Shaped through perseverance

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week we continue our sermon series for Lent called ‘Shaped by the cross.’ When we place our faith in Jesus and accept what he gives us because of his death on the cross, everything changes. Romans 5:1 says, ‘Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ On the cross Jesus made peace with God for us.

Knowing we have peace with God profoundly changes the way we approach suffering in our lives. This week under the theme of ‘Shaped through perseverance’ we will look at how the cross enables us to not only persevere in our suffering, but also rejoice in our suffering. We hope you can join us.

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 1:3-8

A small change to the Weekly News
From now on there will be no short devotional article at the beginning of the Weekly News. These articles do take considerable time to write. Given the huge number of excellent devotional resources that are already available on the web, producing more and essentially duplicating what already exists is not a good use of our time. We hope you understand this decision.

In future our Weekly News will begin with a quick overview of what is happening on the coming Sunday. We will also be encouraging ministry teams to share short highlights from events they run as a way to celebrate what God is doing among us.

We would love your input
Currently we are conducting a survey to help the church leadership better understand the results from the National Church Life Survey we conducted last year. You can complete the survey online any time by clicking on this link- https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GSPV0215. The survey can be accessed on iPads and smartphones. It may take a few seconds to load but is easily completed once loaded.

Your answers will provide invaluable information to help us better lead Good Shepherd into the mission God has given us. We appreciate the gift of your time to do this.

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.

Kingdom Kids
Kool Zone kids enjoyed their session on Sunday with their new teacher Kym Liebig. Kym brought in “The Faithdial” to illustrate the story of Gideon and his faith in God. Kym also shared his experience in intensive care with a brain aneurism and how his faith helped him during that time.

There will be no Kool Zone this Sunday 1 March as we will be staying in the service to witness a couple of our junior assistants being confirmed.

The Children and Family Ministry team met on Sunday morning to discuss the term ahead. Our next event is on Palm Sunday 29 March at the 10.30am service.

Reminder: Child Safe training will be available for three consecutive Tuesday evenings: 17, 24, and 31 March - 7:30-9:30pm here at Good Shepherd. This is a great opportunity to get trained up. You only have to do it once!  All parents are encouraged to attend! Training is also available on Sunday 15 March at the LCA District Office North Adelaide from noon – 6.30pm. Please advise if you can attend and I will register you.

Faith at Home
Last Sunday Pastor Rolly launched a Taking Faith Home resource. This Sunday we will have available a booklet that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings. Pick up a copy at the Kingdom Kids sign-In desk, in the parenting room or from the children’s activity folders.

If you hadn’t already noticed - Lent has begun! Lent calendars and Lent activity sheets are available in the parenting room, at the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk and in the children’s activity folders. There are also ideas for a Lent Wreath and Prayer Jar at the sign-in desk and in the parenting room.

Playgroup
Playgroup is on again Wednesday. Come along straight after dropping of your children at school for a morning of pre-school fun, coffee and a chat!

Building Lasting Faith in Children and Teenagers
Saturday 7 March, 2015 9.30am-3.30pm at Clovercrest Baptist Church. This is a unique and informative event for parents, pastors, key leaders and volunteers. Australia’s young people are leaving the church… and not returning. Dr Dave Overholt and his daughter Karra will explore and unpack these two questions, and equip us with tools to make changes for a positive future.
Registrations close Tuesday 3 March.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Para Vista Women’s Fellowship
Next meeting on Tuesday 3 March, 1.00pm in the Church hall. Featuring Margie’s March Quiz.
Bible study: Pastor Noel Kluge and Devotion: Ragna Gaard. All Welcome.

Bible Study Fellowship
Did you know that each Tuesday morning a group of about 60 women meet in our church? We come from all denominations and grow in our faith by studying God’s word together. This year we are exploring the life of Moses. We meet from 9.40 – 11.30am. Babies and pre-schoolers are also welcomed. Contact Sonia Hulme for more details on 7122 2903.

Pigeon Holes
The pigeon holes have been re-calibrated this week. Please check out where yours has moved to and remember to check and empty your pigeon hole each week.
Thankyou!

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Prices Bakery Hillcrest, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse.

Vacancies

Pastoral Care Workers (Previously known as “School Chaplains”)
Ingle Farm East PS and Para Hills Schools
Schools Ministry Group along with Salisbury Hills Inter-Church Network are seeking applications for 8 to 9 hour per week positions, commencing Term 2, 2015.
These positions exist to offer support to students, staff and the school community.
A Job and Person Specification, including details on “How to Apply”, is available from Schools Ministry Group on 8378 6800 or mail@smg.asn.au  Closing dates:  Friday 6 March, 4 pm

For details about the next Information Session on Tuesday 17 February go to:  www.smg.asn.au

Noticeboard

Beyond the Promise
Beyond the Promises is a teaching ministry that aims to bring Christians from a variety of communities and congregations together for a series of evening sessions. More information can be found in the Information rack and details will also be announced during Sunday service.

Lutheran Community Care - Loaves & Fishes
This month we invite you to replenish our Emergency Relief shelves with:
Coffee, Pasta Sauce, Razors and Sanitary Pads
Thank you for helping us help others. Your LCC representative will ensure we receive your donation.

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved”

Acts 16:31

Shaped by forgiveness

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week we start a new series for Lent called ‘Shaped by the cross.’ When we place our faith in Jesus and accept what he gives us because of his death on the cross, everything changes. God makes us into new people. In this new series we look at how the cross of Jesus shapes who we are and the way we view the events in our lives.

We begin this Sunday by looking at how the forgiveness Jesus paid for on the cross shapes us into new people. We hope you can join us.

Bible Reading: Romans 5:6-10

A small change to the Weekly News
From now on there will be no short devotional article at the beginning of the Weekly News. These articles do take considerable time to write. Given the huge number of excellent devotional resources already available on the web, producing more and essentially duplicating what already exists is not a good use of our time. We hope you understand this decision.

In future our Weekly News will begin with a quick overview of what is happening on the coming Sunday. We will also be encouraging ministry teams to share short highlights from events they run as a way to celebrate what God is doing among us.

We would love your input
Currently we are conducting a survey to help the church leadership better understand the results from the National Church Life Survey we conducted last year. You may have already participated in the survey after service last Sunday. For those of you who missed out there will be another opportunity to complete the survey this Sunday.

Alternatively you can complete the survey online any time by clicking on this link- https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GSPV0215  The survey can be accessed on iPads and smartphones. It may take a few seconds to load but is easily completed once loaded.

All the written surveys will be entered into the online survey so you will be saving us time by completing it online. Your answers will provide invaluable information to help us better lead Good Shepherd into the mission God has given us. We appreciate the gift of your time to do this.


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.

