.  First rehearsal Sunday 3rd December.  Non speaking parts are still 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 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
Little Lambs Playgroup meets in the church hall at 9.30am on Wednesday mornings during 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.

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

Para Vista Women’s Fellowship Lunch
Tuesday 5th December at 12pm at the Blue Gums Hotel, Hancock Road
29 ladies have expressed intention to meet for lunch to complete our 2017 year.
Request the cost of $20 for the 3 course lunch is paid in advance to our treasurer, Dawn Spencer if you have not done so. Please contact Dawn on 8260 7090 to arrange payment.   To those who have paid, thank you.

A big thank you also to all the members who supplied honey biscuits recently for Lutheran Community Christmas Cheer.

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.

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.

A book by Peter Steicke
“How different would life be if we all knew we were loved beyond our wildest imagination?”
Localy available from Debbie Wesselingh for $20.00 or from www.yourbooksonline.com.au or see Peter’s website: www.incrediblyloved.com

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

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever”

1 Chronicles 16:34