Friday, March 27, 2020

Ways Forward

Grace and peace to you from God the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose Spirit resides in the community in exile.

It kind of feels like the world is in exile, doesn’t it? The remnant scattered to their homes, connected by webs of information, fact and fiction. It has a similar resonance with the people of Israel as they are carried off from their typical realities to an atypical rhythmic state of fear. Many who are in exile wonder how long it will take to return home to ‘normal,’ but once one has been in exile, is there ever a return? Is there ever a normal?

As the community of Good Shepherd, we are still wondering what the future holds. What will our priorities be in the next few months? What resources do we have at our disposal? How do we utilise them to help in the wider community which may be paralysed as much by indecision as much as fear?

The Good Shepherd Board has convened three times in the last week – the last two via Skype, a novel experience. During these meetings we have discussed openly and honestly the hurdles which will be presenting in the near future. Here are some of the questions we are wrestling with:

How do we communicate with the wider, isolated community in a coordinated and consistent way?

How will we continue to offer worship services which can connect people even when they cannot gather in the same space?

How will Good Shepherd’s finances be affected in the near and long term? What are the implications for staffing?

How do we pastorally care for people when we are not allowed to be in the same physical space? What is the role of the pastoral care team? Small groups? Meet and Eat?

Finally, what will Good Shepherd look like in these areas when the immediate crises are over?

Bruce Hulme recently wrote: “The ‘church’ can’t magically fly out of the cocoon, I don’t think, with any shortcuts. This is testing for all. Perhaps what we need to do is support/guide each other in harnessing the fear as a conduit to driving us back to God. If we don’t do that struggle work in the cocoon we won’t be able to fly. Let us lament and experience/pay attention to the fear and listen to what it is telling us, and into that, what God is telling us… ”

Here are some of the thoughts so far with regards to some of these opportunities above:

1) Communication
We will continue to use as many channels as possible:
  • Weekly News
  • Good Shepherd Facebook page 
  • Good Shepherd Website 
  • Phone calls 
  • E-mails
2) Worship 
Due to a scramble to try something quite new (and on short notice) Georgie and I did some sermon/scripture prep last week on Facebook live. As was noted by various people, not everyone uses Facebook, but it was how we could quickly test-drive a new vehicle.

This week, at 10:30 on Sunday morning, we will try to use Zoom. If your computer has camera capabilities (or phone), connect at 10:25 a.m. by inserting this URL into the browser and it will take you to a live ‘meeting’ for worship: https://zoom.us/j/3858687373 
In order for us to meet (up to one hundred people) it’s best if not everyone uses their camera.

As we did last week, the service order for Sunday will be on the church website as will the podcast for the sermon for those who aren’t able to join live on Zoom.

We will also send out the web links in the Weekly News e-mail. Please let us know how these are working, but know that we are doing all that we can to help facilitate with some ease the transition to a different kind of worship.

3) Finances
As the world will wrestle with the difficulties of loss of jobs, loss of retirement portfolios and loss of other incomes, the Good Shepherd Board would like to offer opportunities to share what we have together to promote a ‘Generosity Fund’ to help those who are struggling with loss of income, lack of supplies and support. If you, like the early church (Acts 4:32-35) have the ability to be generous with money, food, petrol vouchers, gift cards, etc., Good Shepherd can be a repository and a distribution place for these. If you have need of anything, please let us know and we’ll try to help along the way.

4) Pastoral Care
This is who we are. This is what we do. In this new world, here are the ways in which we can care for each other:
  • Ring people in the community. 
  • Be an ambassador for Christ in your neighbourhood. 
  • Pray (“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guards your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6, 7)). Pray for people. Pray with people. 
  • Stay at home. If at all possible, care for others by staying at home so that the spread of the sickness can be minimised. 
  • Write letters, emails, blogs, of encouragement and support. 
  • Hanelie Swart, Good Shepherd’s counsellor, is available and willing to chat with people via phone or online connections. For appointments, please call 0450 022 502.
  • If you want to have a talk with pastoral care people or the pastors, please ring me, Pastor Reid, on 0407 881 636 or Pastor Rolly, 0450 624 646
  • The church phone number is 8263 5087.
I will continue to write on my blog www.ireid.blospot.com different ways we can still be encouraged as community. Feel free to leave comments of help for others.

God’s peace to you all,
Pastor Reid

Bible Readings: Matthew 5:10-12, Mark 10:23-31
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au This week it will be uploaded after the Zoom service, but a Service Order will be available prior.

