Friday, June 26, 2020

Well, Come In!

‘Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent me… And whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, they will never lose their reward.’
Matthew 10:40, 42

It seems insignificant, doesn’t it? If I welcome a disciple with a cup of cold water, I never have to lose my reward. 
Fantastic! Turn on the welcoming taps, everyone!
It would seem the bare minimum to simply bring water to someone on the journey, a disciple of Christ, an ambassador of God himself, but Jesus is getting at something much deeper. What does it really mean to welcome? How is a church corporately involved in welcoming all people? What does it look like?
As we begin our series, ‘More than Welcome,’ I hope you can reflect on the ways that we have welcomed people in a different way during these trying times. I hope you can see the reward of opening our hearts, minds and ears to people when our churches had to be closed.
Pr. Reid Matthias

Bible Readings: Matthew 10:40-42

Please check the website www.paravista.org.au for podcasts and video archives of weekly messages or head to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for regular updates and encouragement from our pastors.

COVID-19 News and Weekly Messages
During this period of COVID-19 restrictions, our Sunday worship has moved online, starting at 10:30 am.  If you would like to participate please contact the church office for information about how to access this.


From the Office

Offerings 2019

February
March
April
Year to Date Variance

Actual
Budget
Actual
Budget
Actual
Budget

Sunday Offerings
13532
18300
16690
18300
15386
18300
-9292
REG Offerings
20767
23333
20767
23333
22470
23333
-5995

Offerings 2020

February
March
April


Actual
Budget
Actual
Budget
Actual
Budget

Sunday Offerings
14669
18300
10016
18300
0
18300
-30215
REG Offerings
25805
23333
23756
23333
34855
23333
14417
     
Notes:
Offerings are still down on budgeted amount for the year. 
All ministry areas are resourcing only what is necessary.

Mission Support
Please continue supporting our congregation's mission and ministry through regular offerings as our facility and staff continues to operate in a different way.
Electronic deposits can be made to the following bank account details:

BSB 704942
Account number 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG 

LLL REG: Download the form here, use the same bank details as above in the account to be credited and email back to address shown on the form. Alternatively contact the LLL on 83607200 or 1800 556457.

Offering Envelopes can still be dropped in at the church office during office hours.

Facilities Maintenance
Thank you, thank you to all who have contributed to the maintenance of the facility.  There are a few outstanding tasks that some groups are working on.  If you do have the urge to get out and get active by contributing to the remaining items please contact Stephen stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or leave a message with the front office.

Para Vista Ladies Fellowship
Grace & Peace to all members.  On your 2020 program, please delete the following:
August 20th, LWSA/NY North Zone Rally, North Adelaide Lutheran Church.
This function has been cancelled by the host fellowship, due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Thanks,
Joy Wandel.

Prayer Requests
As we adapt to our new way of living please forward all prayer requests to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 08 8263 5087. If you know or have spoken to anyone who does not have access to a computer, please assist them to submit their request and offer to pray with them. Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests please refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
 It is a wonderful experience to be welcomed somewhere.  The words ‘I feel comfortable/safe/at home’, come to mind.   It opens the door to connection, honest conversations and relationship! But when you think of it, there is more involved than putting a welcome door mat out the front and hoping that it will do the job. It takes time, words and action. The blessings are definitely worth it, but a personal investment is involved.
This week Growing Faith at Home talks about ‘Welcoming Others’. Maybe now is the ideal time to check out and implement some of their ideas! If you are on our emailing list you will find them attached.
Pastor Reid’s message on Sunday is called ‘A Drink of Water’.  Hmmm, I wonder what opportunities might pop up for you this week?
God bless you all,
Georgie




Opportunity! 