Kingdom Kids
Praise God – we have four people who have stepped forward to help out in Kool Zone once per term. God obviously desires this zone to continue! We still need more adult helpers but this is a great start. Sixteen children attended Kool Zone last Sunday – not including junior assistants who are to be included under our care. So we still need three Child Safe trained adults per Sunday.

Child Safe training will be available for three consecutive Tuesday evenings: March 17, 24, and 31 - 7:30-9:30pm here at Good Shepherd. This is a great opportunity to get trained up. You only have to do it once! All parents are encouraged to attend!

Training is also available on Sunday 15th March at the LCA District Office North Adelaide from noon – 6.30pm. Please advise if you can attend and I will register you.

Reminder: Children and Family Ministry Team Meeting this Sunday 22 March at 9.30am in the Education Centre/Library. All teachers, helpers and junior assistants are encouraged to attend.

Faith at Home
This Sunday we will be launching a Taking Faith Home resource. Have you been using your Faith 5 cards that were included in the Advent bags last year? If you didn’t receive one, there are Faith 5 bookmarks available at the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk and in the parenting room.

The Taking Faith Home booklet that we will be making available contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings. It is an easy way to get started reading your Bible as a family. Don’t worry if you miss the occasional reading. Do it when you can so that you’re being exposed to God’s Word and what He’s saying to you.

On Sunday the sheet being made available includes readings for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Future booklets will include readings for the whole month. Sunday’s sheet will be handed out as you leave. It will also be available at the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk and inserted into the children’s activity folders. Lent has begun! Lent calendars and Lent activity sheets are available in the parenting room, at the Kingdom Kids sign-in-desk and in the children’s activity folders.

Playgroup
Last week a group of ladies met to discuss the year ahead. Four ladies were in attendance and a plan was hatched for term 1. Watch this space!

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Para Vista Women’s Fellowship
Next meeting on Tuesday 3rd March, 1.00pm in the Church hall Featuring Margie’s March Quiz
Bible study: Pastor Noel Kluge and Devotion: Ragna Gaard. All Welcome

Bible Study Fellowship
Did you know that each Tuesday morning a group of about 60 women meet in our church? We come from all denominations and grow in our faith by studying God’s word together. This year we are exploring the life of Moses. We meet from 9.40 – 11.30am. Babies and Pre-schoolers are also welcomed. Contact Sonia Hulme for more details on 7122 2903. 

From the Office

Notes from the Board
At the Half Yearly meeting in November there was no nomination for Congregational secretary. Enid Sutton has volunteered to fill this position. Her offer was gratefully accepted by the Board and we welcome her on board.

Notes from February Board meeting

• The Board is investigating the feasibility of putting in place a procedure to respond to natural disasters such as the recent bushfires.
• The Board is planning to undertake a review of all our facilities to work out what modifications need to be made so they better support our mission. When completed an interim report will be presented to the congregation for discussion.
• Next year the congregation celebrates its 50th year. We are looking for people who would be interested being involved in planning our celebration. If interested contact John Dolling or put 50th anniversary on your connect card.
• Preliminary discussions were held re some of the issues to be discussed at Synod later this year.

Ordination of women
Currently the Lutheran Church of Australia ordains only men as pastors. Over the last twenty years, the issue of whether scripture prohibits the ordination of women has been discussed and voted on at our General Synod without a change in our current position.

At the 2013 General Synod it became apparent that this issue needed further discussion and consideration. Between now and our next General Synod in October the issue of the ordination of women is open for discussion and there is a possibility that the Lutheran Church of Australia’s current position may change after this.

To help us think through this issue from both sides, the Lutheran Church has developed a website of resources to facilitate the conversation about women’s ordination. We encourage you to take some time to look at these resources and participate in the conversation. There are some suggestions on how to do this in the resources. You can access these by clicking on this link: http://owl.lca.org.au/

If you have any questions regarding this issue feel free to speak to one of the pastors. At this point in time we are not planning to host a local dialogue on the issue. If you are in a small group and would like to discuss this issue, why not use the ‘local dialogue’ resource on the website to facilitate a small group study? 

Meet ‘N’ Eat
The Monday night Meet 'N' Eat ministry continues its growth in 2015. At this week’s meeting we were blessed to have 62 guests attend which created a wonderful atmosphere. Our team of volunteers continues to welcome and work with these people from our community.

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Prices Bakery Hillcrest, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

Used postage stamps
Thanks to everyone who have donated their used stamps (and placed them in the “Stamps for Missions” boxes underneath the pigeon holes.) Many people have been involved in cleaning and distributing these stamps since the inception of the program in 1938. To date more than $378,000 has been raised for mission projects. The 2014 contribution was $13,223.

Projects for 2015 are five different mission areas in South East Asia and for a Bible translator working in PNG. There is a poster on the notice board with further information about these projects.

Thank you for your effort and please keep on bringing in your used stamps.

Vacancies

Pastoral Care Workers (Previously known as “School Chaplains”)
Ingle Farm East PS and Para Hills Schools
Schools Ministry Group along with Salisbury Hills Inter-Church Network are seeking applications for 8 to 9 hour per week positions, commencing Term 2, 2015.
These positions exist to offer support to students, staff and the school community.
A Job and Person Specification, including details on “How to Apply”, is available from Schools Ministry Group on 8378 6800 or mail@smg.asn.au  Closing dates:  Friday 6th March, 4 pm

For details about the next Information Session on Tuesday 17th February go to:  www.smg.asn.au

Noticeboard

Beyond the Promise
Beyond the Promises is a teaching ministry that aims to bring Christians from a variety of communities and congregations together for a series of evening sessions. More information can be found in the Information rack and details will also be announced during Sunday service.

“In the beginning was the Word,

and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God.”

John 1:1 ESV

I am overwhelmed

How do we engage with God in the busy and mundane parts of life?

Right now, I am overwhelmed. Writing this article is just another thing to add to my ever growing to-do list this week. The calm of the holiday period has well and truly vanished and the busy and mundane has definitely kicked back in. If I am honest, the last thing I feel like doing is trying to come up with something clever and inspirational to say.

The last week has felt like a never ending stream of stressful moments. I wonder if you ever feel the same way? Your stressors might be different to mine but I would wager that the resulting overwhelming feelings are probably pretty similar. I find when I am stressed that it is really easy to push God out and rely on my own ability to get tasks done. Yet I know there must be a better way, a way to engage with God even amidst this craziness.

Jesus said “You’re tied down to the mundane; I’m in touch with what is beyond your horizons. You live in terms of what you see and touch. I’m living on other terms. I told you that you were missing God in all this.” (John 8:23 MSG)

In telling us that we are “missing God” because we are tied down to the mundane, Jesus is giving us the answer to engaging with God in the busy and mundane- choose to notice God in your life. Your situation may not change but your perspective on it sure can. Find space in your busy schedule to stop and actively choose to see God at work. If we don’t choose to look for him in the mundane we will miss him.

