Cross Beams

When is the last time that you yelled out the words, ‘Save me?’

For some, those words, whether audible, or the silent scream of the soul in the midst of the darkness of life, are a last lifeline.  All people have moments like this, maybe even lifetimes like this.

All of us.

The people of Israel had been crying out for centuries, this word ‘Hosanna!’ – the Hebrew word for ‘Save us!’  In II Samuel, there is petition for the king from a ‘wise woman’ of Tekoa who seeks restoration and salvation with the word ‘Hosanna!’  Various Psalms speak of the petitioner crying out to God for salvation from oppression, enemies, hunger and thirst.  So, we come to Palm Sunday where the entire assembly gathered in front of Jesus, who is riding a colt (not a warhorse), petitioning this Gentle Healer to save them from the ever present oppressive Roman enemy who robs them of every dignity they imagined they deserved.

“Hosanna!  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father David!  Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Mark 11:9b-10)

Every year we speak about palm branches and cloaks and donkeys and maybe we even quibble over what the word ‘hosanna’ means, but do we recognise the true salvation that comes from the one who rides the donkey?  Are we just here for a show, or do we truly believe that this man can save us from our Great Oppressor – Satan and the sin that so easily entangles us?

Do you want a showman or a Saviour?

Jesus replies nothing to the crowd.  His only message is non-verbal: simply the fact that he is riding a donkey which implies that this is not a general recruiting his army.  He gives no pep talk or pre-battle speech.  Jesus steadies himself on the back of the donkey slicing between a mob of people that seemingly have misunderstood the salvation that he was bringing.

Salvation from their sins so that they could be reconnected again with the Father in heaven.

Read the scriptures again this week and find the nuances of this ‘hosanna.’  Locate yourself in relation to God and how that word can erupt from your own mouth this week, and as we walk toward the cross on Good Friday, we encounter the hosanna in the shape of a cross and the emptiness of an open tomb three days later.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Mark 11:1-11
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Praise Point
We thank God for the safe arrival of Hannah Rose, daughter of Alisa and Daniel Bates.

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.

Spotlight
The congregation of Good Shepherd is blessed to have excellent staff members who dedicatedly use their time and talents to further the congregation’s ministry in the name of Christ.  One of these staff members, Steve Paech, is currently looking at all the ways that the members of Good Shepherd use their own gifts and talents in the service of Pastoral Care.

Some of us recognise what is meant by the term ‘Pastoral Care,’ but this weekend for the Spotlight on Ministry, Steve will explain what the title means to him, and share with us some of the exciting things happening in this staff role.

These include working with teams for Pastoral Care, working with small groups in assisting in Pastoral Care, Prayer teams, Meet N Eat, volunteering and, in the broadest sense, welcoming the stranger.

We are looking forward to hearing Steve’s thoughts for the future.

Transform service project
As part of our Transform Confirmation program, we have an opportunity to put our faith into action on Sunday the 8th April.  The transform session that Sunday will be at Lutheran Community Care, Ingle Farm, where we will be helping to spread a load of bark around their playground area.  In order to get the job done, we are looking for a few people to help us out by loaning us some wheelbarrows, shovels and rakes.  It would also be helpful if you have a ute or trailer that you could help out with on the day to transport wheelbarrows and tools down there and back.

If you think you may be able to help out, please contact Vicar Mat von Stanke either through the church office or via email mathew.vonstanke@paravista.org.au

NOVO – 2018!
It’s that time of year again to gather together with other high school youth from across South Australia.  NOVO is a four day camp designed to meet NEW people, learn NEW things, try NEW opportunities and enjoy worship and activities.  The theme for this year is Stand which looks at Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
Register here http://www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/novo/ 
There is financial assistance available. 
Let’s have a great experience together.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
3rd April @ 1pm
Bible Study – Pastor Rolly
Come hear Ruby Keller tell her story.

Hot cross buns needed for Good Friday
As part of our Easter celebrations we will be serving hot cross buns for morning tea on Good Friday.  If you are able to bring a plate of hot cross buns, cut, buttered and ready to serve, that would be greatly appreciated.  Please put the buns in the kitchen before service so those people rostered for morning tea can serve them.

30 Days of Prayer
Is underway… and is being held at church 7.30-8.30pm every day except Sundays during March.  Everyone is encouraged to come along to at least one night to pray as a community.

From the Office

Assistance required
Please stay for a few minutes after Maundy Thursday service to move chairs in preparation for the Good Friday Service.

Assistance will again be required on Easter Saturday morning at 9am to replace the chairs.  Please mark your connect card with your availability for either day - or advise Stephen.

Easter Car parking
The school oval will be available for parking for the Easter services weather permitting.  Members are encouraged to park 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 and keeping as close to the fence as possible.

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

Parking lot safety – One Way traffic at all times
Remember traffic flow is one way entering from Montague Road and exiting through the rear gate at all times.  Please do not ‘sneak out’ onto Montague Road after hours.  As this is a shared area, speed is restricted to 10KPH.  Some users are not doing the right thing and are leaving themselves open to prosecution.

