As I read those words from 2 Corinthians, I’m left with questions: Is God the father of compassion, or is he a compassionate father? Both? What does it mean that God is the father of all comfort? How is it that God comforts me when I am in despair?
These questions are part of the basic, fundamental thoughts that rumble around in the brains of most believers. Although, in our cores, we have an idea that a peace that passes all understanding can descend on us during our time of struggle, the practicalities of it are hard to sense. When we walk in the shadow of death and darkness, it is hard to hear a voice of comfort. And yet, this is the promise of God through Jesus.
This week, Pastor Peter Steicke will walk us through the journey of comfort in the Holy Spirit. Using the text from 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, Peter will shed light on the difficult path of suffering that pushes us towards God who in turn then pushes us back to each other so that we, as a body, suffer and rejoice together in spite of all difficulties.
We’ll see you on Sunday!
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 ESV
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
Next meeting 1st October. No guest speaker this month but fantastic bible study by one of our Pastors followed by great fellowship with afternoon tea.
Food Collection for the Family Hub
Next Sunday September 29th is food collection for the Family Hub. This will be the second to last collection for 2019.
After auditing their supplies the Hub has indicated that their requirements to continue to support families in need are:
Tuna,
Pasta sauces
Muesli bars
Cheese – all forms i.e. grated, sliced, block
Dish detergent
Tea
Coffee.
Thank you for your continued support of this project to support families in need in the district.
Step Up to Communion
Young people aged 10 and over, and their parents, are invited to take part in our Step Up program to prepare for Holy Communion. Taking the approach that parents are the primary faith developers in their children, Step Up is designed to support parents in preparing their child for Holy Communion.
Step 1 (Launch) Family Lunch – Sunday 20th October, 12:30-2:30pm in the church hall.
To register please contact Georgie Schuster, Young Families Coordinator at georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au More information is available on the Church website http://paravista.org.au/baptism-setup/
From the Office
Finance Report
Offerings
August – 2019
Aug 2018 Aug 2019 Monthly budget offerings 2019
Offerings $36,004 $34,815 $41,300
Notes since last published report:
• Offerings in August still a little down, and continue to be of concern
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 BSB 704942 and Account number 100354939,
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
BSB 704942. Account number 10354939
Mission Vision Support
This month’s support will go towards the Meet N Eat team. The team have supplied over 2300 meals this year, on a very meagre budget, to the lonely and less fortunate. They have also listened to many stories and shared through a scrumptious hot meal the Love of Jesus to many who really need it. Their motto ‘Come as a stranger, leave as a friend’. Look for the Mission Vision Support envelopes at the entry doors and consider how you can assist, or donations can be made to:
BSB: 704942
Account number: 100713424
Reference: Meetneat
Facilities Safety
We have been blessed with a wonderful facility and opportunities to provide a safe space to a great number of groups in the community. This doesn’t just happen and time and effort are required to present it for use by all. To keep it this way, all groups and users are reminded to watch out for each other and supervise the activities of all in a way that would leave the facility in a pleasing and acceptable standard that you would wish to find it. This includes Sunday service. Please note the safety signs that have been placed in/around the facility to assist in caring for our community.
Facilities Maintenance
Our front garden is looking great, thanks to a diligent few, and Salisbury council have kindly donated a load of mulch to assist in keeping the moisture in. If you have half an hour to spare to assist in spreading the mulch at any time the garden will be appreciative. If you do not have a wheelbarrow or shovel to move the mulch there is one available in the church store. Please see the front office or be a great spirit and just turn up when you can and complete what you can.
NOTICEBOARD
GLYNDE SPRING FAIR
In the New Community Centre at 22 Avenue Rd, Glynde
Saturday 12th October from 9.00am
Devonshire Morning Tea
Continuous Sausage Sizzle
Plenty of Stalls – cakes, biscuits, produce, plants, books, CDs, toys, craft etc
Money raised for Residential Care Home
This is a joint effort of LWSA/NT Glynde Auxiliary and ILU Residents Association.
For more information, please contact St Andrew’s Lutheran Church at Glynde on 08 8336 0130
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
