In the Bible there are a bunch of adjectives and metaphors describing the Holy Spirit. Each one tells us something about who the Holy Spirit is, and what the Holy Spirit does.
Can you think of a few? Which one is your favourite – and why?
Let’s get personal: How have you experienced the Holy Spirit? How has the Holy Spirit been at work in your life?
Following on from Pentecost, this Sunday we commence with a three part series: Life in the Spirit.
This Sunday we explore: The Spirit of Truth – our Advocate
If you look into the Bible readings below, you may find your translation has a different word for Advocate – perhaps Counsellor, Comforter, Helper, or Friend.
Sometimes we expect a friend to always agree with us – even when we are wrong. Jesus tells us that this Advocate is the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit is our close and personal Friend who always has our best interests at heart. As our divine Friend, the Holy Spirit always gives us the truth - because God cannot lie!
Bible Readings: John 14:25-26, John 15:26-27, John 16:5-15.
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
No Kingdom Kids at our 10.30am service this Sunday due to the long weekend.
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
Playgroup will be held at 9.30am in the OSCH room over at the school. Please bring pre-cut fruit to share. Join us for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.
SOUL Crew was held last Friday night. We looked at Jesus the Teacher – Part II. We learned about prayer and the relevance and importance of prayer in today’s society. We looked at 2 bible translations of the Lord’s Prayer and what it was actually saying to us. We also discussed how Jesus would teach people to pray in our world today – would it be any different? Great discussions all round. We had fun tying ourselves in knots and realising that prayer can help us get out of these “knotty” situations. At the end of the evening we spent some time in prayer - not just ordinary prayer, but praying for other people’s needs, rather than our own. It was awesome!! Next week we will be holding a mid-year fun event at Latitude.
We are really excited to now be opening up SOUL Crew to those in school year 6. SOUL Crew is a great way for like-minded teens to come together and explore their faith in a safe non-judgemental environment, so feel free to invite all your friends. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au
Christian Life Week is coming up in the July school holidays and these are week long camps, spending time with other Christian teens hanging out, playing games, studying the bible and having small group discussions. This year the camp is held at Port Hughes and run over 2 weeks – split into school year levels - and the camps will be tailored to the specific age groups.
10th-14th July – Year 7-9
17th-21st July – Year 10-12 Cost $220-00
Para Vista has a number of campers already registered and also quite a few SOUL Crew leaders will be leading on camp. I urge you to go ahead and register and be set for an awesome time. If finances are the only reason stopping any young person attending camp, please contact me and we can come to some sort of arrangement.
Margot Mertin – Faith Formation Leader
Maranatha Health soup sensation
Thank you so much for supporting Maranatha Health through the purchase of soup on Sunday. Your purchases and donations raised $508, which will be used in Uganda to serve families in need to access life-bringing healthcare.
Special thanks to our marvellous volunteer soup chefs who not only donate the delicious soup they make and serve, but also insist on paying for a cup or two! If you would like to help for future fundraising events, please contact Keren Sutton.
Please consider Maranatha Health in your end of financial year tax-deductible giving. Each dollar you donate helps families in Uganda to find help and hope in times of desperation, and build partnerships to a brighter future. https://maranathahealth.org/give/eofy-appeal
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.
From the Office
Facilities Redevelopment
• Proposed date for completion and hand over of Education Centre/library is Friday July 7th.
• The majority of the hall will also be available as of this date.
• Erection of steel work is now programmed to start in the week commencing Monday June 26th
• Completion date of entire project is mid-August
To facilitate the painting in the hall, the hall will not be available in the week commencing Monday June 19th. It will most likely not be available on Sunday June 26th. The unavailability may extend into the following week. We will keep you informed.
AGM Report
• Audited Financial Report for the year 2016 was accepted by the meeting
• Stephen explained the reasoning behind the 1 way 24x7 traffic flow
• Pastor Reid gave an exciting and challenging report entitled ‘Outline for Tomorrow’
• Keren Sutton was elected Board Chair for 2017
• Lyn Gladigau was the first women elected to the Adjudication Team
Notice Board
Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
Preparing For Marriage Course
4th, 11th & 18th July 2017 from 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista
An enjoyable, interactive, non-threatening way to share time with your partner and other couples, bringing benefits that can last a lifetime.
• Topics include: resolving conflict, realistic expectations, communication, and God’s Plan for marriage
• Presented in a relaxed adult educational style (it is not counselling)
• For couples planning to marry and for those recently married
Cost $100.00 couple
For more information please contact Merv & Ros Thiele 0429009847 or email: mervrost@bigpond.net.au
Friends of Lutheran Archives
Dresden Missionary Clamor Schurmann did much more than minister to Aboriginal people in SA. He also spent 40 years as a pioneering parish pastor and district president in Victoria. Betty Huf is an historian specializing in the history of the Western District of Victoria, and has written books about the German & Wendish settlers of the Hamilton area. Come along to the Friends of Lutheran Archives meeting on Monday 26th June, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the City. Supper & gold coin donation.
Winter Appeal – Donate and Give Hope
This winter we are asking you to donate and give hope to those who need it most.
Many of the people that Lutheran Community Care meets are homeless and they urgently need assistance this winter. Not only have they survived the circumstances which have resulted in homelessness, the isolation they often experience adds a further burden and getting support can be difficult. With your help, we can help people get back on their feet and experience hope again. Please visit www.lccare.org.au or phone 8269 9333 to make a donation. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Shed Happens
Real-Deal Marriages Are Worth It
“Be turbocharged to good love, from good love to great love”
Learn How Men & Women Can Appreciate One Another’s Differences
Venue: St John's Lutheran Church Hall
Address: 182 Hancock Rd, Ridgehaven
Date: Wednesday 21st June 2017
Time: 6.00pm Registration - 6:30pm Sharp Start to 9:30pm
RSVP required by: 16th JUNE 2017 to arrange catering
Phone Jim Molloy: 0438 899 629 to reserve your seat and arrange payment
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.
There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