Prayer Requests 
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.

COVID-19 News and Weekly Messages

Please check the website www.paravista.org.au or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for the message concerning COVID-19 and for the weekly online service as outlined above. Please contact the church office on 8263 5087 for further enquiries or if you wish to unsubscribe from any email updates.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,

In addition to the usual Growing Faith at Home resource that I normally share, I would like to flag this resource that Grow Ministries released last week.

To quote them:
“In light of the current uncertain times we wish to support homes to engage with each other in meaningful and intentional ways around God’s word. We have collated a number of our favourite resources for the coming four weeks and they are FREE. We pray that they will encourage and support you during this difficult time.”

Did you know that Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary has a YouTube Playlist featuring a selection of songs that we sing in Chapel?
Here is the 2020 Chapel Songs link:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7X57HdxpcY-Cvyy9y1-hHKkd3fqAUD4c
You might like to sing along with them! Check them out!

God’s peace be with each one of you, no matter where you are reading this from!
Blessings,
Georgie

Food Collection for the Family Hub
Change of plans for support of the Family Hub 

This Sunday March 29th was to be the first food collection for the Family Hub who supports those in need in our local community. Our plans have changed with the government direction of limiting to fewer than 100 for groups meeting indoors which means we cannot conduct our regular worship services. The need is still there so we have devised a plan to enable the collection of food donations.
Donations can be dropped into the church office during office hours: Tuesday to Friday between 9am and 3pm. If by some chance the office is unattended leave donations by the office door and they will be collected when office staff return that day;
A member of the Family Hub Team will be at the church three times to collect donations: Friday 27th 5pm-6pm; Saturday 28th 9:30am -10am; and Sunday 29th 9:30am -10:15am (at the Montague Road entrance).
We have had a run on ER parcels and have been turning food over.
Our sincere gratitude to the congregation for their on-going support!

An audit of the stock reveals the following needs:
Pasta sauce
Large cans of tuna
Pasta
Ready meals – in a tin/packet
Cans of Baked beans and spaghetti
Muesli bars
Sliced cheese

Family Hub Support Team 

Goodbye from Emma (YAGM)
Hi everyone,

The program that I am a part of (Young Adults in Global Mission), has decided to evacuate all volunteers from all over the world because of the sickness that has taken over our society. As a result of this crisis, I missed the opportunity to really say goodbye and thank you for what you have offered me during my time here. I am full of different emotions as I go through what this means for me as my time is cut short. I may not have gotten the chance to really get to know some of you, but I am glad I was given the opportunity to learn from this community. It is not easy to put into words what this year has meant to me, but I am going to try my best.

Coming into this year, the theme of accompaniment was repeated to us over and over. I knew what this term meant to others, but I was working out what it meant to me. When I arrived in Australia, I was still in a cloud of emotions that was controlling what I saw and experienced around me. I was adapting to jet lag, new accents, a brighter sun, cars on the other side of the road, kangaroos in the wild, and being 13,408km away from home. Once the clouds cleared, I was able to observe what was going on around me on a daily basis.

I have spent my time between Lutheran Community Care and Good Shepherd. At LCC, I have been given many different opportunities. I have been able to sit in on home visits to families who are struggling and listen to what they need, I have helped provide crèche support to caregivers who are trying to better their daily skills, I have gained a better knowledge of the people I worked with and what they were passionate about, I learned from groups with new cultures and beautiful kindness, and I have challenged myself to accept the things that drive my passions.

At Good Shepherd, I have been given the opportunity to learn how a church works behind the scenes, I have mastered MediaShout and preparing for Sunday worship, I have turned to my creative side and helped run the Little Lambs Playgroup, I have enjoyed the conversations that I had every day, each time learning from someone new, and I have tried to remain “unsettled”.

It is hard to even gather all of these thoughts and describe what this year has meant to me. As I think about accompaniment now, I have begun to see it in a new light. I have been living alongside others, in a new country, with a new culture, and a new routine. While I wanted the opportunity to live in a new country, for me it was important to truly live with a new community and experience and learn from them.

Thank you for letting me fulfil this desire I had to adventure and learn about our world. Thank you to everyone who introduced themselves to me and listened to my American accent. Thank you to the Meet and Eat volunteers who took me in every Monday night and showed me so much grace and kindness while also providing for their community. Thank you to the staff of Good Shepherd who found jobs for me and kept me busy and unsettled. Thank you to those who shared meals with me and let me ask about their traditions and daily life. Thank you to the families who let me discover how I wanted Playgroup to look. Thank you to those who felt comfortable telling me their stories.

