In our time, some who identify as “agnostic” claim there is no way of knowing for sure whether or not God exists. Others who identify as “agnostic” are open to God’s existence, but remain ignorant of God’s self-disclosure: in creation, in history, and ultimately in his Son Jesus. Paul describes this condition as “without hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:11-12)
Inevitably, we humans will give our allegiance to someone or something as “God”. Our “God” is what we turn to for comfort in times of trouble; and to which we are devoted as the most important thing in our lives. If this isn’t the living God, then it won’t bring us lasting satisfaction or peace… and it won’t bring us into eternal life.
This Sunday we share the story of the Roman Centurion who was in charge of Jesus’ execution. Beside his duty to the Roman Emperor, he may have been devoted to any one of the Roman gods. As far as we can tell, he was ignorant of the living God who created the world, who had a long history of making himself and his plans known to Israel, and who promised to restore this broken world through his chosen Messiah.
Yet when the Centurion watches how Jesus dies, he sees God up close and personal - in the midst of the worst suffering imaginable. It moves him profoundly. We will hear his story this Sunday. Like the Centurion, when we understand the depth of God’s love and empathy for us in Christ crucified, we are set free from ignorance about God.
Paul says that in the past God overlooked our ignorance (Acts 17:30). Now that he has made himself clearly known to humanity in Jesus, we are without excuse. The God who created everything can be known personally, intimately, and eternally through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-3).
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Luke 23:32-37, 44-49
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.
Great Effort Supporting Family Hub
Last Sunday we had the first food collection for 2019 in support of the Family Hub. Again the response was exceptional. Out of interest, as we sorted the donations, we counted the number of items donated. The tally was an amazing 443. Kathlene Wilson from the Hub was overwhelmed and amazed at the generosity of those who call Good Shepherd their church home. She said recently their resources had been stretched due to an unprecedented demand for food support. Thank you to Helen and Trevor Bridge who assisted with the sorting and transport of the food to the Hub.
Working Bee
Learn some new skills or utilise some old ones. Good Shepherd community will be holding a working bee on Saturday 13 April from 8.30am. Let’s combine our resources to complete a few tasks before the Easter week to ensure our property is maintained. Some of the tasks to be completed are:
• Gardening – trimming back the overgrowth from summer
• Change some blown light globes
• Repair a roller shutter to ensure office security
• Replace a tap in the parenting room to save water wastage
• Run a new data cable from the church building to the LED sign
• Replace a drain cover to prevent serious injury
• Repair some raised paving
• Install some new door closers
Please notify the office (churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or 8263 5087) of your skills and involvement or indicate on the Sunday connect card your attendance so we can coordinate the activities.
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, April we are focusing on potential ministries for the café.
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.
From the Office
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
“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart."
Jeremiah 24:7
