Friday, February 14, 2014

GO AND GROW
We all want to continually grow spiritually. In that I try to a live self-examined life.  As I checked the ‘fruit’
I was well aware that the spiritual fruit in my life was not as it should be – I was becoming exasperated.
I don’t think I’m alone in wanting to ‘display’ wholesome spiritual fruit. I prayed more earnestly. Not a lot changed!

At the recent Lay Workers Convention key note speaker John North opened a lot of ‘aha’ moments for me and others.  John asked, “Does the orange [fruit] tree grunt, grown and perspire while producing fruit?  That’s an easy answer! No, it grows naturally because it is rooted in good soil, is watered regularly, and dead wood and bad fruit (ungodly thoughts and actions) are clipped off and thrown away. So why was I so hung up on ‘trying’ when with the right soil – relationship with God, watering – Word of God,  plus renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2) and upholding Kingdom of God values would bring about Christ like character. Again, another easy answer. It’s nothing to do with me – or you - it’s all about God working in us through the Holy Spirit.

John North unravelled keys for continual spiritual growth in my life by presenting the following questions. These same questions I ask you to ponder and talk about;
·         Am I trying to be at the centre of my universe?
·         Am I looking for ways to get God to bless and anoint my own plans for my life?
·         Or, am I looking to find out His plans for my life?
·         Am I seeking for how I can get what I need out of every relationship?
·         Is my prayer life simply an attempt to get God on my side?


Used and reprinted with permission of John North, Ambassadors for Christ International
Pages 222, 223 Growth Works Leaders Edition Ark House Press Mona Vale Sydney

“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness,
self-control.” Galatians 5:22

The fruit of the spirit is not for us to look good and be seen as ‘godly’ persons. The tree does not grow
fruit for itself. It is the fruit of godly choices and Christlike character that attract both Christians and non-Christians to taste the ‘fruit’ of our lives and be drawn to Christ whose life is flowing through us.
My prayer is for each of you to grow in the maturity and the nature of Christ Jesus through building your relationship in Christ through prayer and reading and meditation on the Word.

 *Growth Works books can be ordered online at www.afci.com.au/resources
or by phoning mobile 0402 209 546                                                                                                                     

Barry Klaer
This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Hope” as we continue the series ‘Our story in God’s story’ 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Ephesians 1:15-23; 1 Peter 3:15


Kingdom Kids
This year Baby Zone will be continuing to use the Gospel Lights Baby Beginnings resource which is a 2 year program with monthly themes that equips leaders and parents/caregivers with the tools to help little ones take their first steps in learning about God. Kindy Zone, Kids Zone and Kool Zone will be continuing with the 2nd year of the kids@church resource - a 3 year Bible-based program for discipling children from 3-12 years.

This Sunday Kingdom Kids will be looking at the following topics:
·      Baby Zone: My Family Loves Me
·      Kindy Zone: Jesus is the light of the world – John 8:12, 12:35-36
·      Kids Zone: Son of God: promised King – John 1:35-51 
·      Kool Zone: I am the bread of life – John 6:1-14


Forms
All families with kids attending Kingdom Kids need to please fill out a Child Registration Form to attend programs this year. It is a green form available on the sign in desk and provides us with important contact details, photographic consent and safety/care information. Please fill one out per family and return to Kathy Liebig or Beth Einthal in person or via our pigeon holes, alternatively you can scan and email them to kathy.liebig@paravista.org.au

Volunteers Needed
We urgently need 2 people to help in Kids Zone and Kool Zone and at least 1 more person to help in Kindy Zone and Baby Zone. Helping involves going out to Kingdom Kids when the children go out and helping the teacher with anything they need support with and helping to keep kids engaged. If you are interested, please write it on your welcome card, email or call, or have a chat with me on Sunday! You are usually only rostered on 2 times a term or whatever you can commit to! Please consider if you can help out!

Kindy Zone Team Leader
A big thank you to Rachel Liebelt who has led Kindy Zone for a number of years and has decided to have a break from this role. We are praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of a passionate and fun team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup
Playgroup is on this Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am. There is free play, a craft activity, fruit time and story/music time. Playgroup is looking for a new coordinator to be part of a great team of people! Please prayerfully consider if this might be you and contact Beth for more information on 8263 5087 or beth.einthal@paravista.org.au

Baby Zone Room
The new Baby Zone room is taking shape and looks amazing! New signs are up and the space is already being used throughout the week! Looking forward to the next steps over this term to help paint, decorate and furnish this new space! It's going to be amazing!! Feel free to pop past and have a look!

Beth Einthal
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.

Monday Night Soup Meet & Greet
Jesus in skin: Through the Monday Night Soup Kitchen we are seeing the fulfilment of our mission statement, “Reaching into the community with the gospel that all may know Jesus and worship Him”. The foundation of this outreach commenced in August 2010 with Barry and Ros O’Donohoe inviting their neighbours to join them for fellowship at the soup night. Owen and Lenna Uebergang did likewise and walked the surrounding streets and dropped invitational flyers into letter boxes.

