Dying to Live - Cross Examination

After Peter’s rebuke of Jesus, he turns to him and says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

For us who live in the 21st century and who have benefited from 2,000 years of Christianity, we know the end of the story, of Christ’s conquering of sin, death and the devil.  It’s hard for us to understand how the 1st century hearers would react to a Messiah who proclaimed that they needed to pick up the instrument of their humiliating death in order to follow him.  Many would throw up their hands in the air and say "No thank you!"

But interestingly, Jesus wasn’t just speaking about the individual, he was speaking to the entire community of disciples – those who believed they were already following him.  But were they really understanding?  Did the disciples truly understand the extent to which they would have to submit and commit their own lives to be a follower of Jesus?

Journey with us in the first Sunday in Lent to begin the trek through the wilderness of self-denial and cross-carrying... to encounter the Jesus we may wish we never knew.

Bible Readings:  Matthew 16:21-27
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be available this Sunday at our 10.30am service.

A reminder to parents and carers that our Kingdom Youth Year 5-7s will be finishing at 12pm and then sharing lunch together.  Please come over with your cuppa and join us.

Toddler Zone will not be operating this Sunday.

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the Narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our church App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
New venue and time!!!  Due to the church hall renovations, Little Lambs Playgroup will be held on Wednesdays at 9.30am in the OSCH room over at the school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
SOUL Crew is on again this Friday night.  On Tuesday it was Shrove Tuesday, followed by Ash Wednesday and we are now in the season of Lent.  How many of our young people actually understand and know what Lent is really about? Pastor Reid will be leading us in a very creative, active, fun and messy way to learn about Lent and what it really means.  We will be holding the event in the school in Mengkiwodli (school gym), but if you forget,  that’s okay we will have leaders out guiding you.  Please remember to wear old clothes and sneakers!  Looking forward to seeing you all.

Don’t forget to invite along a few friends.  Youth is a safe, non-confronting environment where like-minded teens get to share and grow their faith. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin
Faith Formation 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.

Para Vista Women's Fellowship
After a wonderful afternoon of scripture, song and meeting with Paster Reid and Christine, we shared afternoon tea, welcomed several new members and thanked God for a new beginning in 2017.

You are welcome to join us again on Tuesday 7th at 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall for Bible study with Pastor Rolly followed by several announcements. One will be a decision on our bus trip for April 4th, which takes the place of a regular April meeting. We hope you can all join us again this month for further fellowship.

Budget

Offerings
January 2017    Total Offerings – Actual $54,058

Summary for January – December 2016
Total Income – Budget $550,000        Actual $528,335        UNDER $21,665
Total Expenses – Budget $548,225    Actual $530,648        UNDER $18,567
Actual DEFICIT of $2,313 for 2016. In November 2015 congregation accepted 2016 Budget with a surplus of $1,775.

Notes presented to last Board meeting:
•    January 2017 Offerings were nearly $10,000 more than Offerings in January 2016.
•    The stand out Sunday was Pastor Reid’s installation when plate offerings were $14,550 in that week alone.
•    Total Income in 2016 was below budget primarily due to Offerings.
•    Total Expenses in 2016 were also below budget primarily due to Staff expenses and to lesser extent Plant and IT costs. Ministries expenses were slightly above budget and the remainder in line.
•    Audit of accounts has been booked for 23rd March 2017.

Ignite the Future building fund
•    We received $3,790 in January for the Ignite the Future building fund and currently just over $27,000 of pledged money is outstanding.

Notice Board

LCA Employment Opportunities
Worship and Music Coordinator 0.3 full-time equivalent
St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Hahndorf SA
•    More information
•    For further information contact the St Michael's church office 08 8388 1225 or email church.office@stmichaels.com.au
•    Applications close 3 March 2017

Graphic Designer Part-time contract (flexible hours but average 8 hours/week)
LCA Communications
•    Advertisement
•    More information: Contact Linda Macqueen, Communications Manager: linda.macqueen@lca.org.au 08 8339 5178
•    Applications close 10 March 2017

VET Assessment Officer 0.2FTE
Australian Lutheran College, North Adelaide SA
•    Further Information: http://www.alc.edu.au/community/employment-at-alc/vet-assessment-officer/
•    Applications close 5pm 10 March 2017

Coordinator of Volunteers 0.6 FTE
Lutheran Ministries in Central Australia
Lutheran Community Care SA-NT, Alice Springs NT
•    Position description
•    For further information contact Barb Cybulka 08 8953 5160  bcybulka@lccare.org.au
•    Applications close 14 March 2017

“For no word from God will ever fail.”

Luke 1:37

Transfigured!

A lot of people are not content with how they look.  How is it with you?  If you could remodel your appearance, what changes would you like to make?  

So much for externals.  What about your internal world?  What would be a “better version” of you?  If you could change the person you are, what is one area of your character you’d like transformed? 

Jesus can help us with that.  He knows our brokenness – yet brings us restoration. 

