Well, Come and Take up your Cross

We all probably know what’s coming. This scripture verse is sometimes quoted ad nauseum, as kind of a readjustment of the moral compass which has been pulled by some kind of dark gravity into places we shouldn’t go. I don’t think that’s what Jesus was talking about.

When the Messiah (that’s what Peter has just called Jesus) delivers these words, “If anyone wants to follow after me, they must deny themselves, pick up their cross, and follow me,” we find a reorientation of priorities and an eye-opening look at a different, dangerous and fulfilling life.

The scripture is not about recognising the things in our lives which most irritate us, or the things that cause us to sin, but it is truly an invitation: An invitation to die so that one might live.

In our contemporary culture of death denial, where businesses boom in the anti-aging, anti-pain market, we find a listless lack of life. Our culture strives to insulate us all from pain, from danger, from anything that confronts our comfort, and we are left scratching our heads in our endless search for the mirage of safety wondering: “What does this all mean? Have I exchanged true life in Jesus for the death of meaning?”

This week, we’ll peel back the layers of this scripture spoken by Jesus who invites us into the death and denial of our selves, and peek behind what Jesus was meaning for his disciples from all time.
What does it mean for us to lose our life to find it?

Pr. Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Matthew 16:21-28

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.

Faith Gym: Helping People Feel More than Welcome.
Our third workshop is this Wednesday, 2nd September at 7:30pm here at Good Shepherd. If you missed previous weeks, yet wish to attend, please register via the church office.  Details for the live Zoom option will be sent via email, and you can find resources for the study here: www.paravista.org.au/resources

Having Your Child Baptised

…is a short course to help parents and families prepare for their first baptism at Good Shepherd.
Our next course commences Tuesday Sept 1st at 7:30pm at Good Shepherd, continuing the next two Tuesday evenings (Sept 8, 15).  
For more info please see: https://paravista.org.au/contact-us/baptism/
Please register via the Church Office: 8263 5087; or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Eggssssss

The folks with the yolks are back! Come and get your free range eggs - $4 per dozen. Please bring your spare cartons. Get ‘em while they’re (not) hot! Ed.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,
Here’s a tricky one… What does it mean to ‘take up your cross and follow Jesus’?
What does that even look like in the 21st Century? This week’s GFH resource offers some thoughtful conversation starters and practical ideas to try with your family.
God bless you and your week.

We also had a lovely restart for Little Lambs last week, thanks to the efforts of some wonderful volunteers. Looking forward to even more ‘little lambs’ joining us on Fridays in the church hall from 9:30am to 10:30am.

Please note, due to the school having a pupil free day, we will not be having Little Lambs on Friday 4th September. It will resume the week after. Remaining dates for this term are September 11, 18 and 25. We would love to see you there!
Blessings,
Georgie

August Support for the Family Hub

Due to your generosity over the last months the Family Hub has sufficient food at the moment to support those requiring assistance!

What they are lacking are cleaning items. These are needed to ensure the centre is cleaned several times a day after each session and for families they support, to assist them to keep their homes clean. This all helps prevent the introduction of and spread of Covid-19.

Suggested items include (but any cleaning items would be greatly appreciated):

• dish detergent
• wipes such as CHUX
• spray cleaners
• tissues
• Glen 20 or similar product for wiping down furniture after sessions
• window cleaner
• bucket/mops
• rubber gloves
• toilet cleaner
  

As these items are more expensive than food donations, 1/2 items per donation is suggested.

These donations can be brought to either service on Sunday August 30th or dropped into the church office Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 3pm. Please note the office is closed next week until Thursday due to a staff retreat.

In gratitude,

The Family Hub Support Team

Office News

Wanted: A volunteer to assist in replenishing all the Covid cleaning supplies and ensure signage is still correctly positioned. Up to two hours per week is required. Please contact the church office if you are able to assist.  No qualifications necessary; training provided!

COVID-Safe Requirements for Worship - please 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.
• Register names and contact details.
• Please maintain physical distance 1.5m.
• People from the same household can sit next to one another. Otherwise we need to keep 2 chair spaces between people.
• Follow the directional arrows for entry, exit, and Holy Communion.
• 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.
• Please follow directions of worship hosts.
• Early service attendees will need to vacate the building to allow a clean before second service attendees can enter the building.
  

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 is OPEN again.
  

