A Welcome Declaration

In our 21st Century culture, individualism is perhaps regarded as our most “inalienable right”. We are entitled to our own opinions and the right to express them. We have the right to make our own choices of what is right and true, what we want to believe, or what we regard as the supreme object of our attention or affection. It’s often put: “My truth is what is true for me. You can determine what is true for you.”

One day Jesus was in a region up north near Mt Hermon where many gods had been worshipped, sacrifices made, and bizarre things done in the name of those gods. People had done what they thought right in their own eyes – their own truth.  

Against this backdrop, Jesus asked his disciples: “What are some ideas out there about who I am?”  There are a variety of responses.  I wonder, what might be some answers we’d get from people today?

But then Jesus looks them in the eye, and says: “Well, what about you guys, who do you say that I am?”  

I can imagine a few moments of silent reflection.  

These fellas have all witnessed Jesus’ amazing deeds, heard his parables, and witnessed his dealings with people across the spectrum of his culture – and even among some Gentile cultures.  They could have come up with lots of responses: You are a miracle worker. You are great teacher. You are a very kind person. You are master over the wind and waters. You are ….

By the grace of Father God, Peter has joined some dots from the Old Testament promises and what he has experienced with Jesus: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  

Jesus does not deny it or pretend otherwise, but affirms Peter and calls him blessed.  At last, one of God’s people in Israel has received God’s truth: and declared it to Jesus before others.    

This truth is not just for Peter, but for everyone.  As those who have received this gift of truth, how might God use you and me to help others come to that same conclusion – and also make that declaration?  

Shalom! 
Pr. Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Matthew 16:13-20

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.

Faith Gym: Helping People Feel More than Welcome.
Our second workshop is this Wednesday, 26th August at 7:30pm here at Good Shepherd. If you missed week 1, yet wish to attend, please register via the church office.  Details for the live Zoom option will be sent via email, and you can find resources for the study here: www.paravista.org.au/resources

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,
It can be a little daunting sometimes to share with others. Especially when it comes down to what we believe, because it reveals something deep about ourselves. Our core, our foundation. This week the GFH resource offers some great discussion points to consider in a family group.

What would your response be if Jesus asked you, ‘Who do you say that I am?

God bless you, your family and your week!

Georgie

Office News

Office Closed 24-26 August for Staff Retreat
The church office will be closed from 24th to 26th August for our staff retreat.  For emergencies please contact either Stephen on 0403 180 814 or Reid on 0407 881 636.  Please pray for the staff during this time as they make decisions and plan forward.

Mission Vision Report

Offerings 2019
	May		June		July		Year to Date Variance
	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget
Sunday Offerings	12462	18300	14856	18300	12809	18300	-14773
REG Offerings	22430	23333	28810	23333	22430	23333	3671
Offerings 2020
	May		June		July
	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget	Actual	Budget
Sunday Offerings	5220	18300	2130	18300	7183	18300	-40367
REG Offerings	170	23333	72396	23333	32823	23333	14417

Notes:

Offerings are still down on budgeted amount for the year. 
May REG was only deposited into account in June.
All ministry areas are resourcing only what is necessary.
Current giving budget total is at $-25950

Mission Support
Please continue supporting our congregation's mission and ministry through regular offerings as our facility and staff continues to operate in a different way.

Electronic deposits can be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704942; Account number 100354939; Account Name GSPV REG. 

LLL REG: Download the form here, 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.

Offering Envelopes can still be dropped in at the church office during office hours.

COVID-Safe Requirements for Worship - please 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.
• Register names and contact details.
• Please maintain physical distance 1.5m.
• People from the same household can sit next to one another. Otherwise we need to keep 2 chair spaces between people.
• Follow the directional arrows for entry, exit, and Holy Communion.
• 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.
• Please follow directions of worship hosts.
• Early service attendees will need to vacate the building to allow a clean before second service attendees can enter the building.
  

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 is OPEN again from this week.

August Support for the Family Hub

Due to your generosity over the last months the Family Hub has sufficient food at the moment to support those requiring assistance!

What they are lacking are cleaning items. These are needed to ensure the centre is cleaned several times a day after each session and for families they support, to assist them to keep their homes clean. This all helps prevent the introduction of and spread of Covid-19.

Suggested items include (but any cleaning items would be greatly appreciated):

• dish detergent
• wipes such as CHUX
• spray cleaners
• tissues
• Glen 20 or similar product for wiping down furniture after sessions
• window cleaner
• bucket/mops
• rubber gloves
• toilet cleaner
  

As these items are more expensive than food donations, 1/2 items per donation is suggested.

These donations can be brought to either service on Sunday August 30th or dropped into the church office Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 3pm. Please note the office is closed next week until Thursday due to a staff retreat.

In gratitude,

The Family Hub Support Team

Campfire Couches

Need something to lounge on in front of your chiminea? Nowhere to park yourself at the fishing shack? Toddlers who’d rather bounce than sit? Or maybe sluggish teens slacking over social media?  Well do we have a deal for you! Two sofas and a single seater can be yours for ZERO dollars! Take one, or take ‘em all! We’re looking to upgrade some of our furniture, so contact the office to see how you can start sprawling today! Ed.

Eggssssss
The folks with the yolks are back! Come and get your free range eggs - $4 per dozen.  Please bring your spare cartons.  Get ‘em while they’re (not) hot! 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 info/study. Many interesting topics including: Noah's Ark; What's so Great about Heaven; Spirituality & Truth, etc.
Trading hours: Mon closed, Tues-Fri 10-4, Sat 10-1.
Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, 126 Murray St, Gawler.
Enquiries welcome: Ph. 85221677
Email: opendoorbook@gmail.com
FB: /opendoorcommunitybookshop

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, Shrubs, Dendrobium & Crucifix Orchids, Hanging Baskets, Kalanchoes, Perennials, Succulents, Ficus, and more! 

This time we will also have a cake and biscuit stall.

The Thrift Shop will be open, 9am–12noon, with clothes, shoes, linen, kitchenware, books, china, DVDs, CDs etc.

Plant and cake proceeds go to projects at the Resident Care Home (Nursing Home), Lutheran Homes Glynde.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

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