With Covid-19 restrictions easing in South Australia, we are keen to reconnect face to face. Little Lambs Playgroup has been on hold through this time and we are looking forward getting back together.
Over time we have been blessed to have amazing servant hearts in our community. We thank and bless Amy and Rochelle who ran things last year and Emma who took the reigns over this year before she had to go home to America. So we are looking for people who are interested in serving. We aren’t starting from scratch. We have some great ideas and a couple of helpers already. If you have some time on Friday mornings and would like to be part of this valuable time of connection and community, please let me know! Wonderful seed is being sown!
Please contact me on 08 8264 7966 or via the church office. Otherwise send me an email:  georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au
I am happy to give you more details.
Many thanks,
Georgie

Maranatha Health News

The new Maranatha Health Newsletter is out, and can be viewed here:
https://mailchi.mp/f69858b04c39/celebrating-5-years-of-impact



New CARE Link up and Running
On the opening page of our GSPV website, https://paravista.org.au/ we now have a button that people can click onto for care and assistance.  
This page has 4 blue circles with white icons.  The one on the right has a cube in the middle, with the word Care underneath it.  Under that is a tag:  Need assistance? You’ll find it here.
Clicking this icon opens a Care & Assistance page where people can leave contact details and a brief description of their need. 
The Triage Officer will make initial contact to discover more about the person’s situation, work out an appropriate response, and refer the need for follow up to an appropriate person or team leader, e.g.
• Phone call or visit from one of the Pastoral Care Team
• Counselling referral
• Food/groceries/vouchers/household items
• Handyman help
• Backyard clean up team
• Prayer Ministry Team
• Pastors – spiritual/theological issues; pastoral acts
The vision is that more people from GSPV will be able to use their gifts to share the love of Jesus in the lives of others. It’s joining in his mission.
Please make use of this link and point it out to others.
Pr. Rolly Stahl

Bread Collectors Needed
The Food Centre is in great need of help and support from new volunteers willing to be placed on a rota to collect bread from the local bakery at Tea Tree Plaza one Sunday evening per month. This task will require about one hour a month from you and will make a big difference in families in need - from small things big things grow. If you would like to know more about how you can make a difference, please contact Maurice Clark on 8269 3396 or just call into The Food Centre and ask for James or Tracy to show you around and familiarise yourself with all of the "wrap around" services provided there. 
Further information can be found on our website at www.thefoodcentre.com.au and/or have a look at our community video using the following youtube link: https://youtu.be/RKZno5n9tMk
Best regards,
James Chapman
The Food Centre

Australian Lutheran College Annual Appeal
ALC has launched its annual appeal in a video message from Principal James Winderlich: https://alc.edu.au/connect/annual-appeal/ Your financial support during these especially troubling times is vital for preparing people to serve in and through the Church. All donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible; those received by 30 June may be claimed in this financial year. Thank you for your support.
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:10-12 (NIV)

Friday, June 19, 2020

What Jesus Says about Doing the Father’s Will

If you’re doing a road trip and arrive at a T-junction, chances are that one choice will take you towards your destination; while the other will lead you further away.

I usually try to find the most direct route from A to B.  So I find taking any wrong turn most exasperating!!!  To avoid this, I consult maps and seek to follow the directions.  If something doesn’t look or feel right, I stop to check our bearings.  And if that fails, I seek the advice of a local!

Whatever our aim or goal in life, we will continually making choices that take us in that direction. The question confronting each of us: at the end of the road, where will I end up?

The Bible has many examples where God’s people are given a choice: You can do life the LORD’s way – which leads to fulfilment, life and peace.  Or you can choose another way – which leads to futility, death, and disaster.  Both Moses and Joshua urged the people of God to choose life in the LORD (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:14-15). 

Psalm 1 holds out two ways to live. 
What are the differences? And how do things work out for each of them?

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the LORD,
    meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.


But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.

For the LORD watches over the path of the godly,
 but the path of the wicked leads to destruction
(Psalm 1:1-6 NLT).

In a similar way, Jesus finishes his Sermon on the Mount with a series of four contrasts. Each one illustrates the difference between true and false disciples – and where they end up.   

As you consider the reading for Sunday, reflect on these two questions:
1. What are the bad outcomes Jesus wants us to avoid?
2. How do we stay on the King’s course that leads to life in the kingdom of heaven?


Shalom! 
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Matthew 7:13-29

Please check the website www.paravista.org.au for podcasts and video archives of weekly messages or head to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for regular updates and encouragement from our pastors.

COVID-19 News and Weekly Messages
During this period of COVID-19 restrictions, our Sunday worship has moved online, starting at 10:30 am.  If you would like to participate please contact the church office for information about how to access this.

