Why We Can Call God ''Dad''

When asked the question: "Who are you?" how do you normally reply?

Most often we give our name.  But that doesn't quite answer the question, does it?  After all, we are more than just a name, aren't we?

If pressed a little, most of us would share what we do for a living, our hobbies, or our sports.  But if we stopped doing those things, would that make us different persons?

At some stage, most children ask parents the question: "Mummy/Daddy, where did I come from?"  Or:  "Mummy/Daddy, where do babies come from?"  Children are curious about how babies are made and come into the world.  It is part of how a child works out the answer to our question: "Who am I?"

The question, "Who are you?" has much to do with your roots and connections, your sense of identity and belonging, your personality and your character.

Discovering who I am must explore the fabric of relationships that have woven me into the person I am now - and the person I am becoming.

A few decades ago, people used to ask: “Who are your parents.”  It wasn’t just a Lutheran thing to find out if you were somehow related!  It was about discovering the main influences in your life.  In other words: “Tell me who your parents are, and I’ll have some insight into the person you are.”

Jesus turns this around when he says: “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (Jn 14:9)  Jesus reveals the Father’s heart to us.  In Jesus we see the characteristics of a perfect Father.

Jesus brings us into his relationship with the Father, so now we can rest assured that we are loved and forgiven children of “Father God”.

Knowing whose I am, I now know who I am!

This Father’s Day come join us in celebrating why we can now call God “Dad”.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:14-17
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.

Did you forget Fathers Day is this Sunday????
Don't stress! Father's day gifts will be available after both services.  Money raised will support the school's annual father/kids camp.

Praise Point
This Sunday Jensen David Zanker son of Aaron and Elice will be welcomed into God’s family through baptism.

Having Your Child Baptised 
We ask parents considering baptism for their first child at Good Shepherd to take part in this baptism preparation program.  Over three interactive sessions, we explore:
1. Loving your child
2. When your child is baptised
3. Living in baptism

Our next course will begin Tuesday 4th September 7.30 – 8.30pm, and continuing over the next two Tuesday evenings (Sept 11th and 18th) held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (entry via the front foyer).

Please register by Monday 3rd September by calling our office on 8263 5087, or by email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Small Groups Dinner

For anyone currently in a small group and anyone interested in more effective small group ministries at Good Shepherd.  Please inform your group, save the date, and come along!  Bring a sweet or savoury to share.  BYO Drinks and glasses.

RSVP by phoning the church on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
A reminder of our West Lakes outing on 4th September.  For those travelling by bus please be at Hope Valley by 10.45am.  If leaving by car please be at Good Shepherd by 10.30am.

Youth

Friday Night Youth
Date: Friday 7th September
Time: 7:15 – 9:30pm
Location:  Good Shepherd Lutheran School Gym, follow signs & fairy lights.
Cost:  $4/youth with supper supplied (cans of soft drink available for $1)
Activities:  Group Games

Please note:  any youth who haven’t attended a Youth night this year (with us or GGLY) will be required to complete a ChildSafe form at the beginning of the night.  This can be completed by a parent or caregiver when signing in the youth.

Contact:  All questions can be directed to Chelsea Schiller – 0447 225 517 or chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au

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!

Grow Ministries LCA Child Youth and Family Ministry
2019 Grow Leadership Program
Are you aged between 18-25 years and interested in developing your leadership skills and have a heart for ministry?  Please contact Chelsea if this is something you would like to explore.  Applications close Sunday 30th September, 2018.

Little Lambs are collecting, are you able to help?
We’re looking for:
• Cardboard tubes from cling wrap/alfoil
• Plastic Nutella jars (empty, clean & dry)
• Band aids
• PVC piping
• Dot markers (ones used in bingo)
• Large plastic buttons
• Golf tees
• Dried natural items like seed pods, gum nuts etc

Feel free to drop them into the Church Office or leave them in the donation bin outside the Parents Room at church.

From the Office

Rostered on for Morning Tea?
Have you been rostered on for morning tea in the new area and are not quite sure what to do?  A set of procedures has been written and left in the Café area for your use.  These are not an exhaustive set and can be changed or you may do things slightly different. They are a set of guidelines to assist and make the task smooth for you.  Please notify the office at churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with any discrepancies that you notice or contact the office during work hours.  Thank you to those who do serve in this area.

