Consolation

Simeon probably thought he had waited long enough.

Living in Jerusalem for many years, Simeon had grown used to being patient.  For thirteen generations from the Exile, the people of God had anticipated and expected that Immanuel would be arriving any day.  Through those times of struggle and wrestling with doubt, questions of God’s care and providence, the people of Israel longed for the time when God would send his Messiah, the anointed one, to take up the throne in Israel again.  David’s son would crush the litany of conquerors which had overrun the land and exact revenge on behalf of Israel.

Waiting, though, is not a very fun thing.  Patience is one of the virtues most highly valued but least likely to be embraced.

To make matters more difficult, the Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death before he saw the Messiah.  Yes, he had something to look forward to every morning, a hope as of yet unfulfilled, but the measure and burden of patience, especially when expecting Israel’s consolation, was extraordinarily difficult.

To long for a consolation…

We don’t often talk about this consolation that Simeon was waiting for.  We more often skip this period of patience and leap right into the moment he lofts the Saviour child into the air and blesses both God and Son and now understands that Simeon can move on.

This week, though, we’ll be looking at both patience and promise.  What does it mean for we who wait for the Return of the King (Messiah) in an increasingly difficult world that seems to be burning right before our eyes?  Where do we see the Messiah and how do we wrestle with doubt and questions of God’s care and providence?  How do we trust Jesus in what seems to be a cosmic absence?

In essence, how do we wait?

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Luke 2:25-35
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.

Praise Point
This Sunday at the 10.30am service, Madison Rose Gibbs, daughter of Bryce and Lauren, will be welcomed into God’s family through Holy Baptism.

Weekly News
This will be the last weekly news for 2019.  The first edition for 2020 will be published on 10 January.

Christmas is coming… literally!
So let’s come together to celebrate God coming to us, through the birth of our Saviour, Jesus.
Bring your family and invite your friends. This year we need… you!

The ancient Jewish tradition was for families to gather together and retell the story of their escape from slavery.

This year we are encouraging families, young and old to come together for the 5pm Christmas Eve service and share in the story that changes our lives forever.

• Be ready to retell the Christmas story in your own words.
• Be ready to think about why you are here.
• Be ready for dress ups.
• Be ready to sing carols.

Big hint: You can check out some details in Luke 1 and 2.

See you Tuesday at 5pm!

Blessings,  Georgie

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

A title for Jesus is ‘Immanuel’ which means ‘God with us’.  How have you experienced God ‘with you’ recently?

Why was Jesus a special baby? What does his birth mean for you?

Please find attached to the weekly news email some resources from ‘Growing Faith at Home’ that you might like to consider over the next couple of weeks as we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus.

Blessings,  Georgie

From the Office

A Parking Blessing for Christmas
Please note this year is going to be different to previous years as the school oval will not be available.  Parking for members will be in the new Good Shepherd early learning centre car park (old Alliance church) and can be accessed via Hillary Cres without having to enter the church grounds.  Please consider leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions of the car parking attendants is appreciated.

Office Closure over Christmas
The office will be closed for an extended period to allow staff to exhaust leave.  Times will be:-

24 December 2019 9.00am to 2.00pm OPEN
25 December 2019 to 7th January 2020 CLOSED
Every Monday in January 2020 CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday January 2020 OPEN 9.00am to 3.00pm

For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message.  Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.  Blessed are all who wait for Him.”

Isaiah 30:18

Expectation

Some of you would be familiar with the Charles Dickens’ story: Great Expectations.  According to Google search: ‘Great Expectations is the story of Pip, an orphan boy adopted by a blacksmith's family, who has good luck and great expectations, and then loses both his luck and his expectations…  Pip learns several hard truths about life, all of which may be considered part of Dickens' message.  Pip's "great expectations" are all disappointed.

What are your hopes and expectations for this Christmas-New Year season?  Perhaps some rest, gourmet food, holidays, watching cricket, time at the beach, or catching up with family.

What are you expecting from God as your life unfolds in the years ahead?

If things don’t turn out the way you expect, how could that affect your relationship with God?

This week we look at how things worked out for John the Baptist.  I wonder what his expectations were of Jesus.  Did he expect the promised Messiah to evict the Romans from the land and establish perfect justice and peace throughout Israel?  Did John expect to one day hang up his preaching boots and live in quite retirement until one night he would die in his sleep and join the children of Abraham in God’s glory?

While languishing in prison, John reaches out with a question to Jesus.  This Sunday we’ll explore his question – along with Jesus’ answer.

If God does not satisfy all our expectations, will we get offended, turn our back on God and pout?  Will we stop following Jesus, reject God as Father, and grieve the Holy Spirit?

Or will we rewind and remember Jesus: his suffering, death, resurrection and promises to bring his faithful ones into the place he is preparing for us in his Father’s house (John 14:1-6).

