Hebrews 12:1b, 2a
The first three verses of Hebrews 12 always fill me with wonder. The author of Hebrews, someone quite familiar with the history and psyche of the nation of Israel, writes to a group of people that were desperately longing for a Saviour, and now that he had arrived in the person of Jesus Christ, the people of Israel needed to adjust their racing tactics.
That’s what the author writes about: a race which has been marked with boundaries; a race that has a goal that established from the beginning of time – Jesus; and a training regimen that seems particularly difficult especially for those who had long since wondered whether their efforts were worthless, their sacrifices heeded and their lives lived in fearsome service of God.
But, the chapter that precedes is an important lead-in to the amazing race of our lives. From the beginning of human history, the author gives an account of how the race was run – with perseverance. From Abel to Abraham, Jacob to Moses, to their own present day, the martyrs were waiting patiently for God to reveal the beginning and the end of the race, his son, Jesus.
These (people) were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us that only together with us would they be made perfect! (Hebrews 11:39,40)
This has never been a solo race! Together, with the great cloud of witnesses that has gone before us, we are allowed to run with perseverance this race set before us! On the ultimate to perfection in Jesus, we are still encouraged by those who ran the race first and have handed the baton off.
Now the question is, to whom do we pass the baton? How is this done? What does this race look like?
For the next four weeks, the last in the Christian calendar year before Advent begins the new, we’ll be looking from a starting line into the future that we, as a community, as a body of Christ, will be running to. With the template from Hebrews 12:1-12, put on your running shoes and start training, start disciplining yourselves for the race ahead!
Reid Matthias
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.
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.
This Sunday Kingdom Kids will be available at the 10.30am service for 10 month to 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
On Wednesday Katya from Salisbury Council came in to run a preschool age literacy program engaging children and parents. Each child received a CD of songs to sing together. Playgroup begins at 9.30am in the church hall. Please bring pre cut fruit to share. We look forward to seeing you there!
Youth is back for term 4. Last week we held our last North Eastern Lutheran Youth Event – a worship night over at Golden Grove. It was attended by many young people and was a fun night with a great message about how Jesus fits into life today. This week we are having an event about Evangelism and sharing our faith. By the end of the night we hope you walk away with some fresh ideas on how to share your faith without appearing to be a “bible basher”, just being a loving, caring Christian. There will be a time of games, small group and large group sharing. Cost is $2 to cover the cost of supper. Soft drink cans are available for $1. Invite a friend or two. Looking forward to seeing you Friday.
Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au
SOUL Crew Young Adults
Next Saturday night on 11th November from 5.30-9.30pm we are hosting an event for 18+ around the topic of “Sexuality and Relationships.” We will start the evening with some fun and games and of course food. Then we will have a time of worship together and a large amount of time will be devoted to discussing this very relevant, but often “taboo” subject of sexuality and relationships. We have an awesome pastor panel line-up – Pastors Reid Matthias, Rolly Stahl, Eugene Minge and Greg Fowler will be joining us to answer our questions. I would encourage anyone with questions to forward them on to Margot Mertin in order for the pastors to prepare. Confidentiality, privacy and anonymity will be strictly upheld. Of course the panel will be open to some questions on the night as well. Cost is $5 to cover the cost of pizza. Bring your own drinks, but there will be $1 soft drinks available. Invite along a group of friends – Christian or non-Christian to come along for a great night. Hope to see you all there. Any further details please contact Margot 0401 850814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au
From the Office
Staff Retreat
The church office will be closed for a staff retreat on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th November.
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. 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.
Reformation Seminar: Luther’s Legacy in Australian Lutheranism
1 day seminar to be held Saturday 11 November at Ferryden Park church
Discover how items from Lutheran Archives highlight the legacy of the Reformation – restored biblical truths and renewed church life – transplanted to Australia by generations of Lutherans and fostered by them in church, mission and manse, school and home.
Bookings on 8340 4009 by 6 November.
Cost $40- including lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
Seminar curated by Lutheran Archives
“But Jesus looked at them and said,
With men it is impossible, but not with God;
for with God all things are possible.”
Mark 10:27