Painting Corridor
The toilet corridor is ready for painting.  This will be completed over the next 2 weeks.  It is a large task.  If you are handy with a paint brush or roller we would be excited to hear from you.  Painting can be on a week day or weekend.  If you able to assist even for an hour contact
John Dolling 8367 5296 or 0409 819 864.

Help with Homework Club
Several members from Para Vista are involved in a Homework Club at the LCC Family Hub at Ingle Farm.  This has become so successful that extra help is needed on Tuesdays 3-4:30pm to hear students read and assist with their homework.  Helping out weekly would be ideal but occasional help would also be appreciated.  More information contact Helen Hearne
0413 088 502 or 8263 7434.

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

Faith Gym
A reminder that our current faith gym courses - Network or Gossiping the Gospel – will be on again this Wednesday.

LNAA (Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia)
All healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting at 7.30pm on Monday 24th September, with Forum: "A Good Life to the End" at 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide LCA/SA District Office.  Entry through rear door and 2 hour CDP evidence provided.

Valley View Op Shop
Cnr Paul’s Drive and Vale Ave
Open Mon - Fri. 9am - 4pm
Super Saturday Sale 1st of every month

Professional Standards Training
The following link will take you to the updated Professional Standards training schedule as well as the updated Professional Standards Webinar training schedule.
http://www.sant.lca.org.au/events/training-workshops/

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.

“I will be a Father to you,

  and you will be my sons and daughters,

says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 6:18

A Chosen Instrument

The word from God to Ananias: (Acts 9:15,16)

‘Go!  This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.  I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’

It would be a wonderful thing to know Ananias’ thoughts about this turn of events.  Saul, a constant persecutor of Christians, arriving in Damascus and he, Ananias, a faithful disciple of Jesus, must tell Saul that he was God’s chosen instrument.

Chosen instrument?  Really?  What kind of song was God going to play?

As we move throughout life, we hopefully encounter many people who have heard God’s song in their lives and have been called to sing out his change in them.  God, like a great orchestral conductor, knows the abilities and sounds of each one His instruments, and he knows which instruments should be making sound and which should be silent throughout at different times in the symphony.

This week, as we gather together, we’ll hear God’s song through Saul/Paul as he travels to the lands of Gentiles and Jews alike, journeys of joy and pain, suffering and surrender, and a realisation that to be used in God’s song is to be part of the great melody of life together.

Come and experience Part 2 of Saul’s transformative experience in the book of Acts and how it intersects with our own daily life in the 21st century.

Pr Reid Matthais

Bible Reading:  Acts 9:13-16; Acts 26;1-3, 12-28
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.

Small Groups Dinner

For anyone currently in a small group, and anyone interested in more effective small group ministries at Good Shepherd.  Please inform your group, save the date, and come along!  Bring a sweet or savoury to share.  BYO Drinks and glasses.

RSVP by phoning the church on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
A reminder of our West Lakes outing on 4th September.  For those travelling by bus please be at Hope Valley by 10.45am.  If leaving by car please be at Good Shepherd by 10.30am.

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!

Grow Ministries LCA Child Youth and Family Ministry
2019 Grow Leadership Program
Are you aged between 18-25 years and interested in developing your leadership skills and have a heart for ministry?  Please contact Chelsea if this is something you would like to explore.  Applications close Sunday 30th September, 2018.

Little Lambs are collecting, are you able to help?
We’re looking for:
• Cardboard tubes from cling wrap/alfoil
• Plastic Nutella jars (empty, clean & dry)
• Band aids
• PVC piping
• Dot markers (ones used in bingo)
• Large plastic buttons
• Golf tees
• Dried natural items like seed pods, gum nuts etc

Feel free to drop them into the Church Office or leave them in the donation bin outside the Parents Room at church.

From the Office

Office Closure
The church office will be closed for a staff retreat from Monday 27th to Wednesday 29th August.