Come along and be part of God’s transformation of our Good Shepherd culture.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Matthew 11:2-11
You might also check out: Isaiah 29:18, 32:1-4, 35:4-6, 42:5-7, 42:16, 61:1-3
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.

Praise Point
This Sunday at the 10.30am service, Elliott James Scott Bruggemann, son of Matt and Andrea, will be welcomed into God’s family through Holy Baptism.

From the Library
A number of Christmas resources including books, DVD’s and CD’s are displayed on the spinner in the church library.  They may be borrowed following the instructions near the computer in the library. Enjoy them!!

(Carol Gallasch  - Librarian)

Request for Musicians by Family Hub

Message from Kathlene

We are in the final stages of planning/preparing for ‘our’ Christmas event on Saturday 14th December 12.00 – 2.00.  Would there be anyone from the congregation who might be free to share background music for the event?  In the past we have had Endeavour students – a couple on guitar and/or singing Christmas music.

Hopefully this might be a possibility?  If you can assist please contact John Dolling 0409819864 / 83675296

Final Summary of Support for the Family Hub
Besides the very generous support through our monthly food donations and practical help with on site volunteering, the congregation provided cash to assist the Hub to support families in need.

The total of this support was the fantastic amount of $5980 made up of:
Women's Fellowship donation $500
Pat Varney card sales $567
Donations $510
Plant stall sales $914
BBQ $433
Karaoke Night $3056

Thank you for your ongoing support during 2019

Christmas Eve… Jesus’ Birth
A time to come together as family once again…

This year we need… you!

The ancient Jewish tradition was for families to gather together and retell the story of their escape from slavery.

This year we are encouraging families, young and old to come together for the 5pm Christmas Eve service and share in the story that changes our lives forever.

Be ready to retell the Christmas story in your own words.
Be ready to think about why you are here.
Be ready for dress ups.
Be ready to sing carols.
Big hint:  You can check out some details in Luke 1 and 2

See you soon!

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
How about asking someone…
What is your favourite thing about Christmas?
Why is Advent important to Christians?
What is your favourite part of the Christmas story?
Check out the Growing Faith at Home resource provided.

Blessings,  Georgie

Christmas ‘Gift of Life’ Cards
This Christmas Maranatha Health is sharing Gifts of Life with our Ugandan community.  We invite you to donate and receive Christmas Gift Cards to share with friends and family - and give a Gift of Life that lasts long into the future.

Your gift of a tax deductible donation to Maranatha Health can provide life-saving medical care, increase community understanding to prevent ill-health, and help build a more accessible and just health care system that will bring lasting change to people’s lives.

To give a Gift of Life and order your cards, visit our website at www.maranathahealth.org/christmas.  To see samples of our elegantly designed Gift Cards, see Julie Freund after church!

From the Office

Church Phone System
A new phone system has been installed and is now operating.  Thank you to all who have been patient with the old system.  Communication has been greatly enhanced and appreciated by staff for the ease of use.

Mission Vision Support
Donation amounts have been updated again so look for the graphs around the complex.
This month’s support will go towards Pastoral Care.  Donations will assist in training for our care volunteers and ensuring legal requirements are followed.  Look for the Mission Vision Support envelopes at the entry doors and consider how you can assist, or donations can be made to:
BSB: 704942
Account number: 100713424
Reference: Pastoral Care

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
www.lll.org.au/REG

REG is a way for our members to regularly support the mission of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg  use BSB 704942 and Account number 100354939,
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
BSB 704942. Account number 10354939

Christmas Whirlwind Competition
The competition is open again this year on Tuesday 24th December at 8.30am to find the best dust blowing machine on the block.  The competition heats up this year to see if the electric machines can outdo the petrol ones and will greatly assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?

For free entry, please bring along your best blow vac machine with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas.  If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare.  BEWARE last year an electric blower nearly took the prize until the big GSPV machine was brought out of hiding.
Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.

A Parking Blessing for Christmas
Please note this year is going to be different to previous years as the school oval will not be available.  Parking for members will be in the new Good Shepherd early learning centre car park (old Alliance church) and can be accessed via Hillary Cres without having to enter the church grounds.  Please consider leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions of the car parking attendants is appreciated.

Office Closure over Christmas
The office will be closed for an extended period to allow staff to exhaust leave.  Times will be.
24 December 2019 9.00am to 2.00pm OPEN
25 December 2019 to 7th January 2020 CLOSED
Every Monday in January 2020 CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday January 2020 OPEN 9.00am to 3.00pm

For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message.  Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

Weekly News
The last weekly news for 2019 will be published on Friday 20 December and the first edition for 2020 will be published on 10 January.

Church Candles
We are seeking the services of a ‘chandler’ to service the candles in the church on a weekly basis.  Time required for this is less than 30 minutes per week and can be done from home or at the church to keep the candles trimmed and burning bright.  Training so a new skill can be attained will be free.  (Chandler is a person who makes Candles or trims them.)

