So it is with finding the gospel message in the 21st century. Digging through the sediment of secularism and post-Christianity, the world encounters the Bible with a kind of wide-eyed disbelief; we treat the scriptures as wonderful little stories full of little nuggets of truth, but we often only scratch the surface when it comes to how the scriptures are historically interrelated. The thread of history weaves together a perfect picture of how faith transforms lives and brings people into community.
Notice, Romans 16:3
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
We hear all about the disciples in the book of Acts, their miracles, signs, wonders, healings, exorcisms. It’s a very public ministry and they were called to it, but when one sifts underneath the names, there are people like Priscilla and Aquila, a married couple, a dynamic duo, who seem to have saved Paul’s, and others’ lives, but did not have the same public and vocal presence.
The question is:
Who were Priscilla and Aquila? What did they do in the book of Acts that transformed people and relationships? And, if they can help to transform lives and relationships in the context of one of the most secular and pre-Christian cultures like Ephesus, how can we do it in the 21st Century?
This week we’re going to be amateur archaeologists digging far below the surface to find a pairing that seeks to transform lives even one at a time.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Acts 18:1-4, 24-28
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Prayer Request
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.
Baptism
At the 10.30am service this Sunday Connor Fleet, son of Tegan and Matthew will be welcomed into God’s family through holy baptism.
Youth
Youth Retreat – SAVE THE DATE
Combined with Golden Grove Youth, we are going on retreat!
Friday 5th – Sunday 7th October 2018
Camp Kedron, Barmera (there will be a bus)
For youth in year 7-12
More information coming soon!
2018 Step Up Program
Young people aged 10 and over, and their parents are invited to take part in our Step Up program to prepare for Holy Communion. Taking the approach that Parents are the primary faith developers in their children, Step Up is designed to support parents in preparing their child for Holy Communion.
Step 1 (Launch) Family Lunch – Sunday 29th July, 12:30pm – 2:30pm in the Church Hall
To register please contact the Church office or Chelsea Schiller at chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au
More information and dates on our website at http://paravista.org.au/baptism-setup/
From the Office
Lutheran Community Care
A letter of thanks was received from Helen Lockwood – Director for LCC for our recent donation which will continue to support families and their children on their journeys towards a more hopeful future.
Hall out of use
The hall will be out of use this week from Monday 16th to Friday 20th July inclusive. This will enable the parquetry floor to be sanded and retreated, restoring it back to its original state.
If your group requires any items from the storeroom for that week it needs to be removed no later than Sunday 15th.
Finance Report
Offerings
January – June 2018
Total Offerings – Budget $254,000 Actual $242,540 UNDER $11,460
Budget Summary
January – May 2018
Total Income – Budget $241,200 Actual $228,335 UNDER $12,865
Total Expenses – Budget $238,460 Actual $217,841 UNDER $20,619
Notes since last published report:
• Offerings in May were around $4,200 above budget.
• Offerings in June were around $3,400 below budget
• May offerings through REG were the highest ever at just over $30k.
• June offerings through REG were in line with Budget
• Plate offerings continue to be well under budget.
• Expenses have been in line with the budget over April and May.
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
Keeping our facility tidy
Lately coffee cups have been left around the facility. Staff time is used up having to retrieve, wash and put them away. Your assistance is required to return cups to the kitchen on Sunday before the volunteers have finished cleaning up. If you are unable to do so, please wash and put them away. We ask that at all times individuals and groups return cups or items to original storage space ready for the next user.
Helping us keep warm in worship
When heaters are turned on, please turn the ceiling fans on to a low speed. For the auditorium, fan switches are located at the rear corridor and speed setting 5 or 4 will suffice. Please do not adjust the settings on any of the heaters as they have been set for the best comfort and economy.
Notice Board
SALA Exhibition at Good Shepherd Para Vista
During August, Good Shepherd will be the venue for a SALA (South Australian Living Artists) exhibition to be exhibited in the hall and café area. Leanne Stahl and Ros Thiele displayed paintings and photographic works in the Barossa last year. After various discussions, and with encouragement from others, they explored the possibility of exhibiting at Good Shepherd this year. Together with the Board’s approval, they see this as an opportunity to engage with people from the local community and with other South Australians in an invitational and non-threatening way. Part proceeds of any sales will go to support the work of Lutheran Community Care’s Family Zone at Ingle Farm, whose work will also be promoted.
They also hope that our facilities can be used for other exhibitions, where creative people from our congregation can display a variety of multimedia works.
Faith Gym Courses – Term 3
Professional Standards Workshop
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“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow.”
Hebrews 4:12
