For some, those words, whether audible, or the silent scream of the soul in the midst of the darkness of life, are a last lifeline. All people have moments like this, maybe even lifetimes like this.
All of us.
The people of Israel had been crying out for centuries, this word ‘Hosanna!’ – the Hebrew word for ‘Save us!’ In II Samuel, there is petition for the king from a ‘wise woman’ of Tekoa who seeks restoration and salvation with the word ‘Hosanna!’ Various Psalms speak of the petitioner crying out to God for salvation from oppression, enemies, hunger and thirst. So, we come to Palm Sunday where the entire assembly gathered in front of Jesus, who is riding a colt (not a warhorse), petitioning this Gentle Healer to save them from the ever present oppressive Roman enemy who robs them of every dignity they imagined they deserved.
“Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:9b-10)
Every year we speak about palm branches and cloaks and donkeys and maybe we even quibble over what the word ‘hosanna’ means, but do we recognise the true salvation that comes from the one who rides the donkey? Are we just here for a show, or do we truly believe that this man can save us from our Great Oppressor – Satan and the sin that so easily entangles us?
Do you want a showman or a Saviour?
Jesus replies nothing to the crowd. His only message is non-verbal: simply the fact that he is riding a donkey which implies that this is not a general recruiting his army. He gives no pep talk or pre-battle speech. Jesus steadies himself on the back of the donkey slicing between a mob of people that seemingly have misunderstood the salvation that he was bringing.
Salvation from their sins so that they could be reconnected again with the Father in heaven.
Read the scriptures again this week and find the nuances of this ‘hosanna.’ Locate yourself in relation to God and how that word can erupt from your own mouth this week, and as we walk toward the cross on Good Friday, we encounter the hosanna in the shape of a cross and the emptiness of an open tomb three days later.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Mark 11:1-11
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Praise Point
We thank God for the safe arrival of Hannah Rose, daughter of Alisa and Daniel Bates.
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.
Spotlight
The congregation of Good Shepherd is blessed to have excellent staff members who dedicatedly use their time and talents to further the congregation’s ministry in the name of Christ. One of these staff members, Steve Paech, is currently looking at all the ways that the members of Good Shepherd use their own gifts and talents in the service of Pastoral Care.
Some of us recognise what is meant by the term ‘Pastoral Care,’ but this weekend for the Spotlight on Ministry, Steve will explain what the title means to him, and share with us some of the exciting things happening in this staff role.
These include working with teams for Pastoral Care, working with small groups in assisting in Pastoral Care, Prayer teams, Meet N Eat, volunteering and, in the broadest sense, welcoming the stranger.
We are looking forward to hearing Steve’s thoughts for the future.
Transform service project
As part of our Transform Confirmation program, we have an opportunity to put our faith into action on Sunday the 8th April. The transform session that Sunday will be at Lutheran Community Care, Ingle Farm, where we will be helping to spread a load of bark around their playground area. In order to get the job done, we are looking for a few people to help us out by loaning us some wheelbarrows, shovels and rakes. It would also be helpful if you have a ute or trailer that you could help out with on the day to transport wheelbarrows and tools down there and back.
If you think you may be able to help out, please contact Vicar Mat von Stanke either through the church office or via email mathew.vonstanke@paravista.org.au
NOVO – 2018!
It’s that time of year again to gather together with other high school youth from across South Australia. NOVO is a four day camp designed to meet NEW people, learn NEW things, try NEW opportunities and enjoy worship and activities. The theme for this year is Stand which looks at Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
Register here http://www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/novo/
There is financial assistance available.
Let’s have a great experience together.
Ladies Fellowship Meeting
3rd April @ 1pm
Bible Study – Pastor Rolly
Come hear Ruby Keller tell her story.
Hot cross buns needed for Good Friday
As part of our Easter celebrations we will be serving hot cross buns for morning tea on Good Friday. If you are able to bring a plate of hot cross buns, cut, buttered and ready to serve, that would be greatly appreciated. Please put the buns in the kitchen before service so those people rostered for morning tea can serve them.
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
Assistance required
Please stay for a few minutes after Maundy Thursday service to move chairs in preparation for the Good Friday Service.
Assistance will again be required on Easter Saturday morning at 9am to replace the chairs. Please mark your connect card with your availability for either day - or advise Stephen.
Easter Car parking
The school oval will be available for parking for the Easter services weather permitting. Members are encouraged to park on the school oval to allow our guests to park in allocated parking spaces. Please assist by parking to the eastern end of the oval and keeping as close to the fence as possible.
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 information rack 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
Parking lot safety – One Way traffic at all times
Remember traffic flow is one way entering from Montague Road and exiting through the rear gate at all times. Please do not ‘sneak out’ onto Montague Road after hours. As this is a shared area, speed is restricted to 10KPH. Some users are not doing the right thing and are leaving themselves open to prosecution.
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.
Notice Board
Maranatha Health News
There's big news in the Maranatha Health world. You can read all about it in the latest newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/dd2337d7f086/big-news-from-maranatha-health
Maranatha Health is turning 10!
From an aspiring and idealistic dream ten years ago, the life-bringing work of Maranatha Health has become a thriving, effective reality in West Uganda. You’ve shared in this journey though prayer, encouragement, financial support and we’d love you to join us to celebrate this achievement at the Maranatha Health 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner.
Maranatha Health is thriving in its service of care to people in Fort Portal, Uganda. Our Children's Clinic is constantly at capacity, the SA designed shipping-container theatre in regular use, and our community health advisors building relationships, capacity and wellbeing in their villages.
Gala Dinner
Saturday 5th May 2018
6.45pm for a 7pm start
Festival Functions Centre, 292 Findon Rd, Findon
Enjoy a three course meal (including Ethiopian flavours), entertainment, silent auction, wine pull and all the latest updates and plans from our work in Fort Portal, Uganda.
Reservations can be made for tables of 10 for $100 per guest, or individuals for $110 per guest. Please RSVP by 25th April 2018 www.trybooking.com/SUBZ.
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.
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/
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“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!"”
John 12:13
