How would you reply?
The death of Jesus was NOT the last word. For 40 days after his resurrection, the risen Jesus appeared to various people. There are at least 11 recorded incidents in our New Testament.
Lots of people encountered the risen Jesus. During our Easter worship series, we’ll be looking at some of these. This coming Sunday we’ll consider two of Jesus’ close encounters with his disciples - the second one included Thomas.
Thomas has been given a raw deal over the last 2000 years. Whenever a person has trouble believing something, they are labelled: “Doubting Thomas!”
Doubts are not necessarily bad. Like sex, money, or power, it depends on what we do with our doubts as to whether they end up being harmful or helpful. Doubt can be helpful when it pushes us to ask questions and go searching for answers.
Christian faith is NOT blind faith. Rather it is based on Jesus’ words and actions in history that were witnessed, shared with others, and later recorded in our NT documents.
This evidence doesn’t give mathematical proof, such as 1+1=2. Nor is it like a science experiment that we can repeat in a laboratory. Past events in history cannot be examined like this. Rather, as in a court of law, there’s sufficient evidence to bring conviction beyond reasonable shadow of a doubt.
What is your story of encountering Jesus?
Pastor Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: John 20:19-31
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.
We pray God’s comfort for the family and friends of Johanna Lentsment who passed away on 27th March.
Praise Point
Jurgen and Marienne extend a warm welcome to all who wish to join with them to celebrate their wedding day at 3pm on Saturday 14th April at Influencers Church, 57 Darley Road, Paradise.
Pastoral Care
The congregation of Good Shepherd is blessed to have excellent staff members who dedicatedly use their time and talents to further the congregation’s ministry in the name of Christ. One of these staff members, Steve Paech, oversees pastoral care in the Good Shepherd community.
If you would like to contact Steve Paech for pastoral care, his contact details are steve.paech@paravista.org.au or mobile 0410 036 896.
Transform Service Project
As part of our Transform Confirmation program, we have an opportunity to put our faith into action on Sunday the 8th April. The transform session that Sunday will be at Lutheran Community Care, Ingle Farm, where we will be helping to spread a load of bark around their playground area. In order to get the job done, we are looking for a few people to help us out by loaning us some wheelbarrows, shovels and rakes. It would also be helpful if you have a ute or trailer that you could help out with on the day to transport wheelbarrows and tools down there and back.
If you think you may be able to help out, please contact Vicar Mat von Stanke either through the church office or via email mathew.vonstanke@paravista.org.au
From the Office
Serving at Good Shepherd
We are looking for people who are willing to be trained to serve at Good Shepherd in a number of areas at the 8.45am and/or the 10.30am services.
Particularly we are looking for people to fill the roles of:
1. Serving Holy Communion
2. Preparation of Communion before the service begins
3. Cleaning & pack up of Communion when the service concludes
4. Worship Hosting
You can specify how frequently you'd like to be rostered.
People of all ages are welcome.
Full training will be provided for anyone interested.
Please contact Belinda Konrad on 8263 5087
belinda.konrad@paravista.org.au
Chairs needing upholstering
We have been very fortunate to have 21 chairs for the church donated (second hand). They are a very close match for the existing chairs and can be viewed in the hall. They need to be recovered. We are seeking recommendations of a good upholsterer with reasonable rates. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Please contact John Dolling with details jdolling@bigpond.net.au or 8367 5296.
Parking lot safety – One Way traffic at all times
Remember traffic flow is one way entering from Montague Road and exiting through the rear gate at all times. Please do not ‘sneak out’ onto Montague Road after hours. As this is a shared area, speed is restricted to 10KPH. Some users are not doing the right thing and are leaving themselves open to prosecution.
Notice Board
Op Shop Valley View Grand Opening
Monday 9th April Pauls Drive Shopping Centre, cnr Pauls Drive and Vale Avenue
50% off storewide
Free pancakes from 8am
Free sausage sizzle and face painting 11.30am-1.30pm
Maranatha Health News
There's big news in the Maranatha Health world. You can read all about it in the latest newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/dd2337d7f086/big-news-from-maranatha-health
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, financial support and we’d love you to join us to celebrate this achievement at the Maranatha Health 10th Anniversary 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 25th April 2018: www.trybooking.com/SUBZ.
Nominations for LCA Standing Committees open
The LCA's Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting all eligible congregational members to consider serving on an LCA board, council, commission or committee in the next synodical term. Please refer to the LCA nominations web-site: www.lca.org.au/nominations for information and to access the nominations form. Please note: Nominations must be submitted to the LCA Standing Committee on Nominations by 15th May 2018.
Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
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“Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’ ”
John 20:28-29
