When God seems unfair #3 – Living by faith, not by sight

This week we finish off our series ‘When God seems unfair’ based on a book in the Bible called Habakkuk. The question we have been looking at is—”How do you respond to God when he seems to be unfair? “

Habakkuk struggled with this same question and he didn’t hold back on challenging God with it. At the same time Habakkuk didn’t give up on God. He hung onto God in faith.  The name Habakkuk means to ‘embrace’ or ‘wrestle’ and Habakkuk did both of these in his relationship with God.

As we read through Habakkuk we see a progression in his response to God. In chapter 1, Habakkuk is wondering about God. ‘How long, O Lord, must I cry for help? But you do not listen!’ (Habakkuk 1:2)

In chapter 2, Habakkuk is waiting for God. “I will climb up to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how he will answer my complaint.” (Habakkuk 2:1)

In chapter 3 we find Habakkuk worshipping God. ‘This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk.’ (Habakkuk 3:1)

Habakkuk’s relationship with God progresses from wondering, to waiting to worshipping.  What happened to Habakkuk to move his response to God from wondering to waiting to worshipping? Did God answer his cries for help as he waited and therefore Habakkuk’s worship is a response to God’s help? Did Habakkuk worship God because his circumstances had improved? The answer is “No!” Habakkuk’s circumstances actually got worse.

Habakkuk was able to worship God because he lived by faith, not by sight. God speaks of this in 2:4 where is says ‘but the righteous will live by their faithfulness to God.’ (Habakkuk 2:4 NLT) Habakkuk’s worship is driven by his faith in God and not by the things he sees going on around him. How was Habakkuk able to live by faith and not by sight?

As we look at chapter three we see Habakkuk did three things that helped him live by faith, not by sight. Habakkuk remembered, accepted and trusted. This Sunday we will look at what it means to remember, accept and trust so that we too can live by faith and not by sight.

Bible Readings: Habakkuk 3:1-19
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be available this Sunday at our 10.30am service.  Our Kingdom Youth Year 5-7s will be staying in worship this week with their families.

Toddler Zone
Toddler Zone for our 10 month – 3 year olds will not be available this week.  This term we will be operating every other week.

Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Faith at Home
At the Kingdom Kids sign in desk and in the Parenting Room you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of August that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for Playgroup on Wednesday mornings at 9.15am in the church hall.  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Step Up
Our Step Up to Communion program will be commencing on Sunday 14th August with a shared lunch and four Friday evening sessions thereafter. Letters have been sent to children in Year 5. Please contact the church office if you and your child would like to participate.

Children and Family Ministry Team
Kathy Liebig

Youth Ministry
What a fantastic start to youth this term with our Ignite Olympics. We started with a time of worship then launched into our event with the ignition of the Olympic flame followed by seven “sports” events.  Our sports events concluded with our medal presentation for our bronze, silver and gold medallists.  The night concluded with knowing it was still Victory for all through our saviour Jesus Christ, and we sang and danced enthusiastically to the song of the same name.  A great night had by all.
 
Our next event is this Friday 12th August where we will be “serving” as the Watoto Choir and guests will be here.  The youth will be able to enjoy the performance and then the youth will be helping with set-up, serving and cleaning up for supper. 
A wonderful opportunity to give back to the church community.  Performance starts at 7pm and then pick up for youth will still be normal time of 9.30pm.

Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth
Our next event is scheduled for Saturday 27th August.  This event is open for young people in school years 5-12. We are excited to bring you “N.E.L.Y. Amazing Race”.  Tickets are $15-00 and must be purchased online prior to the event.  Included in the price will be worship, dinner, Amazing Race, snacks and a whole lot of fun.  Feel free to invite friends along too.

Margot Mertin
Youth and Young Adults Team Leader

From the office

Do you play an instrument or can you sing? We would love to hear from you!
The Worship Team at Good Shepherd is looking for people of all ages and all instruments!
Email Rochelle rdenton@paravista.org.au or call the office on 8263 5087

Weekly Monday Night Prayer Meetings
Following our 30 days of prayer, there will be an ongoing prayer meeting held at the church every Monday evening 7:30-8:30pm. Everyone is welcome and there will be at least one member of the prayer team on hand to lead. Please come along to uphold our church and ministry in prayer. We look forward to seeing you there.

Noticeboard

LCA Vacancies

LCA Local Mission Administration Assistant 0.6 FTE
LCA National Office, North Adelaide, SA
For more information, and to send applications: LCA Business Manager Debbie Venz debbie.venz@lca.org.au; 08 8267 7300
Applications close 17 August 2016

Resourcing and Support Coordinator
SA-NT District Office, North Adelaide, SA Blueprint Ministries - 2 days per week
Department of Children & Families, Youth & Young Adult Ministry (CFYaYAM)
Applications close 22 August 2016

Family Ministry Worker
Faith Lutheran Church Warradale, SA - 16 hours per week
For more information contact Pastor Tim Klein 0427 821 853 or church office on 8377 1731.
Applications close 31 August 2016

International Position Full-time Five-year contract
Study Secretary for Lutheran Theology and Practice
The Lutheran World Federation, Geneva, Switzerland
Applications close 16 September 2016

Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

When God seems unfair #2 – When God doesn’t make sense

“What screws us up the most in life is the picture in our head of what it's supposed to be.”  (Socrates) 

Most of us have hopes, dreams, and expectations of how life will work out for us.  Sometimes we might expect God to meet those expectations - and make all our dreams come true.  As if God is accountable to us!  As if trusting and following Jesus means that all our problems are over!

Have you ever been hit like a freight-train with something you didn’t see coming?  What do you do when God does NOT come through for you in the way you were expecting?  

We wonder: “Why on earth is this happening to me?” “God, how come you allowed this to happen?” “God, why aren’t you fixing all the injustice and suffering in this world?”