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

Isaiah 42:6-7

Preparation

With Christmas approaching, what’s been happening at your place?  Perhaps cleaning, sorting, or preparing for visitors?  Maybe you’ve been working out the Christmas menu - whether to buy ham or turkey this year?  Perhaps an Advent wreath or Christmas tree has appeared, or a few Christmas cards have arrived?  Or maybe a nativity scene has been set up again in its special place?

We are getting our homes ready for Christmas.  What about preparing our hearts for Jesus?  This Sunday, we’re looking at John the Baptist.  His mission: to prepare the way for the Lord.

His birth was announced by the angel Gabriel to an old priest, Zechariah, while carrying out his duties at the temple:

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.  Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.  He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.  He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.  He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.  And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”  (Luke 1:13-17 NIV)

Around 30 years later, John is God’s herald in the wilderness: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!” Many went out to the Jordan to watch and listen.  Some dismissed him as a crazy guy and went back to the way things had always been.  Yet others were dramatically impacted by John’s message and responded.  They confessed their sins and looked forward to meeting their promised Messiah.

When God’s chosen King comes on the scene, will he find us so occupied with our own plans that we have little or no interest in him?  Advent is a time to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for Jesus.  Repentance is about getting rid of the junk in our hearts, and receiving the gifts of Jesus’ forgiveness and leadership over our lives.

As Luther puts it his Christmas carol:
Ah dearest Jesus, holy child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.
(From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, LH 23, v11.)

How are you and I preparing room in our hearts for King Jesus in the days ahead?

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11. Matthew 3:1-6 
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.

Request for Musicians by Family Hub
Message from Kathlene
We are in the final stages of planning/preparing for ‘our’ Christmas event on Saturday 14th December 12.00 – 2.00.  Would there be anyone from the congregation who might be free to share background music for the event?  In the past we have had Endeavour students – a couple on guitar and/or singing Christmas music.
Hopefully this might be a possibility?  If you can assist please contact John Dolling 0409819864 / 83675296


Experience Christmas

Thank you to every-one who contributed to Experience Christmas 2019 in any way!
Thank you to everyone who came along and engaged in the experience.
Thank you for the conversations, the connections, the carols!
Thank you God for your gift of Jesus!

Christmas Eve… Jesus’ Birth
A time to come together as family once again…
This year we need… you!
The ancient Jewish tradition was for families to gather together and retell the story of their escape from slavery.
This year we are encouraging families, young and old to come together for the 5pm Christmas Eve service and share in the story that changes our lives forever.

Be ready to retell the Christmas story in your own words.
Be ready to think about why you are here.
Be ready for dress ups.
Be ready to sing carols.
Big hint:  You can check out some details in Luke 1 and 2

See you soon!

From the Library
A number of Christmas resources including books, DVD’s and CD’s are displayed on the spinner in the church library.  They may be borrowed following the instructions near the computer in the library. Enjoy them!!

(Carol Gallasch  - Librarian)

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Advent is a season for preparing….  What are you and your family preparing for?  More ideas for you to try with your family as we step closer to Christmas.

Blessings,  Georgie

Christmas ‘Gift of Life’ Cards
This Christmas Maranatha Health is sharing Gifts of Life with our Ugandan community.  We invite you to donate and receive Christmas Gift Cards to share with friends and family - and give a Gift of Life that lasts long into the future.

Your gift of a tax deductible donation to Maranatha Health can provide life-saving medical care, increase community understanding to prevent ill-health, and help build a more accessible and just health care system that will bring lasting change to people’s lives.

To give a Gift of Life and order your cards, visit our website at www.maranathahealth.org/christmas.  To see samples of our elegantly designed Gift Cards, see Julie Freund after church!

SPIN Camp
Will your children be looking for something to do in the Summer holidays?  Here is an opportunity for you!

SPIN is a summer kids’ camp for young people in Years 4–6 from across South Australia, which ‘turns church upside down’ by showing how the church is relevant and important for the kids of today.
To register go to: www.blueprintministries.org.au

There is a $50 discount code available for campers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  See Church Office or Georgie for details!























From the Office

Mission Vision Support.
Donation amounts have been updated again so look for the graphs around the complex.
This month’s support will go towards Pastoral Care.  Donations will assist in training for our care volunteers and ensuring legal requirements are followed.  Look for the Mission Vision Support envelopes at the entry doors and consider how you can assist, or donations can be made to:
BSB: 704942
Account number: 100713424
Reference: Pastoral Care

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the mission of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg  use BSB 704942 and Account number 100354939,
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
BSB 704942. Account number 10354939

Christmas Whirlwind Competition
The competition is open again this year on Tuesday 24th December at 8.30am to find the best dust blowing machine on the block.  The competition heats up this year to see if the electric machines can outdo the petrol ones and will greatly assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?

For free entry, please bring along your best blow vac machine with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas.  If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare.  BEWARE last year an electric blower nearly took the prize until the big GSPV machine was brought out of hiding.  Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.

