Who is Jesus?

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week in our sermon series Questions that deserve an answer, we’re looking at ‘Who is Jesus?’

For Christians this question seems very basic, but for those who do not know him, the answers put forward by mainstream culture are often incomplete or incorrect. Answers like, “Jesus is the baby in the manger at Christmas. Jesus is a mythical figure made up by the church. Jesus was a great teacher. Jesus was a good man and a good example to follow. Jesus was the guy in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar who died at the end.”

While many in Australia have lost interest in organised religion and the church, there is still strong interest in Jesus. As Jesus’ followers we need to be ready to answer questions about “Who he is?” and why we believe this.

This Sunday we’ll help equip you to answer this question as we look at who Jesus is and what evidence exists to support our answers. 

Sunday Readings: John 12:37, 42-46 & Mark 14:60-64
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Kingdom Kids
In Kingdom Kids this term, our focus is “Serving in our Church”.  If you are a parent or grandparent, please remember to have your child or grandchild serve alongside you in your ministry area at least once this term.  This will give the children an opportunity to think about where they might like to serve in their church as they grow.

Last Sunday we enjoyed a presentation from the Worship Hosting Ministry.  Perry explained to the children the many different ways people serve each Sunday.  The children were encouraged to serve alongside their parents if they are currently serving in this ministry.

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Fathers’ Day
On Fathers’ Day, 6th September, we would like to invite families to arrive at 10am in the school library.  Craft materials will be available for families to respond creatively to two Bible readings for the day.  At 10.25am we will all move into the church to worship.  At the end of the service, families will be invited to come forward and share their creative responses.  We look forward to finding out what God is showing us.

Faith at Home
August booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the August booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Small Group Leaders’ Workshop 101
Basic training for those interested in starting a small group;
or for those who’d like to be more effective in their small group.  

Five Wednesday evenings from Sept 2 - Sept 30, 7:30-9pm

1. Why small groups?
2. Leading a small group
3. Starting a small group
4. Growing in Jesus as a small group
5. Praying in the small group

Prerequisite: a love for Jesus and a love for people.  Bring your Bible and a pen.
Each session will be held in the Education Centre (via main front entrance).
Register by August 31st via email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or ph: 8263 5087.
A minimum of 6 people will be required to run this workshop.    

Pr Rolly Stahl

 
Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives - Why did Martin Luther see educational changes as critical for his theological reformation? What educational insights from Luther are relevant for the LCA today? Dr Malcolm Bartsch, emeritus ALC lecturer, will explore the topic 'Learning for faith and for life: Martin Luther as educational reformer in home, school, university and church' at the (FoLA) meeting on Monday August 24, 7.30 pm in Bethlehem House, Flinders Street, Adelaide.  Supper & Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path”

Psalm 119:105

Can we trust the accounts of Jesus?

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
In our new worship series: Questions that deserve an answer, we’re tackling some of the intellectual challenges of our time.  Last Sunday, Pr Noel launched this series with some insightful responses to the question: Does science disprove God? 

This Sunday’s question that deserves an answer: Can we trust the New Testament accounts of Jesus?  We’ll be addressing two related issues:

1. Can we trust Jesus’ disciples told the truth? 
Sceptics claim that the disciples “fabricated” their accounts, attributing miracles to Jesus to confirm him as the Son of God.  When people with a naturalist world-view decide that miracles cannot happen, then no amount of historical evidence will convince them.  

Yet to the open minded, the historical evidence is indeed compelling.  No one living around that time denied Jesus’ miracles – not even the Jewish leaders who conspired to kill him!

Tens of thousands of people witnessed Jesus. The experiences of a bunch known as The Twelve were crucial to how the accounts of Jesus came about.

2. Can we trust the New Testament texts? 
Some claim that the texts have been tampered with down through the centuries, and therefore cannot be trusted.  In light of the evidence, we will see that the integrity of the New Testament text is exponentially more reliable than any other texts that have come down to us from ancient times. 

Sunday Readings:
Luke 1:1-4 Luke affirms that accounts of Jesus - based on the first eyewitnesses - were in circulation.
1 John 1:1-4 The testimony of an eyewitness who - along with others - knew Jesus personally.
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership. Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 18th and Tuesday 25th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

You can register for Discovery in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or, by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.

Kingdom Kids
This term, our focus will be on “Serving in our Church”.  If you are a parent or grandparent, please remember to have your child or grandchild serve alongside you in your ministry area at least once this term.  This will give the children an opportunity to think about where they might like to serve in their church as they grow.

Last Sunday we enjoyed a presentation from Maranatha Ministry.  The children were given an opportunity to serve in the Maranatha Ministry through prayer and making things to sell at our end of term service event.

This Sunday we have Perry coming in to talk to the children about Worship Hosting.  All zones will combine in the school library to begin with before breaking off into their zones.

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Baby Zone
We would like to remind parents of babies and toddlers about our wonderful Baby Zone room!  In Baby Zone we talk about the same simple topic for one month.
Our topic for August is:  “God Gives Me Friends”
David and Jonathan Were Friends (See 1 Samuel 18:1-4) Love each other (See John 15:12)
This month your child will:

• hear songs and words about God’s gift of friends;
• feel glad to be with his or her friends;
• play with toys and materials to learn about friends.

If you haven't been to Baby Zone before we would like to encourage you and your toddler to come and make some new friends!

Faith at Home
August booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the August booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

From the Office

Audio Visual for Hall
The tech team have completed modifications for audio visual (AV) in the hall.  The system can now be run independently to the church.  To operate the system a key will need to be signed out from the front office.  For any questions on the system please contact the administration staff.