Rostered on for Morning Tea?
Have you been rostered on for morning tea in the new area and are not quite sure what to do?  A set of procedures has been written and left in the Café area for your use.  These are not an exhaustive set and can be changed or you may do things slightly different. They are a set of guidelines to assist and make the task smooth for you.  Please notify the office at churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with any discrepancies that you notice or contact the office during work hours.  Thank you to those who do serve in this area.

Painting Corridor
The toilet corridor is ready for painting.  This will be completed over the next 2 weeks.  It is a large task.  If you are handy with a paint brush or roller we would be excited to hear from you.  Painting can be on a week day or weekend.  If you able to assist even for an hour contact
John Dolling 8367 5296 or 0409 819 864.

LCC Food Collection
Being the last Sunday of the month it is collection Sunday for the Family Hub at Ingle Farm.

In discussion with Kathleen Wilson (Manager of the Hub) they are desperately in need of the following:
• any requirements for babies and young children (except nappies for new born) eg nappies, wipes, baby food, snacks and bath gel.
• Cleaning items.  This may sound like an unusual request but the vast majority of their clients live in rented accommodation.  Budgets are stretched and food, clothing and rent usually take all the income and items such as cleaning materials can't be afforded.  If houses are not maintained in a clean order they can be ejected and become homeless.  Most of these families involve children.
Under the direction of Eric Hofmanis members of the congregation have established an organised storeroom for the storage of food at the Hub.  This means all food is consolidated into one area. This has meant it is much easier to audit what they have in stock and what is urgently required.

Help with Homework Club
Several members from Para Vista are involved in a Homework Club at the LCC Family Hub at Ingle Farm.  This has become so successful that extra help is needed on Tuesdays 3-4:30pm to hear students read and assist with their homework.  Helping out weekly would be ideal but occasional help would also be appreciated.  More information contact Helen Hearne
0413 088 502 or 8263 7434.

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

Faith Gym
A reminder that our current faith gym courses - Network or Gossiping the Gospel – will be on again this Wednesday.

SALA Exhibition at Good Shepherd Para Vista

Valley View Op Shop
Cnr Paul’s Drive and Vale Ave
Open Mon - Fri. 9am - 4pm
Super Saturday Sale 1st of every month

Professional Standards Training
The following link will take you to the updated Professional Standards training schedule as well as the updated Professional Standards Webinar training schedule.
http://www.sant.lca.org.au/events/training-workshops/

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.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

Obeying the Call

Throughout nature, we hear how various animals respond to calls.  Birds, for instance, sing loudly into the morning air, then pause and wait for a response.  Whales sing their tune deep under the ocean and wait for the echoing response.  Land animals communicate by sound and scent and then wait.

But humans tend to speak… and then keep on talking.  In our prayers, we use word after word to convince God of our cause and/or need and we believe like the widow seeking justice, if we can somehow browbeat God with our voices, he will bend low to our desires.

We don’t often spend time listening and it takes a gentle (or not so gentle) earthshake to move us to silence.

So it was for the apostle Paul (Saul).  As a hero of the Jewish faith, he believed that his calling from God was to eradicate the early Christian church from the face of the earth.  He was present at the stoning of Stephen and available to seek out the people of The Way (Christians) to send them to prison.  He wasn’t listening to God’s word for his life because he was too intent on making his own noise.

He couldn’t obey the call of God because he was unable to hear God’s voice in his own religious busyness.

This week, we take a look at Saul’s conversion in Acts 9.  Although I hope you have heard and read the story before, we will find that in order for Saul to hear the transformation that God had for his life, he had to be silenced, blinded, hungry and thirsty, brought to his knees and then, when God was ready, God would share with Saul the call to new life.

How do we, today, understand silence and spiritual blindness?  What do we do when we don’t even realise that we are hungry and thirsty for something greater?  How do we hear God’s voice in the world today?  And then, once we have heard it, how do we obey?

Pr Reid Matthais

Bible Reading:  Acts 9:1-19
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 10.30 service this Sunday Charlie Louis Richter, son of Jan and Tammy will be welcomed into God’s family.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Reminder to pay Dawn Spencer for September trip.  Husbands welcome.

Small Groups Dinner

For anyone currently in a small group, and anyone interested in more effective small group ministries at Good Shepherd.  Please inform your group, save the date, and come along!
Bring a sweet or savoury to share.  BYO Drinks and glasses.