Questioning God’s fairness is nothing new. We find it throughout the Bible, particularly in the books of Job and Jeremiah, as well as in the Psalms. 

We also find it a prophet in the Old Testament named Habakkuk. When he looked at all the wickedness around him, it broke his heart. 

He questions God.  And God answers.  Several times.  And by the time we get to the end of Habakkuk, we find him at a different place with God. 

The same thing can happen with us!  We can wrestle with God over our questions, and at the same time trust God to work out the answers – which may have a different timetable than we expected.  This Sunday’s theme: When God doesn’t make sense.  

We will do better when the picture in our head is informed by the vision of what God promises at the conclusion of his unfolding story!

Bible Reading: Habakkuk 1:12-2:4
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids resumes this Sunday at our 10.30am service.

Kingdom Youth
This Sunday we will be having our second Kingdom Youth session for our Year 5-7s.  Lunch will be provided for these children after their session at 12 and we aim to finish up around 12.30pm. Parents and carers are welcome to stay for a cuppa in the hall during this time.

Toddler Zone
Toddler Zone for our 10 month – 3 year olds will be available this week.  This term we will be operating every other week. Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Faith at Home
At the Kingdom Kids sign in desk and in the Parenting Room you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of August that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for Playgroup on Wednesday mornings at 9.15am in the church hall.  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Step Up
Our Step Up to Communion program will be commencing on Sunday 14th August with a shared lunch and four Friday evening sessions thereafter.  Letters have been sent to children in Year 5. Please contact the church office if you and your child would like to participate.

Children and Family Ministry Team
Kathy Liebig

Youth Ministry
Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth
Our next event is scheduled for Saturday 27th August.  This event is open for young people in school years 5-12. We are excited to bring you “N.E.L.Y. Amazing Race”.  Tickets are $15-00 and must be purchased prior to the event.

Margot Mertin
Youth and Young Adults 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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

From the office

Weekly Monday Night Prayer Meetings
Following our 30 days of prayer, there will be an ongoing prayer meeting held at the church every Monday evening 7:30-8:30pm. Everyone is welcome and there will be at least one member of the prayer team on hand to lead. Please come along to uphold our church and ministry in prayer. We look forward to seeing you there.

CALL PROCESS
The Call Team has met and discussed all the names submitted by congregational members. We have developed a short list of pastors who are considered suited to be Lead Pastor at Good Shepherd.

Next week we will contact these pastors and have a discussion with them. From there we will make a decision on who will be recommended to the congregation. A call meeting is planned for Sunday August 28th at 12:15. You will receive notification of recommended pastors the week prior to the meeting.

Garden clean up ready for 50th Anniversary
Can you spare 1 hour to assist?
Our 50th Anniversary will be celebrated on Saturday Nov 5th and Sunday Nov 6th.
Part of the planning is to re-establish the garden along Montague Road. This area needs to be reinvigorated to improve the entrance to our complex. To achieve this there will be 2 working bees to remove many of the existing plants. These will be on:
•    Saturday August 13th from 9-12
•    Saturday August 20th from 9-12.
If you can spare an hour we would be grateful for your help.
If these times do not suit but you wish to help contact John Dolling (83675296) to make alternate arrangements

Noticeboard

You can still support families this winter
This winter we are asking you to help us build a brighter future for thousands. Through your gift together we can build an Australia where new arrivals are welcomed, the homeless are supported, and children are cared for. Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.

LCA Vacancies

LCA Local Mission Administration Assistant 0.6 FTE
LCA National Office, North Adelaide, SA
For more information, and to send applications: LCA Business Manager Debbie Venz debbie.venz@lca.org.au; 08 8267 7300
Applications close 17 August 2016

Resourcing and Support Coordinator
SA-NT District Office, North Adelaide, SA Blueprint Ministries - 2 days per week
Department of Children & Families, Youth & Young Adult Ministry (CFYaYAM)
Applications close 22 August 2016

Family Ministry Worker
Faith Lutheran Church Warradale, SA - 16 hours per week
For more information contact Pastor Tim Klein 0427 821 853 or church office on 8377 1731.
Applications close 31 August 2016

International Position Full-time Five-year contract
Study Secretary for Lutheran Theology and Practice
The Lutheran World Federation, Geneva, Switzerland
Applications close 16 September 2016

Owe no one anything, except to love each other,

for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

When God seems unfair #1 – Where are you God?

This week we begin a new sermon series called ‘When God seems unfair’. We all have things happen to us that don’t seem fair. We live in a world where injustice is constantly happening and not only are bad people getting away with it, they are prospering while good people are suffering.

As Christians it’s natural to ask “God, why aren’t you doing something about it? Why are you allowing such unfair things to happen in my life and in the world around me?”

Questioning God’s fairness is nothing new. The Bible records many people doing this and in this series we will look at one of them, a man named Habakkuk. Habakkuk was a prophet in the Old Testament and he lived at time when God’s people in Judah were becoming very corrupt. There was institutionalised corruption and the perverted court system meant nothing was being done to change it.

Habakkuk cries out to God to do something about the injustice that is all around him. While God eventually answers Habakkuk, his response creates even more questions for him.

As we follow Habakkuk’s conversation with God we are shown how we can both challenge God about life’s unfairness and the doubts this causes our faith and at the same time continue to trust God in spite of what is going on.

We begin this Sunday by looking at the question ‘Where are you God?” What do we do in those times where Gods unresponsiveness makes us feel like he doesn’t care?

Bible Readings: Habakkuk 1:1-13; Psalm 13:1-6
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids resumes this Sunday at our 10.30am service.

Kingdom Youth
This Sunday we will be having our first Kingdom Youth session for our Year 5-7s.  Lunch will be provided for these children after their session at 12pm and we aim to finish up around 12.30pm.  Parents and carers are welcome to stay for a cuppa in the hall during this time.