A Parking Blessing for Christmas
Please note this year is going to be different to previous years as the school oval will not be available.  Parking for members will be in the new Good Shepherd early learning centre car park (old Alliance church) and can be accessed via Hillary Cres without having to enter the church grounds.  Please consider leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions of the car parking attendants is appreciated.

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve from:
• 4.30pm till 6.45pm
• 8.30pm till 9.15pm
Please, contact Stephen on 0403 180 814 or email churchenquires@paravista.org.au to assist.

Office Closure over Christmas
The office will be closed for an extended period to allow staff to exhaust leave.  Times will be.
24 December 2019 9.00am to 2.00pm OPEN
25 December 2019 to 7th January 2020 CLOSED
Every Monday in January 2020 CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday January 2020 OPEN 9.00am to 3.00pm

For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message.  Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

Weekly News
The last weekly news for 2019 will be published on Friday 20 December and the first edition for 2020 will be published on 10 January.

Noticeboard

Hossein has asked for prayer into the brutal totalitarian regime in Iran, where protesters have been killed, Christians in jail are tortured, civil rights abuses are common, and the internet has been shut down.

You can find more details via internet searches:
https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa/iran/
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/20/middleeast/iran-fuel-protests-intl/index.html

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

Psalm 143:10

Anticipation

A common tendency when watching movies is to fast forward through the opening credits.  In doing so, we often miss clues to what is going to happen and what might be the background for the action that will ensue.

In the book of Matthew, the author begins the gospel by giving a genealogy of Jesus, fourteen generations at a time.  Often, we fast forward directly to the end of chapter one when the good stuff happens.  But in doing so, we miss out on what Matthew, who is writing the Jews to let them know that after the exile, and the return to Jerusalem, the King of heaven has come.

Skipping over the genealogy and right into the Christmas story robs us of a chance to remember what it’s like to wait in (im)patient anticipation.  When you are told that a gift is coming and that it will change every part of your life, the anticipation is immense and painful and wonderful all at the same time.

Imagine the struggle and impatience of the Israelites in exile hundreds of years before the birth of the king.  Imagine being told that your salvation is coming, but then having to wait fourteen generations for it to occur.  Could you remain faithful?  As you wait in exile, away from your home, and your comfort and the peace that comes with God being with us, does faith come easy?

This week as we delve into both Matthew and the book of Isaiah, walk with me through the comfort that comes knowing that God always keeps his promises.  Even if it takes a very long time.

Read Isaiah 40 especially verses 8-11 this week and experience with new eyes the songs that we sing as we wait for the advent of our Lord Jesus.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Readings: Isaiah 40:1-10
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.

Support for the Family Hub
In November we were supporting the Family Hub financially to assist with funding their Christmas celebrations for over 250 families and 400+ children.  Again our congregation was very generous in their support.  We raised $1755 to assist the Hub in their ministry to needy families in the district.

Money raised:
BBQ $433.50
Plant Stall $411.50
Donations $110.00
Sub Total $955.00

The Women's Fellowship gave a very generous donation of $500.  Pat Varney raised $300 from the sale of cards.  Both these amounts were donated to the Family Hub.  We thank them for their very generous donations. Total donations =$955.00 + $800 = $1755.00

Ladies Fellowship
Just a reminder of our Christmas Luncheon on 3rd December at 12 noon in the church café at Good Shepherd.  Dress to impress!  Delicious meal and wine.  If you are able, please bring a small wrapped Christmas gift.  All gifts will be given to Foodbank SA.

Christmas Trees
All orders for Christmas trees must be in to John Dolling (0409819864/83675296) by Sunday December 1st.  Trees available are 5, 6 or 7 foot.  Cost $45 with all money raised going to support chaplains in schools.

SPIN Camp
Will your children be looking for something to do in the Summer holidays?  Here is an opportunity for you!

SPIN is a summer kids’ camp for young people in Years 4–6 from across South Australia, which ‘turns church upside down’ by showing how the church is relevant and important for the kids of today.
To register go to: www.blueprintministries.org.au

There is a $50 discount code available for campers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  See Church Office or Georgie for details!

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Welcome to the new church season of Advent.  A Season of waiting and watching.  A season of getting ready for Jesus.  Here are some ideas for you to try with your family as we step closer to Christmas.
Check it out!

Blessings,
Georgie

Christmas ‘Gift of Life’ Cards
This Christmas Maranatha Health is sharing Gifts of Life with our Ugandan community.  We invite you to donate and receive Christmas Gift Cards to share with friends and family - and give a Gift of Life that lasts long into the future.

Your gift of a tax deductible donation to Maranatha Health can provide life-saving medical care, increase community understanding to prevent ill-health, and help build a more accessible and just health care system that will bring lasting change to people’s lives.

To give a Gift of Life and order your cards, visit our website at www.maranathahealth.org/christmas.  To see samples of our elegantly designed Gift Cards, see Julie Freund after church!

