I really enjoy the Old Testament.
There is something powerfully poignant, though, about God’s dedication to making sure the people of Israel recognise God’s will for their lives – fulfilment in living in the land with them. He wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity for this full life.
In these verses, I hear echoes of this fulfilment and it sounds somewhat like this:
Reach into the community with the Gospel, so that all may know Jesus and worship him.
Isn’t that truly why we are part of Good Shepherd? Because of the mission of God, through Christ, using our hands and feet to be open handed to the community in word, deed and action?
This week, we’re taking a peek at the joy of open-handed sharing. Because God’s hands are open to us, always overflowing with whatever need there is, we can find a template for the sacrificial life that Paul implores the Romans to undertake.
Using the texts from Deuteronomy regarding tithing (often thought of as a ‘taboo’ word in our culture), we may find a surprising twist on God’s good humour in sharing life together.
For further study, read Deuteronomy 14:22-15:11.
What surprises you about God’s desire for tithing? What is the benefit of open handed giving? What do you feel when you read/hear the word ‘tithe?’ Can you think of one time when you have been open handed, sharing your gifts without thought of repayment, that brought you great joy?
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 15:7-11
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.
Praise Point
This Sunday at the 10.30am service we will be welcoming Harrison William Richards, son of Troy and Rachael Richards, into God’s family through Holy Baptism.
Food Collection for the Family Hub
Next Sunday October 27th will be our last food collection for The Family Hub for 2019. The next collection will be either February or March 2020. The Hub sincerely thank all members of the congregation who have contributed so generously during 2019.
As this collection will cover 3 months, as well as the busy Christmas period, the Hub have indicated the following items are required to continue to support those in need :
Tuna cans
Pasta sauces
2 minute noodles
Meals in a can
Tinned vegetables
Pancake mix
Cake mix
Cheese – in all forms
Dish detergent
As in 2019 there will be an opportunity to support the Hub's Christmas activities. More details closer to the event
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/
Good Shepherd Remembrance Service 2019
We’re having another Remembrance Service on Saturday November 9th at 1:30pm. It’s a time and place to remember loved ones who have died, to share our grief with one another, and to seek God’s comfort in Jesus. It’s open to all who would like to come. As part of the service, family members and friends will have an opportunity to light a candle.
We also would like to read out a list of names of those being remembered. If you would like a loved one’s name to be read out, you can make this known as you arrive on the day. If you wish you can also include the date of their death.
Following the service, there will be an afternoon cuppa in the hall.
Pr Rolly Stahl
From the Office
Front Office Closure
Due to the front office reception position vacancy the church office will be closed on Mondays till further notice commencing from 21st October. Please email churchenquires@paravista.org.au or leave a message on the answering service and staff will get back to you.
Church Phone System
We are aware that our phone system may not work effectively in some instances and are currently having an issue with updating the answering service. Please be patient when leaving a message as we do check them. We are seeking to upgrade the system in the near future.
Mission Vision Report
Offerings
September - 2019
Sept 2018 Sept 2019 Sept budget 2019 Total Offering Budget 2019
Offerings $40,070 $38,085 $41,300 $499,999
August – 2019
Notes since last published report:
• Offerings till the end of September are currently $42,000.00 below the vision for the year.
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. 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
Give Away
The church has upgraded the crockery and now has an abundant surplus of dinner, bread & butter and side plates along with cups and saucers. If you or you know anyone who would like to use the items please contact the church office.
Noticeboard
Christmas Trees Available
High quality live Christmas trees are available again this year. These are supplied by Holy Cross Lutheran Church Birdwood. All proceeds go towards School Pastoral Care Workers in the Torrens Valley area.
Trees will be delivered on Saturday 14th December to a yet unspecified site in the NE suburbs (last 2 years to Golden Grove Lutheran Church). Orders, with payment, need to be into John Dolling (83675296/jdolling@bigpond.net.au) by Sunday December 1st.
Cost of a tree is $45. You can nominate height of tree required – 5.6 or 7 foot and they will match your request as close as possible.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."
Proverbs 3:9-10
