For us who live in the 21st century and who have benefited from 2,000 years of Christianity, we know the end of the story, of Christ’s conquering of sin, death and the devil. It’s hard for us to understand how the 1st century hearers would react to a Messiah who proclaimed that they needed to pick up the instrument of their humiliating death in order to follow him. Many would throw up their hands in the air and say "No thank you!"
But interestingly, Jesus wasn’t just speaking about the individual, he was speaking to the entire community of disciples – those who believed they were already following him. But were they really understanding? Did the disciples truly understand the extent to which they would have to submit and commit their own lives to be a follower of Jesus?
Journey with us in the first Sunday in Lent to begin the trek through the wilderness of self-denial and cross-carrying... to encounter the Jesus we may wish we never knew.
Bible Readings: Matthew 16:21-27
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Kingdom Kids will be available this Sunday at our 10.30am service.
A reminder to parents and carers that our Kingdom Youth Year 5-7s will be finishing at 12pm and then sharing lunch together. Please come over with your cuppa and join us.
Toddler Zone will not be operating this Sunday.
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 only on our church App! To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.
Little Lambs Playgroup
New venue and time!!! Due to the church hall renovations, Little Lambs Playgroup will be held on Wednesdays at 9.30am in the OSCH room over at the school. Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.
Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker
SOUL Crew is on again this Friday night. On Tuesday it was Shrove Tuesday, followed by Ash Wednesday and we are now in the season of Lent. How many of our young people actually understand and know what Lent is really about? Pastor Reid will be leading us in a very creative, active, fun and messy way to learn about Lent and what it really means. We will be holding the event in the school in Mengkiwodli (school gym), but if you forget, that’s okay we will have leaders out guiding you. Please remember to wear old clothes and sneakers! Looking forward to seeing you all.
Don’t forget to invite along a few friends. Youth is a safe, non-confronting environment where like-minded teens get to share and grow their faith. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au
Margot Mertin
Faith Formation Leader
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.
Para Vista Women's Fellowship
After a wonderful afternoon of scripture, song and meeting with Paster Reid and Christine, we shared afternoon tea, welcomed several new members and thanked God for a new beginning in 2017.
You are welcome to join us again on Tuesday 7th at 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall for Bible study with Pastor Rolly followed by several announcements. One will be a decision on our bus trip for April 4th, which takes the place of a regular April meeting. We hope you can all join us again this month for further fellowship.
Budget
Offerings
January 2017 Total Offerings – Actual $54,058
Summary for January – December 2016
Total Income – Budget $550,000 Actual $528,335 UNDER $21,665
Total Expenses – Budget $548,225 Actual $530,648 UNDER $18,567
Actual DEFICIT of $2,313 for 2016. In November 2015 congregation accepted 2016 Budget with a surplus of $1,775.
Notes presented to last Board meeting:
• January 2017 Offerings were nearly $10,000 more than Offerings in January 2016.
• The stand out Sunday was Pastor Reid’s installation when plate offerings were $14,550 in that week alone.
• Total Income in 2016 was below budget primarily due to Offerings.
• Total Expenses in 2016 were also below budget primarily due to Staff expenses and to lesser extent Plant and IT costs. Ministries expenses were slightly above budget and the remainder in line.
• Audit of accounts has been booked for 23rd March 2017.
Ignite the Future building fund
• We received $3,790 in January for the Ignite the Future building fund and currently just over $27,000 of pledged money is outstanding.
Notice Board
LCA Employment Opportunities
Worship and Music Coordinator 0.3 full-time equivalent
St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Hahndorf SA
• More information
• For further information contact the St Michael's church office 08 8388 1225 or email church.office@stmichaels.com.au
• Applications close 3 March 2017
Graphic Designer Part-time contract (flexible hours but average 8 hours/week)
LCA Communications
• Advertisement
• More information: Contact Linda Macqueen, Communications Manager: linda.macqueen@lca.org.au 08 8339 5178
• Applications close 10 March 2017
VET Assessment Officer 0.2FTE
Australian Lutheran College, North Adelaide SA
• Further Information: http://www.alc.edu.au/community/employment-at-alc/vet-assessment-officer/
• Applications close 5pm 10 March 2017
Coordinator of Volunteers 0.6 FTE
Lutheran Ministries in Central Australia
Lutheran Community Care SA-NT, Alice Springs NT
• Position description
• For further information contact Barb Cybulka 08 8953 5160 bcybulka@lccare.org.au
• Applications close 14 March 2017
“For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 1:37
