At night in our city, there’s something foreboding when there are no street lights, house lights, or traffic lights shining. It makes us uncomfortable. No one likes to be in darkness. At night, when the power goes out in our homes, we are quick to find a torch or a lamp. Even just a candle makes a big difference to how we feel.
When we listen to the news and read the papers, it’s pretty obvious that there is much darkness in this world. The prince of darkness delights in deceiving people and dragging them into destruction and despair. No one feels whole or at peace when they are disconnected from the living God who is light and love.
Jesus declares: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)
What do you make of this promise of Jesus?
How is Jesus lighting up your life?
And how is Jesus bringing his light to others through you?
As we commence the season of Advent, we prepare ourselves to again receive Jesus: Light from Light. Living in the Light of Jesus will be our focus in worship throughout Advent-Christmas. God fill you with his light and love in these days!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: John 12:35-36, 44-46 Ephesians 5:8-10
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Praise Point
We welcome Noah Malcolm Rogers, son of Brad and Tara, brother to Xavier, and grandson to Stephen and Liz Zanker into God’s family through holy baptism this Sunday 3rd December.
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.
Advent Evening
This Sunday 4.30pm at the church on the big screen. Family movie, shared meal and carols
Please bring a savoury plate to share. Ice-creams provided for dessert
This year we will again have a 5pm service where children can participate. First rehearsal Sunday 3rd December. Non speaking parts are still 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 Kindy – Year 4 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 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.
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
Para Vista Women’s Fellowship Lunch
Tuesday 5th December at 12pm at the Blue Gums Hotel, Hancock Road
29 ladies have expressed intention to meet for lunch to complete our 2017 year.
Request the cost of $20 for the 3 course lunch is paid in advance to our treasurer, Dawn Spencer if you have not done so. Please contact Dawn on 8260 7090 to arrange payment. To those who have paid, thank you.
A big thank you also to all the members who supplied honey biscuits recently for Lutheran Community Christmas Cheer.
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.
Notice Board
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.
“How different would life be if we all knew we were loved beyond our wildest imagination?”
Localy available from Debbie Wesselingh for $20.00 or from www.yourbooksonline.com.au or see Peter’s website: www.incrediblyloved.com
Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever”
1 Chronicles 16:34
