Being Careful

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

Romans 5:6

At that point in the history of the world, when the heart of humanity seemed to be seizing and the lifeblood of faith was diminishing, Jesus came to give his life so that we could live a new life.  Paul latched onto this thought when he wrote, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

The Father’s heart, Jesus, was transplanted into the body of Christ, the Church.  Now its life is mysteriously and miraculously hidden in the Father.

As the Father prepared Jesus for the crucifixion, there seemed to be a point in the book of John where God the Father spoke words of encouragement through the Son to remind God’s people that although life would not be easy, it would be taken care of.  As we journey through the 14th chapter of John (which is often used as a text for funerals), hear again the hope in Jesus as we look towards Father’s Day.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading:  John 14:1-14
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.

Para Vista Women’s Fellowship
Please note, there is no meeting on the 3rd September as it is our outing.  For those going to the Old Adelaide Gaol, be informed the price for the tour and entry fee is $16.  This should be paid to Dawn Spencer on the day prior to our leaving.  The lunch at the Grand North is at your own expense.  We would like to have everyone who is going to congregate in the Good Shepherd Carpark at 9am to allocate who goes in which car.

Food Collection for Family Hub
Thank you for your continuing support of the food collection for the Family Hub.  Last Sunday, as usual, there were very generous donations of food.  These were sorted by the Transform young people who also delivered them and spent some time at the Family Hub.  Thank you to Georgie for organising this and for the parents who assisted.

Last week we reported the Karaoke Night raised $2126.  This did not account for $430 from ticket sales through the church office and other donations so the final figure raised and given to the Family Hub was $2556.  Thank you to everyone who supported the evening.  I am sure this money will be put to good use in supporting families in need.

Garden Blitz
The garden blitz to upgrade our gardens continues on Monday September 2nd  9:30am to 10:30am  (weather permitting).  Would be great to see you there for one week.


Having Your Child Baptised is a short course to help parents and families prepare for their first baptism at Good Shepherd.

Our next course commences Tuesday September 3rd at 7:30pm at Good Shepherd, continuing the next two Tuesday evenings (Sept 10, 17). 

For more info and how to register: https://paravista.org.au/contact-us/baptism/

From the Office

Library Notice
A book titled ‘The case for miracles’ by Lee Strobel was donated to the library earlier this year. The book seems to have been inadvertently borrowed without using the computer or a borrowing slip and has been missing for a number of months.  There are members waiting to borrow the book and would appreciate it being returned to the ‘Return Here’ crate in the library so others can enjoy it.

Has your shelf or cupboard got an empty space?
If so a number of platters and serving items have been left in the church complex after the last few functions.  Please check the kitchen/café area and take all your items home with you as surplus items will be removed from the area after 4 weeks and placed in the community care bin.  Remember lost property box is also located on the cupboard in the hall leading from the parenting room to the rest rooms.

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. None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer. The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month. 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 account number 100354939, BSB 704942
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
BSB 704942. account number 10354939

Noticeboard

“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing..”

2 Timothy 4:8

Responding to the LORD's Mercy

In the Luther movie - with Joseph Fiennes in the lead role as Martin - there’s a scene where Luther is tormented by his guilt and sin.  He is feeling condemned, in terror of God’s judgment, and ranting.

Finding the anguished young monk in his room, his mentor asks:
“What is it you seek?”
“A merciful God, a God whom I can love.  A God who loves me,” replies Martin.
The mentor urges: “Then look to Christ.  Bind yourself to Christ and you will know God’s love.  Say to him: ‘I am yours. Save me.’” (Psalm 119:94a)

I often find myself saying the same prayer – not out of fear of God’s judgement, but in dire need of God’s help.

Similar prayers are found throughout the Psalms.  Looking back to their crisis and the Lord’s deliverance, people praise the LORD for his mercy and tell others what God has done for them.  Check out these verses from Psalm 116:

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.  The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.  Then I called on the name of the LORD: “LORD, save me!”

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.  The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.

What shall I return to the LORD for all his goodness to me?  I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.  I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the LORD - in your midst, Jerusalem.  Praise the LORD.

How are we to respond to the unfailing love of God the Father who created and sustains us; for the grace of our Lord Jesus who has made us right in God’s eyes; and to the Holy Spirit who has created faith in our once dead hearts and made us alive forever with Christ?

This Sunday we explore three words that shape our response to our Father’s compassion on us as his dearly loved and forgiven children:  Praise, Serve, Obey.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Psalm 103
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.

