I usually try to find the most direct route from A to B. So I find taking any wrong turn most exasperating!!! To avoid this, I consult maps and seek to follow the directions. If something doesn’t look or feel right, I stop to check our bearings. And if that fails, I seek the advice of a local!
Whatever our aim or goal in life, we will continually making choices that take us in that direction. The question confronting each of us: at the end of the road, where will I end up?
The Bible has many examples where God’s people are given a choice: You can do life the LORD’s way – which leads to fulfilment, life and peace. Or you can choose another way – which leads to futility, death, and disaster. Both Moses and Joshua urged the people of God to choose life in the LORD (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:14-15).
Psalm 1 holds out two ways to live.
What are the differences? And how do things work out for each of them?
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the LORD,
meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
But not the wicked!
They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
They will be condemned at the time of judgment.
Sinners will have no place among the godly.
For the LORD watches over the path of the godly,
but the path of the wicked leads to destruction (Psalm 1:1-6 NLT).
In a similar way, Jesus finishes his Sermon on the Mount with a series of four contrasts. Each one illustrates the difference between true and false disciples – and where they end up.
As you consider the reading for Sunday, reflect on these two questions:
1. What are the bad outcomes Jesus wants us to avoid?
2. How do we stay on the King’s course that leads to life in the kingdom of heaven?
Shalom!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Matthew 7:13-29
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.
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.
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. 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.
New CARE Link up and Running
On the opening page of our GSPV website, https://paravista.org.au/ we now have a button that people can click onto for care and assistance.
This page has 4 blue circles with white icons. The one on the right has a cube in the middle, with the word Care underneath it. Under that is a tag: "Need assistance? You’ll find it here."
Clicking this icon opens a Care & Assistance page where people can leave contact details and a brief description of their need.
The Triage Officer will make initial contact to discover more about the person’s situation, work out an appropriate response, and refer the need for follow up to an appropriate person or team leader, e.g.
- Phone call or visit from one of the Pastoral Care Team
- Counselling referral
- Food/groceries/vouchers/household items
- Handyman help
- Backyard clean up team
- Prayer Ministry Team
- Pastors – spiritual/theological issues; pastoral acts
Please make use of this link and point it out to others.
Pr. Rolly Stahl
From the Office
Facilities Maintenance
Going, going not yet gone! Individually and in twos or threes, assistance is still required to totally clear the list. The following maintenance tasks are outstanding:
• A hand ball court is required to be painted in the courtyard area so it is a bit more permanent than chalk. – 2 to 3 hours
• One way arrows on drive pavement require repainting - 2 persons x ½ day
• Cobwebbing inside and out - 1 to 2 hours
• Hall store room requires tidying and cleaning
• Window cleaning - 1 to 2 hours
• Storm water drain requires exposing to repair break -2 to 3 persons x ½ day
Please contact Stephen stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or the front office for further info and to book in your time to assist.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Hi there everyone,
Our belief in God is a treasure. God’s love is indeed precious, freely given and for all. But is there a cost to sharing it?
Check out the Growing Faith at Home resources that offer some ideas and activities to explore as a family about telling people what we believe. These are also available on the church website under Children and Families – Home Resource section.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXWHLB1f6_U
We pray for everyone who might be either studying for or doing mid-year exams or completing assignments as this unusual Semester draws to a close. God’s peace be with you!
Have a wonderful week everyone!
God bless,
Georgie
June Support for the Family Hub
The support for the food collections for the Family Hub this year has been amazing. All donations go towards supporting needy families in the area.
The last Sunday of each month has been designated as the collection Sunday in support of the Family Hub. The next collection will culminate on Sunday June 28th.
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 9-3. 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 somewhere.
The Hub wish list for June includes :
- Breakfast cereal
- Tinned tuna
- Pasta sauces
- Two minute noodles
- Pancake mix
- Biscuits – sweet and savoury
- Soup
- Flour
- Sugar
- Cheese slices
Thank you for your continued support,
The Family Hub
Para Vista Ladies Fellowship
Grace & Peace to all members. On your 2020 program, please delete the following:
August 20th, LWSA/NY North Zone Rally, North Adelaide Lutheran Church.
This function has been cancelled by the host fellowship, due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Thanks,
Joy Wandel.
Shed Happens – Watch this Space!
Due to current regulations the reconvening of Shed Happens has been delayed. We will keep you informed of any changes, so please watch this space!
The new Maranatha Health Newsletter is out, and can be viewed here:
https://mailchi.mp/f69858b04c39/celebrating-5-years-of-impact
Bread Collectors Needed
The Food Centre is in great need of help and support from new volunteers willing to be placed on a rota to collect bread from the local bakery at Tea Tree Plaza one Sunday evening per month. This task will require about one hour a month from you and will make a big difference in families in need - from small things big things grow. If you would like to know more about how you can make a difference, please contact Maurice Clark on 8269 3396 or just call into The Food Centre and ask for James or Tracy to show you around and familiarise yourself with all of the "wrap around" services provided there.
Further information can be found on our website at www.thefoodcentre.com.au and/or have a look at our community video using the following youtube link: https://youtu.be/RKZno5n9tMk
Best regards,
James Chapman, The Food Centre
Lutheran Community Care Winter Appeal
The demand for LCC’s services has never been greater…you can support local communities battling to cope with the economic fallout from COVID-19. For more information about LCC’s Winter Appeal, visit www.lccare.org.au/how-you-can-help/donations/
Australian Lutheran College Annual Appeal
ALC has launched its annual appeal in a video message from Principal James Winderlich: https://alc.edu.au/connect/annual-appeal/ Your financial support during these especially troubling times is vital for preparing people to serve in and through the Church. All donations over $2.00 are tax-deductible; those received by 30 June may be claimed in this financial year. Thank you for your support.
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Matt 12:50 (NIV)
