“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.
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? This week’s caring conversation questions are especially pertinent.
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,
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
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
Romans 15:13