From the Office

Christmas Whirlwind Competition
The competition is open again this year on Tuesday 24th December at 8.30am to find the best dust blowing machine on the block.  The competition heats up this year to see if the electric machines can outdo the petrol ones and will greatly assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up.

For free entry, please bring along your best blow vac machine with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas.  If you don’t have a blow vac but have the time, still come along as I have a few spare.  BEWARE last year an electric blower nearly took the prize until the big GSPV machine was brought out of hiding.  Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.

A Parking Blessing for Christmas
Please note this year is going to be different to previous years as the school oval will not be available.  Parking for members will be in the new Good Shepherd early learning centre car park (old Alliance church) and can be accessed via Hillary Cres without having to enter the church grounds.  Please consider leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions of the car parking attendants is appreciated.

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve from:
• 4.30pm till 6.30pm
• 8.30pm till 9.15pm

Please, contact Stephen on 0403 180 814 or emailchurchenquires@paravista.org.au to assist.

Office Closure over Christmas
The office will be closed for an extended period to allow staff to exhaust leave.  Times will be:-

24 December 2019 9.00am to 2.00pm OPEN
25 December 2019 to 7th January 2020 CLOSED
Every Monday in January 2020 CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday January 2020 OPEN 9.00am to 3.00pm

For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message.  Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

Weekly News
The last weekly news for 2019 will be published on Friday 20 December and the first edition for 2020 will be published on 10 January.

Facilities Upgrades
A dedicated team of enthusiastic builders spent the last three Saturdays replacing the old wooden pergola at the manse.  After years of weather the existing wooden structure finally succumbed to the elements and before embarking on some leave, Pastor Rolly assisted by removing the rotting timber leaving a clean slate for the volunteer team, led by Mat Eckermann, to erect a new steel structure.  Thanks to the:

• volunteers who did the hard work of digging holes, mixing concrete and standing at awkward angles to support framework and clambered around on the structure to put it all together.
• wives who encouraged and allowed their skilled husbands to volunteer, and
• to the children who gave their dads the time to spend engaging with others.

The manse now has an inviting outdoor entertaining and social area that provides shelter from the weather.

A replacement rain water tank was also recently installed at the manse to replace the old one which had rusted out.  Thanks also to the team of volunteers who helped with this project.















Noticeboard

Hossein has asked for prayer into the brutal totalitarian regime in Iran, where protesters have been killed, Christians in jail are tortured, civil rights abuses are common, and the internet has been shut down.

You can find more details via internet searches:
https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa/iran/
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/20/middleeast/iran-fuel-protests-intl/index.html

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.  And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

2 Corinthians 1:20

Joy in the Lord... always?

In the book of Acts and in Paul’s letters, we come across the suffering he endured as an ambassador for Christ.  He was rejected by his fellow Jews, and run out of town a bunch of times.  He was dismissed as a madman, arrested several times, and spent years in prison.

Furthermore, listen to some of Paul’s own words:

• Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes.  Three times I was beaten with rods.  Once I was stoned.  Three times I was shipwrecked . Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.

• I have travelled on many long journeys.  I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers.  I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles.  I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas.  And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.

• I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights.  I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food.  I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.     (2 Corinthians 11:24-27 NLT) 

In many of his letters, Paul is writing to people suffering on account of following Jesus.  Yet Paul writes to his friends at Philippi: ‘Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I say it again - rejoice!’ (Philippians 4:4 NLT)

Compare this to what he writes to the believers under the pump in Thessalonica: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

What?!  How on earth is it possible to have joy when life can be so brutal?  Is Paul delusional… or in some form of denial?

Note that Paul does not say, ‘Rejoice in your problems always.’  That would be crazy.  Rather: ‘Always be full of joy in the Lord!’

Even in the midst of heartbreak, suffering, and grief, believers find joy in the Lord Jesus.  How on earth is this possible?  Because through Jesus we have come into God’s story of restoration and hope for his world – including us!

Come along this Sunday as we unpack this some more and conclude our current series: Joy in Tough Times.

Joy in Jesus!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Luke 12:22-26 NLT, Philippians 4:4-9 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.

Half Yearly Meeting
To be held on Sunday 24th November at 12.30pm.

Ladies Fellowship
Just a reminder of our Christmas Luncheon on 3rd December at 12 noon in the church café at Good Shepherd.  Dress to impress!  Delicious meal and wine.  If you are able, please bring a small wrapped Christmas gift.  All gifts will be given to Foodbank SA.

Honey Biscuits
Honey biscuits to the church kitchen by 24th November please.

Family Hub
There has been amazing support for the Family Hub in 2019.  This has been through our monthly food collections and also through financial help.  Thank you for this support as it has enabled The Hub to continue to support needy families in the district.

We have one more opportunity to support their work during 2019.  This year The Hub had contact with 250 families and over 400 children.  They plan to bring joy to these families by holding a Christmas celebration and part of this is giving each child a small gift.  This is a big and costly undertaking and we would like to support this financially.