Help Wanted
For the next few months, an elderly lady living at Gilles Plains would like transport to the 8:45am service and then home again.  Ideally it would be good if we could have offers of help to do this on a roster system, unless there is an individual who wishes to volunteer weekly.  Contact Lyn Hancock on 0403 375 474 or the church office for more information.

Notice Board

Maranatha Health News
There's big news in the Maranatha Health world. You can read all about it in the latest newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/dd2337d7f086/big-news-from-maranatha-health

Maranatha Health is turning 10!
From an aspiring and idealistic dream ten years ago, the life-bringing work of Maranatha Health has become a thriving, effective reality in West Uganda. You’ve shared in this journey though prayer, encouragement, financial support and we’d love you to join us to celebrate this achievement at the Maranatha Health 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

Maranatha Health is thriving in its service of care to people in Fort Portal, Uganda. Our Children's Clinic is constantly at capacity, the SA designed shipping-container theatre in regular use, and our community health advisors building relationships, capacity and wellbeing in their villages.

Gala Dinner
Saturday 5th May 2018
6.45pm for a 7pm start
Festival Functions Centre, 292 Findon Rd, Findon

Enjoy a three course meal (including Ethiopian flavours), entertainment, silent auction, wine pull and all the latest updates and plans from our work in Fort Portal, Uganda. 

Reservations can be made for tables of 10 for $100 per guest, or individuals for $110 per guest. Please RSVP by 25th April 2018 www.trybooking.com/SUBZ.

Nominations for LCA Standing Committees open
The LCA's Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting all eligible congregational members to consider serving on an LCA board, council, commission or committee in the next synodical term. Please refer to the LCA nominations web-site: www.lca.org.au/nominations  for information and to access the nominations form. Please note: Nominations must be submitted to the LCA Standing Committee on Nominations by 15th May 2018.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!"”

John 12:13

No fruit -> get the boot!

What is your favourite fruit? Why do you like it? Does it normally grow in our local state – or come from somewhere else? 

Let’s say your favourite fruit is peaches (it is one of mine). You have a large yard with good soil, so you decide to plant a couple of peach trees.  After buying two quality trees from a reputable nursery, you plant them with all the goodies to help them grow. You water them, fertilise them, prune them, lay mulch underneath, and deal with the bugs.  Within a few years, what are you hoping for?  Some plump, ripe, juicy, sweet and delicious peaches! 

After a few years you have some very healthy looking trees.  As summer approaches, you look forward to picking ripe peaches in the cool of the morning for breakfast.  But alas, after 10 years there is still no fruit?   What do you do?

Friends, God is constantly looking for fruit in the lives of his people. It’s a theme throughout the Bible, and in many of the stories that Jesus told.  John the Baptist declared to the crowds that - if there was no fruit - God would put an axe to the roots (cf Luke 3:7-9).  No fruit ultimately ends in disaster!

In our Bible reading this Sunday, we find Jesus dealing with the temple AND with a fig tree. The two things come together like a sandwich, implying that both are closely connected. The bottom line: No fruit -> get the boot!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Mark 11:11-25
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

NOVO – 2018!
It’s that time of year again to gather together with other high school youth from across South Australia.  NOVO is a four day camp designed to meet NEW people, learn NEW things, try NEW opportunities and enjoy worship and activities.  The theme for this year is Stand which looks at Romans 5:1  Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Register here http://www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/novo/ 
There is financial assistance available. 
Let’s have a great experience together.

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.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Good Shepherd!
Miriam Smith, former Mayor of Tea Tree Gully and now a project officer for Baptist Care, SA, will be with us to share her passion for ministry to refugees in the metro area.  Combining a wealth of experience with her distinctive love of Christ, Miriam will share with us during the Spotlight and Coffee and Theology, stories of struggle and faith, and ways that we can partner with refugees in bringing prosperity to those who have come to the ‘Lucky Country.’
Miriam will be with us on Sunday 18th March.  Please attend the Coffee and Theology and ask many questions about the ministry.

Praise Point
We thank God for the safe arrival of Jasper James, son of Andrea and Tom Bowden, little brother to Piper and Poppy. 
We also thank God for the safe arrival of Hendrix Gabe, son of Calli and Trent, little brother to Hailo and Zeppelin.

30 Days of Prayer
Is underway… and is being held at church 7.30-8.30pm every day except Sundays during March.  Everyone is encouraged to come along to at least one night to pray as a community.

Hot cross buns needed for Good Friday
As part of our Easter celebrations we will be serving hot cross buns for morning tea on Good Friday.  If you are able to bring a plate of hot cross buns, cut, buttered and ready to serve, that would be greatly appreciated.  Please put the buns in the kitchen before service so those people rostered for morning tea can serve them.

From the Office

Assistance required
Please stay for a few minutes after Maundy Thursday service to move chairs in preparation for the Good Friday Service. 
Assistance will again be required on Easter Saturday morning at 9am to replace the chairs.  Please mark your connect card with your availability for either day - or advise Stephen.

