The Centre of the Throne

Two weeks ago, Pastor Rolly began our series, Kingdom, Power and Glory, by giving us a glance into the book of Revelation, expounding on the fact that Revelation is steeped in Old Testament symbolism and theology.  Almost the entire book, or revelatory vision, has echoes of the Old Testament and Hebrew understanding.  This week, that understanding is played out in Revelation 7 where John wonders with one of the elders around the throne who all the people are.  Listen with me:

They have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb… Never again will they hunger or thirst; the sun will not beat down on them nor any scorching heat.  For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ (Rev. 7:14b, 16,17)

This passage jumps out of the page at us in the 21st century because it tells us that in the end, God will take all things into himself and even go so far as to erase hunger, thirst, heat and pain.  No matter how much we try to ignore these things, they are constants in our Western culture, but God draws the hungry and the thirsty and the overheated and the one driven mad by anguish and invites them to a place of serenity.

For the ancient Hebrew mind, they would recognise that this scripture is almost a direct quotation from the book of Isaiah which reminds the Israelites that even in exile, God will call them back – back home, where he comforts them, nourishes and sustains them and finally… takes away all their pain.

This week as we delve into the bedrock of the future beauty of God’s heavenly reign in the Lamb, we’re going to look at the scenery of heaven – and the furniture therein.  As the people who have suffered greatly for their faith surround God’s throne and are overwhelmed with praise, how does this throne symbolically help us to see God’s kingship and kingdom.

God’s Peace,

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Revelation 7:9-17
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Request
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.

Sympathies
We extend our sympathies and prayers of comfort for Mary Egyud and her family as they grieve the loss of her mother, Ana Kolar.

Monday Night Bread Roster
We are looking for volunteers to join the bread run on Monday evenings once every couple of months.  The role involves collecting bread bags from the store room (this could be done on a Sunday), picking up bread from a bakery at Tea Tree Plaza at 5.50pm and bringing the bread back to the kitchen at Good Shep.  If you are able to help please contact Anthea Courtney via the churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.

Congregation and School AGM’s
The AGM’s of the congregation and school will be held next Sunday May 19th at 12:30pm.  The Maranatha Team will provide a soup lunch for sale after the second service. Information re the congregational meeting will be available this Sunday May 11th and emailed to members.
Main items for the congregational meeting:
• Presentation of 2018 audited accounts
• Report from Pastor Reid
• Election of SYNOD delegates

Support for Family Hub
Plant sale - the plant sale was a great success.  The proceeds of the sale were $503.  This was delivered to the Family Hub this week.  It will be used to support their creche programme which was defunded last year by the government.  The creche is essential as it enables the Hub to provide child care while parents attend courses. Thank you to Joan McCarthy for her organization of the stall, to all who helped on the stall and supported it by purchasing plants.

Food collection - thank you again for your very generous support of the food collection programme.  It brought great joy to the workers at the Hub knowing there was support from our congregation as they often feel as though they are struggling alone.  It also means they can continue to support the many families in need.

Date for your diary - fundraising for the Family Hub - Saturday August 17th a fun filled Karaoke night.  More details to come.

Give Aways
As we continue to upgrade the play area we identify equipment that is no longer required.  On several tables in the hall is equipment that is no longer required.  If you would like any of these items, please write your name on the paper provided and place on the floor behind the tables with the tape provided.  These will be displayed till next Sunday and then disposed.

Good Shepherd Community Library up and running again!
The library contains over 2,000 items – books, devotional material, Bible study resources, DVDs, CDs, Christian fiction, biographies and a variety of resources for children.

To search for resources on the digital catalogue, follow the instructions attached to the screen of the computer in the library.

To register as a borrower, if you have not already done so, write your name and contact details on a borrowing slip and place it in the box provided. These details will then be entered into the library computer programme and you will be able to borrow.

To borrow from the library, either follow the instructions on the borrowing slips provided, or use the computer and follow the instructions attached to the screen.

To return resources that have been borrowed, place them in the plastic RETURN ITEMS HERE crate in the library.

If you have any questions, write them on a piece of paper and place them in the borrowing slip box, or send an email to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.

From the Office

Professional Standards Certificates
Thank you to the number of Good Shepherd community who completed professional standards training earlier this year.  Your service and involvement in God’s work in our community ministries and your commitment to participating in the care and protection of all is particularly important and valued by us.

