The media influences our worldview in a much greater way than we could ever imagine, and most people who have visited the movie theatres in the last ten years are aware that the biggest box office hits include superhero characters of the likes of Superman, Batman, Wonder woman, Flash, Ironman, Thor… the list goes on and on.
And the typical theme of these superheroes is that there is a villain in the world who must be brought to justice. The heroes must use all of their strength to either kill them or place them in the hands of the ‘authorities,’ so that they can be properly punished.
But this form of justice is completely opposite to the biblical form of justice that Jesus portrays in his parable of the workers in the vineyard. Jesus response to the ancients’ protest, ‘That’s not fair!’ is ‘Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
God’s generous is linked with his justice and is so far beyond the punitive restrictions that we have placed on his mercy, that we can’t quite comprehend this justice, paired with righteousness as the twin bases of the throne of God, without viewing it from a Shalom-like perspective.
This week, encounter one of Jesus’ most controversial parables as it speaks to our 21st century ‘Lucky Country.’ Then, after the service, join in our Coffee and Theology discussion on ‘The theology of justice as opposed to greed.’
Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Matthew 20:1-16, Psalm 89:14-18
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.
Weekly Message Sheets
To cut back on wastage the message sheets will no longer be handed out with the Connect Cards, but will be available upon request from the Worship Hosts.
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program is in progress. Please keep these young people and their families in your prayers as they explore Holy Communion.
Kingdom Kids
Our final Kingdom Kids for term 3 will be available this Sunday at our 10.30 service for Kindy – Year 7 aged children.
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
Little Lambs Playgroup meets in the church hall on Wednesday mornings during school term. Our start time for the remainder of term 3 is 10am finishing round 11.30am. 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.
This Friday we have our next Bible study - the series we are looking into is “Following Jesus in a selfie-centred world” – by Craig Groeschel. We are will be discussing - Intimacy – the struggle with “Likes”. Our young people really enjoyed looking at the last topic of ‘envy’ and it gave them some real insight, making them think about themselves and others in a completely different way.
Soft drink cans will be available for $1 and hot chocolate will also be available. Looking forward to seeing you all Friday.
A lot of things happening with our young people, in events, in worship and serving, which is so exciting. Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au
From the Office
For Sale - or make an offer!
2 microwaves from old kitchen. $30 each or make an offer.
Items can be viewed by contacting Stephen Zanker.
Building and facilities maintenance – occasional/casual
Good Shepherd is looking for a person who produces quality work in efficient time. Such a person will have general handyman or carpentry skills to a high standard, ability to patch and paint walls, and will maintain a neat and tidy worksite.
Hours will be as need arises, and rates of pay according to skills required.
Please contact Stephen on 8263 5087 or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au for further information.
Finance Report
Offerings
January - August 2017
Total Offerings – Budget $339,000 Actual $344,003 Surplus $5,003
Budget Summary
January – July 2017
Total Income – Budget $330,895 Actual $338,600 Surplus $7,705
Total Expenses – Budget $319,326 Actual $304,262 Deficit $15,064
Notes since last Board meeting:
• August offerings were under Budget, with REG below average for the year and plate just above expectations.
• Offerings are maintaining a buffer above budget.
• Income is over budget due to Offerings and Interest received over budget.
• Expenditure continues to be below budget.
Ignite Budget Update
• We received $3,330 in August for the Ignite the Future building fund and we have now reached the pledge target. 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.
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LCC job vacancies
Several job opportunities have become available at Lutheran Community Care in the last week. Please visit www.lccare.org.au/careers.html for more information.
Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
FOSSILS fundraising concert
Tickets are now on sale for the FOSSILS live in concert. The FOSSILS (Folkies of the Sixties Sing Iconic Legendary Songs), featuring Peter Combe, Brian Loffler, Alan Hartley, Hugh Rudham and Monica Christian, will bring to life the best folk songs of the 60s and 70s.
This year, we are extending the event and invite you to join us early, from 6pm, for live pre-show entertainment, drinks and appetisers. There will also be a pop-up op shop and mystery boxes to be won! All proceeds support our programs helping vulnerable families and children, many of which are run entirely on the generosity of our donors.
When: Friday, September 29th
Where: Concordia College Chapel, corner of Cheltenham St & Balmoral St, Highgate
Time: Pre-show entertainment from 6pm, concert doors open 7.15pm
Tickets: Adults $25, Concession/Pensioner/Unwaged $15, Group of 10+ $20, Children $10
For tickets or enquiries, phone 8269 9333 or book online at trybooking.com/rjsn.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
