To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people.
I have to guiltily confess that often, when I read the New Testament epistles, I skip the introduction and get right to the meat. Generally, when we read the Epistles, we can make a good guess that Paul wrote it (not always the case, but a logical assumption) and that he’s writing to some believers. But in the 21st century, we sometimes fail to take seriously what a profound thing it was for Paul to encourage believers from pagan cultures such as Corinth, Ephesus and…Rome.
How difficult would it be for this circular letter to be passed around by the believers in and around Jerusalem that Paul finds no difficulty with Romans coming to know who God is in Jesus Christ? God should only be on our side. Those Romans, the ones who are persecuting us, should be remanded to the pits of hell for the things they do to us. How can Paul actually think this is a good idea?
Paul’s words, in my opinion, are an example of 1st century reformation in evangelism.
Find out this week what it means for evangelism to be re-formed in the 21st century and ideas about how to share the gospel of Christ in and around our own ‘Rome.’
Pastor Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: 1 Pet 3:15-18, Rom 1:7-16
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.
Praise Point
At the 10.30am service this Sunday Mackenzie Roennfeldt, daughter of Lisa and Ryan will be welcomed into God’s family through Holy Baptism.
The Parable of the Talents
Three weeks ago, during a children’s message, we were discussing the parable of the talents and God’s incredibly abundant generosity. In giving the servants five talents, two talents and one talent, the master understood that he was taking a risk, but knowing the gifts of the servants, he gave them no direction how to grow the money. Just participate.
Well, on that Sunday, I gave a fifty dollar note, a twenty and a ten to three different children to see if the experiment would work in the 21st century.
Boy, did it ever.
Piper Bowden was given $50 and with her family’s help, she raised an extra $125 making and selling baked goods at various functions. The money they raised will help the Transform confirmation class make meals this weekend for the hungry.
Lucy Schmidt was given $20 and with her family’s help, they were able to use those funds to help out at a school in Vanuatu. Lucy took photos and a video for the class in Vanuatu. They were so appreciative that they sang a song to the family.
Elisha Liebelt was given $10, and his family, while journeying into Adelaide, purchased some food for a homeless man and then had a faithful discussion with him.
Is this a pathway for all of us to use the ‘talents’ God gives us to multiply them and serve in His kingdom?
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
AGM Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Tuesday 30th October Bible Study with Pastor Reid
As this will be our last meeting a reminder to pay fees now due.
Christmas lunch 4th December at the Blue Gums Hotel $20.90 per head – payment to
Dawn Spencer.
Ingle Farm Family Hub
The next collection will be on Sunday Oct 28th at both services.
Items that are urgently required to support families in need are:
• nappies (except for new babies) - these are expensive items but some groups have decided to donate as a group to lessen the cost
• cleaning products
• pump hand wash
• slices for their breakfast programme- can have up to 70 children attend
• small containers of margarine
• garbage bags - green and white
Maranatha Health
The Maranatha Health Australia team is looking for a new staff member. We are seeking a dynamic and passionate person to oversee donor development, fundraising and volunteer management.
Hours: Part time, 0.4 FTE
Location: The role will be based in our office in the north eastern suburbs of Adelaide.
Visit https://maranathahealth.org/stories/latest-news/were-hiring! for more information. Applications close Friday 2nd November.
From the Office
Church Library
The library has been audited and a number of old unused resources have been removed from circulation. These items have been placed onto a trolley in the hall area in front of the library. Please feel free to help yourself to these items to use as your own resource. Request the items are not returned to the library as this will cause issues with the cataloguing system. Remember if you wish to borrow items from the library you will require a library card. If you require one please contact the office or mark your connect card with “library card”.
Updating the Manse
The manse is currently undergoing a significant upgrade to the kitchen, dining and living area. If you have any time spare in the next week please let Stephen or the office know of your availability and the skill you may have to assist in keeping costs to a minimum.
Notice Board
Peter Steicke’s new book ‘Favoured’ is now available in paperback on pre-order now. Contact Debbie Wesselingh to order your copy today.
Live Christmas Trees
Holy Cross Birdwood is once again offering live Christmas trees for $40. If you wish to order one contact John Dollling 8367 5296 or jdolling@bigpond.net.au by Sunday November 25th. Proceeds are used to support chaplains in schools.
“Hymns We Love”
Come for a time of informal community singing of hymns you love. To be held at
Zion Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Road, Glynde on the first Monday of the month starting November 5th, then December 3rd and January 7th. Come at 10-30 for cuppa and biscuits. No cost – just come!
If you need more information, please contact Joy Mildren, organist, 0458 650 135/8367 9969.
Glynde Lutheran Church
A concert to support the Kwatja Etatha Playgroup in Alice Springs coordinated by Lutheran Community Care Sunday, 28 October - 2.30pm Glynde Lutheran Church 15–17 Glynburn Road, Glynde (carpark entry – Lewis Road.) Featuring the Adelaide Benefit Concert Choir associated performers and community choirs. Cost: $20 or $10 concession or donation at the door. RSVP to Peter Burke, Event Organiser on 0411 872 461 to assist with interval catering.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8
