Our Father in heaven…
These are the opening words of
the best known prayer in the world: The Lord’s Prayer. It’s the prayer Jesus gave us to pray.
Through his sacrificial death for our sins, and his
resurrection to give us new life, Jesus brings us into HIS relationship with
the Father – so now Jesus’ Father and our Father is the same!
When Jesus prayed, he called God “Abba Father” - and the early Christians
did the same (Mk 14:36, Rom 8:14-16, Gal 4:6-7). In Jesus’ culture, “Abba” is one of the first
words a baby learns – like our “dad-dad”.
It is a word of tenderness, intimacy, trust and sheer delight. Like when
a toddler takes a running jump onto dad’s lap and just cuddles in there. Or like when my girls were toddlers, and I’d
come home from a conference, they’d come running out of the house exclaiming
“Daddy!!” In the same way, I often
address my Father in heaven as “Papa”.
Sadly, not all earthly dads are
good fathers. Some dads are mean and
grumpy. Some don’t care much about their
children. If that’s been
your experience with your dad – or you’ve never known a dad - then take this on
board: If we ever want to know what God
is like as our heavenly Father, we find out in Jesus. Jesus says: “Anyone who has seen me has seen
the Father.” (Jn 14:9b NIV)
Jesus shows us the Father’s heart is goodness and love! Taking that on board, we can take a “running
jump” into our heavenly Father’s lap, enjoy his love, tell him all our worries,
and ask for his help.
Throughout
the world, those who call Jesus “LORD” and know God as “Abba Father” are all part of the same family: God’s family – the
holy Christian Church! So we pray: “Our
Father in heaven…”
Pr Rolly Stahl
Prayer Requests Not
included in this newsletter, but if you would like to view the
current requests, refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this
Newsletter. If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by
prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request
This week we continue the Series, “Everyday mission for everyday people”. This week’s message is “Affluenza: the killer of mission” “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Bible Readings: Revelations 3:14-21 and 1 John 2:15-17
Kingdom Kids at the 10:30am service for
ages 0-12. Come join us!
Theme for Term 3: Let’s
Shine – We are special!
Special Events to look
forward to this term: visit from Chris Jaensch, combined Father’s Day activity,
Cultural Day celebration including dress ups, themed lessons and church lunch
in the hall.
Play Group
When: Wednesdays from 9:30am -11:30am
Where: Church Hall
Who: anyone with children or grandchildren 5
years and under
What: Craft, shared morning tea, story and
music time and free play. Everyone is welcome
Contact Beth for more info: 8258 4878
Our Rise UP Dance Fundraiser
for Cebu is THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!!
4th
August @ 7:30pm
Golden
Grove Arts Centre
Incredible
night of talent from the best in SA, including guest performances from upcoming
crews including our very own community group Move Urban Dance
Tickets are
still tickets available through Laura 0422 586
396 at $20 each
Come and
support this great cause
Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader
lcarson@paravista.org.au
8263 5087
Women's Fellowship
The next meeting of Women's Fellowship will be on Tuesday 7th August at
1.00pm
in Para Vista Church Hall. There will be a bible study by one of the
Pastors,
guest speaker Faye Godfrey, a trading table and afternoon tea
Maranatha Health
Presentation and Retiring Offering
This Sunday 5th August there will be a
presentation by Maranatha Health about the work they are doing in Uganda in both
morning services.
A retiring offering will be taken up at the end of each service to give you the opportunity to support the work of Maranatha Health. Please give some prayerful consideration as to what you can give to support this great work. Donation forms will be available for those who would like to use a credit card and receive a tax deductible receipt.
Maranatha Health is an organisation started by two
former members of this church, Kimberley and Michael Findlay. It aims to bring
healthcare and community development opportunities and to empower the poor in
the district of Kamwenge in Uganda, Africa.
Sunday's presentation will give some detail on this
organisation, which is one of a few designated overseas missions that we as a
church support, as well as giving an update from the latest happenings in
Uganda.
