1 John 4:9-11
In the very core of Good Shepherd’s mission statement is a desire to do something outside of ourselves – to reach into the community. All of us, I think, have a different opinion of what a ‘perfect’ community might look like, whether the amenities for making life easier, or the people who inhabit it, we all would hope that it would conform to our ideals.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes about this difficulty arising in churches and other Christian communities.
“Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than they love the Christian community itself become destroyers of that Christian community even though their personal intentions may be ever so honest, earnest and sacrificial. God hates this wishful dreaming because it makes the dreamer proud and pretentious.”
What is this Christian community that Bonhoeffer writes about? What is at heart of the community that loves and is loving?
John writes his first epistle and the intended audience is not one, but many. Because he is in his later years, as an old man he looks back and desires love for the people of God, love that surpasses even their broadest understanding.
Enter into the discussion as we begin a five week series on community. Have your eyes and hearts opened up to the majesty of how God builds the community, not we, and when that happens we are free to share the gospel in thought, word and deed.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
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
5th February 2019 A New Year’s welcome ladies. We meet at 12 noon for lunch together. Don’t forget to bring your own lunch, but committee will provide fruit platters. At 1pm we will commence our meeting. Bible study will be lead by Pastor Rolly.
FREE Toys and Resources – NEW ITEMS ADDED
To start the year we have been doing a bit of a cleanout to make more space for ministries and resources. At the back of the hall are some toys – including a play kitchen (in need of some TLC), small table & stools, water & sand tables – and resources which congregation members are welcome to take. Toys will be there until after Sunday 3rd February, and then will be donated as appropriate.
Please take as you need.
YOU’RE INVITED – GSPV Welcome Party
Food, fun & fellowship on the school oval
BYO picnic, and pre-order food to supplement the evening
Download your pre-order form here: https://bit.ly/2GdvDmk
Order MUST be placed by Friday 15 February to the SCHOOL OFFICE. EFTPOS facilities are available
From the Office
From Administration
Please note that the GSLC Staff have a staff meeting every Thursday morning.
Please accept our apology if we do not answer the phone, or the office appears empty.
Feel free to leave a message on the answering machine, or come to café area where the staff meet.
Notice Board
“You have been raised to new life with Christ.”
Colossians 3:1