Mission Vision Report

Offerings 2019
	May		June		July		Year to Date Variance
	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget
Sunday Offerings	12462	18300	14856	18300	12809	18300	-14773
REG Offerings	22430	23333	28810	23333	22430	23333	3671
Offerings 2020
	May		June		July
	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget
Sunday Offerings	5220	18300	2130	18300	7183	18300	-40367
REG Offerings	170	23333	72396	23333	32823	23333	14417

Notes:

Offerings are still down on budgeted amount for the year. 
May REG was only deposited into account in June.
All ministry areas are resourcing only what is necessary.
Current giving budget total is at $-25950

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.

Campfire Couches

Need something to lounge on in front of your chiminea? Nowhere to park yourself at the fishing shack? Toddlers who’d rather bounce than sit? Or maybe sluggish teens slacking over social media?  Well do we have a deal for you! Two sofas and a single seater can be yours for ZERO dollars! Take one, or take ‘em all! We’re looking to upgrade some of our furniture, so contact the office to see how you can start sprawling today! Ed.

The Open Door Community Bookshop

For Father's Day on 6 September, come and select from our range of Christian Cards, Gifts, Bibles, DVDs & Books.
Aug-Sept: *Super-Special Clearance* of large fold-up pamphlets reduced to $2 each - for info/study. Many interesting topics including: Noah's Ark; What's so Great about Heaven; Spirituality & Truth, etc.
Trading hours: Mon closed, Tues-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-1.
Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, 126 Murray St, Gawler.
Enquiries welcome: Ph. 85221677
Email: opendoorbook@gmail.com
FB: /opendoorcommunitybookshop

SPRING FEVER plant SALE
When: Saturday 29th August 2020

Where: 22 Avenue Rd Glynde
Time: 9am to 12 noon

(Cancelled if Covid-19 restrictions ban outside markets. Please check Marion Glynde on Gumtree from 25 August for cancellation info. Covid-19 precautions will be in place – distancing, hand sanitising etc.)

PLEASE DO NOT COME IF YOU ARE ILL.

A wide range of plants will be available, from small to fairly large, for indoors or outdoors, priced from  $1 - $50.

We have: Begonias, Bulbs, Clivias, Shrubs, Dendrobium & Crucifix Orchids, Hanging Baskets, Kalanchoes, Perennials, Succulents, Ficus, and more! 

This time we will also have a cake and biscuit stall.

The Thrift Shop will be open, 9am–12noon, with clothes, shoes, linen, kitchenware, books, china, DVDs, CDs etc.

Plant and cake proceeds go to projects at the Resident Care Home (Nursing Home), Lutheran Homes Glynde.

“
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, l but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Philippians 3:12

Look for us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

A Welcome Declaration

In our 21st Century culture, individualism is perhaps regarded as our most “inalienable right”. We are entitled to our own opinions and the right to express them. We have the right to make our own choices of what is right and true, what we want to believe, or what we regard as the supreme object of our attention or affection. It’s often put: “My truth is what is true for me. You can determine what is true for you.”

One day Jesus was in a region up north near Mt Hermon where many gods had been worshipped, sacrifices made, and bizarre things done in the name of those gods. People had done what they thought right in their own eyes – their own truth.  

Against this backdrop, Jesus asked his disciples: “What are some ideas out there about who I am?”  There are a variety of responses.  I wonder, what might be some answers we’d get from people today?

But then Jesus looks them in the eye, and says: “Well, what about you guys, who do you say that I am?”  

I can imagine a few moments of silent reflection.  

These fellas have all witnessed Jesus’ amazing deeds, heard his parables, and witnessed his dealings with people across the spectrum of his culture – and even among some Gentile cultures.  They could have come up with lots of responses: You are a miracle worker. You are great teacher. You are a very kind person. You are master over the wind and waters. You are ….

By the grace of Father God, Peter has joined some dots from the Old Testament promises and what he has experienced with Jesus: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  

Jesus does not deny it or pretend otherwise, but affirms Peter and calls him blessed.  At last, one of God’s people in Israel has received God’s truth: and declared it to Jesus before others.    

This truth is not just for Peter, but for everyone.  As those who have received this gift of truth, how might God use you and me to help others come to that same conclusion – and also make that declaration?  

Shalom! 
Pr. Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Matthew 16:13-20

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.

Faith Gym: Helping People Feel More than Welcome.
Our second workshop is this Wednesday, 26th August at 7:30pm here at Good Shepherd. If you missed week 1, yet wish to attend, please register via the church office.  Details for the live Zoom option will be sent via email, and you can find resources for the study here: www.paravista.org.au/resources

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,
It can be a little daunting sometimes to share with others. Especially when it comes down to what we believe, because it reveals something deep about ourselves. Our core, our foundation. This week the GFH resource offers some great discussion points to consider in a family group.