This Sunday there are opportunities to contribute:
• there will be a BBQ between the 10:30 service and Half Yearly meeting- sausages $2, steak sandwich $4.  Maximum per family $15.
• there will be a plant stall after both services.  This will be a one Sunday only sale.
• if you won't be around for the BBQ or are not into plants you can give a donation. This can be placed in the bowl in the display on the left hand side of the platform at both services.

After services on Sunday several people asked if they could donate presents rather than give financially.  For uniformity of gifts The Hub has requested that we do not provide presents.

The Family Hub Support Team

Christmas Trees
All orders for Christmas trees must be in to John Dolling (0409819864/83675296) by Sunday December 1st.  Trees available are 5, 6 or 7 foot.  Cost $45 with all money raised going to support chaplains in schools.

SPIN Camp
Will your children be looking for something to do in the Summer holidays?  Here is an opportunity for you!

SPIN is a summer kids’ camp for young people in Years 4–6 from across South Australia, which ‘turns church upside down’ by showing how the church is relevant and important for the kids of today.

To register go to:
www.blueprintministries.org.au
There is a $50 discount code available for campers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  See Church Office or Georgie for details!

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Are you looking for some ideas to nurture your family’s faith at home?  Grow Ministries might have some suggestions for you to try out.
This particular resource is dated November 24th - 24th Sunday after Pentecost.  This is the ‘last Sunday’ in the church year.  Next week we begin the new church year starting with the season of Advent.  This resource offers some ideas for you to consider.  Check it out!

Blessings,
Georgie

Christmas ‘Gift of Life’ Cards
This Christmas Maranatha Health is sharing Gifts of Life with our Ugandan community.  We invite you to donate and receive Christmas Gift Cards to share with friends and family - and give a Gift of Life that lasts long into the future.

Your gift of a tax deductible donation to Maranatha Health can provide life-saving medical care, increase community understanding to prevent ill-health, and help build a more accessible and just health care system that will bring lasting change to people’s lives.

To give a Gift of Life and order your cards, visit our website at www.maranathahealth.org/christmas.  To see samples of our elegantly designed Gift Cards, see Julie Freund after church!

From the Office

Front Office Closure
Due to the front office reception position vacancy the church office will be closed all day Monday and Friday afternoons till further notice.  Please email churchenquires@paravista.org.au or leave a message on the answering service and staff will get back to you.

Facilities Upgrades
A dedicated team of enthusiastic builders spent the last three Saturdays replacing the old wooden pergola at the manse.  After years of weather the existing wooden structure finally succumbed to the elements and before embarking on some leave, Pastor Rolly assisted by removing the rotting timber leaving a clean slate for the volunteer team, led by Mat Eckermann, to erect a new steel structure.  Thanks to the:

• volunteers who did the hard work of digging holes, mixing concrete and standing at awkward angles to support framework and clambered around on the structure to put it all together.
• wives who encouraged and allowed their skilled husbands to volunteer, and
• to the children who gave their dads the time to spend engaging with others.

The manse now has an inviting outdoor entertaining and social area that provides shelter from the weather.

A replacement rain water tank was also recently installed at the manse to replace the old one which had rusted out.  Thanks also to the team of volunteers who helped with this project.




















Noticeboard

Luthern Nurses’ Association of Australia
All healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting on Monday 25th November with Helene Schulz presenting about 'Lutheran Community Care', 7.30pm at 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide, at LCA/SA District Office.  Entry through rear door with 2 hour CDP evidence provided.  Contact:  Rose Howard - Secretary LNAA  Mobile; 0410 463 649

$5 from every schnitzel purchased on the night goes to

Family Zone

Where: The Brahma Lodge Hotel

When: 25th November

Time: Book a table between 5.30-8.30pm

Raffles and Lucky Squares sold on the night

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Colossians 1:27

Keeping Joy Alive

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness in this season of your life?  How about your joy?  They are not the same thing, are they?

Happiness is circumstantial.  When life is good and things are turning out well, we are happy.  When things go ‘pear shaped’ or ‘belly up’, we are “not happy Jan!”

Joy is the fruit of knowing God’s love for us in Jesus.  Nothing that you and I experience can change God’s heart towards us, or cancel out his promises to us in Jesus!

That’s why in Philippians Chapter 3, Paul urges:  Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.  I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. (Philippians 3:1 NLT)

In the rest of the chapter, Paul warns his friends against a classic “joy buster”, and reminds them how to keep their joy fresh and alive.

Grace is the key to joy.  The two words go together and have the same root in Greek (grace = charis; joy = chara).  Our joy comes from the fact that God has made us right with himself through the work of Jesus Christ, which is given to us as a free gift (grace).

In this life we can experience hardships and grief, yet still have joy.  Following the funerals of both my parents, I felt both sorrow and profound joy: joy in knowing they were at home with Jesus.