I have snapped a few times in the last week when I have been so overwhelmed, said things I shouldn’t have and reacted badly. It’s moments like that where I am thankful that God’s grace meets me where I’m at. I’m thankful God doesn’t expect me to pick myself back up and do better before he will love me. We don’t try and find God in the everyday for him to love us more, we seek him so we can love him more and accept his love and grace.

To close I would like to share the words of Matt Redman: “it’s there in the everyday and the mundane…. Your grace finds me.”

Sophie G.

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Learning to listen” as we continue the series “Dare to care”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au  Coming soon to the new website
Bible Readings: Mark 5:24b-34 

Kingdom Kids is in full swing for 2015!  We will all meet out in the courtyard first and then zones will meet in the following places:-

• Kool Zone in the Education Centre
• Kids Zone in Mrs Lunnay’s classroom
• Kindy Zone in Mrs Kluge’s classroom

We look forward to what God will teach us this Sunday.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup is also in full swing for 2015!  The church hall is open from 9am so why not head straight over after seeing off your children at school.  If the main door to the car park is not open, enter through the church office.  (I think there might even be pancakes happening next week?!)

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

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.

Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday 18th February 7.30 pm including imposition of ashes and Holy Communion

From the Office

Budget 2014
November 2014
Total Offering - Budget $46,150        Actual $44,875. DEFICIT $1,275

December 2014
Total Offering - Budget $48,750        Actual $42,683. DEFICIT $6,067

January thru December 2014
Total Offering - Budget $537,000    Actual $506,249. DEFICIT $30,751

January thru November 2014 – Total Income & Expenses
Total Income - Budget $510,413        Actual $488,410. SHORTFALL $22,003
Total Expenses - Budget $510,829    Actual $489,412. SHORTFALL $21,417

Notes to report

• Offerings in November were just under budget.
• December was significantly under budget.  The last Sunday in Dec was $2,000 below a normal Sunday plate offering and REG was also $2,000 below budget, however the highest offering since August.
• Christmas Offerings was slightly down on previous years.
• Final offering for 2014 was $3,085 above 2013 figure and shows how the uplift in early 2014 was not maintained during the year.
• Expenses in October and November were generally in line with budget.

Gardening
The gardens at our facility are low maintenance and require very little to maintain.  I am requesting assistance from a member/family who is willing to spend an hour a month at their leisure to maintain one small garden section to help keep our facility looking great. Please mark your connect card with garden help or contact Stephen on 8263 5087 or szanker@paravista.org.au

Parking Notice
The school are upgrading the library area.  A transportable site office for the contractors working on this project over the next term will be placed over a number of carparks between The Hut and the welfare bin.  Please also be aware of the council’s Sunday parking restrictions on Montague Road near the church entrance.

Surplus to requirement
Now that we have a new LED sign, all the lettering from the old sign is surplus to requirements.  If anyone can make use of the lettering or know of someone who could, please contact Stephen, szanker@paravista.org.au the office on 8263 5087 or mark ‘lettering’ on your connect card.

Vacancies
Please see Noticeboard for more details

Employment opportunity - LLL
The Lutheran Laypeople’s League (LLL) is seeking a full-time Risk & Compliance Manager. Refer to the notice board for more information. Applications close 27th February 2015

Client Services Assistants – Lutheran Disability Services
Two positions are available within the Marion and Hillcrest communities. The role is a permanent position with hours being negotiable, but does require availability over a 7 day roster with occasional sleepovers involved.

If you are interested in working in a supportive Christian environment and contributing to a highly motivated team, for further details and a Position Description contact Lutheran Disability Services at 8212 7766 or email jobs@ldssa.org.au

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Prices Bakery Hillcrest, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

Beyond the Promise
Beyond the Promises is a teaching ministry that aims to bring Christians from a variety of communities and congregations together for a series of evening sessions. More information can be found in the Information rack and details will also be announced during Sunday service.

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;

the godly run to him and are safe”

Proverbs 18:10

Passing on the Faith

How do you pass on the faith to your family? Do you read the Bible with them? Take them along to church to worship God? Pray with them? Talk with them about Jesus?

Over the years as I've raised my children and prayed for my husband, God has revealed to me that I can't pass on the faith by myself. I can do all the above but I also need to call on the Holy Spirit to be at work in the hearts of those I love. Only the Holy Spirit can draw people to Jesus.  I can't.

It is so good knowing this. It means I can stop focusing on myself and my own inadequacies and instead be at peace and let the Holy Spirit do the work.

Being persistent in prayer for my loved ones is what God wants me to do instead of trying to do it myself.  "..The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16b
So I pray now for my loved ones - persistently! Especially as my children grow older and become more independent! And I hold on to God's promise.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.
2 Peter 3:9

Kathy L.

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Caring is for everyone” as we start a new series “Dare to care”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Luke 10:25-37; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 24b-26


Our new website
is up and running! Make sure you take some time to get familiar with it. Please note that the weekly message and news and events are coming soon! http://www.paravista.org.au/

Thank you to all of our lovely volunteers who keep this ministry running. I will be keeping Beth’s seat warm for the next few months while she takes maternity leave. I’m looking forward to seeing where God leads this ministry in the months ahead. We are also keen to have as many adults Child Safe trained as possible to help keep this ministry running.

Child Safe Training
A Professional Standards training course will be held at the LCA District Office on Sunday 15th March at 12 noon til 6.30pm. If you can attend, please let me know kliebig@paravista.org.au and I will forward them your details.

Little Lambs Playgroup
What a great start to the year!  It was great to see so many families attending Playgroup on Wednesday. Little Lambs Playgroup is run on Wednesday mornings from 9.30am-11.30am during school terms in the church hall. Next week, Wednesday 11th February, we will be meeting to plan for the year ahead. If you are interested in being involved, please come along to Playgroup and then stay for a short meeting at 11.30am. In the meantime, if you have any ideas or comments to share please give me a call on 8263 5087 or email me at kliebig@paravista.org.au.

Kingdom Kids ‘Powers Up’ again this Sunday 8th February at the 10.30am service. A combined zones event featuring Chris Jaensch, who will provide us with worship music to praise God. We will be watching the Kingdom Kids’ Christmas Celebration service performance from last year! Come and join us – we’d love to see you there!

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

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.
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Noticeboard

Lutheran Community Care
Last chance to get your stronger relationships voucher - The Australian Government will be ceasing the Stronger Relationships Trial as of midnight on Sunday, 8 February. Couples who register for a $200 voucher prior to midnight can use it for a Lutheran Community Care counselling session or relationship course until the end of June.
To learn more or register for a voucher visit www.dss.gov.au/strongerrelationships

Upcoming Lutheran Community Care courses include:
Preparing for Marriage
Saturday, 14 March from 9.00am-5.00pm at Sfera's Convention Centre, Modbury
Free with a Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes morning tea and lunch

Time for Us
Saturday, 21 March from 10.00am-5.00pm at Barossa Weintal Hotel, Tanunda. $165 per couple plus a $200 Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes one night's accommodation at the Barossa Weintal Hotel with dinner and breakfast provided.

