Is forgiving, forgetting?

 

After the message I preached a couple of weeks back called ‘Breaking free from bitterness’ I had a couple of people comment, “I know with God’s help I will be able to forgive, but I don’t think I can ever forget!” Without even asking I could sense the underlying question in their comments; “If I am unable to forget does that mean I haven’t forgiven them?” This question often comes as a result of a well-known cliché that says, “Forgive and forget!”

 

While the Bible tells us to forgive each other, just as God forgives us in Jesus, does this forgiveness mean we should forget? Now it is easy to conclude that we should forget because when speaking of God’s forgiveness to us, the Bible says, ‘He will remember our sins no more.’ (Hebrews 10:17) Does God remembering our sins no more mean that he forgets them? How can an all-knowing God just forget?

 

Sure an all-powerful God may be able to wipe our sins from his memory but whether he does this or not the most important thing is how God now treats us in regard to those sins he has remembered no more. It means that God will never use our past sins against us. Psalm 103:12 says, "As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins from us." When we forgive someone we are choosing to never use those sins against them again. Forgetting may be the result of forgiveness, but it is never the means of forgiveness.

 

Sometimes forgiving is remembering. If the person who has hurt you has done it ten times in a row forgiving them is a different issue from not letting them do it again. Some people are toxic and dangerous and they are going to abuse, hurt and manipulate again and again. We may need to set up really strong boundaries with that person. We may be able to forgive them but part of dealing with them may mean that we cannot be in the same room with them because of what they have done. Forgiving is not forgetting. It is remembering. We will set them free. We will not have anger or malice but because of what they have done and the ongoing reality that they may do it again, we will need to put in strong boundaries to stop them hurting us again. 

 

Neither does forgiving always mean reconciling. It doesn’t necessarily mean that everything goes back to the way it was before. While forgiveness is crucial for reconciliation, given it takes two to reconcile, you may forgive someone and the relationship may still remain broken.

 

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we are called to do as followers of Jesus. However, let’s not make it harder than it needs to be by placing the impossible expectation on ourselves that if we choose to forgive we will also forget. As hard as it is to forgive, we know that if God calls us to it we can confidently look to him each day to live out our choice to forgive.

 

Pastor Noel

 

This Sunday at Good Shepherd

This week’s message will be ‘Spiritual Consumerism’ as we continue our series ‘The Barriers to Spiritual Growth’ Podcasts of the message are available at www.paravista.org.au

 

Bible Readings: Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23.  Romans 8:5-14

 

 

Kingdom Kids:

This Sunday is our last Kingdom Kids session for the term. We will be looking at the following topics:

·         Baby Zone: I see God’s love at Church (from our Gospel Lights Baby Beginnings resource)

·         Kindy Zone: ‘King David’ 2 Samuel (from our Kids @ Church resource)

·         Kids Zone: ‘God gives victory’  Joshua  (from our Kids @ Church resource)

·         Kool Zone: Service Event - Part 8 of our 8 week discipleship program Raising up Spiritual Champions

 

Kool Zone Service Event THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday 22^nd September, Kool Zone will be serving our community after the 10:30am service by providing morning tea, giving shoulder massages and gifts of encouragement AND they will be doing the dishes. Parents of this age group, please support the group by hanging around after church. There will also be cakes and cards for sale by the Cebu Fundraising team, so sit back with a cuppa and something yummy and enjoy some time to fellowship with other members of the church family.

 

2013 Celebration Service:

We are excited!!! Kingdom Kids will be hosting an all age worship service on Sunday the 1^st December and already plans are being made to pull this event together. We will kick off our preparations on Sunday 20^th October and will spend the entire term rehearsing, learning songs, making costumes and props and so much more in preparation for this special event. Please keep the date free and get ready to be blown away once again by the kids and their incredible creativity and love for Jesus. Please contact Laura Carson if your child is interested in being involved in the drama team that will rehearse during the week during this time.