Office Closure
The office will be closed from 26th to 28th August for staff retreat.  For emergencies please contact either Stephen on 0403 180 814 or Reid on 0407 881 636.

Para Vista Women’s Fellowship
Please note, there is no meeting on the 3rd September as it is our outing.  Those going to the Old Adelaide Goal, be informed the price for the tour and entry fee is $16.  This should be paid to Dawn Spencer on the day prior to our leaving.  The lunch at the Grand North is at your own expense.  We would like to have everyone who is going to congregate in the Good Shepherd Carpark at 9am to allocate who goes in which car.

Support for Family Hub
Apologies re late notice.  This Sunday August 25th will be the next food collection for the Family Hub.  The young people in the Transform group will sort the donations.  This month, as a service project, they will deliver the goods on Sunday and spend some time at the Hub.

Karaoke Night
On Saturday 140 enthusiastic people attended the Karaoke evening.  A great time was had by all.  We raised in excess of $2,100 to support the work of the Family Hub at Ingle Farm.  The team at the Hub were amazed and excited at the success of the fundraising and were excited about programmes that it will support.  With other donations we will support the work of the Family Hub with excess of $2,600.

Thank you to all those who supported the evening by attending, donating wines for the auction and to local businesses who supported us with generous donations.

Grounds Project
As mentioned in the last couple of editions of the Weekly News, each Monday between 9:30am and 10:30am, weather permitting, we will be spending an hour restoring the garden areas to make our facilities presentable to visitors and those passing by.  Last Monday 5 enthusiastic volunteers worked extremely hard and transformed the garden area on the left of the entrance roadway.  If you have an hour to spare on any Monday you would be welcomed by the group.

SAVE THE DATE

For all who are currently in small groups and anyone interested

in more effective small group ministries at Good Shepherd.

• We’re asking all coming to bring a savoury dish or sweets to share.

• Plus, BYO drinks and wine glasses.

From the Office
Finance Report 

Offerings
July 2019

July 2018 July 2019 July budget 2019 Total offering Budget for 2019
Offerings –$4,1581 $35,238 $41,300 $499,999

Notes since last published report:
• Offerings for year up to end of July were $30,507 below budget
• Staffing, Ministry, Administration and Facilities expenses are under budget.

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. None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer. The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month. 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 account number 100354939, BSB 704942
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
BSB 704942. account number 10354939

Noticeboard

"But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.  I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.”

Psalm 3:3-4

The Protection of God the Father

When I read Ephesians 6, I think that I am sometimes enamoured more about the articles and pieces of the armour of God than I am for their function and purpose.

Because we don’t use physical armour in everyday life, I am fixated on shields and breastplates, and my favourite, the sword.

As Paul writes to the Ephesians who are in the midst of a true struggle against the enemy, Satan, and not human flesh and blood, there is a hidden and beautiful piece of scripture that reminds us the function of the armour is much more important.

Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  (Ephesians 6:13)

‘So that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…’

Far too often in my own life, I unconsciously believe that the armour of God is some kind of ceremonial decoration, hung and on my wall to be looked at.  Certainly, God would not call someone like me into battle.  Right?  And yet Paul writes that when the day of battle comes – not if.  It is a guarantee that we will be confronted with evil, with injustice, with unfairness and attacks by Satan and the dark forces of the invisible realms.  It would only make sense to be prepared for the battle.

And when that battle comes, we will participate whether we like it or not.

But there is a surprising twist in store for Satan.  And we, children of God, baptised believers, new creations in Jesus, will be able to see what God has in store.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Readings:  Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
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.


Office Closure
The office will be closed from 26th to 28th August for staff retreat.  For emergencies please contact either Stephen on 0403 180 814 or Reid on 0407 881 636.

Church Grounds – Tender Loving Care Required
Each Monday 9:30am to 10:30am several members are spending an hour slowly repairing the garden.  If you have an hour once, occasionally, every couple of weeks or every week, your help in this large task would be appreciated.  Tasks include weeding, trimming, removing dead plants and general tidying tasks.  Suppyling own tools would be helpful.  See John Dolling for more details.

SAVE THE DATE

For all who are currently in small groups and anyone interested

in more effective small group ministries at Good Shepherd.

• We’re asking all coming to bring a savoury dish 

or sweets to share.

• Plus, BYO drinks and wine glasses.

From the Office

Finance Report 

Offerings
July 2019

July 2018 July 2019 July budget 2019 Total offering Budget for 2019
Offerings –$4,1581 $35,238 $41,300 $499,999


Notes since last published report:
• Offerings for year up to end of July were $30,507 below budget
• Staffing, Ministry, Administration and Facilities expenses are under budget.