There are so many other thank yous, but as I said, there are so many emotions happening right now and it is hard to put it all into words. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions about my abrupt departure or if you just want to chat. My email is reiamamme@gmail.com .

Until next time,
Emma Maier 

From the Office

Closures
Although the church is currently closed for services and all usual community gatherings, rest assured we will still be available to assist with any enquiries during office hours. You can contact us via email at churchenquiries@paravista.org.au, or by calling 8263 5087. Please don’t hesitate to leave a voice mail if necessary and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Church Giving
While services are suspended, you can continue to support the work of the church financially via Regular Electronic Giving (REG), Direct Debit or Bank Deposit. Details are at the end of this newsletter. 

Noticeboard

Current worldwide trends indicate that more people require and seek support regarding psychological and emotional well-being.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” - Viktor Frankl

Negative thought patterns and feelings of anxiety, fear, doubt and isolation are commonly experienced. We all are trying to navigate and adapt to a changing environment and therefore the need for support increases.

Hanelie is continuing to provide a professional counselling service to students, parents, staff and community. Hanelie is a member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) and completed a Dip. Counselling & Bachelor of Counselling through ACAP (Australian College of Applied Psychology). Hanelie is passionate about mental health and providing support to clients with qualities such as empathy, congruence and positive regard.

Counselling service delivery is changing from face-to-face in office sessions to electronic methods. Counselling sessions will be provided electronically or telephonically. These practices are successfully implemented worldwide. Skype or FaceTime will be used as electronic methods. Please note that FaceTime can only be used with Apple devices. Changes to service delivery will be revised in future as the pandemic passes.
The feedback regarding conducting of counselling session via electronic methods is that they have been well received.

Cost: A session will continue to be priced at $15.00 to assist with covering of professional expenses. This fee is well below market rates.

Please feel free to contact Hanelie at 0450 022 502 or email: hanelie.swart@gmail.com with questions or to book an appointment.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)





Friday, March 20, 2020

Blessed are the Peacemakers

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

Of all the things created in the world, from the Coliseum in Rome to the Pyramids in Egypt, from the Great Wall of China to the ABC building in Collinswood – each of their architects perhaps would have said that their task was infinitely easier than creating a sense of lasting peace in the world.

The creation of things unseen: making friends, making judgements, making amends and making peace, are far more difficult than laying brick on top of mortar. In the case of peacemaking, the construction is difficult because the building materials are so scarce.

Thus, we understand that Jesus was changing the entirety of the world’s perspective by stating: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

In the chaos of the world around us, humanity seems to have lost its sense of peace. For many, the Coronavirus scare has allowed the age old enemy – fear - to raise its head and we battle against each other, fight for life, clawing and scrabbling to the top of the heap so that somehow we aren’t crushed at the bottom.

In the midst of the confusion and chaos, there is a segment of people, the children of God; peacemakers all, who stand calling out to the mountain of fear: “Look, children, come buy bread for free! We have enough to share! Our enemy is not of flesh and blood, but of Satan and the principalities of darkness!”

Come, follow us into the light. Come and find peace that passes all understanding.

This week, as our Beatitudes series continues, we look at one of the great biblical peacemakers, Abigail. Read her story with me and help me apply it to our world today.

Remember, you are children of God.

Pastor Reid

Bible Readings:
1 Samuel 25

Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Requests
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.

COVID-19 News and Weekly Messages
This week our pastors shared - via Facebook, email and the website - that services and gatherings at Good Shepherd are currently suspended. This includes Ladies Fellowship, the Women’s Day Retreat, Faith Gym, and more. The board will meet to plan how we can reintegrate smaller groups into the church space. Please check the website www.paravista.org.au or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for the message concerning COVID-19 and for a weekly online service. Please contact the church office on 8263 5087 for further enquiries or if you wish to unsubscribe from any email updates.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home 
Dear Church Family.
The current global situation is having a profound impact on our daily lives and routines. Those in authority seek to protect our health and safety, as best they can, as they impose temporary restrictions. Social distancing is now encouraged when usually we promote the opposite. It feels like our freedom is slipping away. We hear all about what we can't do now. But what can we do?

Now, more than ever, I strongly encourage you to look at the Growing Faith at Home resource provided with the email.

This week’s caring conversation questions are especially pertinent.
Share about a time when you were in a very dark place. How did you feel? What did you do?