Results from the extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation
On Sunday 19th July an extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation was held to make a decision about the future direction of the Good Shepherd Village. The Village Board wishes to thank all those who attended and prayerfully considered this matter.  The motion put forward was:

That the PVLHI Board be authorised to negotiate the assumption of the assets of PVLHI by Fullarton Lutheran Homes Incorporated (FLH) under the certain conditions:

The decision in favour of the motion was unanimously agreed to and the board will now progress the merger of Para Vista Lutheran Homes with Fullerton Lutheran Homes.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential. None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer. The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month. For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from the information rack at the rear of the auditorium or via this link 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

Heating our facility
To assist all users of our facility in keeping warm the following actions will help to heat the areas in an economical way.  When heaters are turned on, ensure the ceiling fans are turned on to a low speed. For the auditorium the switches are located in the rear corridor and speed setting 5 or 4 will suffice.  In the hall and the rear right of the auditorium the fans are in the dark boxes on the ceiling. The switches for these are located along the northern brick wall in line with the fans. Select speed setting medium.

Valiant Man DVD
The office is looking for a DVD of ‘Valiant Man’ by Allan Meyer.  If anyone has one they’d like to sell - please ring the office or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives - Why did Martin Luther see educational changes as critical for his theological reformation? What educational insights from Luther are relevant for the LCA today? Dr Malcolm Bartsch, emeritus ALC lecturer, will explore the topic 'Learning for faith and for life: Martin Luther as educational reformer in home, school, university and church' at the (FoLA) meeting on Monday August 24, 7.30 pm in Bethlehem House, Flinders Street, Adelaide.  Supper & Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

“Love one another”

1 John 3:23

Has science disproved God?

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week we begin a new sermon series called ‘Questions that deserve an answer’. The purpose of this series is twofold. Firstly, to answer some of the common questions you may have about the Christian faith. Living by faith is not easy and it’s normal to have questions about God and the way he works in this world. Questioning what you believe and looking for answers will not weaken your faith, but rather strengthen it. Faith that is built on blindly accepting everything you’re told is a faith that can be quickly challenged when a more compelling argument comes along.

The second purpose is to help equip you to answer the common questions you may encounter as you seek to share the love and good news of Jesus with others.

The first question we tackle this week is “Has science disproved God?” This is a big question and one that comes up every time science claims to have made a discovery that proves God doesn’t exist. How do we deal with these claims? Do we have to choose between God and science or can they coexist together? If you’ve ever wondered about this question yourself or you’re not too sure how you would answer it if someone threw it at you, come along this Sunday to hear how we can respond to this question.

Pastor Noel

Sunday Readings: Psalm 19:1-6, Romans 2:18-23
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.

How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership.

Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 18th and Tuesday 25th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

You can register for Discovery in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or, by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.

Thank you
Thank you to everyone for your kind words and encouragement on my retirement!
I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to work on the staff team at Good Shepherd. It is an honour and a privilege to serve this community, and I have enjoyed meeting so many people over the years. 

I look forward to what God has in store for this new chapter of my life.

Blessings - Lorraine

Kingdom Kids
In Kingdom Kids this term, our focus will be on “Serving in our Church”.
Last Sunday we enjoyed a presentation from Joan who serves in the Cebu Ministry. We enjoyed her many photos from a recent trip which helped the children to understand how we can serve other people in other countries.

This Sunday we have Maranatha Ministry coming in to lead the session.  All zones will combine in the school library.

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Baby Zone
We would like to remind parents of babies and toddlers about our wonderful Baby Zone room!  In Baby Zone we talk about the same simple topic for one month.
Our topic for August is:  “God Gives Me Friends”
David and Jonathan Were Friends (See 1 Samuel 18:1-4) Love each other (See John 15:12)
This month your child will:

• hear songs and words about God’s gift of friends
• feel glad to be with his or her friends
• play with toys and materials to learn about friends

If you haven't been to Baby Zone before we would like to encourage you and your toddler to come and make some new friends!

Faith at Home
August booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the August booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Cebu Mission Fundraising Event
Scone Day will be held this Sunday 2nd August after both morning services.  Freshly baked scones, with jam and cream for $1 each.

Women’s Fellowship
Meets on Tuesday, August 4th in Good Shepherd Hall at 1pm to hear all about the making of "Miniatures". Our presenter will be Marlene Janusaitis, who has had years of experience in this field of craft. Some of her work will be on display for us to enjoy.

Please take note of the following dates
August 20th, 9:30am, Metro North Fellowship Day, Salisbury Church Hall, entrance through Winzor Street. Soup provided, bring small plate to share, excellent spot speakers.   Baby clothing (new) for LCC to be handed in and dedication on this day.
September 10th, 10am, Morning Tea and Spring Fashion Parade in Immanuel Lutheran Church Hall, Gawler.  Proceeds to Chaplaincy in Gawler Schools. There will be a trading table.

From the Office

Results from the extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation
On Sunday 19th July an extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation was held to make a decision about the future direction of the Good Shepherd Village. The Village Board wishes to thank all those who attended and prayerfully considered this matter.  The motion put forward was:

That the PVLHI Board be authorised to negotiate the assumption of the assets of PVLHI by Fullarton Lutheran Homes Incorporated (FLH) under the certain conditions:

The decision in favour of the motion was unanimously agreed to and the board will now progress the merger of Para Vista Lutheran Homes with Fullerton Lutheran Homes.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

“I will praise thee with my whole heart”

Psalm 138:1

Freedom from Lust

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
We will conclude our worship series: Breaking Free from the Seven Deadly Sins.  So far we’ve looked at sloth, greed, anger, pride, envy and gluttony. This Sunday: Freedom from Lust.

