“If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to bring to bring about a conviction?”
I came across this quote years ago, and it still challenges me. After decades of following Jesus, I still have propensity to speak rubbish. I am still in the centre of my world far too often. I find myself more fearful and troubled than I’d like to be. If you could read my thoughts and watch me closely for a few days, you might wonder whether or not I am a follower of Jesus…
In 2005 Ronald Sider wrote a provocative book: The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience: Why Are Christians Living Just Like the Rest of the World? (Baker). Sider argues that most evangelical Christians are living lives no different from their non-Christian neighbours: “By their daily activity, most ‘Christians’ regularly commit treason. With their mouths they claim that Jesus is Lord, but with their actions they demonstrate allegiance to money, sex, and self-fulfilment.”
Friends, this should not be! The world needs to see the difference Jesus makes.
‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:14 NIV)
If our surrounding culture is ever going to take Jesus seriously, they need to see and experience Jesus through you and me: in our love for the Father, in our relationships with others, in our beliefs and attitudes, and our words and actions.
I’m not talking about the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who smugly self-isolated from the world. Rather, the humility of Jesus coming alongside people, treating them with dignity and respect, and seeking to do them good.
Whenever there's a scandal in the church, we are quick to say: "Don’t look at the church, look at Jesus." If the Apostle Paul were around today, he'd say: "When people look at the church, that's where they should see Jesus!"
As the body of Christ, we are the community of faith that makes Jesus visible in this world. Jesus says: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” Salt and light both make a difference to whatever they come in contact with.
Paul reminds us - God's redeemed and holy people in Christ - to LIVE as children of light: “You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light and make your light shine.” (Ephesians 5:8-14 CEV)
In other words: “Don’t hide it, bury it, fake it, or be ashamed of who you are in Christ; but reflect the light of Jesus in everything you do.” Jesus is the light of the world. If you trust and follow Jesus, then his light in you makes you one of his lighthouses to the world.
Here’s an amusing video that (loosely!) follows this week’s message: https://youtu.be/nORRgU8sGdE
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading
Matthew 5:13-16; Philippians 2:12-16
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
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 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.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family!
He is Risen! Hallelujah!
Take a moment to let the words ‘He is risen’ soak into your very soul. We are gifted with everything that means… What words come to mind? What kind of impact does this have on us in the situation that we find ourselves in right now? Perhaps you could talk this over as a family…
Please find in the attachments some resources from Grow Ministries to use with your family at home.
Easter blessings (that run the whole year through) to you all!
Georgie
Last month the support for the food collection for the Family Hub was amazing!
The last Sunday of each month has been designated as the collection Sunday in support of the Family Hub. As we don't assemble on Sundays, donations can be handed into the church office any time next week. Office hours are Tuesday thru Friday 9am-3pm. If the office is not open, please leave the goods at the door as staff will collect and store when they return. They will be in the complex so their absence will not be long. This month we are trialling all donations being handed in through the church office.
Our wish list at this time includes:
Muesli bars
Cans of soup
Cans of vegetables
Cans of prepared meals
Jam
Pancake mix
Biscuits – sweet or savoury
Message from Kathlene
Please pass on our thanks once more, to all who have contributed & supported us.We have this week moved from wondering what we will do with our time to being quite overwhelmed with requests for support, especially food parcels.
Knowing we have so many lovely people supporting us is what keeps us buoyed up!
If you know of anyone who needs food support please direct them to The Family Hub. As Kathlene mentioned, they are very happy for people to be referred to them, to receive food parcels. The Hub address is 2 Belalie Road, Ingle Farm; phone 8349 6099.
The Family Hub Support Team
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.
Board update
The church board has been meeting weekly over the past two months to ensure the viability and the mission of the Good Shepherd Congregation can and is being met. The topics of discussion have revolved around the following subjects: Communication, Worship services and Church Finance. The board have also being actively pursuing the care of all members through the means available and have beefed up the Pastoral Care component of our ministry work. This should become evident in coming weeks. Please continue to pray for our pastors and the board that they make wise decisions as the culture changes and we seek to reach into the community with the Gospel that all may know Jesus and worship Him.
The church board has been meeting weekly over the past two months to ensure the viability and the mission of the Good Shepherd Congregation can and is being met. The topics of discussion have revolved around the following subjects: Communication, Worship services and Church Finance. The board have also being actively pursuing the care of all members through the means available and have beefed up the Pastoral Care component of our ministry work. This should become evident in coming weeks. Please continue to pray for our pastors and the board that they make wise decisions as the culture changes and we seek to reach into the community with the Gospel that all may know Jesus and worship Him.
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/
Office update
To comply with social distancing the following has been implemented during office hours.
The exterior door is being kept locked for security and social distancing. A door bell will be available to call office staff. Helen is not attending the office on Tuesdays and Stephen will be answering the phone and taking door calls. Wednesday and Thursday Rachel will be working from home and Stephen will be answering the door. Friday Rachel will be in the office as normal.
To comply with social distancing the following has been implemented during office hours.
The exterior door is being kept locked for security and social distancing. A door bell will be available to call office staff. Helen is not attending the office on Tuesdays and Stephen will be answering the phone and taking door calls. Wednesday and Thursday Rachel will be working from home and Stephen will be answering the door. Friday Rachel will be in the office as normal.
Exercise Equipment Needed
A member of the congregation who has been in detention is looking for any old exercise equipment that people would like to give away during this time of isolation. It would need to be delivered to a Ridgehaven address. Please contact the office if you can help.
A member of the congregation who has been in detention is looking for any old exercise equipment that people would like to give away during this time of isolation. It would need to be delivered to a Ridgehaven address. Please contact the office if you can help.
Free
A paper binder and digital 50inch TV in good working order have been donated for anyone in need. Please contact Stephen through the office for more details.
A paper binder and digital 50inch TV in good working order have been donated for anyone in need. Please contact Stephen through the office for more details.
Hanelie is continuing to provide a professional counselling service to students, parents, staff and community. Hanelie is a member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia) and completed a Dip. Counselling & Bachelor of Counselling through ACAP (Australian College of Applied Psychology). Hanelie is passionate about mental health and providing support to clients with qualities such as empathy, congruence and positive regard.
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.
Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)