Prayer Requests
As we adapt to our new way of living please forward all prayer requests to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 08 8263 5087. If you know or have spoken to anyone who does not have access to a computer, please assist them to submit their request and offer to pray with them. Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests please refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news.

New CARE Link up and Running
On the opening page of our GSPV website, https://paravista.org.au/ we now have a button that people can click onto for care and assistance.  

This page has 4 blue circles with white icons.  The one on the right has a cube in the middle, with the word Care underneath it. Under that is a tag: "Need assistance? You’ll find it here."

Clicking this icon opens a Care & Assistance page where people can leave contact details and a brief description of their need. 

The Triage Officer will make initial contact to discover more about the person’s situation, work out an appropriate response, and refer the need for follow up to an appropriate person or team leader, e.g.
  • Phone call or visit from one of the Pastoral Care Team 
  • Counselling referral
  • Food/groceries/vouchers/household items
  • Handyman help 
  • Backyard clean up team
  • Prayer Ministry Team
  • Pastors – spiritual/theological issues; pastoral acts
The vision is that more people from GSPV will be able to use their gifts to share the love of Jesus in the lives of others. It’s joining in his mission.

Please make use of this link and point it out to others.

Pr. Rolly Stahl

From the Office
Facilities Maintenance
Going, going not yet gone!  Individually and in twos or threes, assistance is still required to totally clear the list. The following maintenance tasks are outstanding:
• A hand ball court is required to be painted in the courtyard area so it is a bit more permanent than chalk. – 2 to 3 hours
• One way arrows on drive pavement require repainting  - 2 persons x ½ day
• Cobwebbing inside and out  - 1 to 2 hours
• Hall store room requires tidying and cleaning
• Window cleaning  - 1 to 2 hours
• Storm water drain requires exposing to repair break -2 to 3 persons x ½ day
Please contact Stephen stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or the front office for further info and to book in your time to assist.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Hi there everyone,
What do you value or treasure? I’m sure you could come up with a few ideas. Are they things that you can share with others?
Our belief in God is a treasure. God’s love is indeed precious, freely given and for all. But is there a cost to sharing it?
Check out the Growing Faith at Home resources that offer some ideas and activities to explore as a family about telling people what we believe. These are also available on the church website under Children and Families – Home Resource section.

Also, here for you, is a child friendly link that relates to Sunday’s message ‘What Jesus says about doing the Father’s will’. It’s the story of the Wise and Foolish builders.  I wonder how it connects… Maybe worth a chat amongst the members of your family!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXWHLB1f6_U

We pray for everyone who might be either studying for or doing mid-year exams or completing assignments as this unusual Semester draws to a close. God’s peace be with you!
Have a wonderful week everyone!
God bless,
Georgie

June Support for the Family Hub
The support for the food collections for the Family Hub this year has been amazing. All donations go towards supporting needy families in the area.

The last Sunday of each month has been designated as the collection Sunday in support of the Family Hub. The next collection will culminate on Sunday June 28th.

As we don't assemble on Sundays, donations can be handed into the church office any time next week. Office hours are Tuesday thru Friday 9-3. If the office is not open, please leave the goods at the door as staff will collect and store when they return. They will be in the complex somewhere.

The Hub wish list for June includes :
  • Breakfast cereal
  • Tinned tuna
  • Pasta sauces
  • Two minute noodles
  • Pancake mix
  • Biscuits – sweet and savoury
  • Soup
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cheese slices
With the onset of cold weather, blankets/quilts would be a bonus, thank you.

Thank you for your continued support,
The Family Hub

Para Vista Ladies Fellowship
Grace & Peace to all members.  On your 2020 program, please delete the following:
August 20th, LWSA/NY North Zone Rally, North Adelaide Lutheran Church.
This function has been cancelled by the host fellowship, due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Thanks,
Joy Wandel.

Shed Happens – Watch this Space!

Due to current regulations the reconvening of Shed Happens has been delayed.  We will keep you informed of any changes, so please watch this space!

Maranatha Health News
The new Maranatha Health Newsletter is out, and can be viewed here:
https://mailchi.mp/f69858b04c39/celebrating-5-years-of-impact




Bread Collectors Needed
The Food Centre is in great need of help and support from new volunteers willing to be placed on a rota to collect bread from the local bakery at Tea Tree Plaza one Sunday evening per month. This task will require about one hour a month from you and will make a big difference in families in need - from small things big things grow. If you would like to know more about how you can make a difference, please contact Maurice Clark on 8269 3396 or just call into The Food Centre and ask for James or Tracy to show you around and familiarise yourself with all of the "wrap around" services provided there.

