When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36
As Jesus is looking over the crowds who have been following him, he doesn’t see them as tasks, or as appointments, or worse yet – patients to be cured. What he does see, is a large group of people who live life on the outer edges near hysteria. Somewhere along the way, life has become difficult for them; it harasses them, pesters them and leaves them helpless in search of God only knows what.
But Jesus looks on them with compassion.
This word, in the original language, is fascinating, and when we take Jesus’ compassion seriously, we recognise a new perspective on evangelism – he sees this group of people as a beautiful and bountiful crop for God’s kingdom, ripened to perfection.
This week, take the journey as we explore the short passage of Matthew 9:35-38 and gaze into the future of how the Church works in the Kingdom.
Pastor Reid Matthais
Bible Reading: 1 Pet 3:15-18, Matthew 9:35-38 NIV
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.
New Members Information Evenings will be two consecutive Wednesdays at the end of November. On the 21st and 28th November, those who are wanting to join Good Shepherd Lutheran Church are welcome to come and hear and be part of the future of this place of worship. The sessions will begin at 7:00pm and tentatively conclude at 8:30pm.
We are excited to have Pastor Mark Worthing, author and scholar, to share at our men’s breakfast on Saturday, November 17th at 7:30am. Come hear about the new books he has written and enjoy his wit as he shares with us from his own Lutheran story and heritage.
The Good Shepherd Remembrance Service
An opportunity to reflect on the lives of loved ones who have gone before us, will occur on Saturday November 17th at 1:30pm. If you, or someone close to you has encountered loss, come as we remember together the lives of people who touched us greatly.
AGM Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Christmas lunch 4th December at the Blue Gums Hotel $20.90 per head – payment to
Dawn Spencer.
Thank You from the Family Hub
On Monday 29th we delivered Sunday's donations to the Family Hub. They continue to be amazed at the generosity of the people at Para Vista. Thank you for your support throughout the year and to the Transform group for sorting the donations which saved a lot of time when we delivered the goods.
On Friday 7th food parcels were given to families in need. This was largely possible due to our continued support. One particular case was distressing. A year 9 student was admitted to hospital suffering from malnutrition. On investigation it was discovered there was little food in the house and the student was not eating to allow her younger siblings sufficient food.
Please continue to pray for the work of the Family Hub and for the staff and all the volunteers.
Support for the Family Hub Christmas Activities
The Family Hub supports 250 families. They are planning to bring a little Christmas cheer into the lives of the children by having a family BBQ and giving each child a small gift. In November there
will not be a collection of goods but you will have an opportunity to make a financial donation to help defray the cost of purchasing these gifts. More details will be provided later. There will also be a BBQ after both services on Sunday 25th November All proceeds will go to the Family Hub to be used to support their family Christmas activities.
Save the Date for “Experience Christmas”
YOU are invited to join us to experience the wonder and excitement of Christmas. Explore the Christmas Story, and experience how this event, many years ago, continues to be a gift to us today. There will be Christmas activities, carols, a story corner, prayer space and much more – many different ways to immerse yourself in Christmas.
We are looking for people to be involved – please chat to Chelsea Schiller 0447 225 517
chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au if you’d like to be involved in any way.
From the Office
Half Yearly Meeting
On Sunday 25th November we are pleased to have the opportunity to share in the Half Yearly Meeting. Beginning at 12:00pm, right after the second service, we’ll have an opportunity to look at and discuss some of the future ideas for Good Shepherd. There will be a light lunch provided along with our regular tea and coffee.
SHIN
What is SHIN? Salisbury Hills Interchurch Network Inc. Our congregation supports a Christian Pastoral Care Worker (Chaplin) through this organisation. The Federal Government has affirmed the importance of school chaplaincy by continuing financial support in the recent budget. Chaplaincy in schools is making a difference to children and families in our community. Here's an example from one of our Chaplin’s:
‘As this year has progressed my two days at the school have continued to be fun and busy but full of heart melting, beautiful moments. I had a parent (going through a difficult life situation) leave a session with me the other day saying that they felt like they had 'hope again'. My involvement with 'What's the Buzz?' (social skills program) has developed this term, as school leadership have asked me to help train social work and psychology students in the program and get them running groups in the school as well. This has been great as more students are now in the program across the school meeting - a great need in our school community. I want to thank you for all of your incredible support and prayers; it has definitely been felt and is much appreciated.’
Please keep this ministry in your prayers.
Updating the Manse
The manse renovation of the kitchen and dining area has been completed. Thank you to Chris Hample, Peter Nitschke, Colin Rieger, James Przibilla and Mike Hancock for their efforts in keeping the costs down.
Church Library
The library has been audited and a number of old unused resources have been removed from circulation. These items have been placed onto a trolley in the hall area in front of the library. Please feel free to help yourself to these items to use as your own resource. We request the items not be returned to the library as this will cause issues with the cataloguing system. If you wish to borrow items from the library you will require a library card. Please contact the office or mark your connect card with “library card”.
Notice Board
Peter Steicke’s new book ‘Favoured’ is now available in paperback on pre-order now. Books are $20 each and will be available from this Sunday onward in between services and after the 10.30 service from Debbie Wesselingh.
Live Christmas Trees
Holy Cross Birdwood is once again offering live Christmas trees for $40. If you wish to order one contact
John Dollling 8367 5296 or
jdolling@bigpond.net.au by Sunday 25th November. Proceeds are used to support chaplains in schools.
“Hymns We Love”
Come for a time of informal community singing of hymns you love. To be held at
Zion Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Road, Glynde on the first Monday of the month starting November 5th, then December 3rd and January 7th. Come at 10-30 for cuppa and biscuits. No cost – just come!
If you need more information, please contact Joy Mildren, organist, 0458 650 135/8367 9969.
The Franklin Graham tour is coming in the first part of 2019. We encourage anyone who wants to be part of the tour to pick up a flier in the café of Good Shepherd and share them with whomever they come into contact.
“As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;..”
Psalm 103:13