Toddler Zone
Toddler Zone for our 10 month – 3 year olds will not be available this week.  This term we will be operating every other week. Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Step Up
Our Step Up to Communion program will be commencing on Sunday 14th August with a shared lunch and four Friday evening sessions thereafter. Letters will be sent to children in Year five. Please contact the church office if you and your child would like to participate.

Faith at Home
At the Kingdom Kids sign in desk and in the Parenting Room you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of August that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for Playgroup on Wednesday mornings at 9.15am in the church hall. Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Children and Family Ministry Team
Kathy Liebig

Youth Ministry
I had the pleasure of “camping” with the year 10-12s on CLW at Port Hughes last week.  It was so amazing to see God at work in these young people and see how He touched each and every one of them, as well as all of those leading and helping on camp. There were many attendees from Ignite Youth on both camps as leaders and campers, it was so exciting.

Term 3 returns for youth this Friday 29th July.  As this is an Olympic year we will be kicking the term off with our own “Ignite Olympics”, and it will held be at the usual time of 7-9.30pm. 
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth
Our next event is scheduled for Saturday 27th August.  This event is open for young people in school years 5-12. We are excited to bring you “N.E.L.Y. Amazing Race”.  Tickets are $15-00 and must be purchased prior to the event.

Margot Mertin
Youth and Young Adults 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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Weekly Monday Night Prayer Meetings
Following our 30 days of prayer, there will be an ongoing prayer meeting held at the church every Monday evening 7:30-8:30pm. Everyone is welcome and there will be at least one member of the prayer team on hand to lead. Please come along to uphold our church and ministry in prayer. We look forward to seeing you there.

Scrapbook Folders Reminder
We will start putting together the Scrapbooks about Alice on Thursday next week (4th August).  If you can contribute, please send your comments to the church office or put in Tanya Harrison's pigeon hole.  Thank you.

Noticeboard

 
You can still support families this winter
This winter we are asking you to help us build a brighter future for thousands. Through your gift together we can build an Australia where new arrivals are welcomed, the homeless are supported, and children are cared for. Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.

Elaine’s 90th Birthday open invitation
September 3rd 2016, with afternoon tea at the Chapel. Fullarton Lutheran Homes, Frew St, Fullarton.
The Traeger family

Lutheran Nurses
Monday 25th July at 7.30pm
Venue is the District Office at 137 Archer St, North Adelaide with entry from the rear.  Guest speaker is Julie Roberts, Social Worker on "Advance Health Care Directives and Discharge Planning".  All are welcome not just nurses; CPD evidence is available for nurses.

Seniors Social Club
We are extremely happy to announce that our application for a grant of $585 from the City of Salisbury has been approved. This has allowed us to upgrade and replace items such as our dark brown indoor carpet bowls with a new set of yellow bowls. This has been a hit with our bowlers.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

(John 14:2-3)

Living questionable lives #5 – Living as “sent ones”

This week we conclude our sermon series called Living questionable lives based on Michael Frost’s book, Surprise the world. By ‘questionable lives’ we mean living your life as a follower of Jesus in such a way that people become curious as to why your life is so positively different to theirs.

Theologian Leslie Newbigin wrote ‘[the church] exists for the sake of those who are not members, as sign, instrument, and foretaste of God’s redeeming grace. What does this actually mean?

Sign: The church is a sign, pointing people to a reality that is right around the corner – the kingship of Jesus and his imminent return.

Foretaste: Like a movie trailer the church is where people can get a taste of the future in the present. When the church is a foretaste we demonstrate what life is like when people live under the rule and reign in the power of the Spirit.

Instrument: The church is not just a sign and foretaste, but also an instrument. Like a tool in the hands of God we are used to help shape God’s preferred future for this planet.

This Sunday we will look at four essential elements of God’s reign to help us understand what it is and how our lives can be like a sign or a foretaste of them.

Bible Readings: Matthew 28:16-20; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
This Sunday at the 10.30am service we will be relaunching Kingdom Kids.  Come along to find out how we want to build disciples of Jesus from birth.

If you feel that now is the time to serve in Kingdom Kids, then please contact Kathy Liebig at kliebig@paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids will be resuming the following Sunday 31 July in its new format.
Activity Folders and Worship Journals will be available for the kids during worship. 

Faith at Home
Pick up a copy of the July Faith at Home booklet from the Kingdom Kids Sign-in desk or the parenting room. Or use the booklet via the Good Shepherd phone app!

Playgroup

Little Lambs Playgroup recommences on Wednesday 27 July at 9.15 in the church hall.  Please come along with some pre cut fruit to share.  We would love to see you!”

Children and Family Ministry Team
Kathy Liebig

Youth Ministry
It has been very exciting and encouraging to see the amount of young people from Ignite Youth whom have attended and lead on Christian Life Week over both weeks of these school holidays.  The years 7-9 campers are currently away and the year 10-12 campers head off next week. Camps are an amazing way of people building their relationships with God.
Term 3 returns for youth on Friday 29th July.  As this is an Olympic year we will be kicking the term off with our own “Ignite Olympics”, and it will held be at the usual time of 7-9.30pm.  Stay tuned for the updated flyer for next term.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth
Our next event is scheduled for Saturday 27th August.  This event will be open for young people in school years 5 to 12.  More details to follow shortly.

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.

Dear GSPV Lutheran Family,
Thank you so much for helping us during this very difficult time. Your kindness and concern for our family means a great deal to us. We appreciate all the love and support that everyone has extended to us during this period of sadness. Sooty, Jade & Kira

Weekly Monday Night Prayer Meetings
Following our 30 days of prayer, there will be an ongoing prayer meeting held at the church every Monday evening 7:30-8:30PM. Everyone is welcome and there will be at least one member of the prayer team on hand to lead. Please come along to uphold our church and ministry in prayer. We look forward to seeing you there. 