Easter Car parking 
The school oval will be available for parking for the Easter services weather permitting.  Members are encouraged to park 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 and keeping as close to the fence as possible.

Finance Report 
Offerings
January – February 2018
Total Offerings – Budget $87,500      Actual $80,116                UNDER $7,384

Budget Summary
January – December 2017
Total Income – Budget $568,000                 Actual $540,832    UNDER $27,168
Total Expenses – Budget $568,560              Actual $546,923    UNDER $21,633
DEFICIT OF $6,090 FOR 2017

Notes since last Board meeting
• Offerings so far in 2018 are well below budget.  This affects plate offering and REG.
• Plate offerings are down around $550 a Sunday (8.45 $175; 10.30 $375) compared to 2017 and down around $630 a Sunday compared to first 9 Sundays in 2017.
• REG is also down around $2,000 a month compared to 2017. February was the lowest REG month since 2007.
• On the positive side our wage expense is around $7k under budget to end of February 2018.
• Income was significantly below budget in 2017.  This was due to School Hire payment ($10k) not received as project did not finish and because we only transferred $6k from the special purpose account ($26k was budgeted). 
• Expenses were also significantly under budget.  The major differences were Loan repayments ($10k under budget. Project not completed as expected) and Plant. (also $10k under Budget) Property maintenance budget not fully used due to building project.

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

Parking lot safety – One Way traffic at all times
Remember traffic flow is one way entering from Montague Road and exiting through the rear gate at all times.  Please do not ‘sneak out’ onto Montague Road after hours.  As this is a shared area, speed is restricted to 10KPH.  Some users are not doing the right thing and are leaving themselves open to prosecution.

Urgent Vacancies!
Vacancies are open to learn how to make the brewed coffee.  Please mark your connect card or contact the church office to assist in this small but very important part of service.  A team of volunteers will make a huge impact on our Sunday social activity after services.

Help Wanted
For the next few months, an elderly lady living at Gilles Plains would like transport to the 8:45am service and then home again.  Ideally it would be good if we could have offers of help to do this on a roster system, unless there is an individual who wishes to volunteer weekly.  Contact Lyn Hancock on 0403 375 474 or the church office for more information.

Notice Board

Nominations for LCA Standing Committees open
The LCA's Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting all eligible congregational members to consider serving on an LCA board, council, commission or committee in the next synodical term. Please refer to the LCA nominations web-site: www.lca.org.au/nominations  for information and to access the nominations form. Please note: Nominations must be submitted to the LCA Standing Committee on Nominations by 15th May 2018.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“For the Son of Man came

to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:10

In the Cross Hairs

I saw an interesting study this week which tried to argue that mobile phone distraction was not as large a contributor to road accidents as we may have been led to believe. While they suggest only 0.9% of serious car accidents were the result of mobile phones, a closer look at the statistics reveals that combined with other forms of driver distraction like, spiders or bugs in the vehicle, interacting with other passengers, changing a CD or the radio, adjusting the air-con or interacting with other systems in your car accounts for closer to 10% of serious crashes. This is getting close to the number of incidents caused by alcohol and driver fatigue.

Isn’t it crazy that even when our life depends on it, we can be so easily distracted!

We shouldn’t be surprised that our human tendency to be easily distracted is one of the key weaknesses that the devil likes to manipulate us with. We can get so busy that God gets pushed to the outer edge of our consciousness or he gets forgotten altogether.

We can recognise this in our scripture lesson this week: Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem has told his disciples three times that in Jerusalem he will be betrayed and arrested, mocked and ridiculed and eventually killed. Yet despite speaking plainly about this to those around him, they were not able to see past the things happening around Jesus.

They were distracted by and focussed on the miracles he had done, his conflicts with the Pharisees, the new political order they all expected him to establish as the descendant of king David and God’s chosen messiah.  It took a blind man, Bartimaeus, to see what Jesus was really on about.

Aren’t we so lucky that we have as our saviour, Jesus the Good Shepherd. The one who lays down his life for us. The one whose focus and attention has always been on bringing us back to God the Father. Even in the face of betrayal, false accusations, violence and death, Jesus’ eyes remained firmly fixed on the cross, the thing that would ultimately bring us back into life with the Father.

So, what are your distractions? What is it that gets in the way of your relationship with your Heavenly Father?

Join us this Sunday as we explore the implications of our own distractions and of Jesus’ determination and focus to restore us to himself.

Vicar Mathew von Stanke

Bible Reading:  Mark 10:46-52
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.

Notice of Special Congregational Meeting 11th March 2018
A special general meeting will be held directly after the 8.45am church service on Sunday 11th March 2018.  The purpose of the meeting is to elect a congregational member to represent Good Shepherd at the 2018 General Synod.  Robyn Oatey has been nominated as our representative and has accepted the nomination.  This is the only agenda item.  Apologies will be accepted by the church office by phone, email or in person.  An attendance sheet will be available on the day to sign.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Good Shepherd!
Miriam Smith, former Mayor of Tea Tree Gully and now a project officer for Baptist Care, SA, will be with us to share her passion for ministry to refugees in the metro area.  Combining a wealth of experience with her distinctive love of Christ, Miriam will share with us during the Spotlight and Coffee and Theology, stories of struggle and faith, and ways that we can partner with refugees in bringing prosperity to those who have come to the ‘Lucky Country.’
Miriam will be with us on Sunday 18th March.  Please attend the Coffee and Theology and ask many questions about the ministry.

