Because we don’t use physical armour in everyday life, I am fixated on shields and breastplates, and my favourite, the sword.
As Paul writes to the Ephesians who are in the midst of a true struggle against the enemy, Satan, and not human flesh and blood, there is a hidden and beautiful piece of scripture that reminds us the function of the armour is much more important.
Therefore, put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)
‘So that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…’
Far too often in my own life, I unconsciously believe that the armour of God is some kind of ceremonial decoration, hung and on my wall to be looked at. Certainly, God would not call someone like me into battle. Right? And yet Paul writes that when the day of battle comes – not if. It is a guarantee that we will be confronted with evil, with injustice, with unfairness and attacks by Satan and the dark forces of the invisible realms. It would only make sense to be prepared for the battle.
And when that battle comes, we will participate whether we like it or not.
But there is a surprising twist in store for Satan. And we, children of God, baptised believers, new creations in Jesus, will be able to see what God has in store.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
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.
Office Closure
The office will be closed from 26th to 28th August for staff retreat. For emergencies please contact either Stephen on 0403 180 814 or Reid on 0407 881 636.
Church Grounds – Tender Loving Care Required
Each Monday 9:30am to 10:30am several members are spending an hour slowly repairing the garden. If you have an hour once, occasionally, every couple of weeks or every week, your help in this large task would be appreciated. Tasks include weeding, trimming, removing dead plants and general tidying tasks. Suppyling own tools would be helpful. See John Dolling for more details.
SAVE THE DATE
For all who are currently in small groups and anyone interested
in more effective small group ministries at Good Shepherd.
• We’re asking all coming to bring a savoury dish
or sweets to share.
• Plus, BYO drinks and wine glasses.
Finance Report
Offerings
July 2019
July 2018 July 2019 July budget 2019 Total offering Budget for 2019
Offerings –$4,1581 $35,238 $41,300 $499,999
Notes since last published report:
• Offerings for year up to end of July were $30,507 below budget
• Staffing, Ministry, Administration and Facilities expenses are under budget.
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 account number 100354939, BSB 704942
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
BSB 704942. account number 10354939
Facilities Maintenance
A big thank you to those who volunteered to complete the painting of the front entrance.. Please watch this space for a common working bee to complete further tasks.
Great News!
Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has not been forgotten and updated information has been posted onto notice boards in the hall. A bar chart is attached to see where your donations are going. Remember donations need not only be monetary but can be in the form of time as well. Look for the Mission Vision Support envelopes at the entry doors and consider how you can assist.
Facilities Maintenance
As we near the Spring season there are a number of small jobs that need to be completed, from painting to garden weeding. Please consider offering time to assist in the following.
• Garden beds require weeding. Any time to enjoy God’s garden.
• Door stop fixing front foyer to prevent door from puncturing wall (20 minutes)
• Door catch refit in library (30 minutes)
• Stair tread repair (40 Minutes)
Please contact Stephen or the front office to discuss your availability.
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, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city. Supper and gold coin donation. All welcome.
“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.”
Psalm 34:19