Joy in Jesus!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Philippians 3:1 – 4:1 New Living Translation
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.

Holy Baptism
This Sunday at the 10.30am service Lucy and Henry, twin children of Alisa and Daniel Bates and Amari Hueppauff, son of Jodi and Nathanael Hueppauff, will be welcomed into God’s family through Holy Baptism.

Half Yearly Meeting
To be held on Sunday 24th November at 12.30pm.

Ladies Fellowship
Just a reminder of our Christmas Luncheon on 3rd December at 12 noon in the church café at Good Shepherd.  Dress to impress!  Delicious meal and wine.  If you are able, please bring a small wrapped Christmas gift.  All gifts will be given to Foodbank SA.  Please pay Dawn Spencer by 19th November.  $25 per head

Honey Biscuits
Honey biscuits to the church kitchen by 24th November please.

Dear Church Family,
Thank you to people who have already agreed to help out with our ‘Experience Christmas’ afternoon.  Your participation is invaluable!  It is not too late to join us.  If you, or someone you know, would like to be part of this opportunity to share God’s love at Christmas with others, please let me know!  Talk with me in person, phone me on 08 82647966 or email me on georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au.

Extra Opportunity to Support the Family Hub
The Family Hub plan to bring some joy to those who they assist during the year by holding a Christmas celebration.  They have contact with 250 families which includes 400 children.  The majority of these are expected to attend the Christmas celebration.

This is an enormous undertaking.  We have a chance to support this activity financially.  Between the 10:30am service and Half Yearly meeting there will be a BBQ.  Proceeds will go to supporting the Family Hub Christmas celebrations - sausages $2, steak sandwich $4 with a maximum of $15 per family.  If there is excess money donated it will go towards a gardening programme they want to establish.

If you won't be attending the BBQ or meeting there will be an opportunity to support this project.  At both services there will be a display on the left hand side of the platform.  Money donations can be left there in the bowl provided.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Money from Karaoke Night
The money raised through the Karaoke Night held earlier in the year has been utilised to :
• develop and support a Parenting Course which aims to develop parents' skills which will help keep families together.
• develop cooking courses to teach children and parents about the value of good nutrition and develop cooking skills utilising simple recipes.

SPIN Camp
Will your children be looking for something to do in the Summer holidays?  Here is an opportunity for you!

SPIN is a summer kids’ camp for young people in Years 4–6 from across South Australia, which ‘turns church upside down’ by showing how the church is relevant and important for the kids of today.

To register go to:
www.blueprintministries.org.au
There is a $50 discount code available for campers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  See Church Office or Georgie for details!

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
More ideas to explore as you nurture your family’s faith at home!  This one is entitled ‘Stand Firm’.
Check it out!  The Weekly News email has an attachment for you to access and print off for your family.








Christmas ‘Gift of Life’ Cards
This Christmas Maranatha Health is sharing Gifts of Life with our Ugandan community.  We invite you to donate and receive Christmas Gift Cards to share with friends and family - and give a Gift of Life that lasts long into the future.

Your gift of a tax deductible donation to Maranatha Health can provide life-saving medical care, increase community understanding to prevent ill-health, and help build a more accessible and just health care system that will bring lasting change to people’s lives.

To give a Gift of Life and order your cards, visit our website at www.maranathahealth.org/christmas.  To see samples of our elegantly designed Gift Cards, see Julie Freund after church!

From the Office

Front Office Closure
Due to the front office reception position vacancy the church office will be closed all day Monday and Friday afternoons till further notice.  Please email churchenquires@paravista.org.au or leave a message on the answering service and staff will get back to you.

LLL Interest Rate Change
Our congregation has received an ‘LLL Interest Rate change’ notice advising that effective
1 November 2019, the interest rate on at-call Savings Accounts is 1.50%.  This notice has been placed on the church notice board for your information.


 Attention Senior Members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
Is life getting a bit harder with age?  Why not have a look at the comfortable, friendly, safe living at FLH Good Shepherd Retirement Village?   An opportunity for you to join a small community with 5 brand new 2 bedroom units being built. Just phone Shannon on 8372 3495 to find out the next step.  No obligation on your part.  We want to help you.

Noticeboard

$5 from every schnitzel purchased on the night goes to

Family Zone

Where: The Brahma Lodge Hotel

When: 25th November

Time: Book a table between 5.30-8.30pm

Raffles and Lucky Squares sold on the night

Christmas Trees Available
High quality live Christmas trees are available again this year.  These are supplied by Holy Cross Lutheran Church Birdwood.  All proceeds go towards School Pastoral Care Workers in the Torrens Valley area.

Trees will be delivered on Saturday 14th December to a yet unspecified site in the NE suburbs (last 2 years to Golden Grove Lutheran Church).  Orders, with payment, need to be into John Dolling (83675296/jdolling@bigpond.net.au) by Sunday December 1st.