For more information or to register for an above course, visit www.lccare.org.au 

Lenten Appeal - Help us light 1,500 Candles before Easter
At Lutheran Community Care our staff walk daily with people through their dark times, reflecting the light of Christ and supporting them to one day be a light for others. As we enter the season of Lent we are asking our supporters, congregations and schools to help us reach our goal of lighting 1,500 candles to lighten the load of 1,500 people before Easter.

We invite you to think of ways you could help support the community work of LCC and ask that you join us in prayer during the 40 days of Lent. A daily prayer calendar is available to download on the LCC website www.lccare.org.au or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/LutheranCommunityCare to receive the daily prayer requests in your News Feed.

You can help to light the darkness in someone's life and give them hope as they learn to be a light for others. Visit our website at www.lccare.org.au or telephone 08 8269 9333 to make a donation that will make a real difference.

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Prices Bakery Hillcrest, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

LCA Yearbook
LCA Yearbook now available from church office. Cost $20

No Compromise – The Music of Keith Green
Saturday 28th February, 2015 @ 7.00pm. Café open from 6.00pm. Gospel music lovers of the 70’s & 80’s rejoice – the man who wrote many of the big gospel hits of the era.
Featuring a full band and string section.
St Michael’s Lutheran Church, 3 Balhannah Rd, Hahndorf.
Bookings via www.stmichaels.com.au and follow the link

Vacancies
Please see Noticeboard for more details

Part-time position (0.4 fte)
Cross-cultural outreach and ministry coordinator at Glynde Lutheran Church
Job Description and enquiries to Helene Schulz, Chairperson. Visit www.glyndechurch.org or Tel: 0407 112 034 or Email: schulzkhr@bigpond.com
Applications close 5.00pm Friday, 20th February 2015

Employment opportunity - LLL
The Lutheran Laypeople’s League (LLL) is seeking a full-time Risk & Compliance Manager. Refer to the notice board for more information.
Applications close 27th February 2015

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.”

Psalm 106:1

Faith in your home

Did you know that parents are the single greatest influence on their children’s faith, with grandparents coming in a close second? One of the most important things for you to do is to be continually growing in your own relationship with God. Here are some ideas to help you keep growing with God:

• Read the Bible regularly
• Worship and be a part of a faith community
• Participate in a small group/bible study
• Pray
• Serve or volunteer at church or in the wider community
• Listen to or sing worship music
• Be involved in a mentor/mentee relationship
• Talk about Jesus and your faith with your children and others.

Parents (and in fact anyone) who participates in these practices regularly will find them helpful to build their own faith as well as model their faith to their children! It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family!

God’s desire is that our faith is more than just coming to church on Sunday, He desires our faith to be something living and active that is discussed and shared in daily life. Here are some ideas on how to have ‘Faith Talk’ in your home and with others:

• Share your ‘highs and lows’ each day and pray about them.
• Share your daily ‘God sightings’ or ‘God moments’.
• Share about what your faith in Christ means to you.
• Talk together about how God’s Word applies to issues that arise in your lives.
• Look for the many ‘unscripted’ opportunities that arise.

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”  Deuteronomy 11: 18-21

God bless,
Beth E.

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “The necessity of prayer”
as we continue the series “The Lord’s Prayer”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Matthew 6:9-13, James 1:12-15

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 Mission Fundraising Team News
The Fundraising Team would like to thank all the members of Good Shepherd Para Vista for their support of our events in 2014. We had a great year, raising the wonderful amount of $7000. The mission was able to put this money towards several different projects at the school, church and clinic at Inayawan, in Cebu. They thank you all very sincerely. We pray that you will support our events again this year.

Our Major Fundraiser for 2015 will be held on Saturday 20th June, so please mark your calendar and watch this space for more details. Our Plant Stalls will be held on Sundays 4th and 11th October.

We are possibly losing a member from our Team, so we need a couple more people to come and join us. If you would like to join us, please contact Joan on 8262 7429 or put CEBU on the Connect Card in service and your details will be forwarded on to the Team.

Our first event for 2015 will be a Pancake Day on Sunday 15th February. Freshly cooked pancakes with maple syrup or sugar and lemon juice will be available for $1 each, after both services.
Joan McCarthy - Team Leader

Welcome to PVLW Fellowship for 2015
The executive committee looks forward to meeting you all on Tuesday, 3rd February at 12noon in the Church Hall for our first meeting. Please bring your sandwich, wrap or salad as we share each other’s greetings and news from over the last two months. Fruit platters will be supplied by the committee and tea and coffee will be provided also.

After our meal the program planned for this 2015 year will be presented for your approval. We will also be circulating a program on which you can volunteer to lead closing devotion, host afternoon tea and help on the trading table. We are so very grateful for your willingness to help.  Hope to see you on the 3rd FEBRUARY. Check your pigeon holes, too.

From the office

Gardening
The gardens at our facility are low maintenance and require very little to maintain. I am requesting assistance from a member/family who is willing to spend an hour a month at their leisure to maintain one small garden section to help keep our facility looking great. Please
mark your connect card with garden help or contact Stephen on szanker@paravista.org.au or 8263 5087.

Parking Notice
The school are upgrading the library area. A transportable site office will be placed over a number of carparks between the Hut and the welfare bin for the contractors working on this project over the next term. Please also be aware of the parking restrictions on a Sunday morning near the Montague Road entrance.

LCA Yearbook
LCA Yearbook now available from church office. Cost $20

2015 Small Group Launch - ‘Caring is for Everyone’
Sunday 8th February at both services

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Bakers Delight, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

Happy New Year from all the Grassroots Training team!
Our February workshops are nearly here and it's not too late to register!
These workshops are open to all members, whether for personal interest or professional development. All workshops are being held at Australian Lutheran College, North Adelaide.

Workshops available:
Toolkit for Ministry: 9 and 10 February and Building Healthy Relationships: 11 and 12 February
Further details can be found on our Grassroots Training website www.grassroots.edu.au or by contacting our friendly team on 1800 625 193 or grassroots@alc.edu.au.

Lutheran Community Care
Preparing for Marriage
Saturday, 14 March from 9.00am-5.00pm at Sfera's Convention Centre, Modbury
Free with a Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes morning tea and lunch

Time for Us
Saturday, 21 March from 10.00am-5.00pm at Barossa Weintal Hotel, Tanunda
$165 per couple plus a $200 Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes one night's accommodation at the Barossa Weintal Hotel with dinner and breakfast provided.
For more information or to register for an above course, visit www.lccare.org.au

Vacancies
Please see Noticeboard for more details

Lutheran Disability Services: Payroll/Rostering Officer – Full Time
(SCHDSC 4 including salary packaging)
Working between the hours of 11.00am - 7.00pm will be required
To obtain a copy of the Job Description or to make a confidential enquiry, phone 8212 7766 or email admin@ldssa.org.au
Applications must be received by 5pm on 8 February 2015.