From the Office

Adelaide Show Outreach
The Bible League requires volunteers at the combined churches Adelaide Show Outreach Stand.  This is an opportunity to reach people of Adelaide with a saving message of the gospel through other ways.  Training is provided and a senior member of the team is always available to serve alongside volunteers. For further information please contact Stephen or the church office 8263 5087or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au before Friday 29th July.

Lost property
A number of items are accidently left or left in the church and kitchen each week.  If you have misplaced an item of clothing or other, the lost property box is located under the worship cupboard in the rear foyer.  Items left in the lost property box or the kitchen for more than 6 weeks will be offered to Lutheran Community Care for disposal.

Noticeboard

You can still support families this winter
This winter we are asking you to help us build a brighter future for thousands. Through your gift together we can build an Australia where new arrivals are welcomed, the homeless are supported, and children are cared for. Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.

Lutheran Nurses
Monday 25th July at 7.30pm
Venue is the District Office at 137 Archer St, North Adelaide with entry from the rear.  Guest speaker is Julie Roberts, Social Worker on "Advance Health Care Directives and Discharge Planning".  All are welcome not just nurses, CPD evidence is available for nurses.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them”

Romans 8:28

Weekly News

Living questionable lives #4 – The answer is always Jesus

This week we continue our sermon series called Living questionable lives based on Michael Frost’s book, Surprise the world. By ‘questionable lives’ we mean living your life as a follower of Jesus in such a way that people become curious as to why your life is so positively different to theirs. In fact it’s so surprising that they start asking you questions about it.

In Surprise the world Michael Frost outlines five habits that we can cultivate to help us live more questionable lives. So far we’ve looked at the first three habits. The first habit is to bless three people a week, one of whom is not a Christian. The second habit is to eat with three different people each week, one of whom is not a Christian. The third habit is to set aside at least one period of time each week to listen to the Holy Spirit.

Cultivating these three habits will help us live more ‘questionable lives.’ Yet this only works if we know how to answer the questions our lives raise. How do we answer questions about Jesus if we don’t know him?

This Sunday we will look at some things that are important to keep in mind as you begin to answer the questions people ask as a result of you questionable life.

Bible Readings: Romans 1:1-6, 16-17; 1 Peter 3:15-16
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids

After a great term, Kingdom Kids is on a school holiday break. There will be Activity Folders and Personal Journals available for the kids during worship. 

Next term we are making some changes to Kingdom Kids.
Following are the reasons behind these changes:-
God has provided us with just the right number of volunteers at this point in time.  We need to obey Him and work with what He has given us.
We need to provide the following opportunities for our oldest zone:-
God wants children to grow in their worship and awe of Him. 
We need to obey Him and begin to teach and encourage these children (alongside their parents and carers) to worship Him so they will continue this into their teenage years and beyond.  And we need to provide more opportunities for them to worship with their families.
God wants to grow His church and He wants us to journey together.  We need to obey Him and encourage the children to develop relationships with our youth for a smooth transition into youth.
God wants to be relevant in the lives of these children. We need to obey Him by providing a safe place for them to explore this with one another lead by Godly adults and junior assistants.
If you feel that now is the time to serve in Kingdom Kids, then please contact Kathy Liebig.
Kingdom Kids will be resuming in its new format on Sunday 31 July.
Enjoy your holidays!

Faith at Home

Pick up a copy of the July Faith at Home booklet from the Kingdom Kids Sign-in desk or the parenting room. Or use the booklet via the Good Shepherd phone app!

• Pop into the church library and check out the new resources we have for kids and families to borrow! Watch this space for more info on what is now available…

Playgroup

Little Lambs Playgroup is now on holidays for two weeks. Resuming on Wednesday 27th July.
Children and Family Ministry Team

Beth Einthal & Kathy Liebig

Youth Ministry

It has been very exciting and encouraging to see the amount of young people from Ignite Youth whom have attended and lead on Christian Life Week over both weeks of these school holidays.  The years 7-9 campers are currently away and the year 10-12 campers head off next week. Camps are an amazing way of people building their relationships with God.
Term 3 returns for youth on Friday 29th July.  As this is an Olympic year we will be kicking the term off with our own “Ignite Olympics”, and it will held be at the usual time of 7-9.30pm.  Stay tuned for the updated flyer for next term.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Combined North Eastern Lutheran Youth

Our next event is scheduled for Saturday 27th August.  This event will be open for young people in school years 5 to 12.  More details to follow shortly.

Prayer Requests

Not included in this newsletter but if you would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter.  If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Weekly Monday Night Prayer Meetings

Following our 30 days of prayer, there will be an ongoing prayer meeting held at the church every Monday evening 7:30-8:30PM.
Everyone is welcome and there will be at least one member of the prayer team on hand to lead.
Please come along to uphold our church and ministry in prayer.
We look forward to seeing you there.

From the Office

Staff changes at Good Shepherd

Beth Einthal has resigned as Children and Family Team Leader due ongoing health issues that are making it very difficult for her to fulfil her role. We are sorry to see Beth go and pray that God would fully restore her health soon.
Until the end of this year Beth’s role will be covered by Kathy Liebig (Children and Family Support Worker) and Margot Mertin (Youth and Young Adult Team Leader).  

Budget 2016

January – June 2016
Total Offerings – Budget $253,450  Actual $243,910  UNDER $9,540

Budget Summary

January – May 2016
Total Income – Budget $222,480  Actual $219,872 UNDER $2,608
Total Expenses – Budget $206,855  Actual $199,179 UNDER $7,678
PROJECTED SURPLUS OF $5,272 FOR 2016
Notes:
REG was in line with budget for June, however plate offerings were well below budget.
Expenses in June were nearly $3,000 under budget and accounted for by low offerings.
 