I encourage you to talk things over as a family.

This resource provides ideas, activities, conversation starters and bible readings for you to use in your family.

We, regardless of the current climate, are edging closer to Easter - a time where we reflect on and celebrate God’s love and faithfulness through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

He offers His love and faithfulness to us now, along with His promise that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5b).

One more thing…

This week’s message is based on Matthew 5:9: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’

We learn about how Abigail was a peacemaker in a tricky situation. Please find in the email attachment you would have received, a colouring sheet and story to go with it.

God’s Peace to each of you!

Blessings,
Georgie

Food Collection for the Family Hub

Change of plans for support of the Family Hub

Next Sunday March 29th was to be the first food collection for the Family Hub who supports those in need in our local community. Our plans have changed with the government direction of limiting to fewer than 100 for groups meeting indoors which means we cannot conduct our regular worship services. The need is still there so we have devised a plan to enable the collection of food donations.

  • Donations can be dropped into the church office during office hours: Tuesday to Friday between 9am and 3pm. If by some chance the office is unattended leave donations by the office door and they will be collected when office staff return that day;
  • A member of the Family Hub Team will be at the church three times to collect donations: Friday 27th 5pm-6pm; Saturday 28th 9:30am -10am; and Sunday 29th 9:30am -10:15am (at the Montague Road entrance).
We have had a run on ER parcels and have been turning food over.

Our sincere gratitude to the congregation for their on-going support!

An audit of the stock reveals the following needs:

Pasta sauce
Large cans of tuna
Pasta
Ready meals – in a tin/packet
Cans of Baked beans and spaghetti
Muesli bars
Sliced cheese

Family Hub Support Team

From the Office

Although the church is currently closed, rest assured either Rachel or Helen will still be available to assist with any enquiries during office hours. You can contact us via email at churchenquiries@paravista.org.au, or by calling 8263 5087.

Church Giving

While services are suspended, you can continue to support the work of the church financially via Regular Electronic Giving (REG), Direct Debit or Bank Deposit. Details are at the end of this newsletter.

Noticeboard




The LLL is pleased to announce the release of our banking app. Designed specifically for banking on the go, the LLL app is simple, secure and convenient, and is available now for download to your smartphone for free.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13






Friday, March 13, 2020

Blessed are the Pure in Heart

Every week, I have the golden opportunity to journey to a Foundation class at Good Shepherd Primary School and sit with a group of five-year-olds who are on a journey of investigation asking questions about faith, life and everything in between. The kids are encouraged to ask whatever question that comes to their mind and a variety of enigmatic thoughts rise to the surface like question mark-shaped bubbles. Now that I’ve been doing this for three years, I know which queries are foremost on the children’s minds...most of them are about creation. Always, there is, ‘How did God make the world?’ and, ‘How old is God?’

But sure as the sun shines on a Sunday, multiple children will ask, ‘What does God look like?’

From the beginning of time, people of all ages have been asking this question, and it’s not necessarily about the visual appearance of God, but once we see God, then we will believe. Seeing is believing, yes?

Amazingly, in the Beatitudes, Jesus says that it is actually possible for people to see God. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see…

Thus, if all of us wanted to catch a glimpse of God in action, it would require that our hearts be pure. But what does this really mean? How do we, in an impure society (just like societies thousands of years ago) go through a transformation to become pure in heart? What is the process?

This week, as we peer through the lenses of children, whom we almost always understand to be pure of heart, we can reconnect with Jesus’ words when he said, “If you want to see the Kingdom of God, you must turn and become like these children.”

Come and find your inner child and you might see God at the same time!

Bible Readings: Matthew 5:8, Matthew 18:1-5, Matthew 19:13-15.

Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Requests
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.



Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,
Here is a question from the Growing Faith at Home resources to ponder…
The woman Jesus met at the well asked him some questions. What is a question you would like to ask Jesus?
See the email attachment for more ideas!
God bless your week!
Georgie


Food Collection for the Family Hub

It is 4 months since our last food collection in October. Our first collection for 2020 will be at both services on Sunday March 29th.

The following is a list of items required:

Pasta sauce
Large cans of tuna
Pasta
Ready meals – in a tin/packet
Cans of Baked beans and spaghetti
Muesli bars
Sliced cheese

The food will be sorted by the Transform group. We need assistance to get the food to the Family Hub on Monday March 30th. This year we will also put the food away in the storeroom so extra help is required. If you can assist please meet at the church on the 30th at 9:30am.