Why did they do this? Simply because they love and care for those who do not know Jesus! Ros has said, “How can we not share Jesus when we really know all He has done for us”. Lead by Alan Wheeldon, there is now a strong team of people who faithfully serve food and get involved in fellowship with those who attend. The Monday Meet & Greet Team is Jesus in skin to those people.

Late last year Owen and others again walked the nearby streets and posted invitational flyers. New people are attending and new friendships are being forged.

Dear friends, I have seen the Lord’s hand move in amazing ways through the social gospel provision of food. A number of persons have also acknowledged Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
May I respectfully ask you to invite a non-Christian neighbour next door or in your street to the Meet & Greet Monday Night outreach.  You may well be instrumental in shaping their eternal destiny!

Blessings as the love of the Lord flows through you to others.

Barry Klaer

From the Office

Position Vacant - Pastoral Care and Fellowship Team Leader - 20 hours per week
We are seeking someone with a passion to bring the love and acceptance of Jesus through our church to all people as they give leadership to the pastoral care and fellowship ministries of Good Shepherd. This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead through empowerment and trust while accepting accountability for outcomes. The person we are seeking will invest a significant portion of their time in recruiting, equipping, and supporting leaders and teams who will carry out this ministry.

Skills and experience in pastoral care and leading teams are essential for this role. The successful applicant will be accountable to the Senior Pastor and supported by the entire staff team. Remuneration will be according to the Lay Workers Salary Scale Level 2 for accredited Lay Workers or as negotiated in the interview for applicants without accreditation.

A Position Description is available on request from the church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 28th February 2014, are to be submitted to the Chairman:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA 5092


Budget 2014
·         It has been an encouraging start to the year.
·         Offerings in January 2014 showed an improvement of $5,000 from January 2013.
·         Although REG was $1,000 below budget $1,500 more was received than in Jan 2013.
·         If you have not had a chance to amend your REG following last year’s pledge forms, we request that you take action on this.

Your pledge can be fulfilled by using the forms from the rear of church or via this link.
Alternatively deposits can be made via direct debit.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942

SA/NT District Convention
The SA/NT District Convention of Synod will be held at Endeavour College from Friday 2nd May to Sunday 4th May. We are entitled to 5 lay delegates. The congregation will meet all the costs of the delegates. Registrations are required by Monday 10th March to allow the office to process payment for delegates.
If you are interested in attending as a delegate and representing our congregation or would like more information please contact John Dolling.

Work Health and Safety
Members are reminded that under the work health and safety regulations all persons are responsible for working in a safe place. Volunteers who carry out any tasks within the Good Shepherd complex also come under these regulations. Members are requested to report any incident or hazard to the administration manager or office staff as soon as practical. This will assist in preventing possible further injury or aid in follow up action that may be required. 


Kitchen Items
A large number of items are still in the kitchen for give away. If you can make use of any of the items or know someone who could, then please take advantage of this.

Noticeboard

Position Vacant: Senior HR Advisor
An opportunity exists to join a great team in this newly created role. We are looking for an experienced person to provide professional advice, support and guidance across a range of human resource functions. For a Job Description and further details, visit: www.lccare.org.au or contact Wendy Schultz on Email: wschultz@lccare.org.au or phone 08 8269 9333

Applications close Monday 24th February at 5.00pm  

Position Vacant: School Chaplain
Golden Grove Lutheran Primary School is seeking the services of a School Chaplain
The position is for 12 hour per week and detailed Job and Person Specifications can be obtained from the school website – www.goldengrove.sa.edu.au

Applications close at 5.00pm on Friday the 28th February 2014.
Commencement of the position is immediate.

Music coordinator
Holy Trinity, Hampstead needs a Mainly Music coordinator for its Monday and Wednesday mornings programme (7 hours a week).  For further information and to express interest, please contact Dennis Clark on 7423 6323 or denclark@adam.com.au.





  

If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
Whenever you want to talk, He listens.
He can live anywhere in the universe, but he chose your heart.
Face it friend, He is crazy about you!
God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter and sorrow,
Sun without rain.
He did promise strength for the day,
Comfort for the tears and light for the way.


Friday, February 7, 2014

What are you hungering for?

Hunger is a universal feeling. God has designed us to feel hunger so that we eat and nourish our bodies. Without food we would all die. If you are anything like me you probably find it hard to imagine not feeling hunger. I often wished I felt less hunger as that would have some definite benefits for my waistline!

God has not only given us physical hunger but he has also given us a spiritual hunger. Spiritual hunger is not a physical craving but rather deeper yearnings we have such as a need to be loved; a need to feel valued; a desire to make a difference and to know the purpose we are here for. Just as God has given us physical hunger to draw us to food to nourish our bodies, he has also given us spiritual hunger to draw us to him to nourish our souls.

When we are not aware of God we will seek to satisfy this hunger apart from him. We will look to people, possessions, pleasures and other pursuits to satisfy this hunger within us. While it is true that these things can bring some temporary relief, they are more like eating a snack when we are starving hungry. We are left wanting for more.