Part-time position (0.4 fte)
Cross-cultural outreach and ministry coordinator at Glynde Lutheran Church
Job Description and enquiries to Helene Schulz, Chairperson. Visit www.glyndechurch.org or Tel: 0407 112 034 or Email: schulzkhr@bigpond.com
Applications close 5.00pm Friday, 20th February 2015

“You’re here to be light,
bringing out the God-colours in the world”

Matthew 5:15 message

What is our sign pointing to?

It has been exciting to see the new signage go up around the church. The purpose of signage is to provide people with guidance so they can find what they are looking for. Considerable effort was put in to ensure the new signage provided clear directions for people to find what they are looking for.

The new LED sign also provides people with guidance for what they are looking for. However, the destination is a person, not a place. We want the messages on this sign to point people to Jesus. The challenge is that the vast majority of people reading the sign are not actually looking for Jesus. They are unaware that the stirrings in their heart, the restlessness they often feel, are actually a longing for Jesus.

This means our messages need to connect with where people are at and provide them with something to ponder and apply to their lives. Our goal will be to provide our readers with wisdom that is relevant to their everyday lives and at the same time reflect the values of Jesus.

A vast majority of Australians feel that what the church has got to say is irrelevant to them. Our sign provides us with the opportunity to show them otherwise. It is tool to create curiosity in people. “If what they are saying on the sign is helpful, what else might they have to say that could really help me if I took the time to go inside?”

I’ve personally found the sign a talking point with people in our community when they ask which church I work at. It is not uncommon for people to say to me, “You’re the church with the sign. I like reading the messages you put up.” When people appreciate the messages we display, our sign in a small way creates a positive attitude towards our church.

The important thing to remember is that the purpose of our sign is to point people to Jesus. It is still our job to introduce them to Jesus through our message and our actions that reflect his love and acceptance. Our new sign can never do this for us. Rather, it is a tool we use to help us carry out our mission of ‘Reaching into the community with the gospel that all may know Jesus and worship him.’ 

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “The needs of prayer”
as we continue the series “The Lord’s Prayer”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings:Matthew 6:5-14; Hebrews 5:7-9

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.

From the office

Thank you
Thank you to all the members who gave the gift of parking in either the Mattiske car park or on the school oval for the Christmas Eve services and allowing our visitors to park close to the entrance of the church.  Your assistance was appreciated. 

Hall Floor
The hall floor has been resurfaced. I thank you for your assistance in removing any spills straight away and lifting furniture to prevent damage and keep the floor looking great.

Cleaning
Partial cleaning of the carpets in main auditorium has been completed. Our cleaners do a great job of keeping the facility clean.  I would like to request that as a community members would refrain from bringing food items and liquids into the main auditorium area and assist by removing litter when they leave and place them in the bins provided.

Budget 2014
November 2014
Total Offering - Budget $46,150        Actual $44,875. DEFICIT $1,275

December 2014
Total Offering - Budget $48,750        Actual $42,683. DEFICIT $6,067

January thru December 2014
Total Offering - Budget $537,000    Actual $506,249. DEFICIT $30,751

January thru November 2014 – Total Income & Expenses
Total Income - Budget $510,413        Actual $488,410. SHORTFALL $22,003
Total Expenses - Budget $510,829    Actual $489,412. SHORTFALL $21,417

Notes to report

• Offerings in November were just under budget.
• December was significantly under budget.  The last Sunday in Dec was $2,000 below a normal Sunday plate offering and REG was also $2,000 below budget, however the highest offering since August.
• Christmas Offerings was slightly down on previous years.
• Final offering for 2014 was $3,085 above 2013 figure and shows how the uplift in early 2014 was not maintained during the year.
• Expenses in October and November were generally in line with budget.

Maranatha Health 2015
If you are interested in being part of the team please contact Julie Freund or Bronwyn Holliday julie.freund@ljf.com.au or bronwyn.holliday@gspv.sa.edu.au or write on your connect card on Sunday.

Save the date:
We've decided to shake things up a little and are planning a new, exciting Gala event for 2015 - with a new location, a new date, and a new format. This will be held on Friday evening, April 24. More information coming. 

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Bakers Delight, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

Renew
Renew young adults camp is all about young adults renewing their relationship with God and each other. This year we will be looking at Acts 4:13 with some awesome speakers, electives, activities and theme night.

DATE: 13 - 16 February
LOCATION: Dzintari, Normanville
PRICE: $160 regular and $200 late

Regular registration price extended!! Get in before 31st January for a discount rate.
Contact us renew@blueprintministries.org.au or call 8267 5211
Head to www.blueprintministries.org.au for more details and to register

Lutheran Community Care
MAGILL: Toolbox Parenting Group Information Session
Do you have a child aged 6-12? These middle years can be a fun stage but it is also the stage when children start to develop their identity - who they are and what they believe. At a Toolbox Parenting Group our trained facilitators can help you to create a positive family environment during these crucial years. Join us for a free information session where we will give a brief overview of what you can expect at upcoming groups. The session will include morning tea. Children are welcome.

When: Friday, 6 February from 10.30am-11.30am
Where: Magill Primary School, 11 Adelaide Street, Magill
To register for the session visit www.lccare.org.au.

ADELAIDE & Barossa: Upcoming Relationship Courses Under the Stronger Relationships Trial
Lutheran Community Care has several courses coming up as part of the Australian Government's Stronger Relationships Trial.As part of the trial, Australian couples are able to access a $200 voucher for relationship education and counselling sessions. To learn more or register for a voucher simply visit www.dss.gov.au/strongerrelationships.
Preparing for Marriage

• Saturday, 14 March from 9.00am-5.00pm
• Sfera's Convention Centre, Modbury
• Free with a Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes morning tea and lunch

Time for Us

• Saturday, 21 March from 10.00am-5.00pm
• Barossa Weintal Hotel, Tanunda
• $165 per couple plus a $200 Stronger Relationships Voucher, includes one night's accommodation at the Barossa Weintal Hotel with dinner and breakfast provided

For more information or to register for an above course, visit www.lccare.org.au

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you,

do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”

Matthew 7:12

Heirs and Graces

A friend well into his 60’s recently wrote: “I wouldn’t want to be seen dead without Jesus!”

It made me laugh!   It also moved me to reflect on my own mortality – and what God has in store for all who trust and follow Jesus. He saved us… so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. (Titus 3:5-7 NIV)

Because of God’s sheer grace to me in Jesus, I am an heir of eternal life. 
If I were dead, I would be seeing Jesus face to face!
If I were dead, I would have inherited eternal life.

