Lots of people know about Jonah – the prophet who hears from God but refuses to do what God tells him. As spectators of the story, we can easily look down on Jonah: “What is Jonah hoping to achieve by running away from the LORD? Doesn’t he know that’s impossible? Who does he think he is?”
But then the story draws us in – as participants. Like Jonah, we find ourselves trying to keep God at a comfortable distance. We want God’s blessing for ourselves; but not for those who are different from us – or those who may be hostile to us. Like Jonah, we want them to ‘get what they deserve’.
Hmmm. What would happen if God gave us what we deserve?
Go to the cross... that’s where Jesus took what we deserved. Was it only for you and me? No, it was for ALL. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)
The LORD wants to help Jonah - and us - see ALL people through his eyes: as objects of his love and compassion. As we explore the story of Jonah over the next four weeks, my prayer is for us to be Growing God’s heart for ALL people.
Part one this Sunday: You can run, but you can’t hide.
Bible Readings: Jonah 1:1-17. (For background, please read 2 Kings 14:23-29. Jesus also refers to Jonah in Matthew 12:38-41, and Matthew 16:1-4.)
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.
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program will commence on Sunday 20th August. If your child is now in year 5 or about 10 years of age they are welcome to participate. If you would like to register your child for Step Up, please ring the church office on 8263 5087 or email your details to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au by August 18th.
Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will begin for Term 3 this Sunday at our 10.30am service. Available for children who attend Kindy – Year 7. We look forward to seeing you!
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
Playgroup has now moved back to the church hall. Due to the chilly winter mornings we will be adjusting our start time to 10am finishing round 11.30am on Wednesdays. 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.
Our first event for the term was held last Friday night. We looked in depth at the parable of The Lost Sheep and how it relates to our everyday life in today’s society. We “lost” some sheep during the night, we studied the parable, we found our rhythm as a flock and we even ate some “sheep”. It was a really enjoyable night and a good time was had by all. Our next event will be held on Friday 11th August. Love to see you all there and bring along a friend or two. We are also holding a service event and encouraging as many young people as possible to come along to Meet’n’Eat on Monday night 14th August to serve. This is a great way to give back to the community, so if interested please have your young person/people at the school gym by 6.15pm. Hope to see a lot of familiar faces there.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au
NELY (North Eastern Lutheran Youth)
Our next exciting event is scheduled for Saturday 26th August and will be held at St Paul, Blair Athol. It will be a day of gameshow fun, friendship, fellowship and food. Event is open to all young people in school years 5 to 12. Cost is $15 to cover dinner, snacks and hours of fun. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event. These are on sale now until 23rd August via www.nely260817.eventbrite.com.au Looking forward to seeing you all then. Any further queries plase contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814.
From the Office
The 2017 ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service)
Annual Report has been received at the Office and has news relevant to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista. If you wish to view this copy please contact the office.
Wine and Cheese Night
We are bringing the Cellar Door to school on Saturday 26th August from 7.00pm.
Ticket includes complimentary arrival glass of wine, feasting on a magnificent grazing table filled with an impressive selection of produce, together with acoustic tunes, plus on the night purchase raffle tickets to be in the running to win some amazing prizes. Boutique beers, Cellar door wines and soft drinks can be purchased on the night!
We appreciate your assistance in spreading the word and supporting this community school event to raise funds for school projects together fostering fellowship in the community. Tickets on sale now, $25 per person.
Enquiries / ticket sales to Sharon at school 8264 7966 or email admin@gspv.sa.edu.au
Notice Board
Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
All Things New Sala Exhibition by the Department of Visual Arts
This is a display of beautiful art works by many artists, in the St Stephens hall, as well as a display in the Church. Paraments from St Stephens and Dernancourt will be displayed around the Church.
The opening is on Sunday 6th August at 2pm by Rev Adrian Kitson. This will also be the launch of the new Visual Arts website by Linda Macqueen. The exhibition runs on Saturday and Sunday, 1-4pm for the month of August.
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.
Employment and Volunteer opportunities at the LCA
Employment
Chief Executive Officer
Business Director
Volunteer’s role:
Overseas Mission
Photographers
Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.
“Love one another with brotherly affection.
Out do one another in showing honor.”
Romans 12:10