Further information can be found on our website at www.thefoodcentre.com.au  and/or have a look at our community video using the following youtube link: https://youtu.be/RKZno5n9tMk
Best regards,
James Chapman, The Food Centre

Lutheran Community Care Winter Appeal
The demand for LCC’s services has never been greater…you can support local communities battling to cope with the economic fallout from COVID-19. For more information about LCC’s Winter Appeal, visit www.lccare.org.au/how-you-can-help/donations/

Australian Lutheran College Annual Appeal
ALC has launched its annual appeal in a video message from Principal James Winderlich: https://alc.edu.au/connect/annual-appeal/ Your financial support during these especially troubling times is vital for preparing people to serve in and through the Church. All donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible; those received by 30 June may be claimed in this financial year. Thank you for your support.

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Matt 12:50 (NIV)

Friday, June 12, 2020

What Jesus Says About Judging Others

One technique for learning at Good Shepherd Primary School is to use a line of questioning that goes like this:
What do I see? 
What do I think?   

What do I wonder?

When looking that the picture to the right, use this method of questioning. Then, think about your answers in light of  Matthew 7:1-2:
Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use.
This line of reasoning might seem oblique right now, but we’ll clear it up (hopefully) on Sunday, when we talk about ‘What Jesus says about judging.’
Pr. Reid

Bible Readings: Matthew 7:1-5

Please check the website www.paravista.org.au for podcasts and video archives of weekly messages or head to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for regular updates and encouragement from our pastors.

COVID-19 News and Weekly Messages
During this period of COVID-19 restrictions, our Sunday worship has moved online, starting at 10:30 am.  If you would like to participate please contact the church office for information about how to access this.

Prayer Requests
As we adapt to our new way of living please forward all prayer requests to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 08 8263 5087. If you know or have spoken to anyone who does not have access to a computer, please assist them to submit their request and offer to pray with them.
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests please refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news.

New CARE link Up and Running
On the opening page of our GSPV website,https://www.paravista.org.au/ we now have a button that people can click onto for care and assistance.  
This page has 4 blue circles with white icons.  The one on the right has a cube in the middle, with the word Care underneath it.  Under that is a tag:  Need assistance? You’ll find it here.
Clicking this icon opens a Care & Assistance page where people can leave contact details and a brief description of their need. 
The Triage Officer will make initial contact to discover more about the person’s situation, work out an appropriate response, and refer the need for follow up to an appropriate person or team leader, e.g.
• Phone call or visit from one of the Pastoral Care Team
• Counselling referral
• Food/groceries/vouchers/household items
• Handyman help
• Backyard clean up team
• Prayer Ministry Team
• Pastors – spiritual/theological issues; pastoral acts
The vision is that more people from GSPV will be able to use their gifts to share the love of Jesus in the lives of others. It’s joining in his mission.
Please make use of this link and point it out to others.
Pr. Rolly Stahl

Food support for the Family Hub
What a fantastic response to the May food collection for the Family Hub. It took 3 cars to transport all the goods to the Family Hub. Thanks to all who donated and helped with the transport.  Below is a note of thanks from Kathlene Wilson, Manager of the Family Hub:
We have spent MUCH time packing away the goodies that were delivered on Monday. Already some of the food has been packed into prepared food hampers – we are ready to roll!
This is all made possible by the fabulous support from the Para Vista Church – SINCERE THANK YOU TO ALL.
Work has been a bit of a challenge over the past few weeks – staying connected to people who are learning new ways to duck under the radar has proven difficult.
Persistent we are!  We have provided over 290 craft packages to families, enabling us to connect to vulnerable children.  We have also provided food to many of these families.
The work is complex and sometimes exhausting but made so much easier knowing the great team and support is behind us.
Extra thanks to the person who provided the hand knitted rugs – we were able to pass them on straight away to a new mum feeling the cold. She loved them and was so excited to have something new just for her.
Best wishes and thanks to everyone,
Kathlene