Lust can be an unchecked desire for anything, but we'll be focussing on the sexual aspect. From ancient times, young men were cautioned about sexual desire or activity with anyone outside the bonds of marriage.  For example in the Proverbs we read:

My son, keep your father's commands
   and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light,
   …keeping you from the immoral woman.

Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
   or let her captivate you with her eyes,
for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread,
   and the adulteress preys upon your very life.

Can a man scoop fire into his lap
   without his clothes being burned?
So is he who sleeps with another man's wife;
   no one who touches her will go unpunished.  (Proverbs 6:20, 23-29 NIV)

Where do young men receive such advice these days?!  In our culture we are constantly bombarded with sexual images – in advertising, magazines, TV shows, movies, and web sites on the internet. No wonder that addiction to lust and pornography is a growing problem. 

When lust moves people to use one another as objects, authentic connection and heart intimacy will remain a pipedream. Yet God can free us from the grip of lust, and renew our capacity to love.

Notice for Parents/Grandparents:
This Sunday we’re talking about sexuality – how it gets messed up, and how God can restore us.  If you regard this topic unsuitable for your children/grandchildren, please ensure they join in Kingdom Kids at the 10:30 service, or feel free to take them out during the Bible readings and message.

Sunday Readings:
2 Samuel 13:1-22 One of David’s sons, Amnon, violates his half-sister Tamar.
Matthew 5:27-30 Jesus urges us to ruthlessly deal with lust.
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids resumes this Sunday!  This term our focus will be on “Serving in our Church”.  This Sunday all zones will meet in the school library to hear Joan McCarthy speak about the Cebu Ministry and how God lead her to serve.

Kindy Zone will not be running this Sunday.  Depending on how many children attend – we may combine with Kids Zone.  Please come along to hear Joan speak and then we will make a decision on what to do with the Kindy Zone children.

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Baby Zone
We would like to remind parents of babies and toddlers about our wonderful Baby Zone room!  In Baby Zone we talk about the same simple topic for one month. Our topic for July is:  “God Made Me” (See Job 33:4) This month the children will:-

• hear words and songs about God making people;
• feel glad for his or her amazing body;
• participate in a variety of fun activities such as exercise fun (large body movements), freeze dance and gluing (and feeling) different materials.

If you haven't been to Baby Zone before we would like to encourage you and your toddler or baby to give it a try!

Faith at Home
August booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the August booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk and the parenting room.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Cebu Mission Fundraising Event
Scone Day will be held on Sunday 2nd August after both morning services.  Freshly baked scones, with jam and cream for $1 each.

Women’s Fellowship
 Meets on Tuesday, August 4th in Good Shepherd Hall at 1pm to hear all about the making of "Miniatures". Our presenter will be Marlene Janusaitis, who has had years of experience in this field of craft. Some of her work will be on display for us to enjoy.

Please take note of the following dates
August 13th, 10am, Morning Tea and Spring Fashion Parade in Immanuel Lutheran Church Hall, Gawler.  Proceeds to Chaplaincy in Gawler Schools. There will be a trading table.
August 20th, 9:30am, Metro North Fellowship Day, Salisbury Church Hall, entrance through Winzor Street. Soup provided, bring small plate to share, excellent spot speakers.   Baby clothing (new) for LCC to be handed in and dedication on this day.

From the Office

Farewell celebration
This Sunday 26th July we will be farewelling Lorraine Johns after nearly 31 years of service in our church office. A celebration morning tea will follow each service. 
Please bring a plate of finger food to share and mark this significant occasion.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

LCC Winter Appeal: Bring warmth to those facing their coldest moment
We need your help to bring warmth to families facing their coldest moment this winter.
Your gift of $70 can provide a warm Baby Bundle to struggling parents or a gift of $110 can supply winter clothes and blankets for the homeless.
Through your gift we can show God's love to new parents trying to cope, to children in need of winter uniforms and to people at risk of becoming homeless.

Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au
or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”

Colossians 3:2

Freedom from Gluttony

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
We continue our worship series: Breaking Free from the Seven Deadly Sins.  So far we’ve looked at sloth, greed, anger, pride, and envy. This Sunday: Breaking Free from Gluttony.

Eating and drinking are not only necessary for life – they are a God-given pleasure! Two of our senses are devoted to its cause: taste and smell.  But it can reach a point where we live to eat, rather than eat to live. That's gluttony. Gluttony says: "I can just fit a bit more in." 
   
The Greek poet Menander had a line in his comedy Thais: “Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.”  Paul asserts that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then one may as well hold to this maxim and indulge one’s self to the hilt (1 Corinthians 15:32, cf Isaiah 22:13).

Around 300BC, the Greek philosopher Epicurus regarded pleasure as the greatest good.  While he believed in a balanced life, our modern pursuit of pleasure in food – Epicureanism – tends to push this to extremes. Even though we know lots about healthy eating and drinking, we Aussies have a propensity for over-indulging our appetites. 

When people are without God and without hope in the world, they often turn to pleasure. When we seek comfort in food, or refuge in drink, then we are not turning to God. Rather, we are turning to an idol. If we keep doing this, it can become an addiction that destroys us. 

God wants to spare us and free us from that.  Jesus says: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (John 6:51 NIV)

Lord Jesus,
You remind us that life is more important
  than the food we eat and the clothes we wear.
So help us to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness,
  and all these things will be given to us as well. 
Amen.

