Friday, June 29, 2018

Spiritual Freedom

A few decades ago, I think it was Bono from U2 who made this comment:
"The material world is not enough...we had a century of being told by the intelligentsia that we are two dimensional creatures, that if something can't be proved, it can't exist… That is over now. Transcendence is what everybody, in the end, is on their knees for, running at speeds towards..." (Rolling Stone, February 1993)                                                                     

There is a renewed quest for the transcendent, the mystical, the mysterious and the magical. In Western culture, there’s a "pick and choose" approach to spirituality where consumers join aspects together that were previously seen as incompatible.  Psychic fairs and “mind body spirit” festivals attract hundreds of thousands of paying customers.  As do late night TV shows. People are searching for meaning and mystery. 

Sadly, many are dabbling in the diabolical things that bring them undone.  When we can longer discern between what’s true and what is counterfeit, what’s of God and what is of the evil one, then sadly some will find themselves infected by unclean spirits – also called demons. 

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ first miracle was casting out an unclean spirit on the Sabbath (Mark 1:23-27).  Later: Jesus appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. (Mark 3:13-15 NIV)

By the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ ministry of setting people free from unclean spirits continues through his people.  In the book of Acts, Peter shares: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, … he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. (Acts 10:37-38 NIV, cf 1 Jn 3:8 )

This Sunday we will consider an example in Acts 16, as well as listening to a couple of testimonies from our time.  Jesus is greater than all the powers of evil, and shares his victory and authority with all who believe and trust in his mighty name. 

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Acts 16:16-24
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.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Tuesday 3rd July @ 1pm
Bible Study: Pastor Rolly

Youth
REBEL - METRO CLW 2018
Years 7-9  July 9th – 13th
Years 10-12  July 16th – 20th
Port Hughes Accommodation Centre
$220 per camper
For more information and to register: http://blueprintministries.org.au/
Registrations close 1st July
Please contact Chelsea Schiller if you require financial support to attend
chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au

Are you able to Help?
A volunteer is needed to replace unused sheets in activity folders for the children while Stuart & Patricia are away.
Stuart normally spends about an hour changing the sheets and sharpening pencils each week.
Your help is needed for the weeks beginning 2nd & 9th July.
Please contact Chelsea Schiller if you’re able to assist

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!

CLW Off-site Prayer Team
This year we have an exciting opportunity to be involved in an off-site prayer team for Metro CLW. Working with the Prayer Support on camp, you are able to nominate to receive prayer requests throughout the 2 weeks of camps (July 8 – 21st).  Chelsea Schiller is coordinating the team and will distribute the prayer requests to interested members via email each day.

From the camp Directors
“We are excited at the idea of having so many parents, caregivers and church members praying for our campers and leaders throughout the week. We have experienced the power of prayer in our lives and we know how good it is when we are united in prayer.”
Please contact Chelsea or add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Café area if you would like to be involved.

2018 Step Up Program
Young people aged 10 and over, and their parents are invited to take part in our Step Up program to prepare for Holy Communion.  Taking the approach that Parents are the primary faith developers in their children, Step Up is designed to support parents in preparing their child for Holy Communion.

Step 1 (Launch) Family Lunch – Sunday 29th 12:30pm – 2:30pm in the Church Hall
To register please contact the Church office or Chelsea Schiller at chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au
More information and dates on our website

From the Office

Support for LCC Family Hub
The congregation agreed to support LCC Family Hub at Ingle Farm.  As Kathleen Wilson, Manager of the Family Zone explained last Sunday, one of the Hubs greatest needs to help families in crisis during winter, is an ample supply of food.  To assist them in a practical way the congregation is having food collections once a month.  Our first collection will be this Sunday 1st July at both services.

Kathleen has provided a list of food that they would find very useful. This includes:
Breakfast cereals (ie weetbix, cornflakes) - large boxes can be divided         
Pasta + Pasta sauces       
Soup     
Rice     
Toilet rolls – again, large packs can be divided into singles             
Tinned vegetables – variety – carrots, peas, corn etc.
Small butter/margarine i.e. 125 gram packs

Tea bags – large box for dividing
Long life custard
Tins of fruit
Medium and large freezer bags to divide/pack food for parcels
Muesli bars for children’s school lunches.

The Food will be collected early in both services during the first 2 songs.  Members will be asked to bring their gifts forward and place on the top platform on the floor on the left side of the altar.  For those who have difficulty with the steps there will be someone to take your gifts and place them for you.

Help in transporting the food to the Hub on Monday morning @ 9:30 would be greatly appreciated.

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.  No 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 sanctuary 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

Blueprint Ministries Appeal Dinner
Saturday 14th July 2018
Mawson Lakes Hotel & Function Centre
$69 individual tickets // $448 table of 8
Speaker is Jonathan Krause – Community Action Manager for Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS)
All tickets can be purchased online at www.blueprintministries.org.au or by contacting us directly. Tickets are available until 1st July unless sold out prior.

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“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you..”
Luke 10:19