This Sunday in the Church year is Transfiguration Sunday.  It comes three days before Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent - when the journey of Jesus turns toward the cross. What was the point of Jesus’ transfiguration with his inner circle of disciples: Peter, James and John?  I wonder, what might Jesus’ transfiguration mean for us?

Come along as we explored this mysterious and inspiring word: Transfigured!  

Bible Readings:  Exodus 24:12-18, Matthew 17:1-9.
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be available this Sunday at 10.30 for Toddler, Kids and Kool Zones.

Our Kingdom Youth Year 5-7s will be staying in worship this week.  We are trialling sitting together at the front for worship, reflecting on the message after the service and observing what needs to happen to make church happen on a Sunday morning!

We look forward to seeing you!

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our church App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup is held on Wednesdays 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.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
Last Friday we had our movie night watching “Heaven Is For Real’.  This movie touched on a subject that the youth were wanting to talk about.  The movie proided insight from a 4 year old boys experience of Heaven and encountering Jesus.  We then had some thought provoking discussion and great reflection on the movie.  We did have some fun game time too, with “warm wind whispering” around and then we “found Nemo” too.  Our next event is Friday 3rd March and Pastor Reid will be joining us to discuss Lent.

Don’t forget to invite along a few friends.  Youth is a safe, non-confronting environment where like-minded teens get to share and grow their faith.

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

Margot Mertin
Faith Formation 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.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Those were the days . . . What memories those camps invoke in us!  Did you meet your spouse at a Youth Camp? Pastor David Eckermann will be the guest speaker at the FOLA (Friends of Lutheran Archives) gathering on Monday 27th February, 7.30pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city. David has been involved in Youth, singles and camp ministry for many years & has a wealth of knowledge about those camps. All welcome & gold coin donation.

Invitation to attend events at Australian Lutheran College (ALC)
ALC invites you to attend the following events being held on Monday 27 February 2017, which marks the beginning of a new academic year for the college. The day will begin with worship in the Chapel at 9.00am followed by the Opening Lecture at 9.30am in the Refectory.

This year’s lecture will be presented by Dr Wendy Mayer (ALC’s new Associate Dean of Research) and is entitled, ‘Preaching Schism: Why what good people say can have unintended consequences for the Church.’

If attending either the service or the lecture, please park off campus and enter via the entrance at 200 Ward Street, North Adelaide. For all enquiries or to notify of your attendance, please contact Alice Lamnek on (08) 7120 8200 or email: alice.lamnek@alc.edu.au. For those unable to physically attend proceedings, the lecture will be live-streamed via the ALC website – www.alc.edu.au.

Installation of new ALC staff
The installation of Dr Wendy Mayer (Associate Dean of Research), Dr Adam Hensley (Lecturer in Old Testament) and Rev Thomas Pietsch (Lecturer in Church History) will take place at the 9am service on Sunday 19 February 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Glynde. All are welcome to attend.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8

To Add an Hour

Jesus asks arguably the most pertinent question to the twenty-first century human: Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Worry has always been a difficulty.  No generation finds itself immune to it.  It’s what humans do because they are constantly traveling to the great land of What If?  For certain, all worry starts with these two words: What if we don’t have enough…?”  What if my daughter…?”  “What if my phone doesn’t work?”

Jesus crucifies the question by pointing to God’s caretaking of nature.  The flowers don’t worry about their clothes, why do you?  “So don’t worry because the pagans run after these things…”  And then, without us even being prepared for it, Jesus nails our sin (and worry is sin because it does not trust God) by telling us “Firstly, seek the kingdom and his righteousness.”  When we seek God’s innumerable blessings in the faithful life, what we find is that all the things that we worried about are gift wrapped along the way.  They are given to us; it’s just a matter of picking them up and unwrapping them.

This week, we’ll be encountering the heavy burden of worry and how, with Christ’s help, we can offload those worries to find the Kingdom and God’s righteousness.

Bible Readings:  Exodus 18:6-23, Matthew 6:19-34
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
We had a wonderful Kick Off to Kingdom Kids last Sunday in the school library.  We had a visit from Pastor Reid who taught us a very funny song about needing God to help us!  The children then spent some time asking him questions.

As it is a non-communion Sunday at 10.30am, Kingdom Youth begins this year for Year 5 – Year 7 students and will be held in the OSCH room over at the school.  Just a reminder to parents and carers we will be finishing at 12 and then sharing lunch together in the OSCH kitchen.  Come on over and join us!

We look forward to seeing you!

Toddler Zone will not be operating this Sunday.

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.


Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our church App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup is held on Wednesdays 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.

Kathy Liebig
Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
On Sunday we launched our new look and new name.  The name was a topic of many a discussion over the course of the weekend leader’s retreat.  Our final inspiration came when the vision of the young people’s ministry plan was shared, discussed  and finalised.  Our vision  is:  “We believe that through the power of the Holy Spirt, God is going to grow our young people so that they S hare their faith, O wn their faith, U nderstand their faith and L ive their faith.”  Hence the name SOUL Crew was born. 

