Stumbling into Change

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

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

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

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

Matthew 18:1-10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Little Lambs Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup begins on Wednesday 8th Feb at 9.15am in the church hall.  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the office

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

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

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

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


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

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

Notice Board

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

 and those who are first will be last.”

Matthew 20:16

Take Offence. Make a Fence.

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

Forgiveness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

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

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

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

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

From the office


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

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

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

Notice Board

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

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

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

“But Jesus looked at them and said,

With men it is impossible, but not with God;

for with God all things are possible.”

Mark 10:27

Out of the Wilderness into Freedom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

 

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

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

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

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

From the office

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

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

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

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

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

To assist in making your donations, use the following bank account details:
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942

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

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

Gardening
After the garden makeover for our 50th celebration the gardens at our facility are low maintenance and require very little to maintain.  Assistance is required from a member/family that may be able to spend an hour a month at their leisure to maintain one small garden section to help keep our facility looking great. Please mark your connect card with ‘Garden Help’ or contact Stephen on 82635087 or szanker@paravista.org.au

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

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

Notice Board

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

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

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

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:34

Avoiding the snare of offence – Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kingdom Kids
We are on holidays. Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

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

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

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

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

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

From the office

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I will instruct you and teach you

in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8

Christmas Eve: Finding your missing PEACE

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

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

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

Bible Reading:  Luke 2:1-14

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

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

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

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

Kingdom Kids
We are on holidays. Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

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

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

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

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

Wishing you all a safe Blessed Christmas and New Year.

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the office

Christmas Whirlwind
Can you be available this Saturday 24th December at 9.00am to assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?If yes, please bring along a petrol driven blow vac that needs a dust out with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare. Cobwebbing will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.
.
A Parking blessing for Christmas
Please consider parking in either the Mattiske car park or on the school oval leaving the parks close to the entrance of the church as a blessing for our visitors.  These arrangements will be in place for all Christmas services.  Parking signs will be in place and your assistance in following directions is appreciated. 

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

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

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

“Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 2:11 NIV

He will be called… Everlasting Father

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

Over the last two Sundays, we’ve looked at how Jesus is our Wonderful Counsellor and Mighty God. This Sunday we explore the name: Everlasting Father.   

Our picture of God is often shaped by the experiences of our earthly fathers. For some of us, our image of God as Father is a positive one because of the close and safe relationship with our dads. For others, that image has been damaged by negative experiences with our earthly fathers. 

If you ever want to know what God is like as a Father, then look at Jesus - and suddenly the picture becomes clear.  In Jesus, we meet this Father up close and personal.

Jesus is the perfect image of God, and the exact representation of his being. Jesus alone makes the Father known to us. Indeed, no one can come to the Father except through him (John 14:6).

Come along this Sunday and discover what sort of Father we meet in Jesus.  In Jesus we find our Everlasting Father’s heart goes out to us… and that he always wants to do us good! 

Bible Readings:  Psalm 103:8-13; John 14:1-11
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Kingdom Kids
We are on holidays. Activity folders will be available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during this service.

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

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
This week we have our end of year celebration family BBQ where we meet the year 6s and hopefully some other new faces too.  Bring a salad or dessert to share.  A night of fun and fellowship guaranteed.  Hope to see a lot of you there.  I wonder who is game enough to take up the challenge and run “The Gauntlet”!! Don’t know what that is - come along and join in to see.

It has been a great year with these awesome young people and their leaders!
Youth will then recommence in February 2017. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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

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

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

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

From the office

Car parking this Sunday 18th December
We are expecting a large number of visitors for baptism this Sunday and would appreciate members parking on the school oval to allow our guests to park in allocated parking spaces. 

Car parking attendants are still required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve from:
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please mark your connect card with parking, contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 to assist.

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

Anniversary wine
There is still a limited amount of both the red and white 50th anniversary wine available but stocks are fast disappearing. If you are interested in obtaining some of this never to be offered again wine contact John Dolling (83675296) or Andrea Brooks (0407 799 772)

Watering new plants
Before our 50th anniversary celebrations there were over 100 plants planted in our front garden. By this time next year our grounds will start to return to their former glory. To survive their first summer they need to be watered weekly. This task using a hose takes about an hour. If we can get 4 volunteers it would mean an hour a month for 4 months – a total of 4 hours for the year. If you can assist please contact John Dolling 83675296

Notice Board

Barossa: Position Vacant: Reception and Administration Worker
We are seeking applicants with experience in office administration and reception to join our team in supporting families and individuals in the Barossa.  This position is part time (2 days per week).  A Job Description with further details about the position can be found at www.lccare.org.au  For further information please contact Louise Mather
lmather@lccare.org.au or 8562 2688.  Applications close 15 December.

“When they saw the star,

they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.”