RSVP by phoning the church on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

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!

Grow Ministries LCA Child Youth and Family Ministry
2019 Grow Leadership Program
Are you aged between 18-25 years and interested in developing your leadership skills and have a heart for ministry?  Please contact Chelsea if this is something you would like to explore.  Applications close Sunday 30th September, 2018.

Little Lambs are collecting, are you able to help?
We’re looking for:
• Cardboard tubes from cling wrap/alfoil
• Plastic Nutella jars (empty, clean & dry)
• Band aids
• PVC piping
• Dot markers (ones used in bingo)
• Large plastic buttons
• Golf tees
• Dried natural items like seed pods, gum nuts etc

Feel free to drop them into the Church Office or leave them in the donation bin outside the Parents Room at church.

Supporting School Families with English as their Second Language
Do you have a heart to support families with English as their Second Language?

At Good Shepherd Lutheran School, we continue to support families from non-English speaking backgrounds and welcome them as valued members of our community.

We have recently invited families to have school communication and notes clarified and hope to start a conversational English group within the school community for those interested so they might develop mastery of the English language and build stronger relationships.  We anticipate a gradual take up of these opportunities over time.

If so, contact Tim Oestmann during the school week on Monday, Wednesday or Friday (Morning) Ph: 82647966 or email Tim (Pastoral Care Coordinator): pcc@gspv.sa.edu.au for more details.

From the Office

Rostered on for Morning Tea?
Have you been rostered on for morning tea in the new area and are not quite sure what to do?  A set of procedures has been written and left in the Café area for your use.  These are not an exhaustive set and can be changed or you may do things slightly different. They are a set of guidelines to assist and make the task smooth for you.  Please notify the office at churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with any discrepancies that you notice or contact the office during work hours.  Thank you to those who do serve in this area.

Volunteers are a Blessing
Many people who call Good Shepherd their church home volunteer in many aspects of congregational life.  Some volunteer on a weekly basis.

Last week there were 2 examples of volunteers at work:-
• 6 people shifted all donated food at LCC Family Zone into their new storeroom.  This will make it much easier to locate food and distribute it to families in need and to monitor what food they are short of and require as donations.
• 8 members of the church and school communities attended the working bee on Saturday.  Windows were cleaned and now gleam, walls and doors in the toilet corridor were sanded ready for painting.
Thank you to these volunteers and all who volunteer to make our congregation function so it can be a blessing to many.

Painting Corridor
The toilet corridor is ready for painting.  This will be completed over the next 2 weeks.  It is a large task.  If you are handy with a paint brush or roller we would be excited to hear from you.  Painting can be on a week day or weekend.  If you able to assist even for an hour contact
John Dolling 8367 5296 or 0409 819 864.

LCC Food Collection
Next Sunday is the last Sunday of the month so we will have our usual food collection for LCC. Details of food required will be sent via email next week and will be included in next week's Weekly News.

Help with Homework Club
Several members from Para Vista are involved in a Homework Club at the LCC Family Hub at Ingle Farm.  This has become so successful that extra help is needed on Tuesdays 3-4:30pm to hear students read and assist with their homework.  Helping out weekly would be ideal but occasional help would also be appreciated.  More information contact Helen Hearne
0413 088 502 or 8263 7434.

Finance Report 

Offerings
January – July 2018
Total Offerings – Budget $298,000 Actual $284,121 UNDER $13,879

Budget Summary
January – June 2018
Total Income – Budget $292,040 Actual $278,341 UNDER $13,699
Total Expenses – Budget $283,918 Actual $261,362 UNDER $22,556

Notes since last published report:
• Offerings in July were around $2,500 below budget.
• Offerings through REG were in line with Budget with plate again well under.  Plate was helped by last Sunday in month were 2 large amounts were given; otherwise we would have been $5k below budget for the month.
• Expenses slightly under budget in June, mainly due to staff expenses.

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

The Hits of Stage and Screen
Presented by Neighbourhood Watch SA and the Band of the South Australia Police
Wednesday 22nd August at 7.30pm Adelaide Town Hall $25 per ticket available through Bass outlets or online at www.bass.net.au
All proceeds go to Encounter Youth.