Sunday Readings: Proverbs 23:29-35; Philippians 3:17-21; Matthew 6:31-34.
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.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on holidays!  We will resume on Sunday 26 July.  Next term we will be looking at how we can serve in our church here at Good Shepherd.  Activity folders for use during services in the holidays will be available for the children.  Personal Journals are available for the older children.

Faith at Home
July booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the July booklet at the Kingdom Kids sign in desk, parenting room and children’s activity folders.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Maranatha Health Quiz Night - Think Orange!
Warm up those little grey cells, brush up on your African knowledge, gather your friends and form a team for the Maranatha Health Quiz Night.
When: Saturday 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Tickets: $15pp, tables of 8-10 available online at http://www.trybooking/HWXZ, or at the door.
Theme: Orange (dress up, face paint, food, drink, decorate) Prizes for the most original
Please BYO drinks and nibbles. Hot drinks available. Market stall on the night.
For more information email contact@maranathahealth.org or go to www.maranathahealth.org/act/events

Cebu Mission Fundraising Event
Scone Day will be held on Sunday 2nd August after both morning services.  Freshly baked scones, with jam and cream for $1 each.

From the Office

Extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation
This Sunday there will be an extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation at 12:15pm to make very important decisions about the future direction of the Good Shepherd Village. All members are encouraged to attend. Agenda hard copies are available from the information area in the foyer. The agenda gives a detailed explanation the reason for this meeting.  We asked that you prayerfully consider this matter.

Office closure 23rd July for Staff meet.
Office will be closed for an extended lunch period on 23rd July 2015 from 12.15pm to 2.00pm for a staff meeting/lunch.

Farewell celebration
On Sunday 26th July we will be farewelling Lorraine Johns after nearly 31 years of service in our church office. A celebration morning tea will follow each service. Please bring a plate of finger food to share and mark this significant occasion.

Praise Point
On the 11 June 2015 a letter was emailed to all members in relation to the current financial position of the congregation during 2015. On behalf of the board I would like to commend members for the way in which this news was taken and the positive response we had to Offerings during the month of June. Offerings during June were the highest for 18 months and were $7,000 above budget. As a comparison most months during 2015 have been around $2,000 under Budget.

There was more good news in June as the Interest we received into our Bank accounts was $5,300 more than in 2014.  This interest is from members LLL accounts who forgo the interest which instead is deposited into the congregations Bank accounts. We give praise to God for the generosity of his people and their ability to serve in this way. 

These 2 actions by our Good Shepherd community have had a positive impact on our financial position for 2015. We will continue to provide regular financial updates into the weekly news.

Simon Janetzki
Finance Team Leader

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

LCC Winter Appeal: Bring warmth to those facing their coldest moment
We need your help to bring warmth to families facing their coldest moment this winter.
Your gift of $70 can provide a warm Baby Bundle to struggling parents or a gift of $110 can supply winter clothes and blankets for the homeless. Through your gift we can show God's love to new parents trying to cope, to children in need of winter uniforms and to people at risk of becoming homeless.

Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au
or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

Expressions of Interest: Micro-volunteering Project Officer
0.2FTE, based at Sefton Park
Are you interested in assisting people to support the work of LCC through one-off, no commitment actions? We are seeking a part-time Project Officer to join us in an exciting new project on Micro-volunteering at LCC.
For a Job Description and instructions on how to apply, please visit our website at www.lccare.org.au Expressions of interest close 9.00am on Friday, 24 July.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord”

Psalm 150:6

Emptied of Envy

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
We continue our worship series: Breaking Free from the Seven Deadly Sins.  So far we’ve looked at sloth, greed, anger and pride. This Sunday: Breaking Free from Envy.

Whereas jealousy wants what someone else has, envy is a festering bitterness at another's success… to the point that it seeks to destroy the other person. In the Bible, we have numerous stories of envy: Cain and Abel, Joseph’s brothers, King Saul and David, the religious heavies and Jesus.  Friends, how well do you handle the success of others? 

Proverbs tells us: ‘A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.’ (Prov 14:30 NIV)  Lord, set us free from envy!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
You rejoice in one another
   without rivalry, competition, or self-seeking.
In a nation where many tear down tall poppies,
   give us grace to rejoice in the success of others;
   even when their success is greater than ours!
Amen.

Sunday Readings:
Genesis 4:1-15 Out of envy, Cain murders his brother Abel in cold blood.
Mark 15:1-15 Out of envy, the chief priests hand Jesus over to Pilate. 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on holidays!  We will resume on Sunday 26 July.  Next term we will be looking at how we can serve in our church here at Good Shepherd.  Activity folders for use during services in the holidays will be available for the children.  Personal Journals are available for the older children.

Faith at Home
July booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the July booklet at the Kingdom Kids sign in desk, parenting room and children’s activity folders.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Maranatha Health Quiz Night - Think Orange!
Warm up those little grey cells, brush up on your African knowledge, gather your friends and form a team for the Maranatha Health Quiz Night.
When: Saturday 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Tickets: $15pp, tables of 8-10 available online at http://www.trybooking/HWXZ, or at the door.
Theme: Orange (dress up, face paint, food, drink, decorate) Prizes for the most original
Please BYO drinks and nibbles. Hot drinks available. Market stall on the night.
For more information email contact@maranathahealth.org or go to www.maranathahealth.org/act/events

From the Office

Report on July Board meeting

• The upcoming meeting re the future of the village was discussed. The Board was supportive of the proposals that will be discussed at the meeting on the 19thof July.
• A report from the Facilities Review Team was discussed. This review is a work in progress.
• The possibility of making traffic flow through the complex one way 24/7 was discussed but not adopted.
• The Board agreed to pay $350 to have a 16mm film of the dedication of the original church across Montague Road digitised – July 1966. The film was deteriorating very quickly and would have been lost forever without swift action. This will fit in well with our 50th anniversary celebrations next year.

Extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation
Next Sunday 19thJuly there will be an extraordinary meeting of the members of the congregation at 12:15pm to make very important decisions about the future direction of the Good Shepherd Village.
All members are encouraged to attend. Agendas are attached to this newsletter and available from the information area in the foyer. The agenda gives a detailed explanation the reason for this meeting. 
We asked that you prayerfully consider this matter.

Farewell celebration
On Sunday 26th July we will be farewelling Lorraine Johns after nearly 31 years of service in our church office. A celebration morning tea will follow each service. 
Please bring a plate of finger food to share and mark this significant occasion.

Budget 2015
January thru June 2015
Total Offering - Budget $258,500        Actual $254,214. DEFICIT $4,300
January thru April 2015 – Total Income & Expenses
Total Income - Budget $226,165            Actual $215,207. SHORTFALL $10,958
Total Expenses - Budget $210,985        Actual $195,400. SHORTFALL $15,585
Project SURPLUS for 2015 $12,518 against Budget deficit of $4,175

Notes:

• Offerings in June were over budget by $7,000. 
• REG was the highest for nearly 7 years with plate well over budget.
• One Sunday’s offerings totalling $9,500.
• Other great news was interest received in May and June being $6,500 over budget.
• Expenses were nearly $10,000 under budget, mainly due to staff ($4,000) and plant ($5,000).
• With great offerings, unexpected interest income and expenses under budget; this has gone from a projected deficit in line with the budget at end of April to a project surplus of $12,500 at end of May.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
At the next gathering on Monday 20th July, Bethlehem House in the city, 7.30 pm,
Don Ross will tell us about Pioneering Farming and Viticulture in the Barossa.
He’ll include many historical images of horse teams tilling, harvesting and carting grain and hay crops,
several pioneers of the wine industry in the Barossa, as well as horses being used to cultivate vineyards, carting grapes and hand picking of grapes etc.
Supper, gold coin donation.

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

LCC Winter Appeal: Bring warmth to those facing their coldest moment
We need your help to bring warmth to families facing their coldest moment this winter.
Your gift of $70 can provide a warm Baby Bundle to struggling parents or a gift of $110 can supply winter clothes and blankets for the homeless.
Through your gift we can show God's love to new parents trying to cope, to children in need of winter uniforms and to people at risk of becoming homeless.

Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au
or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

Expressions of Interest: Micro-volunteering Project Officer
0.2FTE, based at Sefton Park
Are you interested in assisting people to support the work of LCC through one-off, no commitment actions? We are seeking a part-time Project Officer to join us in an exciting new project on Micro-volunteering at LCC.
For a Job Description and instructions on how to apply, please visit our website at www.lccare.org.au Expressions of interest close 9.00am on Friday, 24 July.

“This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it”

Psalm 118:24

Making a “God” of Self

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
We’re in the middle of our series “Breaking free of the seven deadly sins.” So far we’ve examined: sloth, greed, and anger. This Sunday we explore pride. In a nutshell, pride is ‘making a “god” of self’.

Pride is perhaps the deadliest of the seven deadly sins. If we could conquer the six others, our pride over that achievement would still bring us undone! There's a deep irony in the old German maxim: “Too much humility is also pride!”

Scripture has a lot to say about pride, but in particular we'll be unpacking two Biblical images that depict the destructive nature of pride:

1. being “puffed up” with pride, like some in the Corinthian church; and
2. imagining ourselves sitting on a throne, exalted high in a seemingly impregnable citadel rising out of the seas (cf. Ezekiel 28:2).

Thankfully God's Word pricks our puffed up pride, and casts us down from our human-fashioned thrones!

Sunday Readings: Ezekiel 28:1–9 and Philippians 2:6–11
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is now on holidays!  We will resume Sunday 26 July.  Next term we will be looking at how we can serve in our church here at Good Shepherd.  Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services during the holidays.

Faith at Home
July booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the July booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk, parenting room and children’s activity folders.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Women's Fellowship
On Tuesday, 7th July at 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall, we plan to share wedding memorabilia. It may be clothing, a wedding dress, perhaps a veil, shoes, or any other items of interest pertaining to a marriage ceremony. Photos are also most welcome if you wish to share some of them. If any congregation members would like to join us at this time, bring your special wedding items and let us enjoy them with you. Our husbands are not items so maybe they won’t be present at this gathering. They are far more precious!!   Do join us.

Maranatha Health Quiz Night - Think Orange!
Warm up those little grey cells, brush up on your African knowledge, gather your friends and form a team for the Maranatha Health Quiz Night.
When: Saturday 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Tickets: $15pp, tables of 8-10 available online at http://www.trybooking/HWXZ, or at the door.
Theme: Orange (dress up, face paint, food, drink, decorate) Prizes for the most original
Please BYO drinks and nibbles. Hot drinks available. Market stall on the night.
For more information email contact@maranathahealth.org or go to www.maranathahealth.org/act/events

From the Office

Download the app
Our church app is now available to download, search 'Good Shepherd Lutheran Church' in the app store for iPhones or the play store for Android phones”

Farewell celebration
On Sunday 26th July we will be farewelling Lorraine Johns after nearly 31 years of service in our church office. A celebration morning tea will follow each service. 
Please bring a plate of finger food to share and mark this significant occasion.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
At the next gathering on Monday 20th July, Bethlehem House in the city, 7.30 pm,
Don Ross will tell us about Pioneering Farming and Viticulture in the Barossa. He’ll include many historical images of horse teams tilling, harvesting and carting grain and hay crops,
several pioneers of the wine industry in the Barossa as well as horses being used to cultivate vineyards and carting grapes, hand picking of grapes etc.
Supper, gold coin donation.