For those who completed the training, certificates are now available to collect from the church office.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) with a difference!
Sunday 26th May, 2.00 pm at Bethlehem House in the city.  Please note change of day and time.  German cabinetmakers and their Australian heritage . As a keen collector of Barossa and other colonial furniture, Dr Jim Bertouch tells the story of local furniture makers, illustrating the native timbers, style, construction methods and traditional finishes used by German craftsmen to make their work so distinctive.  All welcome, gold coin donation, supper.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

1 Peter 5:10

Praise to the Lamb

Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’  But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it…
Rev. 5:1-3

Even in an age of technological wizardry, most people have a fascination with scrolls.  When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, people flocked to wonder what the mysterious words could be on the fragments that had been buried for thousands of years.  Would the mystery of faith be revealed?  Would the scroll give directions to another buried treasure?

In Revelation 5, we are presented with the intrigue of ‘the one who sits on the throne’ holding a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.  Many of us who might read this will move quickly past so that we can catch a glimpse of the mysterious words inside, but on this scroll, the viewer is intrigued that there is writing on both sides.

What is this about?  The scriptures have been revealed, but perhaps the symbolism is that what is inside is the final word, the last ‘Big Reveal’ of God’s immense end to time and the beginning of eternity.  It’s sealed with seven seals, and as we heard from Pastor Rolly last week, that means it is sealed perfectly.

So perfectly, in fact, that no one on earth, above or below it, can open it.  Only the one with the power to do it.

Who is this?  Who is it that will reveal God’s last and final word of judgement and promise?  What are these words?

Journey with us this week for the second segment of the series, The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, to hear and see what is revealed.

Dr. Tania Nelson, CEO of the LCA’s Local Mission, will be our preacher this weekend.  We are grateful to Dr. Nelson for her in depth look into the revelatory scroll.

Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Revelation 5:1-14

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.

Volunteers Needed for Toolbox Parenting Creche
Can you assist with caring for a small number of pre school children in the parenting room on the mornings of either the 7th and/or 14th May?  Please contact Chelsea 8263 5087 or the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au if you can help.  Thank you.

Support for Family Hub
A plant stall will be operating after both services this Sunday.

Date for your diary - fundraising for the Family Hub - Saturday August 17th a fun filled Karaoke night.  More details to come.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
7th May at 1pm.  Bible study with Pastor Reid.  Finalising program for convention.  Trading table.

Monday Night Bread Roster
We are looking for volunteers to join the bread run on Monday evenings once every couple of months.  The role involves collecting bread bags from the store room (this could be done on a Sunday), picking up bread from a bakery at Tea Tree Plaza at 5.50pm and bringing the bread back to the kitchen at Good Shep.  If you are able to help please contact Anthea Courtney via the church office or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Congregation and School AGM’s
The AGM’s of the congregation and school will be held on Sunday May 19th at 12:30.  The Maranatha Team will provide a soup lunch after the second service.  Information re the congregational meeting will be available in hard copy on Sunday May 11th and emailed to members early in the following week.

Main items for the congregational meeting:
• Presentation of 2018 audited accounts
• Video report from Pastor Reid
• Election of SYNOD delegates

Good Shepherd Community Library up and running again!
The library contains over 2,000 items – books, devotional material, Bible study resources, DVDs, CDs, Christian fiction, biographies and a variety of resources for children.

To search for resources on the digital catalogue, follow the instructions attached to the screen of the computer in the library.

To borrow from the library, either follow the instructions on the borrowing slips provided, or use the computer and follow the instructions attached to the screen.

To return resources that have been borrowed, place them in the plastic RETURN ITEMS HERE crate in the library.

Opportunities to Share Gifts and Talents
Over the course of Lent and Easter we enjoyed considering perspectives of a range of people from the Bible, brought to life by a variety of people in our community who shared their gifts and talents with us in quite a dramatic way!  Thank you to each and every one of you!

But it has got me thinking…

We would like to continue to offer opportunities for people to share their gifts and talents, through skits or dramas and other creative means.  You might have been watching others, thinking to yourself, “I could do that!”

If you, or someone you know, are interested in participating in skits or similar, please let me know.

I would love to hear from you!  Please come and have a chat or drop me a line sharing your interest. My email is georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au

I look forward to catching up!  Blessings on your day.  Georgie

From the Office
Facilities Maintenance
After the success of the team at the working bee there are still a few maintenance items to be completed.  If you have time and skills please let the Admin Manager or the office know if you are able to assist with any of the following:
• Gardening
o Bushes along eastern fence need trimming back to fence height
o Front garden needs some tending
• Run a new data cable from the church building to the LED sign
• Repair some raised paving
o Under LED sign, along footpath outside main office and main walkway by bus shelter
• Install hand rails in the men’s toilets
• Repair Screen in Hall
• Install pinup board in library area
• Install pin boards in the toilet corridor
• Identify water leak above main front entry area
• Clean gutters
• External clean of windows

Notice Board

What is MulitLit? How can I help?