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,

Out we go. This week’s Growing Faith at Home resource is entitled ‘Jesus sends us out’.
Isn’t it funny that when it comes down to it, we sometimes feel unprepared to go out and do what we are tasked with? I’m thinking that even the disciples had their moments. But they were equipped… with the Holy Spirit and a life changing message of love, hope and a future to impact a world in need. And so are we. Live today confident that God is with us in this!
Check out this week’s Growing Faith at Home resources.
This Sunday Pastor Reid is going to be sharing thoughts on what Jesus says about judging others.
Check out this child friendly link on the topic!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAfq6yLdXLU
Please note Growing Faith at Home resources are also available on our church website!
God bless your week!
Georgie

From the Office
Office Distancing Update
Our office has reopened! Please respect physical distancing when dropping in.  Helen will attend the office on Tuesdays. Wednesday-Friday Rachel will be back in the office.  Hooray!

Online News
The website has been upgraded and a church Instagram account is still in the set-up stage. We thank you for your patience while this is occurring. Should you find any incorrect information or any questions or concerns, please notify office staff.

Lutheran Community Care Bin
The welfare bin at the church has been opened for donations again as the team at Blair Athol are clearing as they can.  Please do not leave electrical items or items that are broken or unusable as we have to cover the removal cost for these items.

Facilities Maintenance
Going, going not yet gone!  Assistance still required to totally clear the list. Individually and in twos or threes, the following maintenance tasks are outstanding:
• A hand ball court is required to be painted in the courtyard area so it is a bit more permanent than chalk. – 2 to 3 hours
• One way arrows on drive pavement require repainting  - 2 persons x ½ day
• Cobwebbing inside and out  - 1 to 2 hours
• Hall store room requires tidying and cleaning
• Window cleaning  - 1 to 2 hours
• Storm water drain requires exposing to repair break. 2 to 3 persons x ½ day
Please contact Stephen stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or the front office for further info and to book in your time to assist.

Grocery Donations
A huge thank-you from the Meet ‘n Eat team for all the donated ice cream containers! Grocery items and vouchers can be dropped off at the church Tues-Fri 9am to 3pm. We have supported many families in need and we want this to continue. Any household consumables including cleaning items will be appreciated. Any items surplus will be passed on to LCC.

Shed Happens!
When: 14th July
Where: 6 Von Braun Crescent, Modbury North
Time:  6:30pm - 9.00pm
Cost:  $10 donation is appreciated to offset costs (under 16: $5)
Contact: Jim: 0438 899 629

Bread Collectors Needed
The Food Centre at Gepps Cross is a community based not-for-profit primarily run and supported by volunteers. The Food Centre was founded in 1990 with a proud history of 30 years’ experience helping people undergoing financial difficulties and or community members living on low income. The Food Centre supports approximately 600 families every week by providing affordable groceries through our Social Supermarket.
The Food Centre is in great need of help and support from new volunteers willing to be placed on a rota to collect bread from the local bakery at Tea Tree Plaza one Sunday evening per month. This task will require about one hour a month from you and will make a big difference in families in need - from small things big things grow. If you would like to know more about how you can make a difference, please contact Maurice Clark on 8269 3396 or just call into The Food Centre and ask for James or Tracy to show you around and familiarise yourself with all of the "wrap around" services provided there. 
Further information can be found on our website at www.thefoodcentre.com.au  and/or have a look at our community video using the following youtube link: https://youtu.be/RKZno5n9tMk
Best regards,
James Chapman
The Food Centre

Lutheran Community Care Winter Appeal
Due to church building closures, LCC has not sent its Winter Appeal letters to congregations this year. Instead they have created a short two-minute video for congregations to share with your members or play during a service in winter. You can find this here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSnnHVjmwtI
In this video, LCC’s CEO Rohan Feegrade explains why the demand for LCC’s services has never been greater and how you can support local communities battling to cope with the economic fallout from COVID-19. For more information about LCC’s Winter Appeal, visit www.lccare.org.au/how-you-can-help/donations/

Australian Lutheran College Annual Appeal
ALC has launched its annual appeal in a video message from Principal James Winderlich: https://alc.edu.au/connect/annual-appeal/
Your financial support during these especially troubling times is vital for preparing people to serve in and through the Church. Due to the pandemic’s impact, the 2020 Appeal material is included in ALC’s Saints Alive magazine (distributed with the June edition of The Lutheran) and available online: https://alc.edu.au/connect/publications/saints-alive/ (for hard copies email: principal@alc.edu.au or freecall: 1800 625 193). All donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible; those received by 30 June may be claimed in this financial year. Thank you for your support.

