For example, we read in the ancient book of Job: As I have observed, those who plough evil and those who sow trouble reap it (Job 4:8 NIV).
James gives us a positive example: Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18 NIV).
Paul reminds his friends at Galatia – and us: You will always harvest what you plant.
What we sow and then reap will depend on the allegiance of our hearts: who or what is lord of our lives. As Paul highlights:
• Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature.
• But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.
Wanting for his readers the best harvest possible, Paul urges them – and us: So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:7b-9 NLT).
Sowing and harvesting features in a bunch of Jesus’ parables about the kingdom of God.
Last Sunday, we looked at Jesus’ parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23). This Sunday we look at Jesus’ parable of the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).
Jesus explains both parables, but they are NOT the same. Each one tells us different things about the kingdom. A few questions as we look towards this Sunday’s message:
• What is the wheat in the field – and how did it get there?
• What about the weeds – where did they come from?
• What purpose might Jesus have in allowing the wheat and the weeds to grow together?
• What does harvest time look like for each of these?
Jesus wants us – and every person in this world – to be part of the kingdom of our Father in heaven. How might his delay in separating the wheat and weeds be a sign of his mercy? (see 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 2 Peter 3:9.)
Shalom!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
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.
Worship News
Good Shepherd Sunday Services Resuming Sunday July 26th: 8:45am and 10:30am
We’re excited about coming together again to worship the LORD and share his love. Please plan to arrive early so we can “sign you in”.
In order to comply with COVID safe requirements, we need to observe these guidelines:
• Entry through front foyer and exit via rear courtyard – exceptions for people with mobility issues. If you’re an able walker, consider parking away from front entrance.
• Hand sanitising on entry.
• Register names and contact details.
• No passing the peace or physical touch - apart from elbow taps.
• Follow the directional arrows for entry, exit, and Holy Communion.
• Social distancing required - 1.5m. There will be a notice on the ends of seating rows to be left vacant.
• People from the same household can sit next to one another. Otherwise we need to keep 2 chair spaces between people.
• Singing is OK.
• Holy Communion (HC) will be offered at both services with wheat/gluten free wafers; and individual cups (wine/grape juice).
• For HC Distribution, please follow arrows along rear sections of sanctuary and proceed up the middle aisle to the front, receive HC, then return to your seats via side aisles.
• In August, we’ll be offering HC at the 8:45am service on the 1st Sunday of the month; and at the 10:30am service on the 2nd Sunday of the month.
• Freewill offerings will be received via a retiring offering on the way out of the sanctuary.
• No tea and coffee afterwards at this stage. Social distancing still required while on site.
Regarding children:
• Children will sit with their families. Please feel free to bring activities.
• Due to cleaning requirements:
• Playground next to Revive Café is CLOSED.
• Parenting Change Room also CLOSED.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Hope for the future…
How do you define hope? What (or who) do you place your hope in? How has this impacted your life? Check out the Growing Faith at Home resources for some activities and things to talk about with your family. Hmmm, what picture comes to mind when you hear the word ‘hope’?
For those returning to school this week, or continuing their studies, God provides all that you need… He does, you know!
God bless you all!
Georgie
July Support for the Family Hub
Sunday July 26th is our next food collection day in support of the Family Hub. This is also our first time back together as a community. Donations can be brought to either service or delivered to the church office during office hours next week (Tues-Fri 9am-3:30pm). As staff at the Hub have been on a well-earned break this week we have yet to receive a list of requirements for this month. Kathlene will provide these details early next week and they will be forwarded via email. Thanks for your continued support during 2020.
News from the Social Club
Three years ago the Good Shepherd Social Club had less than six participants in their Indoor Carpet Bowls activity. Active promotion of the club has seen those numbers increase significantly, with the club now catering to 29 active players! With only enough equipment for 20 players, the Social Club urgently needed to acquire another bowling mat and set of eight bowls. The club applied to the City of Tea Tree Gully in its recent round of Community Grants and was delighted recently to have that grant approved. The new equipment has now been purchased, and the Good Shepherd Social Club wishes to extend its appreciation and thanks to the City of Tea Tree Gully for its support as it continues to offer an avenue for healthy, active participation and socialisation to the local community.
Little Lambs 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 over the reins 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
2020 SALA Virtual Art Exhibition
Solely Art
With current restrictions, Good Shepherd Para Vista’s contribution to the South Australian Living Artists festival will be online this year. With ages ranging from teens to 70’s, nine artists from our Good Shepherd community have submitted their creative works including: Photography, Painting, Pastels, and Drawing. Styles include traditional, contemporary, and Indigenous.
To view the GSPV SALA Solely Art Virtual Art Gallery, click on the following link: https://bit.ly/32pPpGs
The SALA Online Program will be going live on Monday, 20th July. There is no printed program this year. To view other SALA virtual exhibitions, go to the online program via this link: https://www.salafestival.com/
Alternatively, the SALA app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
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.
Thanks from Maranatha Health to Good Shepherd
Just a shout-out to all the generous individuals who gave to Maranatha Health before the End of the Financial Year!
It has been a tough few months in Uganda (as it has been in many places around the world), and like many organisations, it has been difficult to plan for the various potential challenges we are facing. But despite the economic downturn in Australia, you responded with generosity and care.
Thanks everyone, for standing with us and the children of Uganda during this time.
If you would like to become an MH partner and set up regular donations to ensure the long term sustainability of our work, please visit www.givenow.com.au/maranathahealth to set up a monthly donation via credit card or direct debit.
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.
Thanks from Maranatha Health to Good Shepherd
Just a shout-out to all the generous individuals who gave to Maranatha Health before the End of the Financial Year!
It has been a tough few months in Uganda (as it has been in many places around the world), and like many organisations, it has been difficult to plan for the various potential challenges we are facing. But despite the economic downturn in Australia, you responded with generosity and care.
Thanks everyone, for standing with us and the children of Uganda during this time.
If you would like to become an MH partner and set up regular donations to ensure the long term sustainability of our work, please visit www.givenow.com.au/maranathahealth to set up a monthly donation via credit card or direct debit.
“From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the
harvest of their lips they are satisfied.”
Proverbs 18:20 (NIV)
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