Matthew 2:10

He will be called… Mighty God

From ancient times, exalted names and titles have been used of Kings and Rulers.  Eg: Alexander the Great. William the Conqueror. Richard the Lionheart.

Around 1000 years before Jesus was born, the Lord promised King David that one of his descendants would establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7). 

God keeps his promise when the angel announces to Mary: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.  He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.   And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke 1:31-33 (NLT)

About 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah tells us some names of this “son of David”:  For a child is born to us, a son is given to us… And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT)

Last Sunday we began with Wonderful Counsellor.  As our Wonderful Counsellor, Jesus knows what life is like for us, cares for us, and is always available.  We looked at how we can find healing with our Wonderful Counsellor.

This Sunday we explore the second name in Isaiah 9:6: Mighty God.  What comes to mind when the word “mighty” is used of someone?  Perhaps a mighty athlete, a mighty leader, or a “super-hero”? 

Come along this Sunday and discover the picture behind the name Mighty God – and how Jesus demonstrates through his mighty deeds that he is Mighty God who delivers us and makes us his! 

Bible Readings:  1 Chronicles 11:10-25, Mark 2:1-12
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids
This Sunday at our 10.30am service our Kingdom Kids we will be having their final session for 2016 and celebrating Christmas! We would love for you to join us!

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

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

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
Last Friday we had our last actual Youth event.  We had a great night looking back over the past 12 months and Ben McAleer produced a great trip down memory lane for us via YouTube which can be viewed on our Facebook page or the Church’s Facebook page.  The youth wrote letters to their future selves for their hopes, dreams and faith growth for the next 12 months.  We then looked at what we want to learn about and how we want to grow over the next 12 months and wow – they really want to go into some great stuff.  These guys are really eager to grow their faith!!  With a whole heap of new leaders coming on board and potentially a lot of new youth 2017 is looking awesome.  Of course what would youth be without fellowship, food and fun!!!

Next week we have our end of year celebration family BBQ where we meet the year 6s and hopefully some other new faces too.  A night of fun and fellowship guaranteed.  Hope to see a lot of you there.  Youth will then recommence in February 2017.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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

From the Freund family
We would like to thank you for your condolences on the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Rita Niemz. We appreciate your caring concern and prayer support.  We are comforted knowing that Rita has been carried home in the arms of the Good Shepherd.

Julie, Lindsay, David and Kayla Freund

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

Special guests: Kimberley & Michael Findlay, MH Founders
MC: Kate Collins, from Channel Nine News
Guest speaker: Suren Krishnan, Associate Professor of Surgery at Adelaide University (who recently performed MH's first surgeries in Uganda)

Venue:
Furlan Centre - 69 Briar Road, Felixstow, SA 5070
Tickets: Tables of 10
1 ticket $100* pp
10 tickets $90* pp
Book tickets at www.trybooking.com/NDRM
Contact: RSVP 17 January, including dietary needs contact@maranathahealth.org

From the office

Time-Out Devotion Book
Yearly devotion books are now available to pick up from the office for a cost of $23.
The book provides Christian devotions by Australian writers for each day of the calendar year.
There are only 5 copies available, so get in quick to avoid disappointment.

Contact the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087 to get your copy.

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve. Assistance would be required for three time slots.
•    4.30pm to 5.00pm
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please mark your connect card with parking, contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 to assist.

Notice Board

LLL Interest rate change
Our congregation has received an “LLL Interest Rate change” notice advising us that the rate will be 2.50% from 1 December 2016. This notice has been placed on the church notice board for your information.

Christmas Appeal: Changing the Lives of Families
Thousands of families across Australia are struggling with abuse, neglect and poverty as we prepare for Christmas.  Lutheran Community Care provides caring support and walk with families to bring hope and joy this season.

You can change the life of a family through a donation of $75, which provides services tailored to meet the needs of each family.  If you have not already done so, could you help by giving a donation to support families struggling at Christmas?

Visit the LCC website at www.lccare.org.au or contact LCC at 08 8269 9333 to give a gift that will bring joy this Christmas.

Barossa: Position Vacant: Reception and Administration Worker
We are seeking applicants with experience in office administration and reception to join our team in supporting families and individuals in the Barossa.  This position is part time (2 days per week).  A Job Description with further details about the position can be found at www.lccare.org.au  For further information please contact Louise Mather
lmather@lccare.org.au or 8562 2688.  Applications close 15 December.

Adelaide: Emergency Relief Volunteer Needed
Lutheran Community Care are in need of an Emergency Relief Volunteer to join our friendly Blair Athol team on Mondays.  Volunteers interview and provide assistance to clients who present for emergency food and clothing.  Professional training is provided.  For more information, please contact Michelle on 8269 9300 or mbusto@lccare.org.au

“If we confess our sins,

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9

He will be called… Wonderful Counsellor

As soon as a child is born, everyone wants to know the baby’s name. One of the questions often asked of parents, “How did you come up with those names for your child?”