30 Days of Prayer
Is underway… and is being held at church 7.30-8.30pm every day except Sundays during March.  Everyone is encouraged to come along to at least one night to pray as a community.

From the Office

Support for Lutheran Community Care Ingle Farm
The congregation agreed to support Lutheran Community Care at Ingle Farm in 2018.  They have had their government funding cut once again which means that they need to raise extra funds just to maintain existing programmes.  They are running a BBQ at Ingle Farm School (Montague Road adjacent to Kmart) on election day.  To lessen the work load for existing staff they would like the help of Good Shepherd members to work on the BBQ for 1 hour on election day, Saturday 17th March.  You could vote at the school and then assist for 1 hour.  If you can help contact John Dolling 83675296 or 0409819864 with a preferred time slot.

Urgent Vacancies!
Vacancies are open to learn how to make the brewed coffee.  Please mark your connect card or contact the church office to assist in this small but very important part of service.  A team of volunteers will make a huge impact on our Sunday social activity after services.

Help Wanted
For the next few months, an elderly lady living at Gilles Plains would like transport to the 8:45am service and then home again.  Ideally it would be good if we could have offers of help to do this on a roster system, unless there is an individual who wishes to volunteer weekly.  Contact Lyn Hancock on 0403 375 474 or the church office for more information.

Stamps for Mission Update
Thank you to all who have contributed to Stamps for Missions during the past year.  You will be pleased to know that your efforts have assisted in raising over $14,300 in 2017.  The projects for 2018 include mission areas in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.  This also includes scholarships for our international churches to send pastors and lay people to study at ALC or in seminaries overseas.

A Stamps for Missions collection box will be placed in the new entry foyer in the near future.

Thanks again for your efforts to assist in the LCA’s mission to people in overseas countries.
Please speak to Peter Nitschke for further information.

Notice Board

Imagine being jailed for no reason!
At the Friends of Lutheran Archives meeting on Monday 19th March, Lyall Kupke will tell us about four leading citizens (H Paech, E Heppner, E Wenke, J Wenke) of the predominantly Lutheran town of Walla Walla NSW who were arrested without charge and interned in March 1918.  Although one was later released, the other three remained at Holdsworthy camp until the end of the war.  Repeated efforts were made to seek justice for them. Upon their eventual release they faced problems in resuming their lives.
Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30pm. Supper & gold coin donation.

Nominations for LCA Standing Committees open
The LCA's Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting all eligible congregational members to consider serving on an LCA board, council, commission or committee in the next synodical term. Please refer to the LCA nominations web-site: www.lca.org.au/nominations  for information and to access the nominations form. Please note: Nominations must be submitted to the LCA Standing Committee on Nominations by 15th May 2018.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid;

do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

Joshua 1:9

Crucial Times

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to an amusement park.

I think the last one I went to was Movieworld on the Gold Coast.  Every time we’d arrived there, it seemed like half the population of Brisbane had the same idea as we did, and we’d always end up parking a kilometre away.  As we walked toward the entrance gazing upwards at the sky-scraping rides, the screams of delirious people ringing out over the carpark, we were enthralled by the thought of riding one ride in particular.

Superman

As you enter the car, the attendants pull down the bar over you tightening it (almost overtightening) and then, as the music screams in the background, the ride starts moving – stopping – screams – and then a blast off up and out of the building faster than a speeding bullet… You know what I mean.

The Superman ride was the whole reason I would go to Movieworld.  So, as we saw the great crowds piling into the line, I knew that it would be a long wait.  It was almost ninety minutes, but just as we were approaching the loading area, I heard a sound to the side.  It was a group of young people who had purchased a special pass which allowed them to budge in front of everyone  who was already waiting in line, and as the attendant pushed us backwards so that these ‘first class’ riders could get in front of us, I naturally felt one thing:

Rage

The unfairness of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks.  How could they do this to us?  We’d put in our time, our money, and here were these egotists wanting to get in front of us.

So it is in our scripture lesson this week:  Jesus is explaining the terror of the ride that’s going to happen.  As they trudge up the road from Judea across the Jordan and up the hill that will be the place of Jesus’ death, the disciples have heard it all before and they are astonished that Jesus wants to lock himself into it.

But James and John have an interesting take.  They are not interested in hearing about Jesus’ death and resurrection, only getting to the front of the line to have the glory for themselves.

These questions remain:
1. How does our addiction to be ‘first’ hold others back?
2. When Jesus asks the questions, ‘Can you drink the cup I drink?’ – the cup of
crucifixion – what does this really mean for 21st century disciples?
3. What does it mean to serve from the front of the line?

