The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…
Isaiah 9:2
There are many times that I enjoy a stroll at night. There is something spectacular about non-visual senses taking over to hear the cicadas, the smell of the heavy air ripe with evening mist and to feel the cool breeze after a warm summer’s day. But that feeling of enjoyment would erode after time if the sun never appeared. What would you feel if the long night never ended and the sun always seemed perched on the other side of the planet, somewhere far, far away…
This is the sense that I get from the prophet Isaiah as he sheds light (and darkness) on the path of the Israelite. Since the Fall, humankind has been in constant need of redemption, and to be honest, a continual sense of God’s nearness and connection. In the Wilderness, the Israelites were led by fire and cloud, and yet they still doubted God’s power and abundance even so much as to proclaim allegiance to a golden idol that they made. And when they turned their eyes away from the true source of light in the world, bit by bit, the world became darker until finally, they walked only in spiritual darkness exploring even the depths of their depravity by consulting ‘mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter…’ (Isaiah 8:19)
How are God’s people delivered from darkness, and how do they see the dawning light?
So it is in the 21st century. Join with us this week to plow through the darkness and hear God’s message to His people living now, who might be living in darkness, that the light is continuing to dawn and arise in the life and soul of His people.
Pastor Reid Matthais
Bible Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7, John 9:1-5 NIV
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.
Family Hub
What a fantastic response last week in our support for the Family Hub.
The total raised was a fantastic $1,906
• BBQ $393
• Plant sale $118
• Donations at services $1,115
• Donation from Fellowship group $280
TOTAL $1,906
When the money was delivered to Kathlene on Tuesday they were not having such a good day, but this certainly brightened it! She assured us that the money would go to good use.
Graduation Blessing
There will be a blessing at the end of the 10.30am service on Sunday 9th December, for all who are graduating from a course/stage/study/University/High School/Primary School. At the end of the service when we call the graduates forward, please come forward and receive your blessing as you move into the next phase of your life!
Experience Christmas Volunteers Needed!
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.
Good Shepherd Social Club
Our 2019 year commences on Thursday 31st January, 1.-3.30pm in the Church Hall.
We welcome anyone that would be interested in coming to a free one-off introduction on any Thursday afternoon.
Activities include meeting other members, playing different card games or carpet bowls and enjoying coffee and a chat.
If you wish to join after your free one off visit then the weekly fee is $3.00 per person.
Please contact Tom Curnow - President on 72254593 or 0400 258 410 or Mike Hancock -Vice President on 0403375474 for any enquiries.
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.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23