Are you looking for a way to help at Good Shepherd? Do you have a spare 30min a week to assist students with their reading? We are currently looking for volunteers to train to become MultiLit Reading Tutors. You can come at any time that suits you, once a week or more. Training for this program will take place on Monday 13th May from 9am until 10am in the Learning Support Room.
MultiLit is a reading intervention program that has been used at Good Shepherd for a number of years, it involves students working through two books at their own individual level. Volunteers (reading tutors) receive training and support in the program, these volunteers are made up of parents, our Lutheran School Officers (LSO’s) and both myself and our other Learning Support Coordinator (Trish Stewart). The program runs until the students complete both books. We currently have approximately 45 students from Years 2 to 6 on the MultiLit program. We have found the program to be greatly successful.
Please register your interest by emailing myself anne.carter@gspv.sa.edu.au for the training on Monday 13th May. I look forward to working with you all as we continue to support the students at Good Shepherd with their learning.
Anne Carter
Learning Support Coordinator

 “In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword.  His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.”

Revelation 1:16

The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory Who's in Charge?

When God’s people are under the pump, questions arise:  “Why is this happening to us?  Is God still in charge?  Is Jesus still Lord?  Why doesn’t God do something? How long do we have to put up with this?”

John received visions from God for his people in distress, and was commanded to write them down.  We find them in the last book of the Bible: Revelation.  It contains pictures and visions difficult to fathom.  Yet the most important things are still crystal clear!

This type of literature is called “apocalyptic” which means uncover/reveal.  The aim of this pictorial and symbolic language is to reveal God’s perspective of reality – so we can find comfort knowing God is with us, and hope in God’s promises for our future.

Much of the imagery is from the Old Testament.  According to Dr John Strelan: ‘…of the 404 verses in Revelation, 275 contain one or more allusions to the Old Testament.’1   For those seeking to destroy God’s people – unfamiliar with the Hebrew Scriptures and code words like Babylon for Rome - the symbols and language would have seemed like nonsense.

The unfolding drama of the book describes the dilemma for Christians, God’s judgements on their persecutors, and clarity about the ultimate destiny for God’s faithful people.

This Sunday we ask the question: Who’s in Charge? as part one of our new worship series: The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory.  We want to get the attention off ourselves, and onto the living God.  We want to remember who we are as God’s people, to do life more intentionally with God, and to live for God’s glory.

I invite you to read through Revelation, to discuss it, and to realise that in Christ you are caught up in God’s forever story for his world.  No matter what tribulations we experience, Jesus has got us covered – from here to eternity.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Revelation 1:4-18  (Compare: Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 25:31-33, Mark 14:60-64)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 
1 John G Strelan, Where Heaven Meets Earth - A Commentary on Revelation, (Openbook, 1994), 30.

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

Prayer Request
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.

Easter Car Parking Thank You
Thank you to the attendees who parked on the school oval allowing our guests to park in allocated parking spaces for all services.

Opportunities to Share Gifts and Talents
Over the course of Lent and Easter we enjoyed considering perspectives of a range of people from the Bible, brought to life by a variety of people in our community who shared their gifts and talents with us in quite a dramatic way!  Thank you to each and every one of you!

But it has got me thinking…

We would like to continue to offer opportunities for people to share their gifts and talents, through skits or dramas and other creative means.  You might have been watching others, thinking to yourself, “I could do that!”

If you, or someone you know, are interested in participating in skits or similar, please let me know.

I would love to hear from you!  Please come and have a chat or drop me a line sharing your interest. My email is georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au

I look forward to catching up!  Blessings on your day  Georgie

Support for Family Hub
Below is a list of food required by the Hub this month.  This allows them to support the many families who require assistance simply to put food on the table.

Pasta sauces
2 minute noodles
Cans of spaghetti, bake beans
Cans of vegetables – (not corn thanks)
Muesli bars
Dishwashing liquid

After Sunday one young person said to her mum please don't give me Easter eggs for Easter.  I would rather the money so I can buy some food items to support the Family Hub.

If you are available to help sort and transport goods to the Family Hub it would be greatly appreciated.  Meet at the church at 9:30am on Monday April 29th.

Two dates for your diary - fundraising for the Family Hub
• the ever popular Plant Stall after both services on Sunday May 5th
• Saturday August 17th a fun filled Karaoke night.  More details as we get closer to the date.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
7th May at 1pm.  Bible study with Pastor Reid.  Finalising program for convention.  Trading table.

