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