Our inheritance is not something we earn, but a gift bestowed by our Father on his children. As God’s adopted children, we have been brought into the rights and privileges of his natural Son, Jesus. 

The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will one day give life to our mortal bodies.  Along with the rest of God’s family, we will keep celebrating the life that is ours ‘in Christ’! 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you… 
(1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV)

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “The posture of prayer”
as we continue the series “The Lord’s Prayer”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Matthew 7:7-12; Ephesians 3:14-19

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.

Maranatha Health 2015
Dear Friends, thank you for your support over the past 12 months as we have rethought and reshaped Maranatha Health. We are excited to share that Kim, Michael and David flew to Uganda just before New Year to begin Project #2 in Fort Portal, Uganda. We have rented an excellent facility there to establish a clinic which will be focused on providing health support for 0-5year olds. The second part of the vision is to strengthen health care support in other local clinics. Please see www.maranathahealth.org for more detail and for regular updates.

Meanwhile, back at Para Vista we would like to revitalise our Good Shepherd MH fund raising team. We aim to have four Sunday morning events at church to raise greatly needed funds for this new phase. If you are interested in being part of the team to support this MH adventure please contact Julie Freund or Bronwyn Holliday or write on your connect card on Sunday.

julie.freund@ljf.com.au or bronwyn.holliday@gspv.sa.edu.au

Save the date:
We've decided to shake things up a little and are planning a new, exciting Gala event for 2015 - with a new location, a new date, and a new format. This will be held on Friday evening, April 24. More information coming. 

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Bakers Delight, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse. 

Lutheran Community Care
Magill: Child Safe Environments Training
The Child Safe Environments course is designed to help protect young people from all forms of abuse. It helps participants to understand the issues, their obligations and the correct response if abuse is suspected. We offer both the initial course and the 3 hour refresher training.
Initial Training: Friday, 23 January from 9.00am-4.30pm,
The Centre for Learning, 19 Edward Street, Magill, $85, includes a light lunch
Refresher Training: Thursday, 29 January from 9.00am-12.00noon
The Centre for Learning, 19 Edward Street, Magill, $45

Magill: Toolbox Parenting Group Information Session
Do you have a child aged 6-12? These middle years can be a fun stage but it is also the stage when children start to develop their identity - who they are and what they believe. At a Toolbox Parenting Group our trained facilitators can help you to create a positive family environment during these crucial years. Join us for a free information session where we will give a brief overview of what you can expect at upcoming groups. The session will include morning tea. Children are welcome.
When: Friday, 6 February from 10.30am-11.30am
Where: Magill Primary School, 11 Adelaide Street, Magill
To register for the session visit: www.lccare.org.au

"Honor your father and your mother,

so that you may live long

in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

Special Announcement

Donations to help people affected by Adelaide Hills Fire
In response to specific requests, the LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund is receiving donations for the victims and communities of the 2015 Adelaide Hills Fire.

• Credit card payments can be made to LCA Donations and Payments through this link, or to the Adelaide Hills Fire Project on the LCA Donations webpage.
• Cheques may be posted to the LLL, PO Box 45, North Adelaide SA 5006.
• Bank transfer to LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund BSB 704942 Account # 13286S1
• All moneys received will be dispersed from the Fund
• All moneys received will be dispersed through the LCA SA/NT and Lutheran Community Care, SA
• The LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund is approved by the Commissioner of Taxation
• All receipts are tax deductible in Australia

Fire in the Hills – Call to Prayer
Our media have kept us well informed of the fires that have ravaged thousands of hectares of farming and bush land, destroying homes, infrastructure, livestock and pets along the way.

We thank the Lord that no human lives have been lost. We are hearing stories of miracles and grace. People have responded with open hearts to the need of others who have lost so much. Please remember that other needs emerge over time when the immediate danger is past and the enormity of events unfolds.

Lutheran Community Care are coordinating Emergency provision response, also working with Ecumenical Disaster Recovery Ministries. You are encouraged to offer your support through LCC. Please contact Audene Knowles, (LCC Emergency Relief Coordinator) or Robyn Richter (Manager Blair Athol) for assistance in caring for people in your area.

Please pray:

• for peace, comfort and appropriate care for effected people,
• for those who have lost homes and pets and property,
• for those who are fighting the fires,
• for restoration of the land,
• and for those who are providing services and making decisions.

Peace be with you. 
Helen Lockwood (LCC).
Colleen Fitzpatrick (Ecumenical Disaster Recovery Ministries)
Pr Tim Klein (on behalf of Bishop David Altus)

Monday Night Bread Update
The left over bread and other goodies from the Monday night bread run is being well used. It has been taken to the Fire distribution Centre’s at Willaston and Elizabeth and the remainder has been taken to Globe Derby to feed animals.

Trust in God

If you didn’t already know or hadn’t guessed by my rapidly expanding waist line, I am pregnant and due with our second child in March next year. It’s very exciting and an incredible blessing to be growing another little human inside my body (with God’s help of course). I thoroughly enjoy feeling the baby move every day and involving my four year old daughter in the preparations at home.

However, as wonderful and amazing as being pregnant is, it has also been very hard for me at times with ongoing nausea, fatigue and a few other small bumps in the road. This has kept me in bed or rendered me basically helpless with day to day tasks for a number of days/weeks/months. I know many others have much worse pregnancies than me but I will admit that it has definitely been hard. Hard to keep up with my work, my household duties, being a mum, a wife, a sister and a daughter, and hard on my husband who has picked up a lot of the slack.

My husband Aaron has been an AMAZING support but it is God who I have relied on every day to just get me through. He has given me strength and comfort through endless months of nausea all day every day, wisdom to let go of the things that don’t really matter and His unconditional love. To know that God loves me no matter whether I can make it out of bed or not is amazing and comforting. I have felt like a failure so many times when I can’t do everyday tasks but I know and trust that God is growing me and my family through this experience - to rely completely on Him and to keep my focus on Him.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

It is through Jesus that this amazing relationship with God is possible so I look forward to celebrating Christmas and Jesus being born, with my growing family! I hope you also enjoy celebrating the birth of our Saviour this Christmas and draw closer to Him for everything you need.

God bless,
Beth   

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “How God keeps his promises”
as we continue the series “Advent Adventure”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 and Luke 1:26-38

Kingdom Kids is now on a break over the School Holidays! We have enjoyed an amazing year learning about Living in God’s Love! A MASSIVE thank you to all the volunteers who have run this program this year - you have all helped to plant God’s word in our kids that we pray will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come!

There will be activity sheets or booklets available in church for the kids each week as well as the Personal Journals for older kids to help them listen to God during the services.

Kingdom Kids will return on 8th February after the Back to School service on 1st February. 