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.”
James 4:11 (NIV)

Friday, June 5, 2020

What Jesus Says About Worry

Remember that catchy song by Bobby McFerrin in 1988: "Don't Worry, Be Happy"?  In the following years, rumours spread of him committing suicide.  But it was not true! 

What things do you worry about most?

Some common triggers for worry:
• Struggling finances, paying bills or repaying the mortgage;
• Finishing complex tasks or assignments on time, or facing exams;
• Lack of security in your job, or a boss who keeps on your case;
• An unexpected accident, crisis or traumatic event;
• Loneliness or not having a sense of belonging;
• Problems in the lives of your children and/or grandchildren;
• Health or emotional problems in the lives of your parents;
• Hassles in a friendship, or a marriage that's drifting apart;
• The fear of driving in city traffic, and where to find a carpark;
• Not knowing what to wear to a function.

Worry is a negative form of meditation.  It's going over and over an issue - anticipating bad outcomes.  The series of “What if’s” can overwhelm us with anxiety and dread.

Maybe you are weighed down with anxiety at the moment?  Or perhaps you’ve turned worry into a way of life? 

In Sunday’s reading from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly tells us, "Don't worry."  Jesus turns our eyes to our heavenly Father.  Jesus urges us to trust our Father’s promises to look after us: from now to eternity.  If God feeds the birds, and clothes the fields, how much more will he care for his dear children? 

No matter what we’re facing, we can always turn to God for help.  Letting go of control, and asking Father God for help is the path to peace.  Releasing our pain and problems into God’s hands is better than struggling on our own without him.

In Psalms, I found this testimony from a person who found relief for his anxiety:

Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
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 94:17-19 NIV).

Your heavenly Father wants you to trust his unfailing love for you!  He wants to help you in every part of your life. He may not pluck you from every difficulty; but he will give you wisdom, strength, and courage to get through it. As we put our burdens in our Father’s hands, and leave them for him to sort out, we will find rest for our souls. 

Shalom! 
Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-34

Please check the website www.paravista.org.au for podcasts and video archives of weekly messages or head to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for regular updates and encouragement from our pastors.

COVID-19 News and Weekly Messages
During this period of COVID-19 restrictions, our Sunday worship has moved online, starting at 10:30 am.  If you would like to participate please contact the church office for information about how to access this.

Prayer Requests
As we adapt to our new way of living please forward all prayer requests to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 08 8263 5087. If you know or have spoken to anyone who does not have access to a computer, please assist them to submit their request and offer to pray with them. Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests please refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news.

New CARE link Up and Running
On the opening page of our GSPV website, https://paravista.org.au/ we now have a button that people can click onto for care and assistance.  
This page has 4 blue circles with white icons.  The one on the right has a cube in the middle, with the word Care underneath it.  Under that is a tag:  Need assistance? You’ll find it here.
Clicking this icon opens a Care & Assistance page where people can leave contact details and a brief description of their need. 
The Triage Officer will make initial contact to discover more about the person’s situation, work out an appropriate response, and refer the need for follow up to an appropriate person or team leader, e.g.
• Phone call or visit from one of the Pastoral Care Team
• Counselling referral
• Food/groceries/vouchers/household items
• Handyman help
• Backyard clean up team
• Prayer Ministry Team
• Pastors – spiritual/theological issues; pastoral acts
The vision is that more people from GSPV will be able to use their gifts to share the love of Jesus in the lives of others. It’s joining in his mission.
Please make use of this link and point it out to others.
Pr Rolly Stahl

From the Office
Office Distancing Update
Our office has reopened! Please respect physical distancing when dropping in.  Helen will attend the office on Tuesdays. Wednesday-Friday Rachel will be back in the office.  Hooray!