What would your response be if Jesus asked you, ‘Who do you say that I am?

God bless you, your family and your week!

Georgie

Office News

Office Closed 24-26 August for Staff Retreat
The church office will be closed from 24th to 26th August for our staff retreat.  For emergencies please contact either Stephen on 0403 180 814 or Reid on 0407 881 636.  Please pray for the staff during this time as they make decisions and plan forward.

Mission Vision Report

Offerings 2019
	May		June		July		Year to Date Variance
	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget
Sunday Offerings	12462	18300	14856	18300	12809	18300	-14773
REG Offerings	22430	23333	28810	23333	22430	23333	3671
Offerings 2020
	May		June		July
	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget
Sunday Offerings	5220	18300	2130	18300	7183	18300	-40367
REG Offerings	170	23333	72396	23333	32823	23333	14417

Notes:

Offerings are still down on budgeted amount for the year. 
May REG was only deposited into account in June.
All ministry areas are resourcing only what is necessary.
Current giving budget total is at $-25950

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.

COVID-Safe Requirements for Worship - please 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.
• Register names and contact details.
• Please maintain physical distance 1.5m.
• People from the same household can sit next to one another. Otherwise we need to keep 2 chair spaces between people.
• Follow the directional arrows for entry, exit, and Holy Communion.
• 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.
• Please follow directions of worship hosts.
• Early service attendees will need to vacate the building to allow a clean before second service attendees can enter the building.
  

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 is OPEN again from this week.

August Support for the Family Hub

Due to your generosity over the last months the Family Hub has sufficient food at the moment to support those requiring assistance!

What they are lacking are cleaning items. These are needed to ensure the centre is cleaned several times a day after each session and for families they support, to assist them to keep their homes clean. This all helps prevent the introduction of and spread of Covid-19.

Suggested items include (but any cleaning items would be greatly appreciated):

• dish detergent
• wipes such as CHUX
• spray cleaners
• tissues
• Glen 20 or similar product for wiping down furniture after sessions
• window cleaner
• bucket/mops
• rubber gloves
• toilet cleaner
  

As these items are more expensive than food donations, 1/2 items per donation is suggested.

These donations can be brought to either service on Sunday August 30th or dropped into the church office Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 3pm. Please note the office is closed next week until Thursday due to a staff retreat.

In gratitude,

The Family Hub Support Team

Campfire Couches

Need something to lounge on in front of your chiminea? Nowhere to park yourself at the fishing shack? Toddlers who’d rather bounce than sit? Or maybe sluggish teens slacking over social media?  Well do we have a deal for you! Two sofas and a single seater can be yours for ZERO dollars! Take one, or take ‘em all! We’re looking to upgrade some of our furniture, so contact the office to see how you can start sprawling today! Ed.

Eggssssss
The folks with the yolks are back! Come and get your free range eggs - $4 per dozen.  Please bring your spare cartons.  Get ‘em while they’re (not) hot! Ed.

The Open Door Community Bookshop
For Father's Day on 6 September, come and select from our range of Christian Cards, Gifts, Bibles, DVDs & Books.
Aug-Sept: *Super-Special Clearance* of large fold-up pamphlets reduced to $2 each - for info/study. Many interesting topics including: Noah's Ark; What's so Great about Heaven; Spirituality & Truth, etc.
Trading hours: Mon closed, Tues-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-1.
Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, 126 Murray St, Gawler.
Enquiries welcome: Ph. 85221677
Email: opendoorbook@gmail.com
FB: /opendoorcommunitybookshop

SPRING FEVER plant SALE
When: Saturday 29th August 2020

Where: 22 Avenue Rd Glynde
Time: 9am to 12 noon

(Cancelled if Covid-19 restrictions ban outside markets. Please check Marion Glynde on Gumtree from 25 August for cancellation info. Covid-19 precautions will be in place – distancing, hand sanitising etc.)

PLEASE DO NOT COME IF YOU ARE ILL.

A wide range of plants will be available, from small to fairly large, for indoors or outdoors, priced from  $1 - $50.

We have: Begonias, Bulbs, Clivias, Shrubs, Dendrobium & Crucifix Orchids, Hanging Baskets, Kalanchoes, Perennials, Succulents, Ficus, and more! 

This time we will also have a cake and biscuit stall.

