Then, Jesus refuses to pull a punch and I’m floored.
Listen to this in the book of Matthew (13:15)
For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts
And turn, and I would l heal them.
Jesus is quoting from the book of Isaiah and its fulfilment in his times that a whole group of people have become so self-righteous and full of themselves that they cannot understand God’s word which is being planted in their hearts.
In other words, the soil has to be prepared.
This is evangelism, in its most basic sense. Evangelism is not making sure people get converted by your testimony or baptising with a firehose and moving on; Evangelism is so much like the parable of the sower which Jesus speaks about in Matthew 13. The seeds are sown by the sower. In this parable, there seems to be an inexhaustible amount of seed and it falls where it may. The sower, God, shares the word and it takes root so that it might bear fruit. The seed, faith in Christ, often falls on deaf ears and blind eyes and calloused hearts, but our task, like the sower’s is to sow the seed and let the Holy Spirit do his work to bring people.
That’s what we confess in our catechism:
I believe in the Holy Spirit…
I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens and makes holy the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus…
Evangelism is God’s work, and as we will explore in the next weeks it is God’s gift and opportunity for us to share the faith of Christ to a world which needs him.
Come on. Let’s see what God does when seeds are planted!
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3:15,16 & Matthew 13:1-23
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 2nd October 2018 @ 1pm
Come hear Belay Zelleke, from Ethiopia, tell us about himself and his studies at Tabor College.
There will be a trading table this day
Youth
Combined with Golden Grove Youth, join us for a weekend to relax, connect & worship.
For youth in year 7-12.
Cost $50
Register online by 1st October
https://goo.gl/forms/pM2YTYMlUInlLxcj2
Grow Ministries LCA Child Youth and Family Ministry
2019 Grow Leadership Program
Are you aged between 18-25 years and interested in developing your leadership skills and have a heart for ministry? Please contact Chelsea if this is something you would like to explore. Applications close Sunday 30th September, 2018.
Little Lambs are collecting, are you able to help?
We’re looking for:
• Cardboard tubes from cling wrap/alfoil
• Plastic Nutella jars (empty, clean & dry)
• Band aids
• PVC piping
• Dot markers (ones used in bingo)
• Large plastic buttons
• Golf tees
• Dried natural items like seed pods, gum nuts etc
Feel free to drop them into the Church Office or leave them in the donation bin outside the Parents Room at church.
From the Office
Finance Report
Offerings
January – August 2018
Total Offerings – Budget $338,500 Actual $320,152 UNDER $18,348
Budget Summary
January – July 2018
Total Income – Budget $338,380 Actual $345,837 OVER $7,457
Total Expenses – Budget $333,176 Actual $305,947 UNDER $27,229
Notes since last published report:
• Offerings in August were around $4,500 below budget.
• Offerings through REG were $1,200 under budget with plate again well under, but similar to recent months.
• Expenses nearly $5k under budget in July, again mainly due to staff expenses.
Food collection for Family Hub
Thank you for your very generous support of the food collection for the Family Hub at Ingle Farm. We had planned to have a collection on the last Sunday of each month. In consultation with Kathlene Wilson, Manager of the Family Hub it has been decided that as they are in the process of doing a stock take of their food stocks that it would be advisable not to have a collection in September. The stock take will ensure that when our collections recommence in October they will be able to inform us what food is required to help support families as Christmas approaches.
Improvement in water quality
It has been mentioned that the taste of the hot water in the self service area in the hall is not pleasant. In the redevelopment there was meant to be a filter attached to the hot water. This was not included in the original build but has since been installed. This will improve the quality of the water and therefore the taste of drinks served from this area.
Filtered water is now available through the following taps in our facility.
• Hall tea & coffee point through both cold and the zip boil unit
• Café sink cold water tap
Water will still be available from the water dispenser in the café.
Upgrade of play area
Chelsea has undertaken much research into upgrading the play area outside the cafe. The Redevelopment Team has endorsed her plan. The plan is to develop it into an attractive challenging area for 1-5 year olds. We look forward with excitement to watching this area being upgraded.