Online News
Rachel is slowly bringing the website into the 2020s and is in the process of setting up a church Instagram account. We thank you for your patience while this is occurring; meanwhile please direct any questions or concerns to the church office.
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Lutheran Community Care Bin
The welfare bin at the church has been opened for donations again as the team at Blair Athol are clearing as they can.  Please do not leave electrical items or items that are broken or unusable as we have to cover the removal cost for these items.

Facilities Maintenance
Notice!  The list is getting shorter and your assistance is still required.  Thanks to all those who have volunteered time to make this happen. Individually and in twos or threes the following small maintenance tasks can still be completed:
• A hand ball court is required to be painted in the courtyard area so it is a bit more permanent than chalk. - 2 hours
• One way arrows on drive pavement require repainting  - 2 persons x ½ day
• Ceiling in Ladies requires refixing to prevent ceiling from collapse  - 2 persons x ½ day
• Cobwebbing inside and out  - 1 to 2 hours
• Hall store room requires tidying and cleaning
• Window cleaning  - 1 to 2 hours
Please contact Stephen stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or the front office for further info and to book in your time to assist.

Grocery Donations
A huge thank-you from the Meet ‘n Eat team for all the donated ice cream containers! Grocery items and vouchers can be dropped off at the church Tues-Fri 9am to 3pm. We have supported many families in need and we want this to continue. Any household consumables including cleaning items will be appreciated. Any items surplus will be passed on to LCC.

Shed Happens!
When: 14th July
Where: 6 Von Braun Crescent, Modbury North
Time:  6:30pm - 9.00pm
Cost:  $10 donation is appreciated to offset costs (under 16: $5)
Contact: Jim: 0438 899 629

Food Support for the Family Hub
What a fantastic response to the May food collection for the Family Hub. It took 3 cars to transport all the goods to the Family Hub. Thanks to all who donated and helped with the transport.  Below is a note of thanks from Kathlene Wilson, Manager of the Family Hub:
We have spent MUCH time packing away the goodies that were delivered on Monday. Already some of the food has been packed into prepared food hampers – we are ready to roll!
This is all made possible by the fabulous support from the Para Vista Church – SINCERE THANK YOU TO ALL.
Work has been a bit of a challenge over the past few weeks – staying connected to people who are learning new ways to duck under the radar has proven difficult.
Persistent we are!  We have provided over 290 craft packages to families, enabling us to connect to vulnerable children.  We have also provided food to many of these families.
The work is complex and sometimes exhausting but made so much easier knowing the great team and support is behind us.
Extra thanks to the person who provided the hand knitted rugs – we were able to pass them on straight away to a new mum feeling the cold. She loved them and was so excited to have something new just for her.
Best wishes and thanks to everyone,
Kathlene

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
I believe…. (Finish the sentence).
These days we often talk about core values and things that really matter to us. What we believe (in) influences every level of our life - from our identity to the choices that we make.
This week Growing Faith at Home talks about the Trinity, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Check out some talking points, ideas and activities to try with your family.
Also this Sunday Pastor Rolly is going to be sharing thoughts on what Jesus says about worry. Andrew McDonough has a children’s book about this topic called Bob the Bird. Please check out the link (Andrew reads his book and gives a free drawing lesson!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSPJmtgbpUo
God bless your week,
Georgie






Australian Lutheran College Annual Appeal
ALC has launched its annual appeal in a video message from Principal James Winderlich: https://alc.edu.au/connect/annual-appeal/
Your financial support during these especially troubling times is vital for preparing people to serve in and through the Church. Due to the pandemic’s impact, the 2020 Appeal material is included in ALC’s Saints Alive magazine (distributed with the June edition of The Lutheran) and available online: https://alc.edu.au/connect/publications/saints-alive/ (for hard copies email: principal@alc.edu.au or freecall: 1800 625 193). All donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible; those received by 30 June may be claimed in this financial year. Thank you for your support.

News from Maranatha Health

What a strange and unprecedented time we are in. This is certainly not business-as-usual. Maranatha Health’s dream is that every child in our region of Uganda has access to high quality compassionate health care. Click on the link below to discover how you can ensure Ugandans get the life-saving care they need and read about how we are partnering with you to make that happen:
https://mailchi.mp/29e57415e033/ensure-ugandans-get-the-care-they-need?e=6d462d0b89

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)