Reminder re Tags for Drakes. If you shop at a Drakes Supermarket and show their tag, your designated charity (the Family Hub) receives a donation. The Family Hub recently received their first payment and were delighted. Tags are available from the church office or on Sunday in a bowl in the café area as you get your coffee. 

From the Office

Facilities Update
The Café dishwasher has been installed and commissioned for use. Please read the instructions prior to use when using the machine. PLEASE do not use for Sunday service morning teas as a wash cycle takes over an hour. Continue to use the commercial dishwasher in the main kitchen

If you find a discrepancy with the instructions please advise the Congregational Administrator on churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Electrical upgrades have been progressing during the weeks since the end of November 2019.
The Library has been electrically completed and data cable has been installed to most points throughout the buildings along with lighting controllers. Most of the work is hidden behind walls and ceilings but the upgrade will take us well into the 22nd century. Thanks to Lindsay Freund and the boys from AVID for their professional work. You will notice lighting changes throughout the ablution areas as sensors have been installed. If you do not understand the lighting controls or new points please kindly request one of the staff to show you or a member who may already be familiar with the system. To assist with preserving electrical costs please only turn on lighting to the areas you are going to be using. Once finished in an area please turn lighting off.

Noticeboard

Save the Date!

Chosen...Precious...Enough...Beautiful.
A day retreat for women to connect, refresh and explore our value to God and each other.
When: Saturday 20 June 9am-4pm
Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista.





As the end of the month draws near, the March issue of The Lutheran is on its way to letterboxes around Australia, New Zealand and the world. If you're not yet a subscriber, why not join us today? 
Simply email lutheran.subs@lca.org.au or phone 8360 7270 to ensure you don't miss out on all the wonderful features, news and views we plan to share in 2020. 














Tired of scrambling for offering money on the way to church? Want to be more organised with your giving? REG is a convenient, safe and confidential way of giving a regular offering to your congregation. Your REG offering can come from your bank, credit union or LLL account. Contact the church office for further information.


“Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me,and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"
Matthew 19:14

Friday, March 6, 2020

The Merciful



Around a month ago, there was a tragic road accident in Sydney where an alleged drunk driver crashed into a bunch of children out walking. As a result, three siblings Anthony (13), Angelina (12), and Sienna (9) were killed - along with their 11 year old cousin. Three other children were taken to hospital, one in critical condition. In a media interview, the Catholic mother who’d lost three of her six children said that she forgives the driver and asked for prayer.1

“Lord, have mercy on Leila Geagea and her family!”

If your children or grandchildren died like this, how would you feel towards the driver? I’d be devastated, furious with rage, vengeful, and demanding justice!

I’d say that Leila wants justice – the crime has serious consequences for the one who committed it. That is in the hands of the authorities. Forgiveness is letting go of the personal hatred and bitterness – enabling healing to begin.

Jesus says: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy,” (Matthew 5:7, NIV). It’s always a relief to receive mercy when we’ve made a mistake, caused damage in an accident, or hurt someone. Yet it’s not always easy to extend mercy to a person who has deeply hurt us!

This Sunday we’ll explore the much loved story of Joseph: the teenager with the special coat who drew contempt from his brothers after sharing his dreams with them. The favourite son of Jacob who was sold as a slave by his brothers, spent several years in an Egyptian jail, and who, at the age of 30, became Prince of Egypt.

Yet in spite of his hardships, we do not see Joseph sitting around feeling sorry for himself. He gets on with life in the knowledge that God is with him. The Lord gives him wisdom and favour, and his work is a blessing to all he serves. Joseph ends up saving his extended family, along with the people of Egypt and the surrounding Middle East.

By seeing the hand of God turning messing into blessing in his life, Joseph finds the grace to let go of past hurts, forgive his brothers, and consistently treat them with kindness.

Who are you still angry with? What hurts are you still carrying that enrage you every time you recall what “that person” did to you?

Bitterness...it keeps poisoning your soul, polluting your life, stunting your spiritual growth, and blinding you to the unfailing love and good purposes God has for your life! If you don’t want to remain stuck there for the rest of your life, take a leaf out of Joseph and Jesus’ book: forgive them!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Matthew 5:7, Genesis 50:15-21 (for the back story start at Gen 37:1)

Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

1 https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/catholic-mom-of-3-kids-killed-in-car-crash-i-forgive-the-drunk-driver-my-kids-are-in-heaven

Prayer Requests
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.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Here is another pondering from the Generations In Faith Together (GIFT) resource for you to think about before Sunday. Perhaps you could share your thoughts over a coffee?
‘Describe who or what gives you a sense of belonging.’ 
Please find in the attachment the Growing Faith at Home for this week.
God bless you all,
Georgie

Food Collection for the Family Hub
The first food collection to support the work of the Family Hub will be on the last Sunday in March - Sunday March 29th. In next week's WN there will be a list of foods required. This will also be distributed via email.