Improvements around the church

Manse fence - The northern fence between the manse and the neighbour collapsed due to age and rotted rails.  It has been replaced with a good neighbour fence by a contractor.

Air-condition units - Transportable office building.  Three units replaced under the assets replacement program. One unit had ceased to operate and the other two were very noisy.

Under bench hot/cold filtered water - An under-bench instant hot water unit was installed in the staff kitchen. Staff and volunteers cleaning communion vessels have been very appreciative of the upgrade as there has previously been no hot water plumed into this area

The pigeon hole corridor door - Painting has been completed and draft stopper refitted.

Support in action

We managed to obtain a BBQ free of charge for LCC at Ingle Farm. This replaced an unsafe BBQ they were using. We used $125 from the last congregational BBQ to convert it so it could be used with bottled gas. It got well used on election day and raised urgently needed funds for their work.

Providing sanctuary

After consultation with the congregation the Board passed the following motion regarding providing sanctuary for refugees under threat of being sent to an off shore Detention Centre or deported:
That we offer sanctuary to refugees who call Good Shepherd their church home or refugees recommended by members.
After our first request for support from congregational members there was not enough support to offer sanctuary effectively. However after a recent second request we now have 12 families or individuals who are willing to assist so we can now provide sanctuary if required.

Noticeboard

You can still support families this winter
This winter we are asking you to help us build a brighter future for thousands. Through your gift together we can build an Australia where new arrivals are welcomed, the homeless are supported, and children are cared for.
Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.

Lutheran Nurses

Monday 25th July at 7.30pm
Venue is the District Office at 137 Archer St, North Adelaide with entry from the rear.  Guest speaker is Julie Roberts, Social Worker on "Advance Health Care Directives and Discharge Planning".  All are welcome not just nurses, CPD evidence is available for nurses.

“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble”
Psalm 46:1

Living questionable lives #3 – Listening to the Spirit

We are currently in a sermon series called Living questionable lives based on Michael Frost’s book, Surprise the world. By ‘questionable lives’ we mean living your life as a follower of Jesus in such a way that people become curious as to why your life is so positively different to theirs. In fact it’s so surprising that they start asking you questions about it.

This Sunday we look at an indispensable part of living a questionable life—The Holy Spirit. As you cultivate these habits in your life of regularly blessing and eating with people who don’t believe in Jesus, how will you know who to connect with and how to best respond to these people? What is going to fuel your desire to cultivate these habits in the first place?

The answer is the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit to help us figure out how we can best be an intriguing, blessing, godly presence in the lives of others.

This Sunday we look at why the Holy Spirit is a vital part of living a questionable life and how we can be more attentive to the Spirit’s promptings.

Copies of the book Surprise the world will be available for purchase from Pastor Noel for a cost of $8.00. Questions are provided for each chapter to facilitate discussion and engagement with the material in the book.

Bible Readings: Philippians 2:12-16a; John. 14:15-18, 25-27
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 
 

Kingdom Kids
After a great term, Kingdom Kids is on a school holiday break. There will be Activity Folders and Personal Journals available for the kids during worship. 

Next term we are making some changes to Kingdom Kids.
Following are the reasons behind these changes:-
God has provided us with just the right number of volunteers at this point in time.  We need to obey Him and work with what He has given us.
We need to provide the following opportunities for our oldest zone:-
God wants children to grow in their worship and awe of Him.  We need to obey Him and begin to teach and encourage these children (alongside their parents and carers) to worship Him so they will continue this into their teenage years and beyond.  And we need to provide more opportunities for them to worship with their families.
God wants to grow His church and He wants us to journey together.  We need to obey Him and encourage the children to develop relationships with our youth for a smooth transition into youth.
God wants to be relevant in the lives of these children.  We need to obey Him by providing a safe place for them to explore this with one another lead by Godly adults and junior assistants.
If you feel that now is the time to serve in Kingdom Kids, then please contact Kathy Liebig.
Kingdom Kids will be resuming in its new format on Sunday 31 July.  Enjoy your holidays!

Faith at Home
Pick up a copy of the July Faith at Home booklet from the Kingdom Kids Sign-in desk or the parenting room. Or use the booklet via the Good Shepherd phone app!

• Pop into the church library and check out the new resources we have for kids and families to borrow! Watch this space for more info on what is now available…

Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup is now on holidays for two weeks.  We will resume on Wednesday 27th July.

Children and Family Ministry Team
Beth Einthal & Kathy Liebig

Prayer Requests
Not included in this newsletter but if you would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter.  If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Weekly Monday Night Prayer Meetings
Following our 30 days of prayer, there will be an ongoing prayer meeting held at the church every Monday evening  7:30-8:30pm.
Everyone is welcome, there will be at least one member of the prayer team on hand to lead.
Please come along to uphold our church and ministry in prayer.
The focus for this coming Monday will be:
• For those grieving the loss of a loved one
• For those with serious illnesses or ongoing medical conditions
• For those who love and support these people
We look forward to seeing you there.

Noticeboard

Office Closure
The Church Office will be closed on Monday 11th July from 12pm for the funeral of Alice Lor.  We will reopen on Tuesday 12th July from 9am.

LCC - You can still support families this winter
This winter we are asking you to help us build a brighter future for thousands. Through your gift together we can build an Australia where new arrivals are welcomed, the homeless are supported, and children are cared for.
Donations $2 and over are tax deductible.
Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.

Professional Standards Workshops / Child Safe Training
An updated schedule and additional information for the workshops and training can be found online at: http://www.sa.lca.org.au/?q=node/130. Please check your training is up to date and see your team leader if you are unsure.