Faith Gym
A reminder that our current faith gym courses - Network or Gossiping the Gospel – will be on again this Wednesday.

SALA Exhibition at Good Shepherd Para Vista 

Valley View Op Shop
Cnr Paul’s Drive and Vale Ave
Open Mon - Fri. 9am - 4pm
Super Saturday Sale 1st of every month

Next week Bric a Brac - buy 1 Item and get 1 free.

Upcoming Events at Australian Lutheran College
All are welcome to attend the following event which will be held at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) in August.  Entry to the campus is via the driveway at 200 Ward Street, North Adelaide.  For catering purposes, please advise ALC of your planned attendance – either email alc@alc.edu.au or phone 08 7120 8200.

German-Australian History and Heritage Conference 18-19 August 2018
Fascinating talks by local, interstate and international speakers on a range of topics about Germans and Lutherans in Australia, and German family history research.  Why were Queensland Aboriginal Lutherans considered a security risk in World War 2?  How German was the city of Adelaide?  Other highlights include: Germans in Tasmania, the life of pastor’s wife Vida Liebelt, Post-World War Two migrants and the Lutheran church, using DNA for family history research, how to research overseas, and much more.  One day $130, both days $225. Live-streaming option also available.  See http://conference2018.germanheritage.org.au for details and booking.

Professional Standards Training
The following link will take you to the updated Professional Standards training schedule as well as the updated Professional Standards Webinar training schedule.
http://www.sant.lca.org.au/events/training-workshops/

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.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

Interpreting the Call

If you visit a foreign country where you don’t know the language, you need an interpreter: someone who can understand what you are saying, and then interpret it to the listeners in their own language. 

Likewise, if we are to connect meaningfully with people who don’t yet know Jesus, it’s essential that we understand their world view, beliefs and cultural values.  It’s helpful to find out what questions or wonderings they might have.  Otherwise, we might be speaking God’s truth, but it may get “lost in translation”.

While Paul was waiting for his friends in Athens, he reasoned with philosophers in the market place.  They labelled him a “babbler”, accusing him of introducing foreign gods to the city of Athens – which is why the famous philosopher Socrates was condemned to death in 399 BC. 

Then they took Paul ‘to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, ‘May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?  You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears and we would like to know what they mean.’”  (Acts 17:19-20)

This Sunday we’ll unpack Paul’s speech – noting how he makes connections with the culture of his listeners, and uses their own poets to point to the Creator who gives life to all people and is “not far from each one of us”.

Since this same Creator God has made himself known in the person of Jesus, there is no longer any excuse for not knowing God - or refusing to be in relationship with him!  God commands all people everywhere to turn away from worshipping idols, and put their trust and hope in the man (Jesus) whom God raised from the dead and appointed end time judge of the world. 

How do we bring this same Jesus into our “marketplace”, our post-Christian Western culture?  How do we use the symbols, aspirations or brokenness of our culture to talk about Jesus?  And how does God call us to swim against our culture?  Come and explore with us this Sunday! 

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Acts 17:16-34
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.

Thank you
I would like to thank everyone from Good Shepherd who supported us through Graham's illness, particularly the last few months.  For all the visits, phone calls, messages and finally, all the condolence cards I received, makes me truly value this Church community.  A huge thank you to Rolly, the Band and the Ladies Fellowship for making the funeral a day to remember and celebrate Graham's life.  He is finally at peace and resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father.
Thank you all so much - Marilyn (Muff) Wegener.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
A reminder to please bring toys and children’s underwear for Lutheran Community Care for Christmas distribution.  Items can be left at church or given to Ragna Gaard or Dorothy Buscumb by 12th August.  Reminder to pay Dawn Spencer for September trip.  Husbands welcome.

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!

Grow Ministries LCA Child Youth and Family Ministry
2019 Grow Leadership Program
Are you aged between 18-25 years and interested in developing your leadership skills and have a heart for ministry?  Please contact Chelsea if this is something you would like to explore.  Applications close Sunday 30 September, 2018.