 

Playgroup:

Our theme for playgroup this term was “God makes growing things”. On Wednesday we ended the term with a bang at our 2013 Twilight Event. We had lots of fun making our own gardens, using clay and things from our real gardens at home, celebrating all the things God makes through fun games and activities. We feasted on all the yummy food provided by Little Lambs Playgroup and the members of our group, and sang and danced with Chris Jaensch, our special guest for the night.  Playgroup will now be on holidays until the start of term 4. Wednesday the 16^th October will be our first week back and the launch of our Christmas program ‘the things we love about Christmas’. 9:30am-11:30am in the church hall. $2 per child or $3 per family. Please bring a piece of fruit to share. All welcome. Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671.

 

 

 Laura Carson - Children and Family Team Leader

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 churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

 

Para Vista Lutheran Women's Fellowship    

Next Meeting on Tuesday 1^st October, 1pm in the church hall

Guest Speaker – Barry Klaer

All Welcome

 

Cebu Fundraising Card and Cupcake Stalls

There will be over 500 new cards for sale including Christmas, male and female birthday, general birthday, verse cards and special birthday cards. Cupcakes will also be available for a gold coin donation.

 

 

Vacancies

 

Aged Care Lay Chaplain

LHI Glynde Residential Care Facility, SA - Full Time 

For further details go to: www.lca.org.au/employment-opportunities.html 

 

Project Manager

Australian Lutheran College is seeking to appoint a Project Manager for up to a twelve month period. Please see Church Notice Board for more details.

 

 

Notice Board

 

 

LCC Quiz Night

Raising funds for Emergency Relief services in the spirit of anti-poverty week!

When: Saturday 12th October 2013, 7:00pm

Where: Pulteney Grammar School (South Terrace, Adelaide)

Registration is per table (max 10 people)

You can register via Michelle Busto mbusto@lccare.org.au or Shaun Harris sharris@lccare.org.au  or phone 08 8269 9300

 

 

“The storms that threaten to destroy us, God will use to strengthen us”

 

 

Laura and I recently went to a Kids R Us conference which completely blew us away! God spoke so clearly to us from the moment we entered the building. We were greeted, welcomed and high fived by a number of kids, who are encouraged to be disciples and leaders through an amazing 'David club' program. This program is based on David from the bible, who was very young but was chosen to be the future King of God's people. He was young and little but God still chose him because he had a big heart for Him and His people! It got us thinking, how can we encourage and mentor the young people in our community to become leaders like David? God can and does use little or young people for big things too!

           

Another key message we heard at this conference was that we never know the effect we have on the spiritual lives of the people around us and the seeds of faith that we plant in them. It might be a shared smile, a helping hand, an encouraging word, a hug; it doesn't matter how small, these are seeds that one day might bloom and open the door to Jesus. While we are here on earth you may never know what seeds you have planted or what God will do with those seeds but keep planting them into everyone you can, especially kids!

 

“It’s like a mustard seed planted in the ground. The mustard seed is one of the smallest seeds on earth. However, when planted, it comes up and becomes taller than all the garden plants. It grows such large branches that birds can nest in its shade.” Mark 4:31-32

 

Some statistics we were given at the conference also completely blew us away. Did you know that the church is only one generation away from extinction? In the 1970s approximately 30% of kids had some connection to a church, by the 1990s this had dropped to approximately 3.3% and in 2011 only 1.7% of kids had anything to do with a church!!! Can you believe this, the church is LITERALLY just ONE GENERATION AWAY FROM EXTINCTION!!!! Not just our church, but THE church!! Take a moment to think about that, what amazing things do you experience through your church, your faith and your relationship with Jesus??