SOUL Crew is happening this Friday night.  Heaven was a topic that came up last year as a subject they would like to discuss so we are viewing the movie “Heaven Is For Real” and then we will be having group discussion time after the movie.

Don’t forget to invite along a few friends.  Youth is a safe, non-confronting environment where like-minded teens get to share and grow their faith.

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

Margot Mertin
Faith Formation 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

Summary of February Board meeting
•    After a lengthy debate the Board decided against applying for any government loan where the money source was from gambling.
•    The Board agreed to support Stamps for Mission. There will be more information provided to congregation in the near future.
•    The Board agreed to contract the Mossop Company for our facilities upgrade.  The school will use the same company for their upgrade.
•    The Finance Team have worked diligently to complete our 2016 finances and have arranged the audit for March.
•    It was decided to appoint women to the Adjudication Team. This is now permissible after a change to our constitution at the half Yearly meeting in November.

Wine Clearance
We have 2 dozen red and 3 dozen white anniversary wine left. Selling at discount rates $100 a dozen or $50 for half a dozen. See John Dolling or Andrea Brooks for a bargain.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Those were the days . . . What memories those camps invoke in us!  Did you meet your spouse at a Youth Camp? Pastor David Eckermann will be the guest speaker at the FOLA (Friends of Lutheran Archives) gathering on Monday 27th February, 7.30pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city. David has been involved in Youth, singles and camp ministry for many years & has a wealth of knowledge about those camps. All welcome & gold coin donation.

Invitation to attend events at Australian Lutheran College (ALC)
ALC invites you to attend the following events being held on Monday 27 February 2017, which mark the beginning of a new academic year for the college. The day will begin with worship in the Chapel at 9.00am followed by the Opening Lecture at 9.30am in the Refectory.

This year’s lecture will be presented by Dr Wendy Mayer (ALC’s new Associate Dean of Research) and is entitled, ‘Preaching Schism: Why what good people say can have unintended consequences for the Church.’

If attending either the service or the lecture, please park off campus and enter via the entrance at 200 Ward Street, North Adelaide. For all enquiries or to notify of your attendance, please contact Alice Lamnek on (08) 7120 8200 or email: alice.lamnek@alc.edu.au. For those unable to physically attend proceedings, the lecture will be live-streamed via the ALC website – www.alc.edu.au.

Installation of new ALC staff
The installation of Dr Wendy Mayer (Associate Dean of Research), Dr Adam Hensley (Lecturer in Old Testament) and Rev Thomas Pietsch (Lecturer in Church History) will take place at the 9am service on Sunday 19 February 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Glynde. All are welcome to attend.

“Therefore,

since we have been justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ”

Romans 5:1

Created for connection

It is not good for humans to be alone! Just look at what solitary confinement does to people. 

As human beings, we need interactions with other people to flourish.  How would we get on if no one taught us to speak, dress ourselves, read, write, or develop skills?  Just about everything we have learnt has come to us through connecting with others.  While our personality is a given, our values and character are shaped by doing life together with others. 

Having been made in the image of God, we are created for connection – with God and with other people.  This Sunday, we will explore how these two connections come together for us as followers of Jesus.  Come along and find out how connecting regularly with a few other Christians helps us to grow in the character of Jesus – and continue his work in our community. 

Small groups are one way this can happen.  This Sunday we will be launching our small group ministry for 2017, blessing our small group leaders, and praying for our small groups to flourish in the year ahead. 

Bible Readings:  Acts 2:42-47   (For preparation, you might also read Genesis 1-2)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
This Sunday is our Kingdom Kids Kick Off for 2017 at the 10.30am service.  We will be meeting in the school library for a combined zone event.  We look forward to seeing you!

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup is held on Wednesdays 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.

Kathy Liebig
Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
Last Friday night we had our first event for the year.  We had a great time getting to meet some new people, welcoming our new leaders, having fun, worshipping together, talking about “new beginnings” and then exploring new beginnings in the scriptures in a creative way – scripture sculptures.  

The youth and leaders found very clever ways of forming themselves into items listed in bible verses talking about new beginnings.  We had the three crosses for Christ’s crucifixion, the dove from Noah’s Ark, and the throne of honour all formed.  We then farewelled “Ignite Youth” as we know it, acknowledged that it played a significant part in youth ministry here at Good Shepherd, but with new beginnings we have a new name and new look.  We left the youth hanging and all will be revealed in church this Sunday morning at 10.30am service.

Next event is Friday 17th February. Don’t forget to invite along a few friends.  Youth is a safe, non-confronting environment where like-minded teens get to share and grow their faith. 
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin
Faith Formation 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.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Those were the days . . . What memories those camps invoke in us!  Did you meet your spouse at a Youth Camp? Pastor David Eckermann will be the guest speaker at the FOLA (Friends of Lutheran Archives) gathering on Monday 27th February, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city. David has been involved in Youth, singles and camp ministry for many years & has a wealth of knowledge about those camps. All welcome & gold coin donation.

