But maybe there is something about the waiting that stops us feeling entitled? Perhaps it breaks our need to be in constant control. Maybe waiting helps us find value in something more important that meeting our desires, and to realise that we are not masters of our own destiny.
Could it be that waiting is vital for growing patience and the capacity to bear with others? Perhaps waiting helps us to find greater satisfaction in the fulfilment of a hope or dream. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a hope fulfilled is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12 NIV)
This Sunday we consider Israel’s waiting for God to fulfil his promises to Abraham and David. Reading through the Old Testament, we find people who keep turning away from God and ending up in trouble. Yet God keeps reminding them that a son of David would usher in a new covenant that would ultimately bring God’s light to the nations.
Sometimes it takes God a long time to move quickly. In Luke chapter one, we find an old priest going about his duties in the temple. He and his wife had prayed and waited decades for a child, but nothing happened.
An angel appears with an announcement: the old priest and his old wife are going to have their first child – a son who will be the royal herald for God’s promised Messiah. Their son would prepare the way for the Lord and his salvation.
At the child’s naming, the priest prophesies:
Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79 NLT)
Come along and celebrate that Jesus delivers us into light.
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Luke 1:57-58, 67-70, 76-79 NLT
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Prayer Request
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.
Graduation Blessing
There will be a blessing at the end of the 10.30am service on Sunday 9th December, for all who are graduating from a course/stage/study/University/High School/Primary School. At the end of the service when we call the graduates forward, please come forward and receive your blessing as you move into the next phase of your life!
Experience Christmas Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for people to be involved – please chat to Chelsea Schiller 0447 225 517 chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au if you’d like to be involved in any way.
Meet N Eat Christmas Dinner
Excitement is building as the Christmas invitations have gone out for the Meet N Eat Christmas Dinner. The generosity of 20 kitchen staff has been shared over the past 12 months, and guess what?!!
Broken people who feel loved are sharing in the work load while new formed friendships are creating bonds of generosity towards each other that were never before encountered. An inner healing is happening as they serve and listen to each other, whether it be a quiet horror story shared or one of good news that is proclaimed with joy. The 'chatter' and 'buzz' of Jesus being presented to community who now call Good Shepherd home because they felt His presence here is a light we can all share in.
How?
Please keep this ministry and team in your prayers as they present Jesus to the world in a practical way.
Good Shepherd Social Club
Our 2019 year commences on Thursday 31st January, 1.-3.30pm in the Church Hall.
We welcome anyone that would be interested in coming to a free one-off introduction on any Thursday afternoon.
Activities include meeting other members, playing different card games or carpet bowls and enjoying coffee and a chat.
If you wish to join after your free one off visit then the weekly fee is $3.00 per person.
Please contact Tom Curnow - President on 72254593 or 0400 258 410 or Mike Hancock -Vice President on 0403375474 for any enquiries.
From the Office
Church Security
The Good Shepherd facility has been the target of vandals, unlawful access and graffiti over the past four weeks. As there is a cost to repairing the damage, I am requesting that all members take an active part in assisting to prevent further attacks to the facility. If you are passing the facility after hours, please take note of any activity or perhaps drive through the car park to deter any person that is not a member of the community. If you do see something do not put yourself in danger but report it as soon as possible. If you do not go past on a regular basis all I ask is that you pray for our community and the protection of our assets both physical and human. Stephen - Admin Manager.
Car Parking at the Church
Members are reminded that the church car park is not a secure parking area and should take the following precautions when parking.
1. Hide possessions or any valuable items out of sight such as a phone or wallet– better still take any valuable possessions with you.
2. Close all windows and the sunroof, if you have one.
3. Ensure the boot is secure.
4. Lock your doors.
5. Ensure your security system (if fitted) has been activated.
Notice Board
Peter Steicke’s new book ‘Favoured’ is now available in paperback on pre-order now. Books are $20 each and will be available from this Sunday onward in between services and after the 10.30 service from Debbie Wesselingh.
“Light shines on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart”
Psalm 97:11
