Everybody talks about a new world in the morning.
A new world in the morning so they say.
I, myself don't talk about a new world in the morning.
A new world in the morning, that's today.
And I can feel a new tomorrow comin' on.
And I don't know why I have to make a song.
Everybody talks about a new world in the morning.
New world in the morning takes so long.1
While unsure of Roger’s intended meaning, I find his words resonating with my hope as a follower of Jesus. Every Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, which is God’s pledge and guarantee to make everything new and right and whole again. As a result, we can live today – and every day – knowing that we are already part of the “new world” (or kingdom) that God has prepared for his people since the creation of the world (Mt 25:34).
Whenever we experience trials, disasters, wars, and pandemics, we wonder why this “new world in the morning takes so long”. Recent events remind us that we’re not yet in heaven, but still share in the brokenness of creation. Whenever disaster or death visits us personally, we wonder what on earth God is doing, and how long we will be stuck in the shadowlands of grief.
Holy Saturday is that in-between place. Like those first disciples of Jesus, we grieve and lament the harsh realities of betrayal, death, and loss. During this season, it’s important to acknowledge our hurt; to label it, and lament our loss. Yet because of Jesus’ victory, we have hope of one day waking up to “a new world in the morning”.
I recently read: “Holy Saturday acknowledges those struggling between post-traumatic defeat and pre-resurrection hope.”2 We will unpack this some more on Sunday.
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day...there were a bunch of surprises:
- “He is not here; he has risen just as he said… go quickly and tell his disciples!”
- Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said… “Go tell my brothers…”
- “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations….”
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Matthew 28:1-20
1 ref here:
2 ref here:
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
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. Please note: there will be a livestreamed service this week on Maundy Thursday at 7:30pm and Good Friday at 10:30am, as well as an Easter Sunday service.
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.
From the Board: Prayer of unity for our community
& Pondering Points
Introduction:
In times of physical isolation, it is our inner being that senses disconnection with the things we know, because we like to be in a place of comfort, change is uncomfortable, and we receive that thought and feeling as a negative emotion, which than in turn makes us feel sad, anxious, angry, even to the point that we start to look for someone, or something to blame. Because we do not deserve this “pain”
But what if something good can come out of this?
God the Father loves us so much, that He sent His only Son, King Jesus, to save us, that is all of us.
I met this 82 year old lady today for the first time; she lives by herself, and has no family. She has been in self-isolation for 3 weeks already, no-one checked on her, no-one called her to say, would you like some help, you probably heard stories like this already. It saddens me to know that many people like that live just around the corner from us. She just wanted to hear a word of encouragement.
So I asked God the question what my responsibility as His servant is to these people in my community in this time of crisis?
He gave me 3 Pondering points. All 3 are connected.
- Ephesians 4:2 - Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
- Ephesians 4:23- Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
- Romans 12:5 - So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Ask God to reveal what he has for you today, be patient, be open minded, approach gently and always out of love. Ask for the opportunity to shine His light.
Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind to the things of God and put your neighbour first.
And finally, we are not islands, we are all connected, we belong to each other, this will bring a culture change that is meant for eternity.
May God the Father, who invites us to be His hands, His ears, and His eyes, give us opportunities to be just that.
May God bless you on your journey,
Cees
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Hope this finds you all safe and well!
Grow Ministries and Blueprint Ministries (in conjunction with the Intergen Team Uniting Church SA) have prepared wonderful resources for you to use at home this Easter. Please make use of them… They’re free!
Holy Week resource link from Grow Ministries:
https://www.growministries.org.au/product/holy-week-at-home/
Easter Faith Family Trail at Home booklet link from Blueprint Ministries:
https://lca.box.com/shared/static/zwj3gea7dr3g1kimjd65htkpejcxj5bh.pdf
If you are looking for Child friendly clips to view on The Last Supper and Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, check out:
https://youtu.be/SigoALSS1R8
https://youtu.be/HL8R158Ujp4
While it is going to look different this year, Easter still remains the time when God reveals the depths of His love to each one of us, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. May we be united in remembering that He is with us and He loves us, no matter what our address might be.
Blessings and God’s Peace to each one of you,
Georgie
From the Office
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.
Mission Support
At times of uncertainty we as the Body of Christ are called be a bright light of shining hope to our community. We can become like Joseph and share our barns of hope with those who are hurting. This can be done in a number of ways:
• Monetary Giving:
Electronic deposits can be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704942
Account number 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG
REG is a way to regularly support the mission of our church. Details of transactions are kept
confidential. Please visit www.lll.org.au/REG and use BSB 704942 and Account number
100354939.
Cash may be dropped off at the office during office hours. This will be treated in the same way as Sunday offerings.
• Baskets of hope
Grocery items, including vouchers for supermarkets etc. can be dropped off at the church Tuesday
through Friday 9.00am to 3.00pm. 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.
• Acts of Hope
Assist your neighbour who may be isolated by offering to do some shopping for them and drop it
home when you do or be creative in finding a way to be supportive.
Postal Communication
If you become aware of anyone who does not have the means for receiving the weekly news via electronic media please get them to advise the office on 08 8263 5087 or assist them to contact the office with their postal details. We will post out a Weekly News pack that will include: a Sunday service order, message outline, and any other information relevant for the week.
Downloadable sets of Daily Devotions
The LCA are now providing Daily Devotions in advance as a printable set. Some congregations have been asking for this, so they can print and deliver to their computer-less members. We have the set for Holy Week ready to go www.lca.org.au/daily-devotion-printables/
Free-to-air broadcast
Easter Sunday services for South Australia
• South Australia: Easter Sunday, 8:00 am on Channel 44 (ACDT) – one-hour broadcast of the
Easter Service of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide.
Surplus to requirements
A paper binder - make and model ‘ibico ibiMaster 115’ - has been donated for anyone who has need of it. Please contact Stephen through the office for more detail and how to pick the unit up.
Counselling sessions will be provided electronically or telephonically. These practices are successfully implemented worldwide. Skype or FaceTime will be used as electronic methods. Please note that FaceTime can only be used with Apple devices. Changes to service delivery will be revised in future as the pandemic passes.
The feedback regarding conducting of counselling session via electronic methods is that they have been well received.
Cost: A session will continue to be priced at $15.00 to assist with covering of professional expenses. This fee is well below market rates.
Please feel free to contact Hanelie at 0450 022 502 or email: hanelie.swart@gmail.com with questions or to book an appointment.
“…I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
Luke 4:43 (NIV)
