Further down the track they may exchange marriage vows. Their relationship is still personal; but the announcement that they are now husband and wife is declared publically. From that point on, the couple and their wider community is aware that the relationship is now different.
This Sunday, we see John the Baptist acting as herald of public truth, announcing to the people of Israel that their Messiah/King is coming – so they best get ready!
John calls people to repentance and baptism – and to bear the fruit of repentance in their lives. One’s relationship with God is to transform how we treat others in the public domain.
When Jesus is baptised, God the Father makes a public announcement: "You are my Son, whom I love: with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22 NIV) Jesus is the Messiah/King who ushers in the kingdom of God and brings God’s restoration plans to completion. God wants every person on earth to be part of that.
The same Holy Spirit that fell on Jesus has anointed us in baptism, and continues to empower us as his witnesses. We are to announce and live out the difference Jesus makes in our everyday relationships.
One’s faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord is indeed a personal matter. Yet Christian faith is not just a private opinion – like one’s preferred wine or favourite meal. The Good News of Jesus is objective truth based on historical events. It is not merely private truth, but objective public truth for ALL people.
God’s desire is that none perish, but that all come to know Jesus, do life with God and his people, and inherit salvation. Good News indeed!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Luke 3:2-18, 21-23a
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.
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
Summer Clean
A big thank you to the team of volunteers who attended on Wednesday 9th January to move chairs so the church carpets could be steam cleaned. Approximately 1200 (600 X twice) chairs were moved and all the furniture in the auditorium/parenting room shifted so cleaning could be achieved. A team spent the day with damp cloths dusting off each chair and anywhere dust had settled. An enjoyable lunch for those who spent the day was supplied along with coffee whenever the energy levels were low. Personally, from the Admin Manager your efforts on the day will be enjoyed by all who call or visit our home in the Lords service.
Thank you. Stephen Zanker, Admin Manager
Catering for Big Week Out
Big Week Out (BWO) is an initiative of local churches aiming to empower young people to be transformed by Christ’s love, enabling them to grow as they share this love, and gospel boldly. BWO is run from 15th to 18 January, 2019. Throughout this week young people of Adelaide are called to utilise their strengths to help support members in the community by serving at events, including: helping out at schools, nursing homes, with backyard blitz’s, and emergency relief. This all happens through the service they provide.
BWO rely on donations to feed participants dinner, keeping registration costs low and emit any financial barriers for participants attending. As a volunteer run program we aim to ensure money is solely put towards facilitating the service events.
BWO are seeking assistance with evening meals on the 16th, 17th and 18th. Options for food preparation could be:
- pre prepare the meal (e.g pasta sauce) and freeze it and we will pick it up.
- bring the ingredients and the catering team at the base (Burnside Uniting Church) will help prepare it.
- provide the ingredients and we will pick them up and prepare them ourselves at the base.
- baked goods for morning or afternoon teas.
Please contact Elly Schoff on 043 435 9988 to confirm your assistance or feel free to check out the BWO website for further details: http://www.bigweekout.org.au/#bio
Notice Board
Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia
All healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting at 7.30pm on Monday 4th February with speaker Peter Bowley from Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) at 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide, at LCA/SA District Office. Entry through rear door, 2 hour CDP evidence provided.
“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
John 6:40