 

I for one have experienced a purpose for my life, a hope and fulfilment that can only come from my faith in God, some amazing spiritual growth through my small group, bible study group, working with kids and church, as well as making some great connections and friendships, and experiencing a sense of community through things like Playgroup, Women@PV events, Kingdom Kids and church functions. Now think, what would happen if the next generation didn't have all these things? What if YOUR kids or YOUR grand kids did not experience these things or have a church community to go to, a place where they can praise God and develop a relationship with Jesus!?

 

God has put a fire in me that I cannot ignore, He wants me to share this message and challenge people with this information and these questions so we can make sure that THE CHURCH is around for future generations!!

 

So here are some things for you to think about.......What are you or can you do to help plant seeds of faith in others? What are we doing as a community to value and encourage our kids and families to grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus? Both on Sundays and throughout the week? How can we do this better?

 

“Tell it to your children and your children to their children, and their children to the following generation.” Joel 1:3

 

Beth

This Sunday at Good Shepherd

This week’s message will be ‘The blame game’ as we continue the series ‘The Barriers to Spiritual Growth’. Podcasts of the message are available at www.paravista.org.au

 

Bible Readings: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-13, 21 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-17

 

 

Kingdom Kids:

This Sunday in Kingdom Kids we will be looking at the following topics

·         Baby Zone: I see God’s love at Church (from our Gospel Lights Baby Beginnings resource)

·         Kindy Zone: ‘David and Goliath’ 1 Samuel 17 (from our Kids @ Church resource)

·         Kids Zone: ‘God’s people rebel’  Numbers 13 (from our Kids @ Church resource)

·         Kool Zone: Why do I need other Christians? Part 7 of our 8 week discipleship program Raising up Spiritual Champions

 

Playgroup Twilight Event

Do you usually miss out on coming to playgroup? Here’s your chance! Come along to our 2013 Twilight event on Wednesday 18th September from 5pm-7pm in the Church Hall. Please bring $5 to cover the cost of BBQ meat, bread, drinks and dessert for your family, as well as a salad to share. We will have lots of fun activities as well as music and movement with Chris Jaensch. Kids (and adults if you’re keen) are invited to wear pj’s and bring a favourite teddy. All welcome.

 

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader

 

 

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 churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Cebu Fundraising

Cards stall on 22^nd September after both services. There will also be cupcakes for sale for a gold coin donation.

 

 

 

“What we become is more important than where we are from”

 

 

 

The LORD looks at the heart …

 

This Sunday at Good Shepherd is being heralded as “Disability Awareness Sunday”. What I have learnt is that most persons with a ‘dis’-ability have a ‘different’ ability which enables them to achievements that so called able persons could not achieve.  I think of Nick Vujicic, Kurt Fearnley and even former Endeavour student Matt Cowdry who is the holder of a number of world swimming titles.

 

What does the Word of God have to say of those with disabilities?

 

There are endless scriptures in both the Old and New Testament of those who had disabilities and were used of God for His purpose. Moses had a speech impediment, (Exodus 4:10).  After wrestling with an angel Jacob walked with a limp (Genesis 32:31).  King Saul had depression. (1 Samuel).  When choosing a successor for Saul the LORD said to Samuel “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)

 

The Lord gave these instructions about the deaf and the blind. “You must not insult a deaf person or put some obstacle in front of a blind person that would cause them to trip. Instead, fear your God; I am the Lord”. (Leviticus 19:4)

 

Jesus walked the earth in human form teaching, feeding, touching, healing all kinds of hungry, and hurting people. Jesus showed us that bodies matter. There is nothing about us that is foreign to him. He invites us to join him in this solidarity with all who are oppressed. He said that God’s reign is like a banquet for all people that “the kingdom of God is among you”. He said, “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just." (Luke 14:13-14)

 

“And great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, the maimed, the blind, the dumb, and many others, and they put them at his feet, and he healed them, so that the throng wondered, when they saw the dumb speaking, the maimed whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing”, What was the result? “and they glorified the God of Israel”. (Matthew 15:32-38)

 

This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another”. (Zechariah 7:9)

 

“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). “Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than you. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

 

We are made in God’s image. We are one body. In Christ we are made whole.