Jesus made this promise to us. He said, “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” (Matthew 5:6 Message) When we realise these desires within us for love, self-worth and significance are from God and for God, he will satisfy us like the best meal we can ever imagine. The greater we realise our need for God the greater God will bless our desire for him.

Someone once said that there is a God shaped hole in each of us. We can try to stuff all sorts of things in there to fill the hole, but only God can fill it to the full and in a way that will satisfy and won’t leave us craving for more. Do you have a yearning for something more in your life? Do you have a nagging feeling that something is missing? Could that be a spiritual hunger? Could it be a hunger that can only be satisfied by God? Why not seek God out and discover the truth of Jesus’ words for yourself?

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Love” as we start a new series ‘Our story in God’s story’ 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: 1 John 4:7-12, 19  


Our 2014 Kingdom Kids and Baby Zone programs began on Sunday with all zones meeting together in the library for some prayers, worship, faith talk and fun! Baby zone had their first week in their new room!

Kingdom Kids 
We really need at least 8 more people to help in Kingdom Kids and help grow our kids in their faith. You would be most welcome to serve in Baby Zone, Kindy Zone, Kids Zone or Kool Zone! We need at least two volunteers in each zone, but urgently need someone to help in Kids Zone!  If you are interested, please write it on your welcome card, email or call, or have a chat with me on Sunday! You are usually only rostered on 2 times a term or whatever you can commit to!


Kindy Zone Team Leader
A big thank you to Rachel Liebelt who has led Kindy Zone for a number of years and has decided to have a break from this role. We are praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of a passionate and fun team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat! 

Playgroup
Playgroup started again on Wednesday 5th of February. I have finished up as coordinator as I take on the Team Leader role here at Good Shepherd.  Playgroup is now looking for a new coordinator to be part of a great team of people! Please prayerfully consider if this might be you and contact Beth Einthal for more info on 8263 5087 or beth.einthal@paravista.org.au .

Baby Zone Room
The new Baby Zone room is taking shape and looks amazing! Looking forward to the next steps over this term to help paint, decorate and furnish this new space! It's going to be amazing!! Feel free to pop past and have a look! 

Beth Einthal
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.

Position Vacant - Pastoral Care and Fellowship Team Leader - 20 hours per week
We are seeking someone with a passion to bring the love and acceptance of Jesus through our church to all people as they give leadership to the pastoral care and fellowship ministries of Good Shepherd. This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead through empowerment and trust while accepting accountability for outcomes. The person we are seeking will invest a significant portion of their time in recruiting, equipping, and supporting leaders and teams who will carry out this ministry.

Skills and experience in pastoral care and leading teams are essential for this role. The successful applicant will be accountable to the Senior Pastor and supported by the entire staff team.

Remuneration will be according to the Lay Workers Salary Scale Level 2 for accredited Lay Workers or as negotiated in the interview for applicants without accreditation.

A Position Description is available on request from the church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 28th February 2014, are to be submitted to the Chairman:
John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306
Modbury North SA 5092

GSPV Small Group Launch 2014 - Sunday 9th February
Our theme: Our story in God’s story - Love.  God’s love is always other-centred.  Likewise, small groups provide opportunities to love one another. 

Flyers will be available for people to register interest in trying out a small group. There will be a prayer of blessing for small group leaders and co-leaders, as well as committing the small group ministries of our congregation to God’s grace and guidance. 

If you’re part of a small group and haven’t yet caught up this year, let me encourage you to set a date, time and place to come together soon!

Pr Rolly Stahl

From the Office

SA/NT District Convention
The SA/NT District Convention of Synod will be held at Endeavour College from Friday 2nd May to Sunday 4th May. We are entitled to 5 lay delegates. The congregation will meet all the costs of the delegates. Registrations are required by Monday 10th March to allow the office to process payment for delegates.
If you are interested in attending as a delegate and representing our congregation or would like more information please contact John Dolling.

New Baby zone
The Baby Zone is now situated where the library used to be. The library is now in the Education Centre in the hall. You can enter the library via the steps at the left hand side of the hall.
New signs were installed this week to clearly indicate where all the relocated areas are.

Noticeboard

Lutheran Community Care - Special Request for Greeting Cards
Alternative Care Services is in need of unused greeting cards with envelopes to acknowledge special moments for children and young adults in family-based foster care. Cards are also needed to acknowledge the foster carers and family members who provide support and care. We are collecting a wide range of unused cards that include generic and age specific birthday cards for girls, boys, teenagers, adult men and women; thank you cards; bereavement cards; thinking of you cards and much more. 

If you are able to make a donation, cards can be sent to:
Alternative Care Services
PO Box 2137
North Magill SA 5072

or contact Tina on 8337 8787 to arrange a drop off time to the office located at the Glynde Lutheran Church. Thank you for your continued support of Lutheran Community Care.


SENIOR HR ADVISOR
An opportunity exists to join a great team in this newly created role. We are looking for an experienced person to provide professional advice, support and guidance across a range of human resource functions.

For a Job Description and further details:
or contact Wendy Schultz
Tel: 08 8269 9333

Applications close Monday 24 February at 5.00pm  




  
 “God’s hand of discipline is a hand of love”