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.

Christmas Service times
Christmas Eve - 5.00, 6.30 & 8.30 pm
Christmas Day - 9.30 am with Holy Communion
Please note that all Christmas Eve services are exactly the same.

From the office

Your Free Gift this Christmas
One of the simplest free gifts you could give this Christmas is to park either in Mattiske’s car park or on the school oval for the Christmas Eve services and allow our visitors to park close to the entrance of the church.  Car parking attendants will be directing traffic for the 5.00 and 6.30pm services and your assistance in following directions will be appreciated. 

Christmas whirlwind
Last chance!  Can you be available on Wednesday 24th December at 9.30am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off.  Please bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare.  Please advise Stephen or the front office on 8263 5087or via email szanker@paravista.org.au of your availability.

Library
Note for all library users.  Please assist our volunteer librarian by not putting return items back onto the shelf but return them to the return box once you have finished borrowing.  This will prevent you from receiving an overdue notice.  Accordingly, if you remove items and then can’t remember where they belong please put them into the return box.

Vacancy
An opportunity still exists for two willing persons local to the church to become second and third contacts to respond to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church.  Work may be at random hours and in most cases to date have been proven honest operator error.  However these incidents do require a physical check of the facilities to ensure security is maintained. All expressions of interest please contact Stephen, the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.

Office closure over Christmas
Office will be closed from 3.00pm 24th December 2014 to 9.00am Tuesday 6th January 2015

Noticeboard

Free Bread and Goodies
Free bread, muffins and sweets are available in the church hall every Monday night at 6.30pm. Provided by the good people from Bakers Delight, Muffin Break and Ingle Bakehouse.  

LYSA Reunion Weekend
Blueprint Ministries presents an event ‘not to be missed’ on June 13-14, 2015, Barossa Valley.
Celebrating the rich history of the Lutheran Youth of South Australia. See and hear how young lives are still being impacted by the great things God is doing through Blueprint Ministries.
Put this on your calendar! Look out for more info in the New Year.

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will towards men.

Luke 2:14

The encouragement of Christmas

Discouragement is something we all go through in our lives. We get discouraged in our relationships, our parenting and our jobs. We can be discouraged by our inability to lose weight, get fit or change a behaviour that creates problems for us. At the heart of discouragement is lacking the courage to keep going.

On the flip side, encouragement is receiving the courage in something to keep going. Many of us become discouraged when we lose perspective on the situation and lose belief in ourselves to deal with it. Encouragement comes through others as they help us see things differently. It comes as they show their belief in us to deal with whatever we are facing. It’s amazing how a few words of encouragement can change our whole outlook on a problem and give us the confidence to tackle it.

The message of Jesus’ birth at Christmas is a message of encouragement. When the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds he said, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy to all people. The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem.” (Luke 2:10, 11)

One of the names given to Jesus is ‘Emmanuel’ which means God with us. If discouragement is caused by feeling helpless in the face of adversity, the declaration that God is now with us is hugely encouraging. Secondly, Jesus has come as our Saviour. He has come to save us from our enslavement to sin which is at the heart of all discouragement. Jesus came to do for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves.

Sometimes the words “You can do it!” is all we need to hear to feel encouraged to keep going. Other times “You can do it” does not encourage us because we know deep down we can’t do it. The message of Christmas is incredibly encouraging because our source of courage is not ourselves. Our source of courage is Jesus—God’s own Son who came into this world as one of us to be our Saviour. We no longer need to be fearful. We can draw courage from Jesus who is both God with us and God for us.

Whatever discouragement you are facing this Christmas season, may the news of Jesus’ birth give you the encouragement you need to keep going.

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Persisting through encouragement”
as we start the new series “Advent Adventure”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:1, 5:6-11

Kingdom Kids is now on a break over the School Holidays! We have enjoyed an amazing year learning about Living in God’s Love! A MASSIVE thank you to all the volunteers who have run this program this year - you have all helped to plant God’s word in our kids that we pray will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come!

There will be activity sheets or booklets available in church for the kids each week as well as the Personal Journals for older kids to help them listen to God during the services.

Kingdom Kids will return on 8th February 8th after the Back to School service on 1st February. 

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.

Christmas Service Times
Christmas Eve - 5.00, 6.30 & 8.30 pm
Christmas Day - 9.30 am with Holy Communion

Congregational Prayer Meeting
A prayer meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th December, 7.30 pm in the church. The key focus of the evening will be to pray for the upcoming Christmas services, seeking God’s provision and blessing as we share the good news of Jesus to all. Everyone is welcome and we would love to see to you there.

Cebu Fundraising
Thankyou very much to all who supported our Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich Day recently. We raised the wonderful amount of $460. A very big thankyou to Matt, Vern and Haydn for cooking the meats, also to Lorraine, Judy and Merilyn for stepping in to help after the second service, as some of our team members weren't available.

Thankyou to all of you who have purchased Christmas cards, ringpull bags and Jewellery over the last few years. Only have 1 ringpull bag left and some jewellery (ask me if you want to have a look or purchase). This was the last year of having the Christmas cards on sale, still have a few packs left so ask if you need any, just ask me or a Team member. After Christmas, the remainder will be sent to LCC for them to sell in the shops.

The Fundraising Team thanks the Congregation for deciding to support Cebu Mission again in 2015. We look forward to serving you once again, with sausages, pancakes, scones and a major event. Cebu Mission thanks you for all your support and generosity.

Our Team is looking for one or two more members, so would you prayerfully consider coming onto our Team in 2015. To find out more about what is involved with being a Team Member, please contact Joan McCarthy or one of our other members for a chat.

May you all have a very happy and blessed Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year!

From the office

Your Free Gift this Christmas
One of the simplest free gifts you could give this Christmas is to Park on the school oval for the Christmas Eve services and allow our visitors to park close to the entrance of the church.  Car parking attendants will be directing traffic for the 5.00 and 6.30pm services and your assistance in following directions will be appreciated. 

Church Signage
The installation of the signs has already commenced and is expected to be completed by 18 Dec 2015. The car park may be fairly busy and access restricted at times due to the works.  Reminder to all, to please use caution in the car park.

Christmas whirlwind
Last chance!  Can you be available on Wednesday 24th December at 9.30am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off.  Please bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare.  Please advise Stephen or the front office on 8263 5087or via email szanker@paravista.org.au of your availability.

Office closure over Christmas
Office will be closed from 3.00pm 24th December 2013 to 9.00am on Tuesday 6th Jan 2015

Vacancy
An opportunity still exists for two willing persons local to the church to become second and third contacts to respond to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church.  Work may be at random hours and in most cases to date have been proven honest operator error.  However these incidents do require a physical check of the facilities to ensure security is maintained. All expressions of interest please contact Stephen, the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.