Invitation to attend events at Australian Lutheran College (ALC)
ALC invites you to attend the following events being held on Monday 27 February 2017, which mark the beginning of a new academic year for the college. The day will begin with worship in the Chapel at 9.00am followed by the Opening Lecture at 9.30am in the Refectory.

This year’s lecture will be presented by Dr Wendy Mayer (ALC’s new Associate Dean of Research) and is entitled, ‘Preaching Schism: Why what good people say can have unintended consequences for the Church.’

If attending either the service or the lecture, please park off campus and enter via the entrance at 200 Ward Street, North Adelaide. For all enquiries or to notify of your attendance, please contact Alice Lamnek on (08) 7120 8200 or email: alice.lamnek@alc.edu.au. For those unable to physically attend proceedings, the lecture will be live-streamed via the ALC website – www.alc.edu.au.

Installation of new ALC staff
The installation of Dr Wendy Mayer (Associate Dean of Research), Dr Adam Hensley (Lecturer in Old Testament) and Rev Thomas Pietsch (Lecturer in Church History) will take place at the 9am service  on Sunday 19 February 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Glynde. All are welcome to attend.

“Therefore we do not lose heart.

Even though our outward man is perishing,

yet the inward man is being renewed day by day”

2 Corinthians 4:16

Stumbling into Change

Many difficult questions come about with a faithful life.
Think about some of the seemingly ‘insane’ things that Jesus mentions to different people:

It would be easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
You must be born again.

And then our theme for this week:  
Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

So, I guess I have to be both poor and infantile, is that right?

Matthew 18:1-10

What exactly is Jesus talking about when he confronts the disciples’ question about being the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?  For most of our developing years, there is an adult or two who uses the phrase, “Oh, just grow up,” but now Jesus smiles at the disciples (and us too!) and gives the opportunity to be child-like again and to experience exactly what it’s like to see with young eyes again faith and the wonderful world of child-like trust.

Included in this discussion is the question of stumbling blocks – things we keep tripping over and how we sometimes put the same stumbling blocks in front of our children.

As school kicks off for Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School, come engage with scriptures and find new life in change.

Bible Readings:  Matthew 17:24-27
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Congregational meeting
There will be special Congregational meeting next Sunday February 12th at 10am. This is for the congregation to accept the conditions for the loan from the LLL. Full information will be emailed early next week. There will be a progress report on the Facilities development.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is currently on holidays!  We will be returning Sunday 12th February.
Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available only on our App!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup begins on Wednesday 8th Feb 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.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
We had an absolutely fantastic time away in “The Pink Shack” planning, training and brainstorming on the weekend.  Your leaders are all so focussed and excited about sharing their faith and encouraging all the youth on their faith journey.  You will notice the logo is a little faded this week – that is because on Friday night we say farewell to “Ignite Youth” as we know it, as we kick off the year with new beginnings, equalling a new name.  All will be revealed in time.

We start the year in youth this Friday at 7pm – “Come, Join Us”.   It will be a fun night getting to know each other, whilst exploring the scriptures in a creative way!  Don’t forget to invite along a few friends.  Youth is a safe, non-confronting environment where like-minded teens get to share and grow their faith.  Looking forward to seeing you all there.

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

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 Women’s Lutheran Fellowship - 2017
Welcome to a year of Bible study and coffee with friends. We invite you to meet at Good Shepherd Hall next week at 1pm on Tuesday, February 6th.  Pastor Reid, our lead Pastor, will introduce himself to us, lead our Bible Study and move forward with us into 2017.

Unlike previous years and because of our church and school building program, the Women’s Fellowship program has been simplified, but we still plan to meet on the first Tuesday of each month, except November. Because of the Melbourne Cup we meet twice in October, on the first and fourth Tuesday of that month. The venue will be decided from month to month.
We invite all members to meet our new pastor as we greet and welcome him as our special guest.

Help urgently needed
At the November Half Yearly meeting the congregation voted to proceed with our facilities upgrade. The project will commence within the next 3 weeks. Much work has already been undertaken to ensure we are ready to proceed, but to ensure all is ready we need the assistance of lots of members. If we are not ready we will incur extra costs, which would mean we cannot keep within budget.

Help urgently needed to:
•    relocate the library. Most of the library will be set up in the foyer. Before you say I can't carry books down the stairs, we also need people to stack books onto the relocated shelves. Skills required - enthusiasm to get the job done.

•    relocate shelving from the storeroom to the hall to give us some much needed storage.
Skills required - ability to remove shelves from wall (bolted to wall), some carpentry skills to attach to hall wall, shifting gear from kitchen and storeroom to shelving.

•    relocate items to storeroom area in shed at the end of the oval. Trailer needed.

•    Remove remaining pavers from the courtyard and store ready to be reinstated at the completion of the redevelopment. This will be very expensive if completed by the contractor. This work can be completed whenever you have an hour to spare but there will be 2 working Bees on Saturday 11th and 18th starting at 9:30

We need to complete all the above within the next 3 weeks so we urgently need the assistance of many to ensure we meet the deadline. We are very flexible so you can assist at a time that is convenient to you. If you can assistance please contact JohnDolling 83675296 or jdolling@bigpond.net.au.