A retiring offering will be taken up at the end of each service to give you the opportunity to support the work of Maranatha Health. Please give some prayerful consideration as to what you can give to support this great work. Donation forms will be available for those who would like to use a credit card and receive a tax deductible receipt.
From the Office
Popular Report
Copies
of the popular report from our recent Lutheran Church SA/NT District Synod are
available from our information rack in the foyer.
Rosters
Please
contact the office in regards to rosters and if you require any other related
details.
From the Board
Over
the next 3 weeks we will outline the role of the Board and the responsibilities
of the various Board members. If you have questions about various aspects of
the Board’s responsibilities feel free to approach any member of the Board. To
assist in identifying Board members their photos are on display above the
pigeon holes.
The purpose of the
Good Shepherd Board is to empower, resource and actively support the Pastoral
Ministry Team to lead us in our mission to reach into the community with the
Gospel that all may know Jesus and worship Him.
To achieve this
purpose the Board has identified 7 key objectives. 3 of these are:
Communications
- Board member Shane Schoff
1. To make good use of
available technology for communicating our mission and ministry messages;
including –Website & Social Media
2. To ensure that
communicated information is intentionally targeted and relevant to the people
we are trying to reach with it
Facilities
and Equipment - Stephen Zanker
- To provide adequate, suitable and well maintained facilities and equipment for the congregation’s mission ministries and administration, its teams and team leaders
- To oversee and facilitate the planning, funding and implementation of capital development and expansion programs
Policies and
Procedures - Stefan Kmit
- To maintain clear congregational policies and procedures to direct and administer
- Personnel Management
- Workplace practices (OH&S) and security
- Professional Standards
- Organisational Structuring
At the July
meeting the main topic was revitalising the Para Vista Foundation so the
interest from the Foundation can be used to continue to support the
congregation’s mission
Upcoming Events
Are you interested in seeking God’s blessing for the health, life and
mission of our Good Shepherd community? If you are a person who loves to pray or
if you like praying together with others or if would just like to try it out… then
please come along come to our:
Good Shepherd Prayer
Gathering
Tuesday
August 7th 2012, 7:30 – 9pm in the worship centre.
We
will sing, we will learn a little about prayer from the Psalms (so please bring
your Bible along) and we will pray.
Pr Rolly Stahl (We hope to have one more prayer gathering in 2012:
Nov 6th.)
DISCOVERY IS MORE THAN MEMBERSHIP…
What is Discovery?
- Discovery is a means to assist every person on their journey through life at Good Shepherd.
- Discovery involves learning more about God, about ourselves and the life that God has given us in Jesus.
- Discovery is designed to explain who and what our congregation is – our DNA.
- Discovery shares a variety of tools for growth in God’s family.
Register Now!
The
next Discovery course starts on Tuesday evening 28TH AUGUST at
6:30pm – 9:30pm beginning with a meal and an informal introduction to the staff
and continues on the 4th SEPTEMBER 2012.
To
Register Write ‘Discovery’ on your welcome card or contact the office by
telephone (8263 5087) or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Notice Board
Please see Notice Board for more Information
Preparing
for Marriage – 1st Sept: 9.00am - 5.00pm and 2nd
Sept: 1.00 – 5.00pm
This course is
designed for those planning to marry or recently married. The course covers
family background, communication, conflict resolution, values and faith issues,
intimacy and sex and planning for the future. It helps couples build on their
strengths and to develop skills for dealing with difficult times.
There is no pressure
to share personal experiences in a group setting. Costs are:
- $160 per couple if both employed
- $85 if one employed
- $65 if neither employed/students for 3 sessions (GST incl)
Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Road,
Para Vista 5093
WANTED: Metal Shelving
Lutheran Community
Care provides community services on behalf of the Lutheran Church in SA and NT
through a range of programs.
We are in need of
second hand metal shelving at our Blair Athol office. The shelving should be
suitable for storage of heavy stock in our shed.
Please contact: Shaun Harris, Team Leader Tel:
08 8269 9300
THE LUTHERAN - AUGUST EDITION OUT NOW
A FRIEND AT THE END
Aged care is the new Australian mission
field.