Little Lambs are collecting, are you able to help?
We’re looking for:
• Cardboard tubes from cling wrap/alfoil
• Plastic Nutella jars (empty, clean & dry)
• Band aids
• PVC piping
• Dot markers (ones used in bingo)
• Large plastic buttons
• Golf tees
• Dried natural items like seed pods, gum nuts etc

Feel free to drop them into the Church Office or leave them in the donation bin outside the Parents Room at church.

Supporting School Families with English as their Second Language
Do you have a heart to support families with English as their Second Language?

At Good Shepherd Lutheran School, we continue to support families from non-English speaking backgrounds and welcome them as valued members of our community.

We have recently invited families to have school communication and notes clarified and hope to start a conversational English group within the school community for those interested so they might develop mastery of the English language and build stronger relationships.  We anticipate a gradual take up of these opportunities over time.

If so, contact Tim Oestmann during the school week on Monday, Wednesday or Friday (Morning) Ph: 82647966 or email Tim (Pastoral Care Coordinator): pcc@gspv.sa.edu.au for more details.

From the Office

Rostered on for Morning Tea?
Have you been rostered on for morning tea in the new area and are not quite sure what to do?  A set of procedures has been written and left in the Café area for your use.  These are not an exhaustive set and can be changed or you may do things slightly different.  They are a set of guidelines to assist and make the task smooth for you.  Please notify the office at churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with any discrepancies that you notice or contact the office during work hours.  Thank you to those who do serve in this area.

Sanding and Cleaning this Saturday August 11th 
Sunday September 16th will be the dedication of our new facilities.  We would like to get several tasks completed before this service.  These are:
• painting the toilet corridor
• cleaning the windows in the cafe and new foyer.
We are planning a sanding/cleaning  Saturday this Saturday August 11th from 8:30-10:30am. We need to sand the woodwork and doors in the corridor in readiness for painting. Sanding will need to be by hand as we don't want to create too much dust which will cause issues for the SALA display. There will be some sanding and cleaning equipment provided but it would be very helpful if you could bring your own.

You could start the morning with a free egg and bacon sandwich. It would assist with catering if you would place your order by replying to jdolling@bigpond.net.au

A Big Thank You from Kathlene at LCC
Please pass our sincere thanks to the congregation for the groceries delivered this week.

I attended the Meet and Eat meal on Monday evening – it was fantastic to see the connection made with the community and to see your lovely new kitchen in use. We now have some flyers to promote the Monday meal and will include them in ER parcels when we give them out.

Homelessness seems to be prominent this week – we have had several incidents of women/families being homeless.

We have been persistent and at least been able to find accommodation for 24 hours blocks and have been able to connect the people to service to promote long term accommodation.
With your help we have been able to provide food to these women living in emergency accommodation.  Although they might get a bed for the night they don’t get food – we have been able to support these families with the food provided by the church – THANK YOU!

Help with Homework Club
Several members from Para Vista are involved in a Homework Club at the LCC Family Hub at Ingle Farm.  This has become so successful that extra help is needed on Tuesdays 3-4:30pm to hear students read and assist with their homework.  Helping out weekly would be ideal but occasional help would also be appreciated.  More information contact Helen Hearne 0413 088 502/82637434.

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

SALA Exhibition at Good Shepherd Para Vista 

The Hits of Stage and Screen
Presented by Neighbourhood Watch SA and the Band of the South Australia Police
Wednesday 22nd August at 7.30pm Adelaide Town Hall $25 per ticket available through Bass outlets or online at www.bass.net.au
All proceeds go to Encounter Youth.

Faith Gym
A reminder that our current faith gym courses - Network or Gossiping the Gospel – will be on again this Wednesday.

Upcoming Events at Australian Lutheran College
All are welcome to attend the following events which will be held at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) in August.  Entry to the campus is via the driveway at 200 Ward Street, North Adelaide.  For catering purposes, please advise ALC of your planned attendance – either email alc@alc.edu.au or phone 08 7120 8200.

Public Lecture: The place of the epistle reading in the Divine Service
Rev Dr Thomas Winger, Principal, Concordia Seminary, St Catherines, Canada and author of the recent Concordia Biblical Commentary on Ephesians, will present this lecture on 16 August from 2-3pm.

