Friday, April 28, 2017

New ideas are difficult

If you think back over the last fifty years, imagine if nothing had ever changed.  Have you ever thought of what things we would be missing out on?  Mobile phones (even if you don’t like the idea of them, they can still be helpful), personal computers, microwave ovens.  Imagine if we were still twirling the curly cord around our fingers as we were paying twenty-five cents per minute to talk to someone across the street.  Now we can text them for free when they are sitting right next to us.

New ideas can bring out the worst in people, especially for those who have power over the last new idea.  No one wants to be replaced.  No one wants their ideas to be outdated.  For the priests, the captain of the guard and the Sadducees in Jerusalem, this new idea – that in Jesus, there was a resurrection from the dead – was so difficult.  Because they could control the population with rules, with temple taxes and with force, they wanted to squelch the rumour that Peter and John were healing in the name of a crucified carpenter.  They wanted to keep power.

But all power is revealed this week in our scripture lessons in Acts.  Salvation comes in one name only: Jesus Christ.

So, this week we will look at three new ideas of the church in infancy that transformed Jerusalem.  Read along in Acts 3 – 5 and discover the story of how the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, can allow the lame to walk – perhaps even an immobile to move and jump and praise God!

Come hear a difficult new idea!

Bible Readings:   Acts 4:1-20
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is now on a break - returning Sunday 7th May.  Happy Holidays!
Activity folders will be 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
Playgroup will resume on Wednesday 3rd May at 9.30am in the OSCH room over at the school.

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.


Conferences
There is a wonderful opportunity for faithful Christian growth for both men and women coming in May.  The Grace Conference, held May 27th, is an encouragement for women of any age.  If you would like more information, please speak with Andrea Brooks, Kathy Tscharke or Debbie Wesselingh.  Also, the Adelaide Men’s Convention occurs two weeks prior, Saturday, May 13th.  More information will be coming in the next weeks, but space is limited.  Sign in early!


Notice Board

Professional Standards Workshop
A new national congregational training model is now being rolled-out across Australia and New Zealand.  The core module upacks the Standards of Ethical Behaviour policy.  It is introduced by LCA/NZ Bishop, John Henderson through a new Lutheran Media video production.

Visit http://www.sa.lca.org.au/ for upcoming workshops.

LCC: Position Vacant: Executive Assistant
We are currently seeking an experienced person with excellent written skills to prepare letters, reports and presentations in line with professional standards. A comprehensive understanding of office management systems and procedures is required, critical thinking and sound decision making skills.  The position is based at Sefton Park. For further information contact Robyn, rrichter@lccare.org.au or 8269 9333

2017 “Organists Meet and Swap”
Will now be held on SATURDAY JUNE 24th at St Martins Lutheran Church, 82 Cliff St., Mannum 10am to 3pm. Optional extra River Paddle Boat Cruise 3:30pm to 5pm
Cost: $12 students free (Cruise extra)

PLEASE REGISTER by WED JUNE 14th. For PROGRAM, REGISTRATION FORMS including Cruise information please contact Joy Mildren - 0458 650 135 or 8367 9969, joymildren@hotmail.com or your check your church noticeboard.


“Whenever I am anxious and worried,
you comfort me and make me glad.”
Psalm 94:19