From the office

Back to school Sunday
This year due to the construction work happening around the complex a sausage sizzle will not be happening after the 10.30am service.  The great snags and salad will return for the 2018 back to school Sunday in a newly completed area.

Misplaced Items
The Women@PV trolley was accidently left in the hall last weekend and items used for this ministry were removed from a box marked Women@PV.
Missing items are:
•    12 small red glass tea light holders, and
•    6 or 7 mosaic candle holders, green and red in colour
If any member knows of the whereabouts of the items it is requested they inform the office to arrange a return, or return the items to the church ASAP so they can be used for this ministry.

Igniting the Future upgrade notes
Remember: Morning tea during the upgrade will be served in disposable cups due to no washing up facilities.  Please assist by placing your cup into provided bins when finished.
Shelving has been removed from the Hall store.
Archive items are being sorted.

Air conditioners in Parenting room and Baby Zone
The air cons in both these areas have failed in the last month and are being quoted on for repair.


Thank You
Thank you to Peter Kraft who became a member of the “View Adelaide with a difference” team by assisting in the cleaning of the gutters. 

Notices Section
Will Hall a past Lay worker/employee, of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista, is being installed as Pastor on Sunday 5th February 1:30 pm at Adelaide West Uniting Church, 312 Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Brooklyn Park SA 5032.

Notice Board

“So those who are last now will be first then,

 and those who are first will be last.”

Matthew 20:16

Take Offence. Make a Fence.

When Jesus teaches the disciples to pray, he buries within the heart of the Lord’s Prayer, the irritating grain of sand that produces a beautiful pearl of great price.

Forgiveness

In the twenty-first century, in all of its digital splendour, forgiveness seems as antiquated as rotary phones.  How do we dial in the correct number for forgiveness?  How do we differentiate between the sin that’s been done against us with the movable fences of offence that cause us to build walls between us and our family members.

Through Jesus’ words in the book of Matthew, we see the correct order given in which we can restore relationships, remove fences of offence and uncover grace. 

Discover again the winding path of relational restoration and find out what God has in store for those who follow in Christ’s footsteps.

Bible Readings:  Galatians 6:1-5, Matthew 18:15-20 NLT
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Congregational meeting
A congregational meeting will be held on Sunday 12th February at 10.00am.  The meeting is to ratify the borrowing from the LLL for the Ignite Building Project.  Further details will be provided closer to the date.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is currently on holidays!  We will be returning Sunday 12th February.
Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
I have “kidnapped” my leaders this weekend and we are heading up the river for a Leadership Retreat.  We will be training, planning and having time of fellowship and worship to ensure that we bring you a great year ahead in youth.  It will be a very exciting year with new leaders, old leaders, new kids and old kids.

We will re-commence with our first event on Friday 4th February starting at 7pm until 9.30pm.  Here are the dates for this term so you can jot them in your diary.   Please bring along your friends as we encourage all to grow in Jesus in an informal, enjoyable and non-threatening environment.  Cost is $2 to cover cost of supper.

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

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


Board chair 2017
We are still seeking a person to be Chair of the Board in 2017. Below are listed the tasks of the Chair:
From our By Laws - The Chairperson shall
a)    be elected annually by the Congregation and shall preside at meetings of the Board and the Congregation;
b)    encourage and cooperate with all office bearers;
c)    ensure that an agenda is prepared for the meetings of the Board and the Congregation.
d)    submit a report to the Annual General Meeting of the Congregation.
e)    the chair may become involved in other activities if he/she chooses to.

Igniting the Future upgrade notes
•    The Meet-n-Eat group have settled into a new routine holding their ministry each Monday night in the school gym.
•    Hall store has been cleared.
•    Thank you to the ladies who have worked hard in the kitchen to box up all the catering equipment ready for storage.
•    Thank you to the ministries who have cleared and sorted through their items ready for moving. 

Morning tea during the upgrade will be served in disposable cups due to no washing up facilities.  Please assist by placing your cup into provided bins when finished.

Notice Board

Craft Group
We are a group of ladies who meet together most weeks to craft and also support, encourage, affirm and celebrate one another. We each bring our own craft to do: knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, quilting/applique, just to name a few of the crafts that we do regularly.  Sometimes, not much craft gets done; we just sit and talk for 2 hours!

When: Thursday evenings
Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm
Where: currently the cry room at church

Prayer Training and Workshop
25-26 February 2017
Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista
Cost: $20 per person including lunch on Saturday.
Please let Sue Schenscher know if you wish to attend via 0422 799 668 or schenshes@hotmail.com

“But Jesus looked at them and said,

With men it is impossible, but not with God;

for with God all things are possible.”

Mark 10:27

Out of the Wilderness into Freedom

This coming Sunday is a special day in the life of our congregation, as we will be installing Pastor Reid Matthias as our new Lead Pastor, and welcoming his family into our Good Shepherd family.  Praise the Lord!

