Friday, June 21, 2019

The Universal Church

In the year 325, a gathering of bishops (a flock? a pod?  I don’t know what that would be.) came together in Nicea to draw together the unifying beliefs of the church.  Over the first centuries of Christianity, various groups and individuals were divided on all sorts of things, even about the divinity of Jesus, so the council introduced the Nicean Creed which was supposed to decide once and for all the things that are basic to the faith.

And yet, throughout millennium to follow, groups and individuals persisted to have differing ideas and thoughts about the scriptures and how they were interpreted with regards to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Eventually, during the Reformation, new denominations were born which each believed that they were the ‘true church’ – the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church.

Today, we’re going to take an in depth look at this piece of the Nicean Creed.  As the Holy Spirit gives us life, he then moves us toward the Church.  But what is this Church?  What is the role description of the congregation?  How does the Church make a difference in the universe?
Make sure that you bring your Bibles this week (and the weeks to come) as we peer into Ephesians, chapter 3 and the revealed mystery in the Church and in Christ Jesus.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: John 17:13-18, Ephesians 3:7-11
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.


Support for Family Hub
Next food collection will be Sunday 30th June at the combined 10:30am service.  In next week's Weekly News and via email there will be a list of items that will assist the Family Hub in supporting the needy families in the area.

Our major Fund Raiser this year in support of the Family Hub is a Karaoke night in the hall on Saturday 17th August.  More details will be provided as we get closer to the date.  Part of the evening will be a wine auction.  Any donations of wine would be appreciated.  These can be left in the church office or given to one of the Team - Joan McCarthy, Eric Hofmanis, Sonia Hulme, Lorraine Johns or John Dolling.

Good Shepherd Ladies Fellowship
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON 2nd July at 12 noon.  A celebration of 50 years of the fellowship.  A delicious three course meal with glass of wine will be offered to guests.  Special guest speaker Julie Krause from Lutheran World Service.  Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall  Cost: $20ph  Anyone is welcome but there are limited numbers .  RSVP 15th June to Ragna ph 7325 8016 or Dorothy 0403 967 943.





From the Office

Replacement of Cafe Floor
Due to issues with the cafe flooring, which in future would be expensive for the congregation to rectify, the cafe flooring will be replaced at no cost to the congregation.  This will occur between the 3rd and 12th of July.  During this time access to the hall and worship centre via the cafe will not be possible.  The kitchen can be utilised by access through the hall.


Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Glen Auricht, who has lived in the Centre for most of his life and is a fluent Arunda speaker, follows with his camera the path taken by Missionary Carl Strehlow on the dash for medical help which ended with Strehlow’s death at Horseshoe Bend in 1922.  Glen’s stunning images of the landscape bring to life one of the most dramatic stories in Lutheran mission history.  Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday June 24th, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30pm.  Gold coin donation and supper.  All welcome.



“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24-25