Lutheran Nurses
Monday 25th July at 7.30pm
Venue is the District Office at 137 Archer St, North Adelaide with entry from the rear.  Guest speaker is Julie Roberts, Social Worker on "Advance Health Care Directives and Discharge Planning".  All are welcome not just nurses, CPD evidence is available for nurses.

“I can do all things through him who
strengthens me”
Philippians 4:13

1 July 2016

Living questionable lives #2 – Changing the world one meal at a time

Last Sunday we began a new sermon series called Living questionable lives. By ‘questionable lives’ we mean living your life as a follower of Jesus in such a way that people become curious as to why your life is so positively different to theirs.
In fact it’s so surprising that they start asking you questions about it: “Why are you like this? Why do you live like this? Where did you get that from?” The goal of living a questionable life is to create natural opportunities for you to talk about your faith and the difference Jesus makes.
This Sunday we look at how Jesus regularly ate and drank with people and used the meal table as a setting to extend the love and grace of God to others. As we look at this practice of Jesus we discover that eating with others can play an important part in what it means to live a questionable life.

Bible Readings: John 2:1-12; Luke 14:1, 7-14 

Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids

After a great term, Kingdom Kids is on a school holiday break. There will be Activity Folders and Personal Journals available for the kids during worship.
Next term we will be making some changes to Kingdom Kids on Sunday mornings.  Please keep an eye on the Weekly News and the Kingdom Kids Sign In Desk over the next few weeks for information and the reasons regarding these changes.
Kingdom Kids will be resuming in its new format on Sunday 31 July.  Enjoy your holidays!

Faith at Home

Pick up a copy of the July Faith at Home booklet from the Kingdom Kids Sign-in desk or the parenting room. Or use the booklet via the Good Shepherd phone app!

• Pop into the church library and check out the new resources we have for kids and families to borrow! Watch this space for more info on what is now available…

Playgroup

Please join us for Little Lambs Playgroup next Wednesday 9:15am in the church hall. Anyone is welcome and we would love to see you! This will be our last playgroup for the term.  Enjoy the school holidays and we will recommence on Wednesday 27th July.

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.  

Youth Ministry

Last Saturday we had 50 young people ranging in age from school years 5 to 12, from around the North Eastern Area, attend our dinner and movie night.  We had a totally fun-filled 6 hours of fellowship, with food too of course!  The movie Oddball was enjoyed by all, and we had a great motivational message given to us by Pastor Noel, based on the theme of the movie, being created as God’s masterpieces, even if we do feel like the odd one out at times.  Another joint event is scheduled for August.

Ignite Youth is on again this Friday from 7-9.30pm and we are finishing the last of our “God’s Not Dead” study.  I am really excited that we are having live music again this week with youth playing in the band.  This is also the last event for this term.  Youth will re-commence on Friday 29th July, stay tuned for the new term flyer.  Also very exciting is the fact the youth will be playing in the band for worship this Sunday.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Summary Board June meeting

The following motion from the 50th Anniversary Team was accepted by the Board:
Based on the written survey and feedback the 50th Anniversary Team recommends that we proceed to obtain a costing for a blended version of options 3 & 5.
• 1 way traffic flow through the complex was discussed. Decided on 5 days a week (Monday thru Friday). To be monitored.
• Housekeeping audit of complex completed. Few issues identified.
• Request for assistance from Ferryden Park congregation discussed. To obtain additional information before making a decision.
• Offer from Women's Fellowship to provide a banner for Worship Centre discussed. To be followed up with Women's Fellowship.

Following our 30 days of prayer for June, the movie War Room will be screened at Good Shepherd this Sunday 3rd July, 4pm – 6pm.  It is FREE.
The story is of a church-attending family that’s falling apart. An older woman, Miss Clara, mentors the wife and mum, encouraging her to read the Bible and pointing her to the power of Father God available through prayer in the name of Jesus.
It is an inspirational story - one that will encourage many hearts to keep trusting and turning to God in prayer.  

Around 6pm, hot dogs will be served in the hall (gold coin donation).
We highly recommend War Room to you, your friends and families.  It would also be an excellent activity for small groups.

Thank you from Lutheran Community Care

Thank you to all have participated in purchasing sausages from the sausage sizzles.  A BBQ was procured for use by the centre. It has already been put to good use as shown in the photo with lots of smiling little faces. Being a bit cool outside, dads, kids and workers sat around the table inside enjoying the hot food.

Noticeboard

Professional standards Workshops / Child safe training
An updated schedule and additional information for the workshops and training can be found online here: http://www.sa.lca.org.au/?q=node/130. Please check your training is up to date and see your team leader if you are unsure.

LCA Vacancies

Full details: www.lca.org.au/employment
Member Services Support Officer - Contract until late 2017 applications close 6 July 2016

“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken”

Psalm 16:8

Living Questionable Lives – #1. Surprising the World

This coming Sunday we begin a new sermon series: Living Questionable Lives.  Now we are certainly not encouraging anyone to engage in unethical, illegal or immoral activities!! 

By a questionable life, we mean living your life as a follower of Jesus in such a way that people become curious as to why your life is so positively different to theirs.

In fact it’s so surprising that they start asking you questions about it: “Why are you like this? Why do you live like this? Where did you get that from? Is there any chance I can have what you’ve got?”

The goal of living a questionable life is to create natural opportunities for you to talk about your faith and the difference Jesus makes. This series is based on a book by Australian pastor, author and teacher, Michael Frost: Surprise the World - The Five Habits of Highly Missional People.

This Sunday we will lay the platform for the series, and consider the first habit: Blessing. Just as the Early Christians did in their culture, we want to keep Surprising the World.