Activities in 2020 to raise funds to support the work of the Family Hub include:

·2 plant stalls
·Karaoke Night
·film evening
·BBQ before Half Yearly meeting

More details closer to the events.

Reminder re Tags for Drakes
If you shop at a Drakes Supermarket and show their tag, your designated charity (the Family Hub) receives a donation. The Family Hub recently received their first payment and were delighted. Tags are available from the church office or on Sunday in a bowl in the cafe area as you get your coffee.


Giving Thanks
Spirited Thanks
Pastor Michael Dutschke and I sincerely thank all of you at Good Shepherd Para Vista for making your facilities available for us to host the Spirited Conference last weekend. We are overcome with gratitude to Heavenly Father for the way the weekend went, enabled by you all. Feel free to access the conference audios at https://www.incrediblyloved.com/spirited-conference/.
Thanks again, Peter and Julie Steicke.

Mulching Thanks
Sending a huge thank you to the volunteers who gave of their time last Sunday to help remove and reinstate all of the mulch at our new ELC. It was really great to see members of our Church, school and ELC families working together as a team!! 
Matt Modra

From the Office

Facilities Update
The Café dishwasher has been installed and commissioned for use. Please read the instructions prior to use when using the machine. PLEASE do not use for Sunday service morning teas as a wash cycle takes over an hour. Continue to use the commercial dishwasher in the main kitchen

If you find a discrepancy with the instructions please advise the Congregational Administrator on churchenquiries@paravista.org.au


Electrical upgrades have been progressing during the weeks since the end of November 2019.
The Library has been electrically completed and data cable has been installed to most points throughout the buildings along with lighting controllers. Most of the work is hidden behind walls and ceilings but the upgrade will take us well into the 22nd century. Thanks to Lindsay Freund and the boys from AVID for their professional work. You will notice lighting changes throughout the ablution areas as sensors have been installed. If you do not understand the lighting controls or new points please kindly request one of the staff to show you or a member who may already be familiar with the system. To assist with preserving electrical costs please only turn on lighting to the areas you are going to be using. Once finished in an area please turn lighting off.




Transformed to Serve

In the last few weeks, I have been able to visit with an extraordinary amount of people. Some of the true blessings we have encountered are groups of people actively engaged in peering into the future to see what God has for us as a culture at Good Shepherd.

Through some of those discussions, various needs have arisen with regards to the community and how we take care of each other. Here are some snippets of things I heard:

“Pastor, we need more visitation ministry.”

“Pastor, we need more prayer ministry.”

“Pastor, we need more communication on worship.”

“Pastor, we’d like the Good Shepherd website updated. We can’t find the service times very easily.”

“Pastor, we’d like to have more things for the youth to do.”

“Pastor, I’ve been on the roster for welcoming/ushering/communion/café for a while and we could probably use some help…”

These thoughts are an excellent light into how the congregation is noticing some of the areas of need for the future and cultural transformation, but they are also insights into the ways that we can discover the joy of serving together.

My hope is that as we progress through the year, you can each find a way to practice serving in this community: whether on a roster, or simply engaging in deeper conversations with people outside of your normal friendship group.

Thank you for using the gifts God has given you to serve in the community so that all may know Jesus and worship him!

Pastor Reid 

Noticeboard




As the end of the month draws near, the March issue of The Lutheran is on its way to letterboxes around Australia, New Zealand and the world. If you're not yet a subscriber, why not join us today? Simply email lutheran.subs@lca.org.au or phone 8360 7270 to ensure you don't miss out on all the wonderful features, news and views we plan to share in 2020. 












The LLL is pleased to announce the release of our banking app. Designed specifically for banking on the go, the LLL app is simple, secure and convenient, and is available now for download to your smartphone for free.


Tired of scrambling for offering money on the way to church? Want to be more organised with your giving? REG is a convenient, safe and confidential way of giving a regular offering to your congregation. Your REG offering can come from your bank, credit union or LLL account. Contact the church office for further information.


“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:13