How often do you think about finishing the race – and what comes next?
Do such thoughts fill you with dread – or with eager anticipation?
OK, I get that none of us looks forward to suffering. Yet in time, each of us will cross the finishing line of this life… and enter eternity.
Where will you spend eternity – and how can you be sure about that?
What’s your favourite picture of heaven – and when’s the last time you talked about that with the people you know and love?
When’s the last time you shared the reason for the hope that you have with gentleness and respect?
I wonder, have we allowed the world fill us with its desolation and gloom? If we are more infused by the despair of our culture than hope in Jesus, what sort of baton are we passing on to the next generations?
Paul writes: “For me, to live in Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21) After encountering Jesus, Paul never lost sight of his identity and destiny in Christ. He kept pointing people to Jesus so they could have a hope and a future.
Having conquered death, Jesus has opened the way for every person on this planet to inherit eternal life. In a culture filled with despair, we have Good News of hope to share.
The next generations need us to run alongside them, pass the baton to them, and keep cheering them on for as long as we’re around.
The next generations need to see us finish our race with faith and hope in Jesus – that crossing the finishing line of this life - to be with Jesus - is better by far!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Philippians 3:10-14 2 Timothy 4:1-8
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.
Half Yearly AGM
The Half Yearly meetings for the congregation and school will be held this Sunday 26th November at 12:30pm. Hard copies of the meeting information are in the Church Foyer.
Christmas Eve 5pm Service
This year we will again have a 5pm service where children can participate. First rehearsal Sunday 3rd December. Speaking and non speaking parts are available. If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au
Kingdom Kids
This Sunday Kingdom Kids will be available at the 10.30am service for 10 month – 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 at 9.30am on Wednesday mornings during the school term. 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. We look forward to seeing you there!
Celebrate this Christmas with Maranatha Health
Maranatha Health invites you to join us this Christmas as together we share Momentous News, Dynamic Hope, Boundless Joy and Fervent Love.
Read, reflect and share our four-part reflection series in the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Our advent reflections are available in printed form from the church, or download them here Advent Reflections
We invite you to learn, share and donate - and give a gift that lasts long into the future. Plus, when you donate you'll receive a gift card so you can share your gift with your family, friends and colleagues.
May your Christmas be filled with delight as you share Momentous News, Dynamic Hope, Boundless Joy and Fervent Love with those around you!
maranathahealth.org/give/christmas
From the Office
Office Hours Reminder
Reminder that the church office now closes at 3pm each day
Offering Envelopes
Dated weekly offering envelopes are now available in the front foyer of the church.
Should you wish a box to be put aside please let office staff know via email or phone.
Ignite the Future building update
We were given a tentative hand over date of Friday 24th November. However as there are still defects that need to be rectified it is highly unlikely the builder will meet this date.
This week the electrician has installed all the lighting fixtures, and the small passageway from the old Narthex to the Hall has been re-opened. Painting is finished except for a few touch-up areas and the dishwasher has been installed in the main kitchen along with associated bench space.
Flooring has also been added to the cafe area and entrance, and the temporary hoarding has been removed from the corridor so you can get a clear view of the new area. As it is tempting to venture in for closer look, bollards and flags have been put in place. Please resist the urge as the site is still under the control of the builder until it is officially handed over to the congregation.
There will be a detailed report given at the congregational meeting on Sunday.
Notice Board
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Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
ALC Graduation
All are invited to celebrate the academic achievements of graduates of Australian Lutheran College at the University of Divinity’s upcoming Adelaide Graduation Ceremony.
The Graduation will be held at Immanuel College, Novar Gardens on Thursday, 30 November at 7.30pm.
“Therefore encourage one another
and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians
5:11