Please note that there is only one service at 9:30am, followed by morning tea. 

Since Bishop David Altus will be at another installation on Sunday, we welcome his representative, Pastor Paul Fielke - who will be sharing a message from God’s Word and conducting the rite of installation. 

The ministry God gives us is HIS ministry. God doesn’t just call us to carry out his mission, but promises to be with us; and to give us his power as we carry it out. We don’t need to rely on ourselves. We look to God, knowing that in all things he is the One behind it.

Bible Readings:  Isaiah 35:1-10, Ephesians 4:11-16
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Installation Day
This Sunday, be part of the next exciting chapter in the life of your church when Pastor Reid Matthias will be installed as our new Lead Pastor.  We will also have the opportunity to welcome his wife Christine and three daughters Elsa, Josephine and Greta. Remember there will be one service at 9:30am followed by morning tea in the hall. Please bring food to share on a disposable plate.

Car parking
We are expecting a large number of visitors for the installation service this Sunday and would appreciate members parking on the school oval to allow our guests to park in allocated parking spaces.  Please assist by parking to the eastern end of the oval.
Disabled Parking Only will be permitted between the village and the church.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is currently on holidays!  We will be returning Sunday 12th February.
Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

 

Youth Ministry
Happy New Year!!
Welcome to 2017 and another exciting year ahead in Youth.  We are still on a break at the moment, working behind the scenes to bring you a great year.

We will re-commence with our first event on Friday 4th February starting at 7pm until 9.30pm.  Here are the dates for this term so you can jot them in your diary.

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

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

Igniting the future upgrade notes
Reminder to all ministry groups to remove any items from the kitchen and the kitchen freezer by COB 25th January so it can be relocated.  The unit will not be used for the period of renovation.

All ministry groups are requested to remove or pack into boxes for storage items that will be used once renovation has been completed.  Boxes are available for use.  Please see the front office or discuss with Stephen on 8263 5087 or szanker@paravista.org.au any concerns.

Budget Summary
January – December 2016
Total Offerings – Budget $507,000        Actual $485,793     UNDER $21,207

Notes presented to last Board meeting:
•    Offerings in November and December were both under budget by about $3,000 each month.
•    REG was in line with budget and plate was below budget.
•    Significant trend during the year away from plate offering towards REG.
•    Total Offerings $23k below 2015 and the first year since 2010 below $500k.

Igniting the future appeal
•    Pledge forms for Igniting the future and cash received without Pledge Forms totals $120,000
•    Approximately $90,000 has been received. 
•    Loan application has been accepted and will require congregational approval.

To assist in making your donations, use 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

Phones
The church phones are being connected over to a NBN VoIP system.  During this time you may experience an engaged signal on the church office phone.  Please be patient and try again or email the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your enquiry and one of the office staff will get back to you.

Maintenance Vacancy
Volunteers are required to assist in the following tasks:
•    Painting – Church and Manse.  Some spray painting involved.
•    Refixing eaves at the Manse.
•    Refixing batons on the Church.
•    Gutter maintenance – Church and Manse.
Please contact Stephen, the office on 8263 5087 or mark maintenance on your connect card to actively improve the presentation of our facility.  All materials will be supplied.

Gardening
After the garden makeover for our 50th celebration the gardens at our facility are low maintenance and require very little to maintain.  Assistance is required from a member/family that may be able 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 82635087 or szanker@paravista.org.au

A view of Adelaide to be experienced could be gained while assisting in the cleaning of the gutters. The task involves an hour of time while being able to gain a view of the surrounding area not normally seen by others. Please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or put on your Sunday Connect card your intention to be part of the “View Adelaide with a difference” team.

Equipment surplus to requirement.
The following equipment is no longer required and is available for a donation.
•    2 X portable stair gates
•    2 X baby bouncer rockers.
If anyone has requirement or knowledge of someone in need please contact the office or Stephen on 8250 1690 or via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Items can be viewed via same contact.

Notice Board

Craft Group
We are a group of ladies who meet together most weeks to craft and also support, encourage, affirm and celebrate one another. We each bring our own craft to do: knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, quilting/applique, just to name a few of the crafts that we do regularly.  Sometimes, not much craft gets done; we just sit and talk for 2 hours!

When: Thursday evenings
Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm
Where: currently the cry room at church

Prayer Training and Workshop
25-26 February 2017
Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista
Cost: $20 per person including lunch on Saturday.
Please let Sue Schenscher know if you wish to attend via 0422 799 668 or schenshes@hotmail.com

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:34

Avoiding the snare of offence – Part 2

This Sunday we continue our worship series that began last Sunday: ‘Avoiding the snare of offence’. 

The Greek word for offence is skandalon - from which we get our English word "scandal".  It’s the wooden stick that holds a trap open.  It’s also the part of a mouse trap we put the bait on. 

When the mouse goes for the bait, it does not end well for the mouse!  Likewise, once we take the bait of offence, it does not go well for us!  If we remain offended with someone, the relationship falls apart.  