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

LCC Winter Appeal: Bring warmth to those facing their coldest moment
We need your help to bring warmth to families facing their coldest moment this winter.
Your gift of $70 can provide a warm Baby Bundle to struggling parents or a gift of $110 can supply winter clothes and blankets for the homeless.
Through your gift we can show God's love to new parents trying to cope, to children in need of winter uniforms and to people at risk of becoming homeless.

Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to help someone going without this winter.
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

Vacancy: Case Manager, Outer Southern Generic Homelessness Service
Level 3/4 - 1.0FTE negotiable, based in Morphett Vale
The Case Manager will use a strengths-based case management model to provide an immediate and flexible response to the needs of clients referred to the Family Accommodation and Support Unit/OSGHS.
A Job Description can be found at www.lccare.org.au 
Applications close 8.30am on Monday, 6 July.

Vacancy: Alternative Care Worker, Alternative Care Services
LCC Level 4 - 1.0FTE, based in northern Adelaide/Barossa Valley
We are seeking an experienced person to join the Alternative Care team to undertake high quality assessments of foster carers in the northern suburbs and Barossa Valley.
A Job Description can be found at www.lccare.org.au  where you must fill out an online application by 8.30am on Monday, 6 July.

Expressions of Interest: Micro-volunteering Project Officer
0.2FTE, based at Sefton Park
Are you interested in assisting people to support the work of LCC through one-off, no commitment actions? We are seeking a part-time Project Officer to join us in an exciting new project on Micro-volunteering at LCC.
For a Job Description and instructions on how to apply, please visit our website at www.lccare.org.au Expressions of interest close 9.00am on Friday, 24 July.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart”

Proverbs 3:5

Anger Management

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
We continue our worship series: Breaking Free from the Seven Deadly Sins.  Over the last two weeks we’ve looked at sloth and greed. This Sunday: Breaking Free from Anger - reaction or response? 

Anger is a strong feeling that gets churned up inside us for many reasons.  Sometimes when our anger is triggered, we react impulsively - and that usually hurts people!  Yet anger CAN be constructive.  Anger can be a right response to a situation that is very much wrong. It can motivate us to take action in protecting the weak; or to fix a wrong.  Paul says: "In your anger, do not sin."  We need God's wisdom and grace to handle our anger appropriately.

Heavenly Father,
By the power and presence of your Holy Spirit,
  help me to live out who I am as your child.
Help me to handle my anger in healthy ways.
And help me to bear the fruit of patience
  in my relationships with others. Amen. 

Sunday Readings:
John 2:13-22 Jesus clears the commerce out of the temple courts.
Ephesians 4:26-27 We are to be careful how we deal with anger.
James 1:19-21 Quick to listen, slow to speak – and slow to become angry.
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Kingdom Kids
Last Sunday all zones enjoyed a short exercise session with Shelby!  We learnt that even though we can’t see what’s happening inside our bodies, things are at work helping us to exercise. Just like the Holy Spirit is at work in each of us helping us to believe in Jesus.

Kingdom Kids is now on holidays!  We will resume Sunday 26 July. Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services in the holidays. 

Baby Zone
We would like to remind parents of babies and toddlers about our wonderful Baby Zone room!  In Baby Zone we talk about the same simple topic for one month. Our topic for June is:  “God Cares for Me” (See 1 Peter 5:7.)  This month the children will:-

• hear words and songs about God’s care for them.
• feel thankful for God’s care.
• and participate in fun play activities to learn ways God cares for them.
• If you haven't been to Baby Zone before we would like to encourage you and your toddler or baby to give it a try!

Faith at Home
July booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the July booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk, parenting room and children’s activity folders.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Women's Fellowship
On Tuesday, 7th July at 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall, we plan to share wedding memorabilia. It may be clothing, a wedding dress, perhaps a veil, shoes, or any other items of interest pertaining to a marriage ceremony. Photos are also most welcome if you wish to share some of them. If any congregation members would like to join us at this time, bring your special wedding items and let us enjoy them with you. Our husbands are not items so maybe they won’t be present at this gathering. They are far more precious!!   Do join us.

Maranatha Health Quiz Night - Think Orange!
Warm up those little grey cells, brush up on your African knowledge, gather your friends and form a team for the Maranatha Health Quiz Night.
When: Saturday 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Tickets: $15pp, tables of 8-10 available online at http://www.trybooking/HWXZ, or at the door.
Theme: Orange (dress up, face paint, food, drink, decorate) Prizes for the most original
Please BYO drinks and nibbles. Hot drinks available. Market stall on the night.
For more information email contact@maranathahealth.org or go to www.maranathahealth.org/act/events

Cebu Mission News
A huge thankyou to all who came last Saturday night to our Music Night fundraiser.  It was a great night with The Adelaide Olde Time String Band donating their time and talents, also Carolyn Burgess donating her time and talent on her beautiful Harp, Nathan and Rochelle and their musicians and their beautiful singing and last but not least, Maureen and her Dance group donating their time also.

