Our story this Sunday is about God overcoming the barriers of prejudice - by opening the door of Peter’s heart towards people who are different. It was a turning point for the early Church, and the fulfilment of God’s promise to Abraham: ‘…all peoples on earth will be blessed through you’ (Genesis 12:3b)
In this country, we don’t need to scratch very deep to discover prejudice. It has turned the tide of national elections, and continues to influence government policies.
Sadly we find prejudice in the church – even in you and me!
It happens whenever we start thinking that we are better than others, or more deserving of God’s favour than others. It happens when we label people and treat them as objects – rather than human beings created in the image of God.
God’s grace is a totally undeserved gift – based on what Jesus has done - for ALL people.
This Sunday’s theme: From prejudice to acceptance.
Bible Reading: Acts 11:1-18 (If you want the whole story, start with reading Acts 10)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Congregational prayer evening
Wednesday May 4th 2016 7.30 – 9pm in the church building. Open to all.
How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.
Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership.
Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 17th and Tuesday 24th May. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.
You can register for Discover in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@parvista.org.au or, by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.
• Kingdom Kids is on a school holiday break! We will have activity folders and personal journals available during worship.
• Kids bibles are also available to use during services – please feel free to grab one from next to the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk.
Faith at Home
• Pick up a copy of the April Faith at Home booklet from the Kingdom Kids Sign-in desk or the parenting room. Use the booklet via the Good Shepherd phone app!
• New resources OUT NOW in the church library!! Pop in and borrow something!
Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup is now on a school holiday break. It will resume at 9:15am on Wednesday 4th of May in the church hall. Please pop in and check it out – we would love to see you!
Family Zone
Did you know…..The Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm provides a variety of programs designed to help increase the confidence and skills of parents with young children. All activities are FREE unless otherwise specified and a crèche is available on site while you attend their programs, courses and groups.
Family Zone is running a CIRCLE OF SECURITY course on Fridays between 10am-12pm beginning 13th of May 2016 and running for 8 weeks. Bookings are essential – ph: 8349 6099 or email: inglefarm@lccare.org.au . Here is a short video about the circle of security course: https://vimeo.com/122770192
Children and Family Ministry Team
Beth Einthal & Kathy Liebig
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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
Para Vista Lutheran Women's Fellowship
On Tuesday, May 3rd, our meeting plans to honour all mothers as Mother's Day is approaching. Please bring a memento of your mother to our meeting on this day to share with other members. We shall share these precious things with each other to celebrate their contribution to our lives.
Please continue with your knitting of beanies - all sizes - and contributing to the collection of socks, in particular children's and women's sizes
Thank you so much for your time and effort.
Regards and many thanks, Ruth Oster
This May is MaranathaMONTH and we invite you to run a fundraiser in honour of mothers in Uganda (and everywhere!) We're making May a month of sharing stories of mums, children and families whose lives are impacted by the work of Maranatha Health, and who positively impact those around them.
Host an event and share stories from our work in Uganda. Download an event kit to make the planning simple or create your own MaranathaMONTH event. Let us know what you are planning to do because we love to share your story too! For more information: www.maranathahealth.org/month or contact keren.sutton@maranathahealth.org
From the office
Trusty Chair movers
Assistance is required to move some of the chairs in the complex so the carpets can be cleaned. Half an hour of time is all that is required depending on volunteer numbers. Proposed times for requirement are Tuesday 26 April am hours to move the chairs out and then Thursday 28 April pm hours to move them back again. Use this as a chance to get to know someone else in the congregation and bring a friend to introduce them.
Please mark your connect card with ‘chairs’ and date, send an email to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or call the office with your availability.
Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church. Details of transactions are kept totally confidential. None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer. The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month. For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from the information rack at the rear of the auditorium or via this link www.lll.org.au/REG use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942
Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942
Hall Floor
The hall floor has been resurfaced. I thank you for your assistance in removing any spills and lifting furniture to prevent damage.
YOUR SAFETY: Visitors/Volunteers to Good shepherd
Reminder: all members to sign in to the complex during office hours. The sign in book is located in the front office. Please remember to secure your area on leaving the complex and sign out again.
Summary of April Board meeting
• For decision at the AGM: Change of names of Senior Pastor - to Lead Pastor and Associate Pastor - to Pastor
• Initial discussions on the Call process: To ask for expressions of interest to be part of the Call Team
• To seek approval at the AGM to air condition the hall/church before we receive a final quote for our redevelopment project
• Audit report was presented and accepted
• Date of AGM was set for Sunday May 29th
• Lack of Chair of Board in 2017 was discussed. – no resolution
• Agreed to pay for replacement fence for the manse and spotlights for the church from the Asset Replacement Account
• Permanent one way traffic flow through the complex to be discussed at the next meeting
Commencing the Call Process
This week you should have received an email or hard copy with the printed Weekly News requesting expressions of interest for anyone wishing to be part of the Call Team. This team will ultimately be responsible for developing a short list of pastors to be considered by the congregation.
Noticeboard
Who was Martin Luther?
The first DVD in a three-part series on Luther helps answer that question. You can view and download the videos, or order the DVD version that comes with a printed discussion guide for $15 at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/luther
In this five session study series, Luther’s life and times are examined through the lenses of history, religion and theology. We are hoping to soon put a copy in our church library.
Lutheran Media also has videos for you to watch and download at www.youtube.com.au/luthmedia
Dried Apricots from the Riverland
Pre order dried apricots from the Riverland at the church reception. They will be delivered in May at a cost of $12 per 500gms and proceeds will go to Mango Tree Centre for people with Disabilities in Tonga. Last year $20,000 was raised in South Australia through the sale of the apricots.
Lutheran Community Care
Loaves & Fishes – for April, we invite you to replenish our Emergency Relief shelves with:
Biscuits, Harvest Tin Meals, Razors, San Remo/Continental Pasta & Sauce Packs
Thank you for helping us help others.
Your LCC representative will ensure we receive your donation.
“So faith comes from hearing,
and hearing through the word of Christ.”
Romans 10:17