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. None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer. The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month. 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 account number 100354939, BSB 704942
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
BSB 704942. account number 10354939

Facilities Maintenance
A big thank you to those who volunteered to complete the painting of the front entrance..  Please watch this space for a common working bee to complete further tasks.

Great News!
Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has not been forgotten and updated information has been posted onto notice boards in the hall.  A bar chart is attached to see where your donations are going.  Remember donations need not only be monetary but can be in the form of time as well.  Look for the Mission Vision Support envelopes at the entry doors and consider how you can assist.

Facilities Maintenance
As we near the Spring season there are a number of small jobs that need to be completed, from painting to garden weeding.  Please consider offering time to assist in the following.
• Garden beds require weeding.  Any time to enjoy God’s garden.
• Door stop fixing front foyer to prevent door from puncturing wall (20 minutes)
• Door catch refit in library (30 minutes)
• Stair tread repair (40 Minutes)

Please contact Stephen or the front office to discuss your availability.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Lutherans are not alone in remembering the ‘Great War’ of 100 years ago as a time of suspicion and prejudice.  In her talk “German and Irish South Australians in World War One,” historian Dr Stephanie James explores the parallels and differences between the German and Irish communities in SA in their experiences of the War.  Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives, meeting on Monday 19th August, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city.  Supper and gold coin donation.  All welcome.

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,

for in you I take refuge.

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings

until the disaster has passed.”

Psalm 34:19

He's got the Whole World in His Hands

You might have sung the words to this song years ago.  According to Wikipedia, it ‘is a traditional American spiritual, first published in 1927.  It became an international pop hit in 1957-58 in a recording by English singer Laurie London, and has been recorded by many other singers and choirs.’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He%27s_Got_the_Whole_World_in_His_Hands

Regardless of whether or not you know the song, it captures a truth we can easily forget.  If God is looking after his world – and looking after me – then why do I worry so much?  If God feeds the birds of the air, won’t he feed me?

Western individualism keeps whispering into our hearts and minds: “It’s all about you.  Take control of your life, get an education, work hard, make something of yourself, and eventually you will have some ‘golden years’ before you shuffle off this mortal coil.”

(Hmmm. Is that the goal of life?  What’s next?)

For most of us, life is not a trouble free ride or an ongoing series of success.  Life in this world beats us up, knocks us down, and leaves us hurting and confused.  We get ambushed by things beyond our control, and we wonder how on earth we will cope.  If it all depends on me, and I’ve got nothing to offer, then anxiety, worry and fear fill my days.

The world is broken – and so are we!  According to Genesis 3, it was not God’s choice, but the result of our choices.  Yet our heavenly Father has not washed his hands of us, or given up on us!  He will bring his restoration plan to completion.  The heart of his plan is Jesus!

In Jesus, we get to know the Creator God up close and personal – and discover that he wants to do us good!  We see him bringing comfort to the hurting and restoring them to wholeness. Jesus shows us that God is not happy with human misery, but is doing something about it - and not just way back then, but here and now through you and me!  Jesus’ ministry is a foretaste of that day when God will make all things new again.

Jesus shows us that God’s love for humanity is so great that he does not watch our suffering from a distance – but gets personally involved in it.  Regardless of what we are enduring, the cross of Christ reminds us that we are never alone in our suffering.  As Corry Ten Boom comments: “No matter how deep our darkness, he is deeper still.”

Jesus’ death and resurrection demonstrates the Father’s love for us - and assures our future.  The world we live in is not perfect, and neither are we.  Yet, because we are in Christ, we trust our Father has got the whole world in his hands – including us.  ‘He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6)

This Sunday we’ll explore what is means for us that the whole world is in Father God’s hands.  And yes, we will even sing the song!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings:  Psalm 145:8-21, Matthew 6:25-27
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.

Church Grounds – Tender Loving Care Required
Each Monday 9:30am to 10:30am several members are spending an hour slowly repairing the garden.  If you have an hour once, occasionally, every couple of weeks or every week, your help in this large task would be appreciated.  Tasks include weeding, trimming, removing dead plants and general tidying tasks.  Suppyling own tools would be helpful.  See John Dolling for more details.

Note of Thanks from Family Hub
Thanks to you and the beautiful congregation at Para Vista – please pass on my thanks again.
It was quite overwhelming to be greeted so warmly and to be amongst a group who understand what we are trying so hard to achieve.

As we predicted, the need for food hampers is on the increase this week.  With your support we are able to keep children fed.