Thanks also to Tom Ollino for being 'The Alternative Auctioneer' with Di being his 'Adorable Assistant'. You both looked great and did a good job of the Mystery Wine Auction! Thanks to Steve Buck, Chairman of IGC Board for his talk and information.

We raised the wonderful amount of $3450....thanks everyone!  Also, a BIG THANK YOU to my Team for all the help prior to the event, for setting up the hall and all their help on the night. 

This was our last major event, so thank you again for all your support over the last eight and a half years.  We still have our Scone Day coming up in August, our Plant Stall in October and Sausage sizzle in November.  Looking forward to your continued support.

From the Office

Farewell celebration
On Sunday 26th July we will be farewelling Lorraine Johns from our church office after nearly 31 years of service. To assist Lorraine with this significant occasion a celebration morning tea will follow each service.  All members are requested to bring a plate of finger food to share with Lorraine.

Engage
Good Shepherd School made the most of the sunny side of the court yard this week and some helpful elves weeded the garden bed.
Love our kids and their willingness to serve.

Farewell
Adam and Naomi Ridley were farewelled last week from our community with a BBQ organised by the worship team.  We wish them well as they move to the Barossa.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift

is from above”

James 1:17

Breaking Free from Greed

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
We continue our new worship series: Breaking Free from the Seven Deadly Sins.  Last week, we looked at Sloth – the tragedy of laziness. This coming Sunday we explore: Breaking Free from Greed.

Greed is certainly prevalent in our market driven economy and consumer culture. A few questions come to mind:

• Why in our affluent Western culture do we compare ourselves with people much better off than we are - rather than most of the world’s population who have much less than we do?
• How does advertising lure us into materialism – and enslave us to greed?
• Have we lost the ability to distinguish between our needs and our wants?
• At what point do we say to ourselves: “I have enough!”  
• What are we doing with the resources God entrusts to us for his purposes in this world?
• How interested are we in supporting people around the world who lack basic needs?  

The root of greed is covetous desire - that's never satisfied, but always wanting more!  How counter cultural is Paul's statement that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’?

Sunday Readings: Ecclesiastes 5:10-15, Luke 12:13-21, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19.  
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Requests:

Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Kingdom Kids
Our final Kingdom Kids for Term 2 will be held this week at the 10.30am service. 

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Baby Zone
We would like to remind parents of babies and toddlers about our wonderful Baby Zone room!  In Baby Zone we talk about the same simple topic for one month. Our topic for June is:  “God Cares for Me” (See 1 Peter 5:7.) This month the children will:-

• hear words and songs about God’s care for them.
• feel thankful for God’s care.
• and participate in fun play activities to learn ways God cares for them.

If you haven't been to Baby Zone before we would like to encourage you and your toddler or baby to give it a try!

Faith at Home
June booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the June booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk, parenting room and children’s activity folders.

Step Up
It was wonderful to see the children participating in their first Holy Communion with their families and godparents on Sunday!  Our final group of children will participate in their Step Up to Holy Communion on Sunday 28th June.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Women's Fellowship
On Tuesday, 7th July at 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall, we plan to share wedding memorabilia. It may be clothing, a wedding dress, perhaps a veil, shoes, or any other items of interest pertaining to a marriage ceremony. Photos are also most welcome if you wish to share some of them. If any congregation members would like to join us at this time, bring your special wedding items and let us enjoy them with you. Our husbands are not items so maybe they won’t be present at this gathering. They are far more precious!!   Do join us.

Maranatha Health Quiz Night - Think Orange!
Warm up those little grey cells, brush up on your African knowledge, gather your friends and form a team for the Maranatha Health Quiz Night.
When: Saturday 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Tickets: $15pp, tables of 8-10 available online at http://www.trybooking/HWXZ, or at the door.
Theme: Orange (dress up, face paint, food, drink, decorate) Prizes for the most original
Please BYO drinks and nibbles. Hot drinks available
For more information go to www.maranathahealth.org/act/events
 

From the Office

Gardening
The gardens at our facility are low maintenance and require very little to maintain.  Assistance is required from a member/family who 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 8263 5087 or szanker@paravista.org.au

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

The Lutheran
….magazine is the national magazine of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
First published in 1967, it has undergone many changes as it helps us grow in faith and commitment to Jesus while informing us about the church’s life and people.

Yearly Subscriptions of 11 issues are now due for renewal.
For current subscribers, a reminder is in your pigeon hole. 
For new subscribers, if you would like to subscribe, please contact the church office.
Check out the website www.thelutheran.com.au for lots more information on this award winning publication

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
You are warmly invited to attend the next FoLA meeting on Monday 22nd June, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the City.  Dr Mike Hassold will speak about his grandfather, Rev Dr Frederick Hassold, who served as pastor and itinerant missionary in NZ, then as parish pastor at Eudunda SA, and during WW2 as president of the ELCA SA. District.
Bethlehem House is air-conditioned, so you won’t get cold.  Supper & gold coin donation.

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

His love endures forever”

Psalm 136:1

Breaking free from sloth – the tragedy of laziness

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
How do we get rid of those habits that undermine our character and ruin relationships? How do we live well with others?  People have debated this for thousands of years.  In the Early Church, they came up with a list of fallen desires that end up in dysfunctional habits and lifestyles.  It's called "the seven deadly sins": sloth, greed, anger, pride, envy, gluttony, and lust. 

We're going to be looking at each of these over coming weeks in our new series: Breaking Free from the 7 Deadly Sins. I think you'll be amazed at how "modern" they are.  My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will use these messages to bring you into greater freedom in Christ.

