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.’
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”.
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.
• 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
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.
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
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.
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
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)
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