Come and hear Jesus amazing and terrifying call to all disciples across all time and what it means for us today.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading:  Mark 10:32-45
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.

Transform Confirmation
We had an excellent beginning for Transform last week.  With parents in tow, twenty-three young people attended the beginning of the course in experiencing the Bible.

If you, or someone you know, wants to be part of Transform, who is turning 11 this year or older, come along and experience the faith transformation process.

This week we’ll be looking at the history of the Bible, from the Indiana Jones-like archaeology of the book to unearth a deeper understanding of why we hold this book so dear to us.
Bring your lunch and a Bible for the day.  We meet from 12 noon -2pm Sundays after worship.

30 Days of Prayer
Is underway… and is being held at church 7.30-8.30pm every day except Sundays during March.  Everyone is encouraged to come along to at least one night to pray as a community.

Ladies Fellowship
Meeting on Tuesday 6th March @ 1pm.  Bible study: Vicar Mat

From the Office

Notice of Special Congregational Meeting 11th March 2018
A special general meeting will be held directly after the 8.45am church service on Sunday 11th March 2018.  The purpose of the meeting is to elect a congregational member to represent Good Shepherd at the 2018 General Synod.  Robyn Oatey has been nominated as our representative and has accepted the nomination.  This is the only agenda item.  Apologies will be accepted by the church office by phone, email or in person.  An attendance sheet will be available on the day to sign.

Communications
After a lengthy and tedious time of trying to solve issues with our church smart phone app, it has been decided not to renew the subscription of this service.  Information on the application was only being doubled from the information on our website.  Members will be still able to access all information from our website www.paravista.org.au as the site is mobile device friendly.  Current activities and programs will be advertised on the front screen.  If members are having difficulty accessing information from the website or notice incorrect information please notify the front office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Ignite the Future Building Notice
The builder is currently going through all the defects and rectifying.  One of the areas that require work is the kitchen washroom.  From the 6th to 9th March the washroom will be inaccessible as the floor needs to be taken up to rectify drainage issues.  Parts of the vinyl flooring in the café and foyer area will also be replaced.  Please respect work signage while this is being completed.
Please contact the admin manager or the front office if issues arise.

Redevelopment news
Last week the Redevelopment Team met with the owner of the Mossop company. In a very amicable meeting an agreement was reached that we would not claim compensation for the over run on our project in return for all the identified defects being actioned quickly.  A manager was appointed to coordinate all the work and the majority of the tasks have now been completed in a short space of time.  This weekend the courtyard may not be available as an entrance as there are repairs to the paving such as replacing the damaged pavers and improving the flow of water into the sump in the middle of the courtyard.  It is hoped all defects will be completed in the next fortnight.

Children's Play area
There have been concerns raised about the equipment (or lack of it) in the play area. This is a work in progress.
We put into this area equipment we already had.  The reasons being:
• until the project is completed we are unsure of the amount that will be available to purchase equipment
• the Team was unsure of what to purchase. If you have ideas of great equipment or places we can inspect suitable sites please contact John Dolling. We need your ideas.
One thing to keep in mind is a playground cannot be all things to all people.

Urgent Vacancies!
Vacancies are open to learn how to make the brewed coffee.  Please mark your connect card or contact the church office to assist in this small but very important part of service.  A team of volunteers will make a huge impact on our Sunday social activity after services.

Help Wanted
For the next few months, an elderly lady living at Gilles Plains would like transport to the 8:45am service and then home again.  Ideally it would be good if we could have offers of help to do this on a roster system, unless there is an individual who wishes to volunteer weekly.  Contact Lyn Hancock on 0403 375 474 or the church office for more information.

Notice Board

Imagine being jailed for no reason! 
At the Friends of Lutheran Archives meeting on Monday 19th March, Lyall Kupke will tell us about four leading citizens (H Paech, E Heppner, E Wenke, J Wenke) of the predominantly Lutheran town of Walla Walla NSW who were arrested without charge and interned in March 1918.  Although one was later released, the other three remained at Holdsworthy camp until the end of the war. Repeated efforts were made to seek justice for them. Upon their eventual release they faced problems in resuming their lives.
Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30pm. Supper & gold coin donation.

Nominations for LCA Standing Committees open
The LCA's Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting all eligible congregational members to consider serving on an LCA board, council, commission or committee in the next synodical term. Please refer to the LCA nominations web-site: www.lca.org.au/nominations  for information and to access the nominations form. Please note: Nominations must be submitted to the LCA Standing Committee on Nominations by 15 May 2018.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 

1 John 5:14

Not far is too far!

“Are we nearly there yet?” It’s a common refrain from children to parents on a long trip.  When our girls were young, and we’d drive 13 hours from ACT to Qld, we told them not to ask that question.

It worked really well… until near the end of the day when one of them asked: “Is the car nearly there yet?”  It made us laugh!

We replied: “It’s not far now.”  But to a child who’d been couped up in the car all day, not far was too far!