That can happen in our relationship with God!  If we stay offended with God, it can destroy our trust in God and derail our eternal destiny. That’s why Jesus warns us to avoid the snare of offence.

Last week we looked at 3 common causes of offence:
1. Offence at when God doesn’t meet our expectations 
2. The offence of familiarity
3. The offence of trouble 
If you missed this, please visit our web-site and listen to the podcast.

This Sunday we’ll look at two more common causes of offence.  Come along and find out what they are – and how to avoid them! 

Bible Readings:  Matthew 15:1-20 NLT, Matthew 16:21-28 NLT
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 
 
Installation Day
On Sunday January 22nd you are encouraged to be part of the beginning of the next exciting chapter in the life of your church home when Pastor Reid Matthias will be installed as our new Lead Pastor.  We will also have the opportunity to welcome his wife Christine and three daughters Elsa, Josephine and Greta.

On the 22nd there will one service at 9:30am followed by morning tea in the hall.
You can assist in making this a memorable occasion by:
o    attending the service and joining in the fellowship afterwards
o    providing food for the morning tea (see note below)
o    assisting with setting food up after the service or cleaning up afterwards (see below)

Food
o    Please provide either savoury or sweet (please no food that needs to be heated)
o    To assist with cleaning up use a disposable plate
o    Bring food to kitchen before the service
o    If any food needs to be kept cool, please place into one of the fridges

Preparing and Cleaning up
o    Assistance is needed to put food on tables after the service
o    After the morning tea, tables need to be cleared and cleaned
o    Disposable cups will be used to keep cleaning to a minimum
If you can assist with the preparation or clean up please contact John Dolling - jdolling@bigpond.net.au or 83675296

Food hamper for Matthias family
Thank you to all who donated to the food hamper.  Your generosity filled the Matthias’s pantry and fridge and has been gratefully accepted.

Kingdom Kids
We are on holidays. 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
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of January that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Kathy Liebig - 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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Maranatha Health Gala Dinner
Partnerships create possibilities
Come on a journey with us to discover the tastes, aromas, colours and sounds of Africa, and support Maranatha Health as we create bright new futures in Western Uganda. The evening will feature a delicious 3 course meal (including Ethiopian buffet), energetic African entertainment from Moore Black & the Organic Roots, a silent auction and fundraising fun, and all the latest updates from our in work Fort Portal, Uganda.

Special guests: Kimberley & Michael Findlay, MH Founders
MC: Kate Collins, from Channel Nine News
Guest speaker: Suren Krishnan, Associate Professor of Surgery at Adelaide University (who recently performed MH's first surgeries in Uganda)
  
Venue:
Furlan Centre - 69 Briar Road, Felixstow, SA 5070
Tickets: Tables of 10
1 ticket $100* pp
10 tickets $90* pp
Book tickets at www.trybooking.com/NDRM
Contact: RSVP 17 January, including dietary needs contact@maranathahealth.org

From the office

Igniting the future upgrade notes
•    Courtyard access
Due to removal of pavers from the courtyard rear entry to the complex is to be via the pigeon-hole corridor only. Rear double doors are for emergency exit only.

•    Kitchen freezer
All ministry groups are requested to remove any items from the freezer by COB 25th January so it can be relocated.  The unit will not be used for the period of renovation.

•    Kitchen / Store items
By COB 25th January, all ministry groups are requested to remove or pack into boxes for storage, items that will be used once renovation has been completed.

Any concerns with the above please discuss with Stephen on 8263 5087 or szanker@paravista.org.au

A view of Adelaide to be experienced could be gained while assisting in the cleaning of the gutters. The task involves an hour of time while being able to gain a view of the surrounding area not normally seen by others. Please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or put on your Sunday Connect card your intention to be part of the “View Adelaide with a difference” team.

Equipment surplus to requirement.
The following equipment is no longer required and is available for a donation.
•    2 X portable stair gates
•    2 X baby bouncer rockers.
If anyone has requirement or knowledge of someone in need please contact the office or Stephen on 8250 1690 or via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Items can be viewed via same contact.

Prayer Training and Workshop
25-26 February 2017
Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista
Cost: $20 per person including lunch on Saturday.
Please let Sue Schenscher know if you wish to attend via 0422 799 668 or schenshes@hotmail.com  
Notice Board

Meet n Eat
Meet n Eat resumes on 16th January in the school gymnasium, Mengkiwodli room.  Bread distribution will also be from here.  Park by school oval and follow the signs to the gym. 6.30 to 7.45pm.

Craft Group
We are a group of ladies who meet together most weeks to craft and also support, encourage, affirm and celebrate one another. We each bring our own craft to do: knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery, quilting/applique, just to name a few of the crafts that we do regularly.  Sometimes, not much craft gets done; we just sit and talk for 2 hours!

When: Thursday evenings
Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm
Where: currently the cry room at church

“I will instruct you and teach you

in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8

Christmas Eve: Finding your missing PEACE

We’ve been looking at some of the names of the promised Messiah prophesied by Isaiah around 700 years before Jesus was born: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us… And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT)

Over the last three Sundays, we’ve seen how the first three names are a perfect fit for Jesus.  On Christmas Eve, we’ll see how Jesus is our Prince of Peace. 

