Isn’t it crazy that even when our life depends on it, we can be so easily distracted!
We shouldn’t be surprised that our human tendency to be easily distracted is one of the key weaknesses that the devil likes to manipulate us with. We can get so busy that God gets pushed to the outer edge of our consciousness or he gets forgotten altogether.
We can recognise this in our scripture lesson this week: Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem has told his disciples three times that in Jerusalem he will be betrayed and arrested, mocked and ridiculed and eventually killed. Yet despite speaking plainly about this to those around him, they were not able to see past the things happening around Jesus.
They were distracted by and focussed on the miracles he had done, his conflicts with the Pharisees, the new political order they all expected him to establish as the descendant of king David and God’s chosen messiah. It took a blind man, Bartimaeus, to see what Jesus was really on about.
Aren’t we so lucky that we have as our saviour, Jesus the Good Shepherd. The one who lays down his life for us. The one whose focus and attention has always been on bringing us back to God the Father. Even in the face of betrayal, false accusations, violence and death, Jesus’ eyes remained firmly fixed on the cross, the thing that would ultimately bring us back into life with the Father.
So, what are your distractions? What is it that gets in the way of your relationship with your Heavenly Father?
Join us this Sunday as we explore the implications of our own distractions and of Jesus’ determination and focus to restore us to himself.
Vicar Mathew von Stanke
Bible Reading: Mark 10:46-52
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.
Notice of Special Congregational Meeting 11th March 2018
A special general meeting will be held directly after the 8.45am church service on Sunday 11th March 2018. The purpose of the meeting is to elect a congregational member to represent Good Shepherd at the 2018 General Synod. Robyn Oatey has been nominated as our representative and has accepted the nomination. This is the only agenda item. Apologies will be accepted by the church office by phone, email or in person. An attendance sheet will be available on the day to sign.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for Good Shepherd!
Miriam Smith, former Mayor of Tea Tree Gully and now a project officer for Baptist Care, SA, will be with us to share her passion for ministry to refugees in the metro area. Combining a wealth of experience with her distinctive love of Christ, Miriam will share with us during the Spotlight and Coffee and Theology, stories of struggle and faith, and ways that we can partner with refugees in bringing prosperity to those who have come to the ‘Lucky Country.’
Miriam will be with us on Sunday 18th March. Please attend the Coffee and Theology and ask many questions about the ministry.
30 Days of Prayer
Is underway… and is being held at church 7.30-8.30pm every day except Sundays during March. Everyone is encouraged to come along to at least one night to pray as a community.
From the Office
Support for Lutheran Community Care Ingle Farm
The congregation agreed to support Lutheran Community Care at Ingle Farm in 2018. They have had their government funding cut once again which means that they need to raise extra funds just to maintain existing programmes. They are running a BBQ at Ingle Farm School (Montague Road adjacent to Kmart) on election day. To lessen the work load for existing staff they would like the help of Good Shepherd members to work on the BBQ for 1 hour on election day, Saturday 17th March. You could vote at the school and then assist for 1 hour. If you can help contact John Dolling 83675296 or 0409819864 with a preferred time slot.
Urgent Vacancies!
Vacancies are open to learn how to make the brewed coffee. Please mark your connect card or contact the church office to assist in this small but very important part of service. A team of volunteers will make a huge impact on our Sunday social activity after services.
Help Wanted
For the next few months, an elderly lady living at Gilles Plains would like transport to the 8:45am service and then home again. Ideally it would be good if we could have offers of help to do this on a roster system, unless there is an individual who wishes to volunteer weekly. Contact Lyn Hancock on 0403 375 474 or the church office for more information.
Stamps for Mission Update
Thank you to all who have contributed to Stamps for Missions during the past year. You will be pleased to know that your efforts have assisted in raising over $14,300 in 2017. The projects for 2018 include mission areas in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. This also includes scholarships for our international churches to send pastors and lay people to study at ALC or in seminaries overseas.
A Stamps for Missions collection box will be placed in the new entry foyer in the near future.
Thanks again for your efforts to assist in the LCA’s mission to people in overseas countries.
Please speak to Peter Nitschke for further information.
Notice Board
Imagine being jailed for no reason!
At the Friends of Lutheran Archives meeting on Monday 19th March, Lyall Kupke will tell us about four leading citizens (H Paech, E Heppner, E Wenke, J Wenke) of the predominantly Lutheran town of Walla Walla NSW who were arrested without charge and interned in March 1918. Although one was later released, the other three remained at Holdsworthy camp until the end of the war. Repeated efforts were made to seek justice for them. Upon their eventual release they faced problems in resuming their lives.
Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30pm. Supper & gold coin donation.
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.
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“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