Cost of a tree is $45.  You can nominate height of tree required – 5.6 or 7 foot and they will match your request as close as possible.

“The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.”

Psalm 126:3

Finding Joy in Relationships

I give thanks to my God every time I remember you… (Philippians 1:3)

For a moment, close your eyes and think of the people in your life that bring you the most joy.  What memories first come to mind?  How long ago did these things occur?  What is important about remembering them?

According to The Brain Connection:

Fundamentally, memory represents a change in who we are… Memory represents a change in who we are because it is predictive of who we will become.

At the most basic level, remembering experiences with others represents who we were and the way that other people changed us.  In the spiritual sense, remembering reminds us that ultimately, we are not alone.

When Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he was imprisoned.  As we ponder what that might have looked and felt like, perhaps in the darkened space, Paul might have felt frightened and alone.  Oddly, though, his thoughts in Philippians are some of the most joyful of any writings in the scriptures.  Even in his alone-ness, Paul seems not to be lonely.  In fact, as he remembers the people who shaped him along the way, he feels their presence in the midst of his tribulation.

Indeed it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel.

Questions of the week:  How do we find joy while experiencing loneliness?  How do we connect with people when we are not near them?  How does God call us to retain our spiritual partnerships in increasingly busy lives?

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading:  Philippians 1:1-11
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.

Half Yearly Meeting
To be held on Sunday 24th November at 12.30pm.

Ladies Fellowship
Just a reminder of our Christmas Luncheon on 3rd December at Good Shepherd.  Please pay Dawn Spencer by 19th November.  $25 per head

Christmas is Coming
After last year’s successful ‘Experience Christmas’ afternoon, we would love to offer this opportunity again.  Immerse yourselves in the wonder and excitement of the gift of Jesus coming to us through activities and stories that describe this awesome event.  Save the date: Sunday December 1!

We are looking for people to be involved to help make this happen.  If this is something that interests you, please let me know.  Talk with me in person, phone me on 08 82647966 or email me on georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Good Shepherd Remembrance Service 2019
We’re having another Remembrance Service on Saturday November 9th at 1:30pm.  It’s a time and place to remember loved ones who have died, to share our grief with one another, and to seek God’s comfort in Jesus.  It’s open to all who would like to come.  As part of the service, family members and friends will have an opportunity to light a candle.

We also would like to read out a list of names of those being remembered.  If you would like a loved one’s name to be read out, you can make this known as you arrive on the day.  If you wish you can also include the date of their death.

Following the service, there will be an afternoon cuppa in the hall.

Pr Rolly Stahl

SPIN Camp
Will your children be looking for something to do in the Summer holidays?  Here is an opportunity for you!

SPIN is a summer kids’ camp for young people in Years 4–6 from across South Australia, which ‘turns church upside down’ by showing how the church is relevant and important for the kids of today.

To register go to:
www.blueprintministries.org.au
There is a $50 discount code available for campers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  See Church Office or Georgie for details!

Faith at Home
Are you looking for some ideas to nurture your family’s faith at home?  Grow Ministries might have some suggestions to try out.  While Good Shepherd Lutheran Church doesn’t always follow the same bible reading pattern, this resource provides some ideas for you to consider.
Check it out!  The Weekly News email has an attachment for you to access and print off for your family.


From the Office

Front Office Closure
Due to the front office reception position vacancy the church office will be closed all day Monday and Friday afternoons till further notice.  Please email churchenquires@paravista.org.au or leave a message on the answering service and staff will get back to you.

LLL Interest Rate Change
Our congregation has received an ‘LLL Interest Rate change’ notice advising that effective
1 November 2019, the interest rate on at-call Savings Accounts is 1.50%.  This notice has been placed on the church notice board for your information.


 Attention Senior Members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
Is life getting a bit harder with age?  Why not have a look at the comfortable, friendly, safe living at FLH Good Shepherd Retirement Village?   An opportunity for you to join a small community with 5 brand new 2 bedroom units being built. Just phone Shannon on 8372 3495 to find out the next step.  No obligation on your part.  We want to help you.

Noticeboard

Christmas Trees Available
High quality live Christmas trees are available again this year.  These are supplied by Holy Cross Lutheran Church Birdwood.  All proceeds go towards School Pastoral Care Workers in the Torrens Valley area.

Trees will be delivered on Saturday 14th December to a yet unspecified site in the NE suburbs (last 2 years to Golden Grove Lutheran Church).  Orders, with payment, need to be into John Dolling (83675296/jdolling@bigpond.net.au) by Sunday December 1st.

Cost of a tree is $45.  You can nominate height of tree required – 5.6 or 7 foot and they will match your request as close as possible.

$5 from every schnitzel purchased on the night goes to

Family Zone

Where: The Brahma Lodge Hotel

When: 25th November

Time: Book a table between 5.30-8.30pm

Raffles and Lucky Squares sold on the night

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.”

Jeremiah 15:16