In Hebrew culture, one’s name reflects one’s character.  In first century Palestine, the name Jesus was relatively common.  It comes from the name Joshua meaning “The Lord saves.”  The Greek form is Yaysous which in English is Jesus.

Jesus’ name is his character.  As the angel said to Joseph: ‘You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ (Matthew 1:21 NIV)

There are many names for Jesus, but what do they really mean? Join us over the next few weeks as we discover why He is called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. You'll gain a new and relevant perspective on the Saviour who was born and laid in a manger over two thousand years ago.  

This Sunday we begin with Wonderful Counsellor.  After unpacking the meaning of those words in the original language, we will address two questions:
1.    How is Jesus our Wonderful Counsellor? 
2.    How can we find healing with the Wonderful Counsellor?

Bible Readings:  Isaiah 9:1-7 NLT,  Luke 5:27-32 NLT. 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 
 

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is on this Sunday at our 10.30am service.  This Sunday our Kingdom Youth - Year 5-7s will be having their final session for 2016.  Lunch will be shared afterwards in the hall.

Toddler Zone has finished for the year.

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

WANTED!  Children for Christmas Eve 5pm Service
This year our children will be participating in the 5pm Christmas Eve service.  Non speaking parts are still available.  If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravista.org.au

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

Little Lambs Playgroup
Come and join us for our final Playgroup session for 2016 this Wednesday morning at 9.15am in the church hall.  We will be celebrating Christmas!  Come on over straight after dropping off the kids at school.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Kathy Liebig - Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
This Friday we have our last actual Youth event.  It is going to be a great night about looking over our spiritual journey over the past 12 months, and then looking towards the future and what God has in store for us.  It is going to be a great night of reminiscing and some great discussions on our future, and our growing relationship with God will be forthcoming I am sure.  Of course what would youth be without fellowship, food and fun!!!

Youth is a great way of being fed both spiritually and physically, with like-minded teens learning to own their own faith.  It’s never too late to start coming along and making some great friendships and connections with fellow young Christians. Then in two weeks we have our end of year celebration family BBQ where we meet the year 6s and hopefully some other new faces too. Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Mertin - Faith Formation Leader

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

From the office

Thank you
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Noel and Bethany’s farewell last Sunday – all involved in planning and running of the service, to the volunteers who served lunch and cleaned up, to all who contributed to the lunch, to the organizers and participants in the afternoon “roast”, to the contributors to the Book of Memories, and those who gave extra towards the farewell gift. It was a great team effort which made it a memorable last official Sunday at PV for Noel and Bethany.

Pascal candle
The Pascal candle stand was designed and constructed by Craig Pruszinski a member of Clovercrest Baptist Church.

The design represents our life as Christians with Jesus the light at the centre of our life (the candle). The twisted outer metal stripes represents our lives- some short, others long, parts of our lives going smoothly, others twisted with struggles, and intertwined with many others.
It is worth a close inspection as the design is not symmetrical.

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve.
Assistance would be required for three time slots.
•    4.30pm to 5.00pm
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please mark your connect card with parking, contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 to assist.

Notice Board

Thank You from LCC
Thank you for your gift to the work of Lutheran Community Care. Your contribution will make a real difference to those struggling in our community.

Your support helps people like Amy who struggled with depression after the birth of her baby. She was a young professional and found it very difficult to cope with the feeling of helplessness in raising her newborn. She was referred to our home visiting service and also attended a 'Being with Baby' support group at our Ingle Farm Family Zone Hub. Five years later and her child is at school and Amy is a regular volunteer at Ingle Farm, supporting new mums who come into the Hub.

Wishing you many blessings as you continue to serve.

Be completely humble and gentle;

be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

It’s all about Jesus!

Just as a spotlight reveals the star of the play, whatever we focus on is "the star" of our lives.  Who or what is "the star" of your life?  Who or what do you think about most of the time?  Who or what gets most of your attention? 

If I am to be honest, a lot of the time it’s all about me. 
Sadly, when I focus on me, I lose sight of Jesus. 

John the Baptist was a gifted preacher who became a celebrity.  Yet John wasn’t the star of his own life.  In his ministry, he keeps pointing people to Jesus. 

All who follow Jesus are to be “signposts”: pointing people to Jesus!
That’s what Good Shepherd’s mission to our community is all about!

Over the last 13 years and 8 months, Pr Noel has kept pointing us to Jesus.  This coming Sunday will be his last service as our Lead Pastor.  At both Sunday services, there will be a rite of farewell and blessing for Pr Noel and Bethany. 

Following the 10:30am service, there will be a community lunch.  We will then gather in the church building to honour and show our appreciation to Pr Noel and Bethany – with mirth and ‘dad jokes’ thrown into the mix! 