Fritzsche Oration
This annual event, organised in partnership with the LCA’s Committee for Lutheran Archives, will be held on Friday, 17 August at 7.30pm.

ALC emeritus lecturer, Rev Dr Peter Lockwood, will give this year’s oration entitled: A small cog in a large wheel: the FRM’s bush courses in Central Australia in the context of the preparation and support of Indigenous church workers.

The presentation will take you inside the bush courses for Indigenous pastors and evangelists that are held three times a year in the remote communities of the Finke River Mission field of Central Australia. These bush courses are a small, but vital cog in the far larger wheel of training and supporting the LCA’s Indigenous church leaders.  Starting with a brief history of the courses and a description of the typical bush course, this year’s oration will give you an insight into some of the perennial issues that vex the minds of the FRM support staff, the Indigenous church workers, and the FRM board.  The issues inevitably morph into questions for the whole LCA to address, as it continues to grapple with the vital task of preparing Indigenous church leaders for their calling and supporting them in it.

German-Australian History and Heritage Conference 18-19 August 2018
Fascinating talks by local, interstate and international speakers on a range of topics about Germans and Lutherans in Australia, and German family history research.  Why were Queensland Aboriginal Lutherans considered a security risk in World War 2?  How German was the city of Adelaide?  Other highlights include: Germans in Tasmania, the life of pastor’s wife Vida Liebelt, Post-World War Two migrants and the Lutheran church, using DNA for family history research, how to research overseas, and much more.  One day $130, both days $225. Live-streaming option also available.  See http://conference2018.germanheritage.org.au for details and booking.

Professional Standards Training
The following link will take you to the updated Professional Standards training schedule as well as the updated Professional Standards Webinar training schedule.
http://www.sant.lca.org.au/events/training-workshops/

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.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

Romans 1:20

Receiving the Call

None of us enjoy receiving a phone call in the middle of the night – especially when we’ve been in a deep sleep.  First, we wake up with a fright from the phone ringing.  Then as we get to it, we wonder: “What’s gone so wrong that someone has to ring at this time of the day?!”

We talk about church workers “receiving a call” from the living God to enter Christian ministry.  Many of them have worked in other occupations, but then God calls them into something different.  My own story has worked out far different from what I ever expected. 

Jesus calls us to follow him.  How that works out in our family, work, play, and connecting with people around us will often be different from what we expect. 

Still, when it’s Jesus we’re following, the outcomes can be wonderfully surprising!  That’s what we find in the story of Cornelius and Peter in Acts 10. 
Here are two guys from completely different cultural backgrounds who'd never met before.  But they both heard messages from God.  And receiving his call, acted on it by getting together to talk it out.

They've got little in common.  What will it be like when we put Peter the upright Jew in a room with Cornelius the occupying Roman officer who is a Gentile?

A lot more is on the line than just seeing whether they can bridge the social gap between their different ethnicity and cultural backgrounds.  Why did God go to such great lengths to get them together, and how does it work out?

The outcomes were wonderfully surprising!  Come along this Sunday and explore this turning point in God’s story for his world – and what it means for us. 

Come and find out how we might be more open and aware of God’s calling, so we can more effectively share in his mission of making Jesus known to all.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings:  Acts 10:23b-48
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.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Tuesday 7th August 1pm with trading table.  Bible Study lead by Pastor Rolly.
A reminder to please bring toys and children’s underwear for Lutheran Community Care for Christmas distribution.  Items can be left at church or given to Ragna Gaard or Dorothy Buscumb by 12th August.  Reminder to pay Dawn Spencer for September trip.  Husbands welcome.

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!

Grow Ministries LCA Child Youth and Family Ministry
2019 Grow Leadership Program
Are you aged between 18-25 years and interested in developing your leadership skills and have a heart for ministry?  Please contact Chelsea chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au
if this is something you would like to explore.  Applications close Sunday 30 September, 2018.

Little Lambs are collecting, are you able to help?
We’re looking for:
• Cardboard tubes from cling wrap/alfoil
• Plastic Nutella jars (empty, clean & dry)
• Band aids
• PVC piping
• Dot markers (ones used in bingo)
• Large plastic buttons
• Golf tees
• Dried natural items like seed pods, gum nuts etc

Feel free to drop them into the Church Office or leave them in the donation bin outside the Parents Room at church.