Bible Readings: Colossians 4:2-6; 1 Peter 3:15-16
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Lead Pastor Call Team Update
The Call Team met this week and reviewed the information from the pre-call survey and the congregational meeting held on 5th June. From this information four main characteristics were identified as desirable for the Lead Pastor. The role of the Call Team was clarified and tasks assigned.

A list of LCA pastors available for call is displayed on the rear wall of the hall. If you wish to nominate a pastor for consideration (from this list or others), please provide suggestions in writing. This can be done by placing the name in the labelled box in the hall, or email the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au. All submissions will be considered by the Call Team.

Thanks to members who have already proposed pastors for consideration. The names already received were discussed with the Bishop and remain on the list for consideration.

The Call Team will be meeting again on July 6th.

How can you help? The Call Team ask that you pray for wisdom and discernment as they seek God’s direction in reviewing and recommending pastors to the congregation. Please pray that God may lead us to call the right person for the role.
Keren Sutton

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on this Sunday. Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Next term we will be making some changes to Kingdom Kids on Sunday mornings.  Please keep an eye on the Weekly News and the Kingdom Kids Sign In Desk over the next few weeks for information and the reasons regarding these changes.

Due to the upcoming school holidays, this Sunday will be our last Kingdom Kids session for Term 2.  Kingdom Kids will be resuming in its new format on Sunday 31 July.  Enjoy your holidays!

Faith at Home
June Faith at Home booklet out now! Grab your copy from the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk or the parenting room, OR you can access it via the Good Shepherd phone app.

Playgroup
Please join us for Little Lambs Playgroup next Wednesday 9:15am in the church hall. Anyone is welcome and we would love to see you!

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.

Youth Ministry
Last week we had a great week continuing on with our study of the movie “God’s Not Dead”.  We had the pleasure of live music from the leaders and youth combined which was awesome.  They did a fantastic job, especially their rendition of our theme song “God’s Not Dead” I even received a “like” from the ‘Newsboys’ drummer himself on my Instagram post!! 
Next Friday will be the final study in this series, as well as being the final event for the term.

Plans are well underway, and we have a large amount of youth registered from around the North Eastern region for our joint dinner and movie event being held here at Good Shepherd tomorrow afternoon/evening.  It will be a fantastic time of fellowship.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814.

Fund Raising Luncheon
To all congregation members, PLEASE, support our Fundraising Luncheon in July. Men are most welcome to join this day. We plan to provide a delicious casserole luncheon with sweets to follow. There will be wine served and our entertainment will be from a guest speaker, an ambassador of the Cranio Facial Foundation of South Australia, Andrea Ogier. Husband, Norm, will operate the accompanying power point system to support her story and experiences. Price is $15.00 pp.  Door prizes, too. Support our trading table.
WHERE: Good Shepherd Hall
WHEN:   Tuesday, July 5th, 12 noon
WHERE:  Good Shepherd Church Hall, Montague Rd, Para Vista
WHY:      Funds for our Christ Centred projects in Asia and locally.
WHO:      Please book by contacting Ruth Oster at 8265 0221 or 0401 365 339.


From the office

30 Days of Prayer in June
Our 30 Days of Prayer at Good Shepherd is well underway. During the week different people have been gathering each evening at 7:30 -8:30pm (except Sundays) for a time of prayer. Already many of you have come and it has been lovely spending time together talking to God and seeking His guidance for our church and community. If you have not yet attended please be encouraged to join in. You do not have to stay for the full hour, and can listen rather than pray aloud if you want.

Following our 30 days of prayer in June, the movie War Room will be screened at Good Shepherd on Sunday 3rd July, 4pm – 6pm.  It is FREE. 

The story is of a church-attending family that’s falling apart. An older woman, Miss Clara, mentors the wife and mum, encouraging her to read the Bible and pointing her to the power of Father God available through prayer in the name of Jesus.

It is an inspirational story - one that will encourage many hearts to keep trusting and turning to God in prayer.   

Since the movie is rated PG, supervised children’s activities will be offered during the movie. While the decision rests with parents, we suggest this would be appropriate for children up to the age of 12. If you’d like to make use of this, please register the names and ages of your children via our Sunday Connect Cards - or email beth.einthal@paravista.org.au by Sunday June 26th. This will help us enlist sufficient carers.
Around 6pm, hot dogs will be served in the hall (gold coin donation).
We highly recommend War Room to you, your friends and families.  It would also be an excellent activity for small groups.

Thank you
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Biggest Morning Tea, held last Thursday 16th June. We raised a total of $122 for Cancer Council.

Village News
The Para Vista Lutheran Homes Inc. was officially deregistered as an association on 16 June 2016. This was celebrated on Saturday 18th June with a farewell brunch supplied to past and present members of the village and board. Memories were shared of where the homes have come from and where they are heading in the future.  The board was officially dissolved at the brunch.

Thanks were passed on to all present and past Board Members for their contribution to the homes successes. The village is now officially known as Fullarton Lutheran Homes – Good Shepherd.

Professional standards Workshops / Child safe training
An updated schedule and additional information for the workshops and training can be found online here: http://www.sa.lca.org.au/?q=node/130. Please check your training is up to date and see your team leader if you are unsure.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $12 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

LCA Vacancies
Full details: www.lca.org.au/employment
Ministry Support Officer - 12 hours per week, applications close 28 June 2016
Administrative /Professional Standards Assistant - Full time, applications close 30 June 2016
Member Services Support Officer - Contract until late 2017 applications close 6 July 2016

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, 

because he trusts in you.”

Isaiah 26:3

Praying for those who don’t know Jesus

Do you have people in your life that you want to see come to faith in Jesus? Do you ever get discouraged and even despondent over their lack of response to God? You’ve tried sharing something of what you believe; you’ve prayed for them; and yet they still seem as far away from God as ever.