The Thrift Shop will be open, 9am–12noon, with clothes, shoes, linen, kitchenware, books, china, DVDs, CDs etc.

Plant and cake proceeds go to projects at the Resident Care Home (Nursing Home), Lutheran Homes Glynde.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

Look for us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

Faith that Jesus Welcomes

As we push through the middle chapters of the book of Matthew, we have to engage with some very difficult thoughts and ideas about the ministry of both Jesus and the disciples.

But (the Canaanite woman) knelt before Jesus and said, ‘Lord, help me!’
Jesus answered, ‘It isn’t right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’

Well, here we go. That is not the reply we expect from the docile, friendly, loving Jesus that we are so accustomed to talking about. What’s going on in this passage? Why would Jesus say that? Is he really implying that this Gentile is a dog?

At stake this week is the good news about the faith of a woman in a saviour she’d only heard about. The heart of this gospel account contains a culture shift, a change in focus from the people Jesus had been called to, to a people who needed his help desperately.

This Sunday, struggle with me through Matthew 15:21-28. Wrestle with the text, bring your Bible on Sunday and let’s go through this verse by verse.

Remember, though, that Matthew is writing to a group of Jewish believers. Also, take into account the context of what has happened at the start of Matthew 15. Let’s see where it takes us.

Pr. Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Matthew 15:21-28 

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.

 

Worship News
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,

Trusting someone can be risky. You rely on them to come through for you. It takes faith. Jesus had an interesting conversation with a woman one day and she was rewarded for her faith... even when it got down to the crumbs...

Check out the GFH resources for a Children’s Chat to do with your family and other activities to invest in through the week.
In other news, we are excited to share that Little Lambs Playgroup will be returning Friday August 21 (next week), at the usual time of 9:30-10:30am in the Church Hall.
Many, many thanks to the ladies who have stepped up to help get this important community time up and running again. Looking forward to seeing our Little Lambs again soon.
God bless you and your week!
Georgie

Prayer Requests

Connect cards will not be used during services so any requests can be forwarded to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087. Alternatively the care link button on our website

can be used.  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 or offer care. 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.

Office News

Eggless!
No eggs are available this week, but we will be back to a full complement next week.

Mission Support
Thank you for your continued support towards our congregation's mission and ministry through regular offerings as our facility and staff continued to operate to keep the community alive and the message spread.

Electronic Deposits: may be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704 942
Account number 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG

LLL REG: Download the form here and 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.

Cash Offerings: Envelopes and cash can be put on the offering bowl which will be placed at the exit doors at the end of the service. There will be no passing of the bowl. If you are unable to attend services donations will still be accepted at the church office during office hours.

SPRING FEVER plant SALE

When: Saturday 29th August 2020
Where: 22 Avenue Rd Glynde
Time: 9am to 12 noon
(Cancelled if Covid-19 restrictions ban outside markets. Please check Marion Glynde on Gumtree from 25 August for cancellation info. Covid-19 precautions will be in place – distancing, hand sanitising etc.)
PLEASE DO NOT COME IF YOU ARE ILL.
A wide range of plants will be available, from small to fairly large, for indoors or outdoors, priced from $1 - $50.
We have: Begonias, Bulbs, Clivias, Dendrobium & Crucifix Orchids, Ficus, Hanging Baskets, Kalanchoes, Perennials, Shrubs, Succulents, etc.
This time we will also have a cake and biscuit stall.
The Thrift Shop will be open, 9am–12noon, with clothes/shoes/linen/kitchen/books/china/DVDs/
CDs etc.
Plant and cake proceeds go to projects at the Resident Care Home (Nursing Home), Lutheran Homes Glynde.

Social Club News (correction)
Please note that the Seniors Social Club meets weekly in the hall at 1pm, not 12:30pm as previously stated. Apologies (Ed.) 

The Open Door Community Bookshop
For Father's Day on 6 September, come and select from our range of Christian Cards, Gifts, Bibles, DVDs & Books.
Aug-Sept: *Super-Special Clearance* of large fold-up pamphlets reduced to $2 each - for information/study. Many interesting topics including: Noah's Ark; What's so Great about Heaven; Spirituality & Truth, etc.
Reminder of Trading hours: Monday closed, Tuesday-Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-1.
Find us at Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, 126 Murray St, Gawler.
Enquiries welcome: Ph. 85221677; Email: opendoorbook@gmail.com
FB: www.facebook.com/opendoorcommunitybookshop

“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

John 10:16 (NIV)

Look for us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!