Wine for Auction
Please check cellars to discover a bottle of wine that can be donated for the wine auction at the Karaoke Night.  These can be handed in on Sunday or to the church office.

From the Admin Manager

Great News!
Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has not been forgotten and updated information has been posted onto notice boards in the hall.  A bar chart is attached to see where your donations are going.  Remember donations need not only be monetary but can be in the form of time as well.  Look for the Mission Vision Support envelopes at the entry doors and consider how you can assist.

Facilities Maintenance
As we near the Spring season there are a number of small jobs that need to be completed, from painting to garden weeding.  Please consider offering time to assist in the following.
• Front Foyer painting.  The hard work is done, just apply a second coat.
• Garden beds require weeding.  Any time to enjoy God’s garden.
• Door stop fixing front foyer to prevent door from puncturing wall (20 minutes)
• Door catch refit in library (30 minutes)
• Assembly of office desk (30-40 Minutes)
• Stair tread repair (40 Minutes)

Please contact Stephen or the front office to discuss your availability.

LLL Interest Rate Change
Our congregation has received an ‘LLL Interest Rate change’ notice advising that effective 1 August 2019, the interest rate on at-call Savings Accounts is 1.75%.  This notice has been placed on the church notice board for your information.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Lutherans are not alone in remembering the ‘Great War’ of 100 years ago as a time of suspicion and prejudice.  In her talk “German and Irish South Australians in World War One,” historian Dr Stephanie James explores the parallels and differences between the German and Irish communities in SA in their experiences of the War.  Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives, meeting on Monday 19th August, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city.  Supper and gold coin donation.  All welcome.

“Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”

Jeremiah 17:14

God the Creator of Seen and Unseen

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For by him, all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

Colossians 1:16,17

These verses mess with my mind, especially the second sentence… ‘things in heaven and on earth.’  When we talk about God the Creator, I often limit myself to the things created on earth, the physical things, mountains, rivers and such.  But the suggestion of this passage points to a time when even heaven didn’t have things in it.  That God created what was in heaven at some point in time is mindblowing.

This visible image of the invisible God not only was the word of creation in the beginning, but he is the word of new creation now.  Jesus speaks; new life begins.  And what was invisible, becomes visible.

This is a question that confounds all who come to faith:  How do I encounter an invisible God?  How do I encounter the Son, Jesus Christ, when he is not visible, or at least that’s my visual perception.  (We’ll get to the visible body of Christ on Sunday).  Once we hear and find faith, how do we gain access to him?

As we move into our series of God, the Father, journey into the depths of life with a loving God who speaks a word of new creation in our lives.

Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Colossians 1:15-27, Colossians 3:1-4
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.

Ladies Fellowship
Congregation members are invited to “Experience life in PNG” through the eyes and work of nursing sister Margaret Voigt, guest speaker Tuesday 6th August at 1pm.  Coffee and afternoon tea will be served.

Support for Family Hub

• Food and Blanket Collection
Once again the generosity of the congregation was evident in the quantity of food and blankets that were donated last Sunday.  Thank you to all who gave, the Transform group who sorted the donations and those who helped transport the goods to the Hub.  As always it brightened the day for the staff and volunteers to know that there was such generous support from our congregation.

• Karaoke Night to Support the Family Hub
Our major fundraising event for 2019 is a Karaoke Night on Saturday August 17th commencing at 7:30pm.  It will be a fun night of music, games, wine auction and fellowship.  BYO drinks and nibbles.
The early bird price of $10 has been extended to this Sunday.  Tickets will be available in the hall after both services.  Unfortunately there will no EFTPOS facilities available on the night so bring cash for games and wine auction.

Remember if not attending on the 17th you can still support our fundraising effort by donating a bottle/s of wine for the auction.  These can be brought on Sunday and left at the sales desk in the hall, church office or given directly to Eric Hofmanis or Joan McCarthy.

Thanks for your support of the Family Hub.

From the Office

LLL Interest Rate Change
Our congregation has received an ‘LLL Interest Rate change’ notice advising that effective 1 August 2019, the interest rate on at-call Savings Accounts is 1.75%.  This notice has been placed on the church notice board for your information.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Lutherans are not alone in remembering the ‘Great War’ of 100 years ago as a time of suspicion and prejudice.  In her talk “German and Irish South Australians in World War One,” historian Dr Stephanie James explores the parallels and differences between the German and Irish communities in SA in their experiences of the War.  Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives, meeting on Monday 19th August, 7.30pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city.  Supper and gold coin donation.  All welcome.

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

1 John 4:12