Through our Lent journey, we are following Jesus to the cross.  In Mark 11, we read of Jesus’ grand entry into Jerusalem.  The next day, Jesus clears the merchants and money changers from the temple courts – and becomes a marked man. The chief priests and the teachers of the law … began looking for a way to kill him… (Mk 11:18)

Jesus then faces a series of tough questions aimed to get him into trouble, or make him look ridiculous.  Yet Jesus handles each question brilliantly (cf Mk 11:27 – 12:27).

But then a more respectful teacher of law asks Jesus: “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” (Mk 12:28)  How would you answer that?

Both Jesus and this teacher are in solid agreement that loving the LORD and loving people is most important.

Yet Jesus then tells the man: “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mk 12:34)

What does it mean to be not far?  The teacher of the law has his theology totally correct, so what is he still missing?  Is it possible that you or I are missing the same thing?

Being not far from the kingdom of God is too far!

Come along this Sunday as we explore this further.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Mark 12:28-34
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.

Notice of Special General Meeting of the Congregation - 11 March 2018
A special general meeting will be held directly after the 8.45am church service on Sunday the 11th March 2018.
The purpose of the meeting is to elect a congregational member to represent Good Shepherd at the 2018 General Synod. Robyn Oatey has been nominated as our representative and has accepted the nomination. This is the only agenda item.
Apologies will be accepted by the church office by phone, email or in person. An attendance sheet will be available on the day to sign.

Men@Para Vista – 10th February Breakfast Report
72 men from GSPV and other worship communities enjoyed a cooked breakfast and fellowship.

Members from CMA SA came to share their stories of how a common life in faith and enjoyment of riding a motorbike led to the formation of the Christian Motorcyclists Association of SA Inc.
‘Riding with Purpose’.   Stories of not only where their bike rides take them, but in the growth in their personal spiritual journey and how that has enabled them to share God’s love with others.

This was also a special day – the first time the new kitchen was used to cook the breakfast.
Stephen Zanker came to cook and teach the ‘Men’s Breakfast Cooks’ how to bulk cook in the kitchen and not outside on the BBQ.
A hearty meal was shared over chats, stories heard, a time of men connecting in faith & fellowship.

Next Men’s Breakfast is in History Month on May 5th @ 7.30am
Our Guest Speaker will tell the life story of a young lad Hubert, born in 1888 at Mt Bryan, mid north of SA.  Hubert Wilkins lived a life of unrelenting adventures and high drama including polar explorations and became recognized as – ‘the truly last – and one of the greatest modern explorers’.

From the Office

Assistance
Can you assist with helping to improve our facilities?

Our new foyer and cafe look very clean and modern. This is offset by the tired appearance of the woodwork and walls in the toilet corridor which is visible from the new area. We are looking for volunteers to help freshen up this area.

Help is needed to:
• sand the woodwork ready for painting ( 1 door would be a great help)
• paint the wood work
• gyprock the walls
• paint the walls
If you can assist in any aspect of this project please contact John Dolling or Stephen Zanker.

Urgent Vacancies!
This is the last Sunday our Barista will be brewing the coffee. Vacancies are now open to learn how to make the brewed coffee.  Please mark your connect card or contact the church office to assist in this small but very important part of service.  A team of volunteers will make a huge impact on our Sunday social activity after services

Parking lot safety – One Way Traffic
Remember traffic flow is one way entering from Montague road and exiting through the rear gate AT ALL TIMES.  Please do not ‘sneak out’ onto Montague road after hours.
As this is a shared area speed is restricted to 10KPH.

Notice Board

Nominations for LCA Standing Committees open
The LCA's Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting all eligible congregational members to consider serving on an LCA board, council, commission or committee in the next synodical term. Please refer to the LCA nominations web-site: www.lca.org.au/nominations  for information and to access the nominations form. Please note: Nominations must be submitted to the LCA Standing Committee on Nominations by 15 May 2018.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

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 in the new café area
Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm

Invitation to attend events at Australian Lutheran College (ALC)
ALC invites you to attend the following events being held on Monday, 26 February 2018, which mark the beginning of a new academic year for the College. The day will begin with worship in the College Chapel at 9am followed by the Opening Lecture at 9.30am in the Refectory. This year’s lecture will be presented by Rev James Winderlich (ALC Principal) and is entitled,

‘The shape of things to come for a church who learns: ALC’s renewing purpose to serve as an enquirer centred, transformational learning community.’

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 ALC reception on (08) 7120 8200 or email: alc@alc.edu.au. For those unable to physically attend proceedings, the lecture will be live-streamed via the ALC website – www.alc.edu.au

“Be completely humble and gentle;

Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” 

Ephesians 4:2

Living the Crucified Life

A man with great wealth walked sadly away from Jesus.  He had passed his Confirmation exam, nailed the Ten Commandments section, recognised God’s goodness in Jesus, was truly searching for God, but then the bonus question at the end – the one he wasn’t expecting.

“One thing you lack,” Jesus said.  For a moment, the man perhaps scratched his head and ticked off the markers of a good Jewish man: sacrifice, commitment, prayers, etc…  What am I missing?

