Jesus said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you’ll find some.”
There is a direct implication in Jesus’ statement as he stands one hundred metres from them on the shoreline, perhaps wading in the dim morning light, that all seven of the disciples in the Gospel narrative are casting their nets on the same side of the boat. I don’t know much about how they fished two thousand years ago; I’m sure there was lots of hard sweat and labour from rowing to ‘the olde fishing hole,’ throwing the net out and hauling it back in wet. But certainly it seems if they were really serious about catching fish, they’d diversify their technique.
Imagine throwing your net in the same spot all night long and after catching none on the first few throws continuing into the early morning just because that’s where you have always caught fish.
For the last hundred years, or so, the contemporary Christian church has been throwing out its nets fishing in the same spot and in the same way. Imagining that if we simply have better music during worship, or making people feel more comfortable, or even have more inclusive programming for all ages, somehow the people who are on the margins of the boat will swim into the net and we’ll just haul them in.
But to change fishing techniques and locations is a very difficult proposition, but Jesus gives the disciples a seemingly simple directive.
Change where you are fishing and the method in which you do it.
What do these words mean for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in the 21st Century? How do we cast our nets into different waters? How do we live into our mission statement, Reaching into the community with the Gospel that all may know Jesus and worship him?
This week, begin to jump in heart and soul to rush to the risen Christ as he feeds us and then sends us out to feed others.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: John 21:1-14
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.
Ladies Fellowship
Meeting on Tuesday 1st May @ 1pm
Bible study: Pastor Reid
There will be a trading table on the day
From the Office
Available facilities
The new play group facilitators have done a wonderful job of sorting and organising the Baby Zone room. This area and all its resources are available for all groups to use. All users are asked to return the room to the condition they have found it, and to return all the craft items back to the storage areas once finished. We request that children be supervised in this area at all times.
New old chairs
13 of our existing chairs were the worst for wear - badly stained or damaged upholstery. These have been re-covered. We also had a donation of an additional 21 linking chairs. These have been re-covered and are now in the Worship Centre. They are in the recently extended section of the church. This takes the seating capacity to 421.
Hymn books/ Red Supplement
We have over 60 old hymn books and the same number of the Red Supplement. We have contacted both the LCA and SA District offices to ascertain if they could identify any congregations or organizations who could make use of these and unfortunately they could not help us. If you know of anyone who can make use of these books please contact the church office. These are in 2 boxes near the piano in the hall. They will be there until Sunday May 6th after which they will be disposed of. Please feel free to take copies if you wish.
There are 20 of both the hymn books and Red Supplement and a supply of bibles in the Usher's cupboard (green cupboard) in the Montague Road entrance. They are available to be used as required. We ask that after use they are returned to the cupboard.
Assistance still required
Several weeks ago an email was sent requesting assistance to relay a small section of the parquetry flooring in the hall. This is required so we can get the hall floor treated. So far there have been no offers of assistance. Help could be as little as 1 hour. If you can assist please contact John Dolling 8367 5296.
Coffee machine
The coffee machine is available to use at any time by any person or groups wishing to use it. Instructions for the machine are located along side. If you are experiencing any difficulties with the machine please contact the office.
Café/new area dedication
Let’s celebrate the gifts we have been given in this new area. We are looking for a team to lead and organise this event. Please consider if your care group could organise this or personally contributing to assisting by contacting the office with your ideas and skills.
Regular Electronic Giving (REG) www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church. Details of transactions are kept totally confidential. None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer. The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month. For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.
Notice Board
Plant Stall
ADVANCE NOTICE!! We will be running our popular Plant Stall once again in early June to support the valuable work of Lutheran Community Care through their Family Zone Hub in Ingle Farm. If you are a gardener who has spare cuttings or plants, you could pot up now and then donate. We would love to hear from you! Please contact Sonia: bshulme@gmail.com
Maranatha Health News
Maranatha Health is turning 10!
From an aspiring and idealistic dream ten years ago, the life-bringing work of Maranatha Health has become a thriving, effective reality in West Uganda. You’ve shared in this journey though prayer, encouragement, and financial support. We’d love you to join us to celebrate this achievement at the Maranatha Health 10thAnniversary Gala Dinner.
Maranatha Health is thriving in its service of care to people in Fort Portal, Uganda. Our Children's Clinic is constantly at capacity, the SA designed shipping-container theatre in regular use, and our community health advisors building relationships, capacity and wellbeing in their villages.
Gala Dinner
Saturday 5th May 2018
6.45pm for a 7pm start
Festival Functions Centre, 292 Findon Rd, Findon
Enjoy a three course meal (including Ethiopian flavours), entertainment, silent auction, wine pull and all the latest updates and plans from our work in Fort Portal, Uganda.
Reservations can be made for tables of 10 for $100 per guest, or individuals for $110 per guest. Please RSVP by 27th April 2018: www.trybooking.com/SUBZ.
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“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”
2 Timothy 1:7