This Sunday: Breaking free from sloth – the tragedy of laziness.  Sloths are native to Central and South American rain forests. They use their long limbs and curved claws to hang and move along tree branches - slowly. In the human domain a "sloth" is a person who's apathetic and lazy by choice. 

A sloth is continually sponging off friends, family, and the community.  In our culture they earn other labels: "a bludger", "a lazy bum", "a slacker", "a slug" or "sluggard", "a parasite", "a squeezer". The sloth will make every excuse in the world to avoid exertion of any kind.

Instead of taking personal responsibility, the sloth keeps using others. 
Instead of building up the community, the sloth drains the community. 

To see how they addressed this in the ancient world, I invite you to read and reflect on the following Proverbs: 6:6-11, 10:4, 12:24, 13:4, 15:19, 18:9, 20:4, 21:25, 24:30-32, 26:13-16.

Sunday Readings:
John 6:24-29 Jesus is asked about what sort of work God requires.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 Paul warns Christians against idleness.

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

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be running this week at the 10.30am service.  Kool Zone children will be having a short session and then moving into worship to witness the children who will be participating in their first Step Up to Communion.

Activity folders will be available for the children and Personal Journals available for the older children for use during services.

Faith at Home
June booklet out now!  Pick up a copy of the June booklet at the Kingdom Kids Sign In desk, parenting room and children’s activity folders.

Kathy L.
Children and Family Support Worker

Women's Fellowship
On Tuesday, 7th July at 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall, we plan to share wedding memorabilia. It may be clothing, a wedding dress, perhaps a veil, shoes, or any other items of interest pertaining to a marriage ceremony. Photos are also most welcome if you wish to share some of them. If any congregation members would like to join us at this time, bring your special wedding items and let us enjoy them with you. Our husbands are not items so maybe they won’t be present at this gathering. They are far more precious!!   Do join us.

Maranatha Health Quiz Night - Think Orange!
Warm up those little grey cells, brush up on your African knowledge, gather your friends and form a team for the Maranatha Health Quiz Night.
When: Saturday 25 July, 6.30pm
Where: Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Tickets: $15pp, tables of 8-10 available online at http://www.trybooking/HWXZ, or at the door.
Theme: Orange (dress up, face paint, food, drink, decorate) Prizes for the most original
Please BYO drinks and nibbles. Hot drinks available
For more information go to www.maranathahealth.org/act/events

From the Office

Gardening
The gardens at our facility are low maintenance and require very little to maintain.  Assistance is required from a member/family who 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 8263 5087 or szanker@paravista.org.au

Budget 2015
January thru May 2015
Total Offering - Budget $217,000    Actual $205,628. DEFICIT $11,372

January thru April 2015 – Total Income & Expenses
Total Income - Budget $175,532        Actual $165,052. SHORTFALL $10,480
Total Expenses - Budget $166,992    Actual $161,281. SHORTFALL $5,711
Project deficit for 2015 $9,367 against Budget deficit of $4,175

Notes:

• Offerings in May were under budget by $2,000. 
• REG was the highest amount since January although was still $2,000 below budget.
• Expenses were under budget in April mainly due to staffing positions not being filled.

Report on June Board meeting

• Kathy Liebig reported on the Children and Family Ministry
• A policy register has been developed to ensure all policies are current
• The Board received reports from the Facilities Upgrade Team, 50th Anniversary Team and the Engage team
• We have been informed that there is a 16mm film of the opening of the church across the road in 1966. The Board has agreed to fund the digitising of this film ($350) to enable it to be preserved
• For safety reasons the Board is investigating making traffic flow through the car park one way – enter off Montague Road and exit via the back gate

Good Shepherd Survey Snippet
In March this year 265 people from our community completed out GSPV Congregation Survey. Thank you! You took the time and effort to have input into the way we work and grow together as a church family. Over the coming few weeks we'll be sharing some of the results and asking you to reflect on what our collective input means for how we live our mission.
We asked, 'Are you currently serving as a volunteer at Good Shepherd?'

Almost 70% of the 223 people who responded are volunteering. Those who said 'no' had a number of reasons, including lack of time, family and other commitments. A small number indicated that they don't know where or how to serve, or that they don't feel they have anything of value to offer.

How can we respond to those around us to ensure everyone recognises their unique gifts from God?

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots
Packs of 500g dried apricots at $11 each are available from the church office. Harvested and packed by Riverland Community Volunteers. Proceeds support Compassionate Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust inc.

The Lutheran
….magazine is the national magazine of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
First published in 1967, it has undergone many changes as it helps us grow in faith and commitment to Jesus while informing us about the church’s life and people.
In 2013 The Lutheran stepped into the digital world with the introduction of a fully interactive version for use on mobile digital devices.

Yearly Subscriptions of 11 issues, both paper and digital are now due for renewal.
For current subscribers, a reminder is in your pigeon hole. 
For new subscribers, if you would like to subscribe, please contact the church office.
Check out the website www.thelutheran.com.au for lots more information on this award winning publication

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
You are warmly invited to attend the next FoLA meeting on Monday 22nd June, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the City.  Dr Mike Hassold will speak about his grandfather, Rev Dr Frederick Hassold, who served as pastor and itinerant missionary in NZ, then as parish pastor at Eudunda SA, and during WW2 as president of the ELCA SA. District.
Bethlehem House is air-conditioned, so you won’t get cold.  Supper & gold coin donation.

“You are the light of the world”

Matthew 5:14