God gave Jonah a mission, but Jonah ran in the opposite direction. Things got rough and Jonah ended up inside a huge fish. Jonah gets to have a “three day spiritual retreat” – a time to reflect and pray.
No doubt it was a traumatic experience. Yet Jonah cries out to the LORD; and the LORD listened to his cry and saved him. Jonah discovers there’s no place beyond God’s reach.
We see this repeated over and over again in Scripture, especially in the ministry of Jesus. When people turned to Jesus for help, Jesus reached out to them and saved them. Through his death and resurrection, the same thing happens to us.
When you and I are overwhelmed, take a leaf from Jonah’s book: When you’re down, look up!
Bible Readings: Jonah 2 (For similar prayers when people were overwhelmed,
see Psalm 18:1-7, 16-17, Psalm 69:1-4, 13-18)
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.
Step Up
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 be available this Sunday at our 10.30am service for 10 month olds – Year 1. Kool Zone will not be available this Sunday. Kingdom Youth will be staying in to worship with their families. 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.
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
Good Shepherd Representative
The next General Convention of Synod for the Lutheran Church of Australia will be held at Rosehill Gardens in western Sydney from 2nd to 7th October 2018. The LCA’s 19th general synod will feature the theme 50.500 faith.freedom.future. If you wish to represent our congregation at this gathering please contact Stephen or the front office on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au for further information. Alternatively please mark your connect card with “Convention”
Ignite the Future building update
The steel works have been completed and signed off by the engineers. Work has commenced on the roofing section above the narthex and by print time should be completed. Timber framing for the remaining roofing structure and walls has commenced. Take time to view the progress through the cut out in the corridor doors or through the glass panel in the door at the rear of the hall.
Finance Report
Offerings
January - July 2017
Total Offerings – Budget $299,500 Actual $305,662 Surplus $6,150
Budget Summary
January – June 2017
Total Income – Budget $286,550 Actual $288,755 Surplus $2,205
Total Expenses – Budget $269,678 Actual $265,299 Deficit $4,379
Notes since last Board meeting:
• July offerings were well above Budget, with plate offerings on 3 Sundays well above expectations.
• Offerings are now $6,150 above budget.
• Income is slightly over budget due to Interest received over budget.
• Most Expenditure lines continue to be maintained below budget.
Ignite Budget Update
• We received $3,600 in July for the Ignite the Future building fund and with what has already received in August there is currently now only $312 still to be received. Thank you to all who have honoured their pledge for the Ignite project.
• Donations for the Ignite project are still appreciated as there are fittings and furnishings still required to make the new area hospitable.
Donations to the Ignite building project can be made via:
The collection plate in an envelope marked Ignite Project, or
Direct debit BSB: 704 942 Account: 154796 Account Name: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
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.
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.
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh;
is anything too difficult for Me?”
Jeremiah 32:27