 

Barry Klaer

Pastoral Care & Fellowship Team leader

 

This Sunday at Good Shepherd

This week’s message will be ‘Freedom from bitterness’ as we start a new series ‘The Barriers to Spiritual Growth’. Podcasts of the message are available at www.paravista.org.au

 

Bible Readings: Matthew 18:21-35; Ephesians 4:25-27; 31-32

 

 

Kingdom Kids:

This Sunday in Kingdom we will be looking at the following topics

·         Baby Zone: I see God’s love at Church

·         Kindy Zone: ‘The Lord, my shepherd’ Psalm 23; 95:7

·         Kids Zone: ‘God is all–powerful’ Exodus 5-11

·         Kool Zone: ‘Girl Boy Chats: Where do I go for answers?’  With members of our Ignite Youth Team and Young Adult community.

2013 Father’s Day Celebration: The Good Shepherd and the Lost Sheep. Last Sunday close to 100 kids and their families met in the school for our annual Father’s Day celebration. This year’s opening drama and stations were based around Psalm 23 and the story of the Good Shepherd and the lost sheep. It was a fantastic morning! Thank you to everyone who helped to make the event the success that it was. Praise be to God for the way He pulled it all together! Please check out our display in the church foyer over the next few weeks.

 

Playgroup:

Our theme for playgroup this term is “God makes growing things” and this week we learnt about Mini Beasts. Next week our theme will be Growing Up Tall and we’d like to invite you to join us. Come along between 9:30am and 11:30am in the Church Hall.

All welcome.

 

$2 per child or $3 for a family (please being a piece of fruit to share).

Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671.

 

Playgroup Twilight Event

Do you usually miss out on coming to playgroup? Here’s your chance! Come along to our 2013 Twilight event on Wednesday 18th September from 5pm-7pm in the Church Hall. Please bring $5 to cover the cost of BBQ meat, bread, drinks and dessert for your family, as well as a salad to share. We will have lots of fun activities as well as music and movement with Chris Jaensch.
All welcome.

 

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

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 churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

International Students Serve at the Monday Night Meet, Greet & Eat

The Monday Night Soup Kitchen has had a change of name! Now known as the Monday Night Meet, Greet & Eat we have been blessed by new folk coming to join in with the food, fun and fellowship. As well, I thank the Lord for those from our church family who come to assist and also provide food.

 

Recently Coral Laube hosted Japanese student Saki Okuyama. Saki became a very willing participant in serving at the Soup Nights. More recently Coral hosted Doo-Yeong KIM who came from Doonkook University in South Korea. He too assisted by serving in the kitchen and spending time with the regulars. Currently Coral is hosting Akiko Maeno who comes from Okayama University in Japan. Akiko too has been helping in the kitchen and serving the regulars. Akiko has also been attending worship with Coral, her English is quite good so say hello to her and make her welcome.

 

 

 

And from Germany, exchange student Paula Seyerlein is being hosted by Steve, Di, Lucy and Oliver Paech. Paula (5th from the left below) has become a familiar face at Sunday worship and is also a willing worker and tremendous help at the Monday Night Meet, Greet & Eat.

 

 

 

Barry Klaer

Pastoral Care & Fellowship (Hospitality)

 

From the Office

 

Budget

 

 Great News! August was the second month in a row that our Offerings budget was met. During August our Offerings deficit reduced by $244. Thank you for your prayers and support so far. It would be great to meet our Offerings budget for 3 months in a row in September.

 

Notice Board

 

Community Food SA Needs Your Help!

Community Food SA is a low income support food Centre @ Gepps Cross and is in urgent need of Check-out operators. For further details, please contact Morris Clarke on: 8269 3396

The LLL Newsletter - September 2013

Please see the Church Notice Board for the latest edition.

 

 

 

 

“God gives us all we need so we can give to others in their need”