Christmas Action packs are now in your pigeon hole
This year the focus is Burundi, supporting and empowering communities as they develop fish-farms, cattle-raising, goat-rearing and kitchen vegetable gardens.
The good news is that all Christmas Action donations this year can be linked with an Australian Government Grant that TRIPLES our impact.
For just $16 ALWS can provide direct care to one person in Burundi, with flow-on benefits to another three people. All donations above $2 are tax deductible.

Donations may be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday till the end of 2014.
Please remember to include your name and address details if you want a tax receipt.

Ebola Update – we are making an impact!
More than $280,000 has been given to support Lutheran action against Ebola on the front line in Liberia.

We thank God for such great kindness and also the fact that new cases and death rates in Liberia have slowed. The president is vowing no new cases by Christmas. Our church’s love is truly coming to life in Liberia. Thank you!

Advent Movie Night
A note from the Children and Families and Men@ParaVista Teams
Like the Bible story of the Loaves and the fishes to feed the multitude, the busy band of helpers prepared over 370 sausages, 5kg of onions along with 22 loaves of bread, 123 little jelly cups and 96 fruity icy poles so they were ready and waiting……

Before 5.30 pm the hall transformed into a lively room full of chat and fellowship with the food eagerly consumed by the time the movie was due to start. The Movie “The Christmas Candle” reflected the value of community spirit interweaved with the Christmas Story that was enjoyed by all.

A big thank you to everyone who contributed in making the evening an enjoyable night. From the cooks to servers and all helpers at the end of the evening, and especially the consumers of the food.

The money taken on the night covered the costs of the Film Copyright & DVD Package as well as the food related costs. A few dollars left over has been given to the Children and Families Team.

Wishing all a very blessed and peaceful Christmas

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as
Pastoral Care and Community Team Leader (Starting January 2015)
This 8 hour per week position is to lead and coordinate the pastoral care and community care ministry teams of Good Shepherd. The primary focus of these teams will be to serve those in the congregation who do not receive care through our small group network and those in our community who require practical assistance.   

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. The role requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to organise and coordinate teams. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Associate Pastor who has accountability for the pastoral care and small group ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as an initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office - churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 14th December 2014, are to be submitted to: John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306,
Modbury North SA 5092

Noticeboard

Disability Support Workers
Lutheran Disability Services is looking for skilled Disability Support Workers in the Adelaide Hills area. For a Job Description or further information please contact LDS directly at admin@ldssa.org.au or phone 8212 7766. Applications close Friday 19th December at 5.00pm

“I will reward them with a long life

    and give them my salvation.”

Psalm 91:16

What’s in a name?

Everyone has a name.  Friends and family greet you by name. People call you by name to get your attention, tell you things, warn you, encourage you, or invite you. 

Parents choose their child’s name.  Do your children know why you chose their name?  Does that name have a significant meaning? 

Joseph and Mary did not choose the name of her first child.  Before Jesus was born, an angel appeared to Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.   You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. (Luke 1:30-31 NIV)

Later, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21 NIV)

Jesus’ name tells us what he came to do.  “Jesus” is from the Hebrew name “Joshua”, which means: “The Lord saves.”  We see what that looks like in Jesus’ ministry, as he restores broken and hurting people to wholeness. He calls people by name, and seeks to save them.

Jesus knows you by name.  He knows everything about you – the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Jesus loves you so passionately that he died for you - so you could be forgiven… and rose to life again so he could do life with you here on earth – and one day bring you into his heaven.

One day Jesus will make everything right again in this world – including us! 

We can be part of this future by trusting in Jesus as our Saviour!

There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 NLT)

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Ready when Jesus returns”
as we start the new series “Advent Adventure”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings: Mark 13:26-37, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Term 4 Diary Dates:
7th Dec – Family Advent Movie Night at the church – 5:30pm start

We are very excited to be bringing you a Family Advent Movie Night on Sunday 7th of December! We will be showing Max Lucado’s ‘The Christmas Candle’ which is rated PG and runs for 100mins.

The evening will start at 5:30pm with a sausage sizzle in the church hall and the movie will begin showing at 6:30pm in the church. Cost is $5 per person or $20 per family and includes the sausage sizzle and movie!

Come along for a time of food, community and a wonderful family movie you can watch together and chat about together during Advent!

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.

Congregational Prayer Meeting
A prayer meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th December, 7.30 pm in the church. The key focus of the evening will be to pray for the upcoming Christmas services, seeking God’s provision and blessing as we share the good news of Jesus to all. Everyone is welcome and we would love to see to you there.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
has an opportunity for someone to join its Pastoral Ministry Team as

Pastoral Care and Community Team Leader (Starting January 2015)

This 8 hour per week position is to lead and coordinate the pastoral care and community care ministry teams of Good Shepherd. The primary focus of these teams will be to serve those in the congregation who do not receive care through our small group network and those in our community who require practical assistance.   

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead by empowering others to carry out the ministry. The role requires good interpersonal skills and the ability to organise and coordinate teams. The successful applicant will be supported by the entire staff team, but specifically the Associate Pastor who has accountability for the pastoral care and small group ministries within the congregation.

The position is offered as an initial one year contract with a three month probationary period. 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 church office- churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

Applications in writing, by 14th December 2014, are to be submitted to: John Dolling
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
PO Box 306,
Modbury North SA 5092

Card Stall
Sue will be selling cards next Sunday 14th after both morning services.
This will be the last time people will be able to purchase cards until February next year. The price of cards will also be increasing in 2015 to $2.50, so come and purchase them before this price rise.

Noticeboard

Meningococcal Information
Please make yourself aware of Meningococcal via an online fact sheet from www.health.sa.gov.au or on the church notice board. It is requested that any person experiencing the symptoms as described in the fact sheet should contact the communicable diseases department on 1300 232 272 or present yourself to the nearest medical centre as a matter of urgency.

LLL Annual Report
The LLL Annual Report for 2013/2014 is now available from the information rack.

Disability Support Workers
Lutheran Disability Services is looking for skilled Disability Support Workers in the Adelaide Hills area. For a Job Description or further information please contact LDS directly at admin@ldssa.org.au or phone 8212 7766. Applications close Friday 19th December at 5.00pm

Lutheran Community Care - Your gift this Christmas
We are asking for your help to again give out over 800 Christmas Hampers to families in Adelaide and the Barossa Valley and 75 hampers to families in Alice Springs. Your gift can make Christmas special and provide much needed emergency relief throughout the year.
If you have not already done so, could you help by giving a donation to support families struggling at Christmas? A donation of $50 can supply a hamper to a person on their own or a small family while $100 can supply a hamper to a larger family. Your gift will also ensure that we can stock up for the increase of people who will access our services throughout the year.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to give a gift that will help make a real difference to someone's life.

“Greater is he that is in you,

than he that is in the world.”

1 John 4:4 KJV