Supporting School Families with English as their Second Language
Do you have a heart to support families with English as their Second Language?

At Good Shepherd Lutheran School, we continue to support families from non-English speaking backgrounds and welcome them as valued members of our community.

We have recently invited families to have school communication and notes clarified and hope to start a conversational English group within the school community for those interested so they might develop mastery of the English language and build stronger relationships.  We anticipate a gradual take up of these opportunities over time.

If so, contact Tim Oestmann during the school week on Monday, Wednesday or Friday (Morning) Ph: 82647966 or email Tim (Pastoral Care Coordinator): pcc@gspv.sa.edu.au for more details.

From the Office

The Finishing Touches
We would like to get the toilet corridor painted before the special service on Sunday 16th September.  To begin the process we will be holding a Sanding Saturday on 11th August to sand the walls and doors.  Due to the hall and cafe being used for SALA it will necessitate an early start and finish.  You can start with an egg and bacon sandwich at 8am and get to work by 8:30.  We need to be finished by 10:30. We also would like a team to clean the windows of the foyer.  More details will be sent by email next week.

A Big Thank You
The response to the food collection for LCC last Sunday was amazing.  The Transform Youth sorted all the donations and 7 members transported them to the Hub.  They will be stored in a new storeroom being fitted out by Eric Hofmanis.  This was a great team effort by everyone. The Family Hub were grateful and send a great big thank you.

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

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.

The Hits of Stage and Screen
Presented by Neighbourhood Watch SA and the Band of the South Australia Police
Wednesday 22nd August at 7.30pm Adelaide Town Hall $25 per ticket available through Bass outlets or online at www.bass.net.au
All proceeds go to Encounter Youth.

Faith Gym
A reminder that our current faith gym courses - Network or Gossiping the Gospel – will be on again this Wednesday.

Upcoming Events at Australian Lutheran College
All are welcome to attend the following events which will be held at Australian Lutheran College (ALC) in August.  Entry to the campus is via the driveway at 200 Ward Street, North Adelaide.  For catering purposes, please advise ALC of your planned attendance – either email alc@alc.edu.au or phone 08 7120 8200.

Public Lecture: The place of the epistle reading in the Divine Service
Rev Dr Thomas Winger, Principal, Concordia Seminary, St Catherines, Canada and author of the recent Concordia Biblical Commentary on Ephesians, will present this lecture on 16 August from 2-3pm.

Fritzsche Oration
This annual event, organised in partnership with the LCA’s Committee for Lutheran Archives, will be held on Friday, 17 August at 7.30pm.

ALC emeritus lecturer, Rev Dr Peter Lockwood, will give this year’s oration entitled: A small cog in a large wheel: the FRM’s bush courses in Central Australia in the context of the preparation and support of Indigenous church workers.

The presentation will take you inside the bush courses for Indigenous pastors and evangelists that are held three times a year in the remote communities of the Finke River Mission field of Central Australia. These bush courses are a small, but vital cog in the far larger wheel of training and supporting the LCA’s Indigenous church leaders.  Starting with a brief history of the courses and a description of the typical bush course, this year’s oration will give you an insight into some of the perennial issues that vex the minds of the FRM support staff, the Indigenous church workers, and the FRM board.  The issues inevitably morph into questions for the whole LCA to address, as it continues to grapple with the vital task of preparing Indigenous church leaders for their calling and supporting them in it.

German-Australian History and Heritage Conference 18-19 August 2018
Fascinating talks by local, interstate and international speakers on a range of topics about Germans and Lutherans in Australia, and German family history research.  Why were Queensland Aboriginal Lutherans considered a security risk in World War 2?  How German was the city of Adelaide?  Other highlights include: Germans in Tasmania, the life of pastor’s wife Vida Liebelt, Post-World War Two migrants and the Lutheran church, using DNA for family history research, how to research overseas, and much more.  One day $130, both days $225. Live-streaming option also available.  See http://conference2018.germanheritage.org.au for details and booking.

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.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

John 15:16