I suppose everyone one of us has times in our lives when we think, “Oh, great, now what?”
Often, these difficult times seem to come one after another, all connected by a thread of panic about when the next brick is going to be placed into the basket. The Apostle Paul had a long string of those moments where he suffered imprisonment, shipwreck, bitten by a poisonous snake (!) – you name it, he suffered it.
Was there ever a time when Paul would have wondered if it was all worth it? Is faith in Jesus worth enduring this kind of suffering? It’s one thing to be ridiculed, punished, dismissed and beaten, but snakes?
It doesn’t seem like he ever wrote about throwing in the towel. Somehow, in spite of everything that happened to him, Paul was able to express his joy in the middle of his suffering. “…(I)n every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice; and I continue to rejoice because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:18, 19)
This week and throughout November, we begin a series delving into the book of Philippians regarding the theme of ‘Joy’. In the book of Philippians, this word, ‘joy,’ is used sixteen times. How did Paul make it through with his joy intact? How do we experience joy while living in difficulties of our own?
This week we’ll do these three things:
1. Look at suffering from a different perspective
2. Recognise God’s power and provision to give us strength
3. Understand the purpose for which we live and die
God’s peace to you as we read the book of Philippians together. Please come prepared by reading Philippians 1:12-26 this week. See you there.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Philippians 1:12-26
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.
Thank you, Good Shepherd
Worship last week was different. It was uncomfortable and blessed. Transformative and confronting. I wanted to express my gratitude to you, as community members, for consistently looking ahead to the ways that God will continue to reform and reshape this part of the Body of Christ. In future weeks, especially at the AGM, I want to explore ways in which you see God transforming the mission and ministry of Good Shepherd in reaching into the community with the gospel so that all may know Jesus and worship him.
If there were parts of the service that spoke to you which were delightful or concerning, please come chat with me. It is there in those conversations that the bonds of Christ are strengthened and we honour each other in sharing our thoughts and ideas.
Christmas is Coming
After last year’s successful ‘Experience Christmas’ afternoon, we would love to offer this opportunity again. Immerse yourselves in the wonder and excitement of the gift of Jesus coming to us through activities and stories that describe this awesome event. Save the date: Sunday December 1!
We are looking for people to be involved to help make this happen. If this is something that interests you, please let me know. Talk with me in person, phone me on 08 82647966 or email me on georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
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
SPIN Camp
Will your children be looking for something to do in the Summer holidays? Here is an opportunity for you!
SPIN is a summer kids’ camp for young people in Years 4–6 from across South Australia, which ‘turns church upside down’ by showing how the church is relevant and important for the kids of today.
To register go to:
www.blueprintministries.org.au
There is a $50 discount code available for campers from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. See Church Office or Georgie for details!
From the Office
Front Office Closure
Due to the front office reception position vacancy the church office will be closed all day Monday and Friday afternoons till further notice. 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.
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.
“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Psalm 94:18-19