This Sunday we finish off our series called ‘Prayer: Growing deeper with God’ and we will be looking at how we can best pray for people who don’t know Jesus. Are there specific things we can pray for them? Can our prayers for these people be used to accomplish something spiritually strategic in their lives?

The answer is an emphatic “Yes!” As part of the amazing relationship we have with God, “Our Father in heaven”; we have access to Jesus’ spiritual authority to use for God’s purposes in this world.

Ephesians 1 says, ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing.’ (Ephesian 1:3) In Christ we have every spiritual blessing Jesus has which includes his authority over the forces of evil in this world who are working against the plans and purposes of God in this world.

This Sunday we will look at how this authority works and how we can use it to strategically pray for others to come to faith in Jesus.

Bible Readings: Ephesians 1:3-6, 18-23; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on this Sunday. Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Faith at Home
June Faith at Home booklet out now! Grab your copy from the Kingdom Kids sign-in desk or the parenting room, OR you can access it via the Good Shepherd phone app.

Playgroup
Please join us for Little Lambs Playgroup next Wednesday 9:15am in the church hall. Anyone is welcome and we would love to see you!

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.

Youth Ministry
Youth is on this Friday night and we will be continuing with part 3 of our “God’s Not Dead” study – sharing similar faith with friends.  We are going to have the pleasure of our youth leaders playing with our theme song for the term– “God’s Not Dead”, plus a couple of other worship songs too.  Naturally we will have a game or two and of course there will be yummy food!  Come along and bring a friend or two.
Cost is $2 to help cover the cost of supper.
Further details contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814

Joint North Eastern Lutheran Youth Event
This joint event includes years 5 and 6 as well as the year 7-12s. This promises to be a fun-filled event mixing with other young people in the area. Tickets on sale now via www.gspv250616.eventbrite.com.au Ticket sales close next Tuesday 21/6/16 @ 11pm so get in quick!! Feel free to bring a friend or two. 
Further details contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814.


Fund Raising Luncheon
To all congregation members, PLEASE, support our Fundraising Luncheon in July. Men are most welcome to join this day. We plan to provide a delicious casserole luncheon with sweets to follow. There will be wine served and our entertainment will be from a guest speaker, an ambassador of the Cranio Facial Foundation of South Australia, Andrea Ogier. Husband, Norm, will operate the accompanying power point system to support her story and experiences. Price is $15.00 pp.  Door prizes, too. Support our trading table.
WHERE: Good Shepherd Hall
WHEN: Tuesday, July 5th,12 noon
WHERE: Good Shepherd Church Hall, Montague Rd., Para Vista
WHY: Funds for our Christ Centred projects in Asia and locally.
WHO: Please book by contacting Ruth Oster at 8265 0221 or 0401 365 339.

Thank you from LCC @Ingle Farm
Thanks again John – and please continue to thank all concerned for their generosity.
The money donated previously and this money will be put towards playgroup.  As I have reported before gov. cut funding to playgroup at the end of the last financial year.
We have been facilitating it for one year with no funding and by staff either stretching their capacity or donating their time.  Because of the vulnerability of many of the clients attending the group we decided it would be more responsible to look for consistency in leadership for the group.  With this in mind we plan to employ a playgroup leader.  We plan to have a sausage sizzle on voting day to add to the coffers for this project.

Altar survey outcome
The results of the survey conducted in May are now on display in the hall.
The 50th Anniversary Team proposed the following motion for consideration by the Board:
“Based on the written survey and feedback the 50th Anniversary Team recommends that we proceed to obtain the cost of a blended version of options 3&5”

From the office

30 Days of Prayer in June
Our 30 Days of Prayer at Good Shepherd is well underway. During the week different people have been gathering each evening at 7:30 -8:30pm (except Sundays) for a time of prayer. Already many of you have come and it has been lovely spending time together talking to God and seeking His guidance for our church and community. If you have not yet attended please be encouraged to join in. You do not have to stay for the full hour, and can listen rather than pray aloud if you want.

Following our 30 days of prayer in June, the movie War Room will be screened at Good Shepherd on Sunday 3rd July, 4pm – 6pm.  It is FREE. 

The story is of a church-attending family that’s falling apart. An older woman, Miss Clara, mentors the wife and mum, encouraging her to read the Bible and pointing her to the power of Father God available through prayer in the name of Jesus.

It is an inspirational story - one that will encourage many hearts to keep trusting and turning to God in prayer.   

Since the movie is rated PG, supervised children’s activities will be offered during the movie. While the decision rests with parents, we suggest this would be appropriate for children up to the age of 12. If you’d like to make use of this, please register the names and ages of your children via our Sunday Connect Cards - or email beth.einthal@paravista.org.au by Sunday June 26th. This will help us enlist sufficient carers.
Around 6pm, hot dogs will be served in the hall (gold coin donation).
We highly recommend War Room to you, your friends and families.  It would also be an excellent activity for small groups.

Budget 2016
January – May 2016
Total Offerings – Budget $212,650        Actual $207,187     DEFICIT $5,464
Budget Summary
January – April 2016
Total Income – Budget $171,914            Actual $168,503    UNDER $3,411
Total Expenses – Budget $161,758        Actual $157,065    UNDER $4,693
SURPLUS OVER BUDGET OF $4,484 FOR 2016

Notes:
•    REG was again over budget in April. 
•    Plate offerings were well below budget, with 5th Sunday being lowest total on any Sunday for plate offerings for over 4 years.
•    Offerings are still above that for the same period to end of May 2015.
•    Expenses were in line with budget during April and continue to be under budget primarily due to staffing expenses. 

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
www.lll.org.au/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 http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_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

Vacancy
An opportunity exists for respondents to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church.  All expressions of interest please contact Stephen on szanker@paravista.org.au, the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $12 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

“But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children’s children”

Psalm 103:17