LWSA/NT Convention

18th May at 9am at Good Shepherd.  All welcome
Theme:  Radiant with Hope (Romans 15:13)
BYO lunch and cup






Woolies Earn and Learn Campaign

Good Shepherd Lutheran School is participating in the Woolies Earn and Learn program again this year.  Between 1st May and 25th June, shoppers at Woolworth’s supermarkets are given a sticker for each $10.00 spent in store, which in turn can be redeemed for classroom teaching aids such as maths and science equipment, sporting equipment or musical instruments.  Individual stickers or completed sticker sheets are being collect by the school via a box in the front office.  Any contributions to our sticker collection, no matter how small, would be gratefully appreciated.

Entertainment Books

2019/2020 Entertainment Book fundraising is happening again this year.  Books are available from the Good Shepherd Lutheran School office.  The price is $70.00 for a book or digital membership, which will quickly be recovered by the thousands of discount vouchers available. 
Payment may be in cash or online via the link here.

To register for this course go to: https://forms.gle/TsXdcyNipiv1WmU8A
Payment assistance is available.

From the Office

Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has kicked off to a great start.  Thank you for your willingness to invest directly into different ministries here at the Good Shepherd community.

I’m excited
About the graph below indicating the areas that require support and how you have supported them.  This is a working graph and will be updated at the end of each month.  We have received donations other than monetary as well.

This month, April, we are focusing on potential ministries for the café.

Clearly marked envelopes are available from our Worship Hosts or the host desks for your gifts. Envelopes can be placed on the collection plate or handed into the office during office hours.  Please remember to mark the envelope with your ministry of choice.  Donating via direct debit using the following information:

BSB 704942
Acct# 129523 (add S1 for internal LLL transfers)
Acct Name Para Vista Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Operating

Please ensure the reference includes the ministry area.  Donations without clear reference will be classed as general income.  Remember this is not intended to be a substitute from your normal offering but is allowing you to grow your ministry area of choice and not detract from the great things already happening within our community.

Have you seen
The Posters that indicate what Ministries need support and how you have helped.

Notices for Display BLU TAC
Please remember to pass through the front office first any information you wish to leave in the café or on the noticeboards.  Any notices that are not passed through the front office will be removed.  Good Shepherd has a policy to refrain from using Blu Tac or cello tape on any surface in the building other than glass.  Your assistance in complying with this is appreciated. Thank you.

Notice Board

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8

Freedom Forever

In our Lenten journey we’ve been following Jesus to the cross.  Along the way, some of the characters in Luke’s account have shared their encounters with Jesus – and their reflections on those events afterwards.

Along with those characters, we’ve looked at a bunch of things that rob us of the freedom and fullness of life God wants for us.  Things that can imprison us and make us miserable include: ego, duty, expectation, ignorance, control, mob mentality, circumstances, the past, hate and death.  Jesus came to free us from these!

Over this Easter weekend, we will listen to some more stories:
• Maundy Thursday, we’ll hear the tale of the two thieves crucified with Jesus.
• Good Friday, the one who was released, Barabbas, will tell his story.
• Resurrection Sunday, we will hear from Joseph of Arimathea and the women who found Jesus’ tomb empty.

While Jesus repeatedly told his followers that he’d be killed - and on the third day rise again - it seems that none of them expected it to happen!  It’s only when the women arrived at the tomb, and heard the angels’ announcement, that they remembered his words (Luke 24:8).

And over the next 40 days, Jesus appeared to individuals and groups in various places.  We have 10 separate appearances recorded in the NT; one of them included over 500 eyewitnesses (1 Corinthians 15:6).

Jesus has conquered death - once and for all.  No one needs to remain captive to the fear of death!  Jesus brings us into his life, giving us a hope and a future – freedom forever!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings:  Maundy Thursday:  Luke 23:32-43 (Freedom from the past)
Good Friday:  Luke 23:13-25 (Freedom from hate) 
Resurrection Sunday:  Luke 23:50-56, 24:1-11 (Freedom Forever!)

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

Prayer Request
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.

Easter Car Parking 
The school oval will be available for parking for the Easter services weather permitting.  Members are encouraged to park on the school oval to allow our guests to park in allocated parking spaces.  Please assist by parking to the eastern end of the oval and keeping as close to the fence as possible.

Support for Family Hub
Our next food collection for the Family Hub is on Sunday April 28th. Below is a list of food required by the Hub this month.  This allows them to support the many families who require assistance simply to put food on the table.