Security of church – Urgent!
Urgent request for all members on leaving the building to ensure the security of our facility. All group leaders are to exit via the office entry and notify a staff member they are the last to leave. If you see something that does not look right please do not ignore it but bring it to staff attention or do something about it. If you have opened the building or any part of it, then it is your responsibility to ensure the security of the complex before you leave.
Check list for the use of areas
A check list of tasks on completion of use of all facility areas has been placed into the areas for reference. If you use one of the areas please check the area has been left appropriately. Remember you may be the next user of the facility.
Air conditioners
The evaporative coolers in the church have been opened for the summer months. Overview instructions for use are situated on the wall next to the controllers. The units have been pre-set for the most economical use and effectiveness and adjusting the settings may render the unit ineffective. If you experience any problem using the units please inform the Administration Manager during office hours or leave a note in the communications book in the café.
Updating the Manse
Over the month of October the Manse will undergo a significant upgrade to the kitchen, dining and living area. The Lino floor to the passage and kitchen/living area will be replaced, and the cabinetry in the kitchen will also be replaced. A new oven and range will be installed with an upgrade to the lighting. If you have any time spare from the 15th to 26th October please let Stephen or the office know of your availability and the skill you may have to assist in keeping costs to a minimum.
Ignite project update
The new oven has finally been installed and commissioned in the main kitchen. As soon as I have had a chance to familiarise myself with the working of the unit I will endeavour to run some training sessions. Please feel free to ask for assistance if you need to use the equipment at any stage. Stephen (Admin Manager)
Have you lost?
A number of platters and serving items have been left in the complex after the last few functions. Please check, and take your items home with you, as surplus items will be removed from the area after 4 weeks and placed in the community care bin. A lost property box is also located in the ushers cupboard at the rear of the auditorium.
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 table 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
Need your interest?
LLL account holders can provide additional support to a particular project or department of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) by nominating their account to be non interest-bearing. As a result, the LLL is able to provide an additional benefit to LCA projects based on 5% of total non interest-bearing deposits held for each project.
An LLL non interest-bearing account has the other usual features and access of an LLL Account.
Your non interest-bearing instructions can be changed at any time in writing to the LLL. Please include your account details and your signature in writing, and then post the instructions to our office in North Adelaide.
If you have an existing LLL Account and wish to provide this support to a particular project, fill in a new LLL Account Application form and complete the ‘non interest-bearing’ instructions. Then transfer the desired amount of money from your existing LLL Account into the new non interest-bearing account.
It is possible for an LLL non interest-bearing account to also be a Matching Deposit.
LLL non interest-bearing accounts are a great way to support the ministry and mission of the LCA.
Why the LLL?
Notice Board
LNAA (Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia)
All healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting at 7.30pm on Monday 24th September, with Forum: "A Good Life to the End" at 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide LCA/SA District Office. Entry through rear door and 2 hour CDP evidence provided.
Valley View Op Shop
Cnr Paul’s Drive and Vale Ave
Open Mon - Fri. 9am - 4pm
Super Saturday Sale 1st of every month
Professional Standards Training
The following link will take you to the updated Professional Standards training schedule as well as the updated Professional Standards Webinar training schedule.
http://www.sant.lca.org.au/events/training-workshops/
Preparing for Marriage Seminar 2018
Saturday 27th October 9am – 5pm and continuing on Sunday 28th October 1.30pm to 5.30pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista. An enjoyable, interactive, non-threatening way to share time with your partner and other couples, bringing benefits that can last a lifetime.
Topics include: resolving conflict, realistic expectations, communication, and the meaning of marriage. Presented in a relaxed adult educational style (it is not counselling). For couples planning to marry and for those recently married.
Cost $100 couple
For more information or to book, please contact Merv and Ros Thiele 0429009847 or email: mervrost@bigpond.net.au
Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
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Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality
Romans 12:13