THIS DAY IN PARADISE
Like the thief on the cross, Theo
secures his place in heaven with only a whisker to spare.
IS RELIGION DANGEROUS? (YOU BET!)
Christians have railed against Christopher
Hitchens’ accusation that ‘religion poisons everything’. But could he
have had a point?
THE STREETS OF WITTENBERG
In Luther’s old stamping ground, an
Australian family discovers that he was a man for all ages.
To subscribe, visit
www.thelutheran.com.au
Subscriptions – 11
issues per year; $40 Australia, $42 New Zealand
Renew is a brand new camp for young
adults aged 18 years and up. 24-26th August @ Longwood Campsite.
Register now www.blueprintministries.org.au/renew/
Maranatha Health
Quiz Night!
Saturday
August 25th, 6:30 for 7pm start @ Endeavour College Mall, 85 Mawson Lakes Boulevard,
Mawson Lakes. Tables of 8 @ $15 per head, payable on the night or via the MH
office. Put your own table together or join someone else's table. African and
medical theme, option to dress for the occasion! BYO drinks and nibbles
(alcohol permitted) and loose change for games and trading table. Tea and
coffee provided. To register contact the MH office on 0449965757 or email contact@maranathahealth.org.au
GOLDEN GROVE AMATEUR FISHING
Any
queries please contact Zimmo on 8289 1212 or Graeme on 0419828091 or by return
email. If you plan to attend please advise as this will assist with planning
for the night.
NEXT EVENT
Port Noarlunga Jetty Fishing –
Sunday 19th August 2012 at 1.00pm
Friends of Lutheran
Archives meeting. Topic: Here by the grace of God: the story of Johann Gottlieb
Christian. Speakers: Janette Lange, David & Ivan Christian. The Christian
family were amongst the very first Lutherans in SA, arriving on Kangaroo Island
in Oct 1837, a year before Kavel’s people. At Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place,
Adelaide, on Monday 20 August at 7.30 pm. Supper. Gold coin donation.
Free Inductive Bible
Study Training Sessions
To study the Bible inductively, you need to follow a simple but proven
method. Leslie Spencer from Precept Ministries Australia will teach us that
method from the book of Jude. Starting on Tuesday 21st August at Sue Hartley's
and running weekly for 4 weeks, each session will last for approx. 1 hour -
from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Anyone wanting more details should speak to Kylie Woithe or Sue
Hartley by Sunday, August 19.
African Ministry Gathering
Good News Lutheran Church - 57 Botting Street, Albert
Park SA 5017
Saturday 11th August 2012 from 11.00am –
5.00pm
Please bring food to share for lunch. Coffee and Tea will be provided
for lunch and for an afternoon break
We are endeavouring to organise activities for the children
CLEAR CONSCIENCE -
courageous living retreat: Top
presenters for Mannum retreat:
Highly regarded US Lutheran Pastor and author Hal Senkbeil will team with
clinical psychologist, lecturer and decorated church work worker Bev Jahnke to
give clear, faithful and informed responses to controversial and cutting edge
issues surrounding our human sexuality, relationships, mission, Christian
living, wholeness and much, much more in order to help us and to equip us to help
others. The Mannum congregation invites you to join them for a refreshingly
insightful, spiritual and uplifting weekend on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of
August. Enjoy a celebration dinner on Saturday evening. Enrolment cost just
$20.00. For more information and enrolment details visit www.mannumlp.org.au or for those not online ph (08) 8569
2863.
Golden Grove
Lutheran Primary School and Fellowship
25th Anniversary on Saturday the 25th
August. All past staff, students and families are invited to join us for a
night of celebration. More details on our website – www.goldengrove.sa.edu.au RSVP
to Elaine 82826001 or baldock.elaine@goldengrove.sa.edu.au
Get
to Know SA Police @ 6.30pm
Monday 13th August at Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church
388 Montague Road, Para Vista 5093
AGM @ 7.30 with Election of New Office Bearers for your
local Neighbourhood Watch Group.
All
are Welcome
Occasional failure is the price of
improvement
Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au
