The crowd, although made up of many people, is one in character. As Pilate stands before them, Luke, the gospel writer, records that they shout in unison for Jesus’ death. As one large and menacing body, their power is sensed even as it overwhelms the sensibilities of Pilate, the Roman Governor.
Crowds can do that.
They have a power that is all their own to either force their will on others, to swallow them up at a whim, or to decimate those who try to get in their way.
What we notice about the Passion Crowd is that it is made up of ‘the chief priests, the rulers and the people.’ (Luke 23:13) They are passionate for something, of what that is, we aren’t really told, but what we can infer is that they want to see something – a spectacle. Maybe some of them were hailing Jesus as king the week beforehand as he rode on the back of a donkey. Maybe they wanted to see him overthrow the Roman occupation. Maybe others were curious onlookers who like the excitement of the mob, and maybe they want to see the sight of blood being spilt. Maybe some of them were trying desperately hard to hold onto their Law, their religion, that they wouldn’t stop at murder to make sure that they stayed in power. They wanted to make a spectacle of Jesus, that no one should mess with the system.
Whatever the reason, they wanted a spectacle.
This week, we take on the role of the Passion Crowd. Find yourself swept up in the fury and force of the mob that seeks a spectacle.
Maybe you can relate?
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Luke 23:13-25
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.
Thank you
Several weeks ago there was a request for an area to store household equipment and assistance to sort and shift these items that belong to a member of our congregation who is in detention. Thanks to the generosity of members we were able to sort, shift and store all his equipment. Can you please pray that he may be freed from detention and continue his life in Australia free from danger and persecution.
Family Hub Food Support
We will again support the Family Hub by having monthly food collections on the last Sunday of each month. This food is used to support families in need in the local area. The first collection will be on Sunday March 31st.
The Family Hub have identified the following requirements:
• pasta sauce
• tins of baked beans and spaghetti
• 2 minute noodles or similar product
• muesli bars or similar product
• cheese - creamed, sliced, small block grated
• large glad bags.
Ladies Fellowship Meeting
2nd April at 1pm
Bible study lead by Pastor Rolly
Our guest speaker this month is Craig Felix, a firefighter from the MFS. He will speak on fire safety in the home. Come along to receive some helpful information.
I'm excited
Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has been launched providing opportunities for you to invest directly into different ministries here at the Good Shepherd community.
I’m excited
That each month we get to spend the entire month focused on a ministry based here like Transform, Meet N Greet or Visual Arts. During the allocated month, the ministry team will have opportunities to share stories of how their ministry has impacted the community and individuals, share stories of celebration and to share their dreams for the ministry so that as a congregation we can understand more about what they do in our community.
I’m excited
As many of you are passionate about different areas of ministries here at Good Shepherd; Therefore this is an opportunity to invest directly into the areas of ministry you are passionate about.
I’m excited
This month, March we are focusing on ministries for children, families, youth, young adults, and intergenerational mission. A couple of weeks ago you heard Zac share his story and vision for Transform Youth, Listen out for more stories on Playgroup, Young Adults, Camping Ministry, Parents all focused on Intergenerational ministry.
Go and seek
A clearly marked envelope available from our Worship Hosts or the host desks for your gift. This will mean that your donation will go straight to the ministry intended. Your gift may include time you can allocate to this ministry. Envelopes can be either placed on the collection plate, placed in the bowls on the way out of handed into the office during office hours.
Be a part of
Donating via direct debit using the following information:
BSB 704942
Acct# 129523 (add S1 for internal LLL transfers)
Acct Name Para Vista Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Operating
Please ensure the reference includes the ministry area. Donations without clear reference will be classed as general income. Remember this is not intended to substitute from your normal offering but is allowing you to grow your ministry area of choice and not detract from the great things already happening within our community.
I’m excited, Look out for
The Posters that will indicate what Ministries need support and how you have helped.
Finance Report
Offerings
January –2019
Total Offerings – Budget $41,300 Actual $34,887 UNDER $6,413
Notes since last published report:
• Expenses for January were approximately $600 under budget.
Free To Take
A mobile trolley has been placed at the rear of the hall with a box of books and a chest of drawers. If you have use for any of the items please feel free to remove them. Please do not place the books into the library.
Notice Board
Hymns We Love
Monday April 1st then Monday May 6th. There will be a ‘winter break’ until we start again on first Mondays September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th at Zion Glynde Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde. Arrive at 10-30am for cuppa, biscuits and chat time. Singing begins at 11am until 12 noon. ”..you choose the hymns, I play the organ and we made a very ‘joyful noise unto the Lord’! “ Enjoy airconditioned comfort. No cost – just come!
Joy Mildren, organist, 0458 650 135/ 8367 9969 joymildren@hotmail.com
Tour of SW USA
Dave Anderson has toured Australia several times with his wife Barb. They performed concerts in many Lutheran churches throughout Australia. Dave is hosting a tour of SW USA from 1-20 August, 2019. Full details are available from Jenni Hoffmann 0418895318 or dhoffy@bigpond.net.au
Adelaide Show Outreach Ministry
The Adelaide Show Outreach Ministry has been running for over 40 years and is coordinated by people from a range of denominations across Adelaide. The ministry relies entirely on God’s grace through volunteer support from congregations and individuals to finance its work. You are invited walk with them again this year in Spirit, prayer and financial as you are able to do so. With your support, you are helping to pass on your faith and reaching out to non-Christians.
Please contact Jeff Roberts on 0478 293 650, jmroberts@internode.on.net or Con Schlenk on 0408 811 370, conschlenk@adam.com.au
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17
