Friday, October 27, 2017

From Reformation to Transformation

Over 500 years ago, a monk named Martin Luther was sent to Wittenberg University to teach.  He discovered that what the church of his day was promoting was different from the clear teachings of the Bible. 

Wanting to explore these matters with others, on October 31st 1517, Martin posted 95 points for discussion on the church doors at Wittenberg. In the university environment where Luther was teaching, this was not unusual.

Yet with the printing press came the quick distribution of Luther's questions - along with other writings.  Before long, lots of people were finding out the truth: we are saved by God’s grace alone, through Christ alone.

We do not get into God’s good books by what we do, but by trusting in what Jesus has done for us through his death and resurrection. We get into heaven on Jesus’ ticket, not our own. 

This truth was the heart of the Reformation. This truth is also the key to our transformation. 

Transformation is a life-long adventure of doing life with Jesus – not out of fear or dread, but with joy and delight in knowing that we are God’s loved and forgiven children. 

Transformation is the outworking of God’s Word and Spirit in us, shaping us into the character of Jesus, so we can share in his ministry of transforming others. 

Transformation happens as we celebrate the good things of God and pass on the baton of faith to the next generations.  

Come along this Sunday as we continue this amazing adventure: From Reformation to Transformation.  Our combined worship service will commence at 9:30am with a shared lunch to follow.  I look forward to your company!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Psalm 98, Romans 12:1-8
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Good Shepherd Remembrance Service 
We’re having another Remembrance Service on Saturday November 4th at 1:30pm.  The aims are to remember loved ones who have died, to share our grief with one another, and to seek God’s comfort in Jesus. It’s open to all who would like to come.  As part of that service, family members and friends will have an opportunity to light a candle. 

We also would like to read out a list of names of those being remembered. If you would like a loved one’s name to be read out, you can make this known as you arrive on the day.  Some helpers will be recording names for the list, and if you wish you can include the date of their death. Following the service, there will be an afternoon cuppa in the hall. 

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.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will not be available this week as we will be participating in worship at our 9.30am combined service for Reformation Sunday.

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 just outside the parenting room.

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
On Wednesday Katya from Salisbury Council came in to run a preschool age literacy program engaging children and parents.  Each child received the book “Dear Zoo”.  This book will be the focus for the next couple of sessions.  Playgroup begins at 9.30am in the church hall. Please bring pre-cut fruit to share. We look forward to seeing you there!

Youth Ministry
Youth is back for term 4. Last week we looked at Matthew 25:31-46 the sheep and goats and what it means to serve the needy and look after those in the community, and take the focus off ourselves.  Following Jesus’ example and being sheep rather than goats.

This Friday we have our last NELY event for the year – a worship night being held at Golden Grove from 7pm – 9.30pm.  We hope to see you there.

Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au



From the Office

Parking this Transformation Sunday
The school oval has been made available for parking on Sunday.  Able bodied members are encouraged to park on the school oval to allow our guests and less ambulant to park in allocated parking spaces.  Parking to the eastern end of the oval and keeping as close to the fence as possible will be appreciated.

Staff Retreat
The church office will be closed for a staff retreat on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th November.

Ignite the Future building update
Enjoy the new open space this weekend as the transformation of the internal part of the project has commenced.  Thanks to the volunteers Ian, Eric, John and Jeff who have slept well each night this last week transforming our worship space

Flushing of the new area has finished and the painters have been busy adding colour to the walls.  Our cabinet maker has installed most of the kitchen and cafĂ© cabintry and the ceilings have been installed.  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.

For Sale $30.00 or near offer!
Office Desks. Good condition. Size =1800mm wide X 900mm deep, see picture (extras not included). 4 available. To view items or for more information please contact Stephen or the front office on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.

Notice Board

GARDEN AND GOODIES
Because we couldn't get to the recent Family Zone Hub market day, we've decided to hold our own GARDEN AND GOODIES stall here at church to support the vital local ministry of Lutheran Community Care. So come along on November 5th after both services and have a browse! We would really appreciate donations of plants and or baked treats on the day. Reminder magnets can be picked up this Sunday. Please contact Sonia Hulme (0428427931) if you'd like to contribute or help out.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

Christmas Trees
Christmas tree orders can be placed at Holycross Birdwood. Order forms are in the attached email and can also be found on the church noticeboard.

“He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.”

Isaiah 40:29 NIV