Jesus brings us into God’s peace plan for his world.  The Prince of Peace comes to bring restoration – not devastation.  Whatever we pursue this Christmas, only in Jesus will we find our missing peace!

Bible Reading:  Luke 2:1-14

Christmas Day: Christmas…Why??
Why do we have Christmas? Why is it such a big event in the calendar?
And why has it become so commercialized?
Is it about human beings showing peace to each other?
Is it about family? Is it the season for giving? Why is it so important?

A lot of traditions have crept into our understanding of Christmas. While traditions may be helpful, sometimes they can diminish or distract us from the miracle of God coming to earth as one of us. 

Bible Readings:  Matthew 1:18-25 NLT; John 1:1-4, 10-14 NLT
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Installation Service for Pastor Reid Matthias
One combined Sunday service:  9:30am Sunday January 22nd, 2017.  The service will be followed by a morning tea in the hall.  Good Shepherd people, please bring a disposable plate of yummy food to share!  

Kingdom Kids
We are on holidays. 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
On the Kingdom Kids Display Board you will find a Taking Faith Home resource for the month of December that contains a month’s worth of daily bible readings.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
Last Friday night we had a great night celebrating our end of year.  Sausage sizzle was enjoyed by all.  We played cricket, played on the playground, played “human trouble” and then ran “The Gauntlet”!  It was fantastic to have some parents also join in the fun.  It was a great end for a fantastic year.  Feel free to check out the photos on the youth or church Facebook page.
Sadly we farewelled a couple of leaders as they move on to other ventures, we said goodbye to Heather Eckert, Aled Proeve and Ben McAleer.  Your time as leaders have been appreciated by myself and the youth alike.  God Bless in your future ventures and you are always welcome back to visit.

In saying goodbye to some we will be welcoming a whole new bunch of leaders as well, which is really exciting.  I will be taking all the leaders away for a weekend retreat in January for some training and planning for 2017.
 
It has been a great year with these awesome young people and their leaders and I am so excited for what lies ahead for 2017!  I look forward to journeying with your young people. 
Youth will recommence on Friday February 4th 2017. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Wishing you all a safe Blessed Christmas and New Year.

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation 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.

Office closure over Christmas 
The church office will be closed from 3.45pm 23rd Dec 2016 till 9.00am 9th January 2017.
For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message. 
Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

Thank you from Noel
Noel and Bethany were overwhelmed by the generosity of the congregation. Of the choices he had he chose to purchase a coffee machine. He is still experimenting with it to make the ideal coffee but I can testify it makes a great one.
JD

Have you an hour to spare
I am seeking several members who have an hour to spare once a month to help water the new plants in our front garden. Most of the 107 plants have survived but with the hot weather still to come it is important we get them through their first summer. If you can help contact John Dolling 8367 5296 or jdolling@bigpond.net.au

Maranatha Health Gala Dinner
Partnerships create possibilities
Come on a journey with us to discover the tastes, aromas, colours and sounds of Africa, and support Maranatha Health as we create bright new futures in Western Uganda. The evening will feature a delicious 3 course meal (including Ethiopian buffet), energetic African entertainment from Moore Black & the Organic Roots, a silent auction and fundraising fun, and all the latest updates from our in work Fort Portal, Uganda.

Special guests: Kimberley & Michael Findlay, MH Founders
MC: Kate Collins, from Channel Nine News
Guest speaker: Suren Krishnan, Associate Professor of Surgery at Adelaide University (who recently performed MH's first surgeries in Uganda)
  
Venue:
Furlan Centre - 69 Briar Road, Felixstow, SA 5070
Tickets: Tables of 10
1 ticket $100* pp
10 tickets $90* pp
Book tickets at www.trybooking.com/NDRM
Contact: RSVP 17 January, including dietary needs contact@maranathahealth.org

From the office

Christmas Whirlwind
Can you be available this Saturday 24th December at 9.00am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?If yes, 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. Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.
.
A Parking blessing for Christmas
Please consider parking in either the Mattiske car park or on the school oval leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions is appreciated. 

Car parking attendants are still required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve from:
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please, contact Stephen on 0403 180 814 to assist.

Food hamper for Pastor Reid
Pastor Reid Matthias will be arriving around the 12th of January and as a gift we would like to put together a pantry of items so they feel welcomed.  Donations can be dropped off at the church office during office hours or left in the hall kitchen in the marked containers.  Please provide essential items that are in date and are not perishable.  Some examples are: Cereals, tined fruit & vegetables, dried fruits, sauce, toilet tissue, paper towel, spreads, flour, pasta, sugar, rice, oil, alfoil & gladwrap, dishwashing detergent and garbage bags.

Security
The pigeon-hole corridor door will be locked for the 5pm Christmas Eve service for child safety.  Please use the main or rear entrance during this time

“Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 2:11 NIV