Friends, when it comes to being caught up in God’s story, it’s not all about us.
It’s ALL about JESUS!

Bible Readings:  John 1:19-37, John 3:22-30. 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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

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

WANTED!  Children for Christmas Eve 5pm Service
This year our children will be participating in the 5pm Christmas Eve service.  Non speaking parts are still available.  If your child would like to participate please contact Margot on 0401 850 814 or margot.mertin@paravist.org.au

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

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

Kathy Liebig
Children and Family Support Worker

Youth Ministry
What a weekend we had with youth.  Friday night we had our “fun” event -“Locked and Loaded” Laser Skirmish. We had team against team battling it out to be the ultimate winner.  Several styles of games were played, including one that involved me being taken hostage by one team and rescued by the other.  It was a fantastic night enjoyed by all.

Then on Saturday we had our final NELY Event for the year.  We had around 40 young people booked in for our “day of battle” for our Tribal Wars.  The day went off really well and we thoroughly enjoyed our games such as Tug-of-War, Four-way soccer, Rob the Nest, Human Trouble and many more.  We shared a great time of worship, with a fun but relatable message delivered to us by Joshua Ridley.  By Saturday night there was literally no energy left in anyone.  The kids arrived noisily and full of energy and left quietly with no energy at all!! It was a great weekend, and God was kind to us with the weather, which really helped.

Youth is a great way of being fed both spiritually and physically, with like-minded teens learning to own their own faith.  It’s never too late to start coming along and making some great friendships and connections with fellow young Christians. Only two more events for the year, including our end of year BBQ for families and the current year 6s to come and meet us. 
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Margot Merti
Faith Formation Leader

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

Placement and ordination of Dan Mueller
Dear Good Shepherd friends, we are excited to announce that the Lutheran Church of Australia has placed me as a graduate pastor at Walla Walla parish in southern NSW. The Wiradjuri Aboriginal word “Walla” fittingly means “place of strength” or “place of rocks” reminding me of Psalm 18:2 — “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.”

My ordination service is on Sunday 4th December at 2pm, St Paul Lutheran Church, 44 Audrey Ave Blair Athol SA 5084. A light afternoon tea will follow the service. All are welcome. I will be installed sometime around early February 2017. We are looking forward to this new adventure!

From the office

Family Zone LCC @ Ingle Farm
Quote from Kathleen Wilson from Lutheran Community Care, Ingle Farm

Sincere thanks for this exciting email – MUCH appreciated.
We continue to count our blessings for the great support offered by Good Shepherd – it makes such a difference to our ability to support the community.
It is really great to know that we have people behind us and next to us!
Please pass my thanks to everyone concerned and please keep the invitation open for visitors – all welcome to see ‘their’ money at work.

This is in appreciation for the donation of $1080.00 the total result of your generous giving above average from the 50th anniversary offering on Sunday 6th November.

Please continue to support our outreach into our local community by becoming a volunteer with the Lutheran Community Care Team at Ingle Farm.

Igniting the future appeal update
•    Pledge forms for Igniting the future and cash received without Pledge Forms totals approximately $118,000
•    To date approximately $75,000 has been received.

Envelopes and response slips are available at the information area for IGNITING THE FUTURE appeal to raise $250 000 to upgrade our hall, kitchen and rear church entrance are still available at the information area. It is still not too late to donate to this appeal.  Please contact the office if you have any questions and still wish to contribute to this mission.

Please remember your gift can be given in one payment or via instalments.
We look forward to celebrating God’s provision for this project through your generosity. 

Car parking attendants are required to assist with traffic and parking on Christmas Eve. Assistance would be required for three time slots
•    4.30pm to 5.00pm
•    5.30pm till 6.30pm. 
•    7.00pm till 8.00pm
Please mark your connect card with parking, contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 to assist.

Half Yearly meeting
At the half Yearly meeting of the congregation last Sunday the following was decided:
•    the budget for 2017 as presented was accepted
•    The following motions were passed by the meeting
a)    Authorizes the Board to proceed with the redevelopment of our facilities
b)    Empower the Board to select the best tender as recommended by the Facilities Team in consultation with our architect Craig Vale
c)    Empower the Board to apply for a loan of $450000 from the LLL.
•    Sexist language was removed from our constitution.

Notice Board

Lutheran Nurses
Next meeting is Monday the 28th November at 7.30pm at the District Office, 137 Archer St., North Adelaide with entry from the rear. Guest speaker is Annemarie Klingenberg on “Self-harm and Suicide". All are welcome not just nurses; CPD evidence is available if needed. We also ask for donations for a Christmas Hamper for Lutheran Community Care.

The grace of the Lord Jesus

be with God's people.

Amen.

Revelation 22:21