“You have everything in this life – now sell it all and give to the poor, and then you will have treasures in heaven.  Then come, follow me.”  (Mark 10:21 paraphrased)

The disciples can’t figure it out – if the rich, who have the time and resources to go to the temple, sacrifice all the offerings, sit in the midst of the other wealthy men to pray and to talk, to connect with God through following the Law, if they can’t enter the kingdom of God, who is it and how is it that they can be saved?

This week we’re going to look at Jesus’ interaction with the rich man and the disciples and ponder the difficulties Jesus’ poses.  In essence, he is giving us the conundrum of what Halford Luccock writes Abundance is the (mortal) enemy of the Abundant Life. 
How does wealth get in the way?  What are the scriptural understandings of wealth and its detriment to the treasures in heaven?  How do we, as 21st century wealthy Australians understand wealth and its relationship to the priorities in life?

Join in on the discussion this Sunday?

Pastor Reid

Bible Reading: Mark 10:23-31
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.

Exciting opportunities for learning!  This Sunday is our parents’ meeting.  Folders will be distributed with information and we’ll be asking all the questions we need to continue the Revolution.  Transform Confirmation is for ages 11-Adult.  Come and find out why there is excitement in the youth programs.

Hearing God's Whispers Workshop

Saturday 24th February 2018, 9.45am to 4.00pm

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

388 Montague Road, Para Vista

Lunch:  BYO. Coffee and tea provided.

Cost:  Free, booklet table available

(A donation towards this ministry would be appreciated.)

RSVP to Ros Thiele by 21st February

Phone: 0417 814 491: Email:  mervrost@bigpond.net.au

Please bring:  a Bible, note pad & pen

All Welcome (suitable for teens upwards)

Don’t forget the Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School Aloha!  Come one and all to enjoy fellowship and community.

From the Office

Assistance
Can you assist with helping to improve our facilities?

Our new foyer and cafe look very clean and modern. This is offset by the tired appearance of the woodwork and walls in the toilet corridor which is visible from the new area. We are looking for volunteers to help freshen up this area.

Help is needed to:
•    sand the woodwork ready for painting ( 1 door would be a great help)
•    paint the wood work
•    gyprock the walls
•    paint the walls
If you can assist in any aspect of this project please contact John Dolling or Stephen Zanker.

Cafe Use!
The cafe came alive on Tuesday 6th February with the ‘return to school’ chapel, and again Thursday morning with the parents of first-time school students able to enjoy both fresh coffee and great conversation.  Approximately 70 parents made use of the area after both events; socializing and making new friends.  If you are passing by between 9am to 10am on Friday 9th or 23rd February, feel free to drop in and enjoy a free freshly brewed coffee and conversation with the school community.

Vacancy
Our Barista will be retiring at the end of February and a vacancy is open, for both services, to make the brewed coffee.  Please mark your connect card or contact the church office if you are able to assist in this small but very important part of service.

Do you claim to be a BBQ king?
BBQ cooks required to assist the school community on the 24th February from 3pm to 6pm.  Please mark BBQ on your connect card, or email the office with your availability.

Parking lot safety – One Way Traffic
Remember traffic flow is one way entering from Montague road and exiting through the rear gate AT ALL TIMES.  Please do not ‘sneak out’ onto Montague road after hours. 
As this is a shared area speed is restricted to 10KPH.

Notice Board

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

Faith Gym
You are invited to consider joining one of the short courses that will be offered at Faith Gym here at Good Shepherd, facilitated by appropriate lay people or pastors. We’ll be starting Wed February 21st 2018, 7:30pm. Contact the office for more information.

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 @ the GSPV Lutheran Church
Time:     7.30 – 9.30pm

Invitation to attend events at Australian Lutheran College (ALC)
ALC invites you to attend the following events being held on Monday, 26 February 2018, which mark the beginning of a new academic year for the College. The day will begin with worship in the College Chapel at 9.00 am followed by the Opening Lecture at 9.30 am in the Refectory. This year’s lecture will be presented by Rev James Winderlich (ALC Principal) and is entitled,

‘The shape of things to come for a church who learns: ALC’s renewing purpose to serve as an enquirer centred, transformational learning community.’
 
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 ALC reception on (08) 7120 8200 or email: alc@alc.edu.au. For those unable to physically attend proceedings, the lecture will be live-streamed via the ALC website – www.alc.edu.au.

“Fight the good fight of the faith.

Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called 

when you made your good confession

 in the presence of many witnesses.”

1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)

Life in Jesus - Together!

Perhaps the most popular religion of Western culture is individualism: “It’s all about me! I determine my own values, my own truth, my own ethics, and my story of self-fulfilment.” 

If “it’s all about me”, then what sort of person will I become?   How does that work out relationally?  What happens when my pursuit of self-fulfilment impacts others?  What happens to the “WE” when I am obsessed with “ME”?

If life is about getting my own way ALL the time, then how does that mesh in with Jesus, and what it means to be part of his Church? 

Jesus once said that a house divided against itself cannot stand – it crumbles.  We see it in marriages and families, in sporting teams and community groups, in political parties and governments.  And sometimes we see it in local churches! 

In the Church, we’re part of something much greater than self – we are participants in God’s unfolding story for his world.  This Sunday, I will be preaching on the body of Christ, and what it means to do life in Jesus – together! 

At both services we will be launching our small groups’ ministry for 2018. 

Shalom!  Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Transform
Transform ministry is about to begin!  Transform (a confirmation program) is designed for people of all ages.  Here are the dates you need to know as of right now:

February 11:  Planning and organisation time for our youth programs, 12 noon – 2pm Good Shepherd education room

February 18:  Parents information time.  We’ll distribute the brochures, the calendar for the year, the parental forms, and a brief vision for what we’re trying to accomplish.  12 noon – 1pm GS sanctuary

February 25: First Transform session.  Because we’ll be starting at 12 noon, it will be great to have a lunch packed for your 11-13 year olds.  We will have lunch together, then an hour and 45 minutes of teaching, learning and practicing the faith.  We will start in the hall, and move to different areas of the campus.

Keep your ears and eyes open for updates.

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.

Don’t forget the Good Shepherd Lutheran Primary School Aloha!  Come one and all to enjoy fellowship and community.

Involvement with Lutheran Community Care
At the Half Yearly meeting the Congregation adopted LCC at Ingle Farm as one of the outreach organizations it will support in 2018.

Congregational members are already working at the centre helping with BBQs, Homework Club, Conversational English for new arrivals, and some renovations.  Over the next few weeks there will be more information about how members can get involved with helping LCC cater for the many and diverse needs in this local community.

If you are interested in finding out more or would like to work on a Task Force, to coordinate our involvement with LCC, contact John Dolling on 8367 5296 or jdolling@bigpond.net.au

From the Office
Assistance
Can you assist with helping to improve our facilities?

Our new foyer and cafe look very clean and modern. This is offset by the tired appearance of the woodwork and walls in the toilet corridor which is visible from the new area. We are looking for volunteers to help freshen up this area.

Help is needed to:
• sand the woodwork ready for painting ( 1 door would be a great help)
• paint the wood work
• gyprock the walls
• paint the walls
If you can assist in any aspect of this project please contact John Dolling or Stephen Zanker.

Cafe Use!
The cafe came alive on Tuesday 6th February with the ‘return to school’ chapel, and again Thursday morning with the parents of first-time school students able to enjoy both fresh coffee and great conversation.  Approximately 70 parents made use of the area after both events; socializing and making new friends.  If you are passing by between 9am to 10am on Friday 9th or 23rd February, feel free to drop in and enjoy a free freshly brewed coffee and conversation with the school community.

Vacancy
Our Barista will be retiring at the end of February and a vacancy is open, for both services, to make the brewed coffee.  Please mark your connect card or contact the church office if you are able to assist in this small but very important part of service.

Do you claim to be a BBQ king?
BBQ cooks required to assist the school community on the 24th February from 3pm to 6pm.  Please mark BBQ on your connect card, or email the office with your availability.

Ignite the Future building update
This week the plumber finally finished plumbing in the last sink and gas to the main range. 
The range will need to be commissioned before it can be used, so please check with the Admin Manager before attempting to use this piece of equipment.  Please remember training should be completed before using any of the equipment in the area. 
Research on a coffee machine for the café area is in progress.  If you have any contacts or information on a machine you wish to share, please contact the Admin Manager.

Facilities Development
The FDT and architect Craig Vale are meeting next week with the builders to discuss the outstanding defects in our redevelopment.   Hopefully we will be able to come to some resolutions, and this will enable us the sign off on the project.

Parking lot safety – One Way Traffic
Remember traffic flow is one way entering from Montague road and exiting through the rear gate AT ALL TIMES.  Please do not ‘sneak out’ onto Montague road after hours. 
As this is a shared area speed is restricted to 10KPH.

Notice Board

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au 
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews. It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

Faith Gym
You are invited to consider joining one of the short courses that will be offered at Faith Gym here at Good Shepherd, facilitated by appropriate lay people or pastors. We’ll be starting Wed February 21st 2018, 7:30pm. Contact the office for more information.

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 @ the GSPV Lutheran Church
Time: 7.30 – 9.30pm

Invitation to attend events at Australian Lutheran College (ALC)
ALC invites you to attend the following events being held on Monday, 26 February 2018, which mark the beginning of a new academic year for the College. The day will begin with worship in the College Chapel at 9am followed by the Opening Lecture at 9.30am in the Refectory. This year’s lecture will be presented by Rev James Winderlich (ALC Principal) and is entitled,

‘The shape of things to come for a church who learns: ALC’s renewing purpose to serve as an enquirer centred, transformational learning community.’
 
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 ALC reception on (08) 7120 8200 or email: alc@alc.edu.au. For those unable to physically attend proceedings, the lecture will be live-streamed via the ALC website – www.alc.edu.au

“Cast your cares on the LORD 

and he will sustain you: he will never let the righteous be shaken”

Psalm 55:22 NIV