Pasta sauces
2 minute noodles
Cans of spaghetti, bake beans
Cans of vegetables – (not corn thanks)
Muesli bars
Dishwashing liquid

After Sunday one young person said to her mum please don't give me Easter eggs for Easter.  I would rather the money so I can buy some food items to support the Family Hub.

If you are available to help sort and transport goods to the Family Hub it would be greatly appreciated.  Meet at the church at 9:30am on Monday April 29th.

Two dates for your diary - fundraising for the Family Hub
• the ever popular Plant Stall after both services on Sunday May 5th
• Saturday August 17th a fun filled Karaoke night.  More details as we get closer to the date.

Woolies Earn and Learn Campaign

Good Shepherd Lutheran School is participating in the Woolies Earn and Learn program again this year.  Between 1st May and 25th June, shoppers at Woolworth’s supermarkets are given a sticker for each $10.00 spent in store, which in turn can be redeemed for classroom teaching aids such as maths and science equipment, sporting equipment or musical instruments.  Individual stickers or completed sticker sheets are being collect by the school via a box in the front office.  Any contributions to our sticker collection, no matter how small, would be gratefully appreciated.

Entertainment Books

2019/2020 Entertainment Book fundraising is happening again this year.  Books are available from the Good Shepherd Lutheran School office.  The price is $70.00 for a book or digital membership, which will quickly be recovered by the thousands of discount vouchers available. 
Payment may be in cash or online via the link here.

To register for this course go to: https://forms.gle/TsXdcyNipiv1WmU8A
Payment assistance is available.

I’m excited
Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has been launched providing opportunities for you to invest directly into different ministries here at the Good Shepherd community.

I’m excited
That each month we get to spend the entire month focused on a ministry based here like Transform, Meet N Greet or Visual Arts. During the allocated month, the ministry team will have opportunities to share stories of how their ministry has impacted the community and individuals, share stories of celebration and to share their dreams for the ministry so that as a congregation we can understand more about what they do in our community.

I’m excited
As many of you are passionate about different areas of ministries here at Good Shepherd; Therefore this is an opportunity to invest directly into the areas of ministry you are passionate about.

I’m excited
This month, April we are focusing on potential ministries for the café.

Go and seek
A clearly marked envelope available from our Worship Hosts or the host desks for your gift. This will mean that your donation will go straight to the ministry intended. Your gift may include time you can allocate to this ministry.  Envelopes can be either placed on the collection plate, placed in the bowls on the way out of handed into the office during office hours.

Be a part of
Donating via direct debit using the following information:
BSB 704942
Acct# 129523 (add S1 for internal LLL transfers)
Acct Name Para Vista Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Operating

Please ensure the reference includes the ministry area.   Donations without clear reference will be classed as general income.  Remember this is not intended to substitute from your normal offering but is allowing you to grow your ministry area of choice and not detract from the great things already happening within our community.

I’m excited, Look out for
The Posters that will indicate what Ministries need support and how you have helped.

From the Office

Notices for Display
Please pass through the front office first any information you wish to leave the café or on the noticeboards.  Any notices that are not passed through the front office will be removed.  Thank you.

Finance Report 
Offerings
February –2019

Feb 2018 Feb 2019 Feb budget 2019 Total offering Budget for 2019
Offerings –$34,209 $37,457 $41,300 $499,999

Notes since last published report:
• Offerings for February were $3843 below budget
• Currently  $7,300 below this time last year (end of Feb)

Working Bee News
Thank you to all the volunteers who turned up on Saturday 13th to offer their skills and time and those who couldn’t be here who supplied morning tea.  The following tasks were completed:
• Gardening – trimming back the overgrowth from summer.  Two trailer loads removed.
• Changed some blown light globes
• Repaired a roller shutter to ensure office security
• Replaced a tap in the parenting room to save water wastage
• Replaced a drain cover to prevent serious injury
• Installed some new door closers
• Cleared water drains in driveway
• Cleaned aircon and fridge /freezer filters
• Installed hand rails in ladies toilets
• Cobweb exterior of building
• Adjusted light fittings in parenting room
• Secured loose benchtop

The following tasks are to be completed and if you have the time please let the Admin Manager or the office know:
• Gardening
• Run a new data cable from the church building to the LED sign
• Repair some raised paving
• Install hand rails in gents toilets
• Repair Screen in Hall

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
When Valerie Volk first heard the old family story of her great-grandmother’s journey alone, from Silesia in the 1880s to search for her missing son in the Australian colonies, she was fascinated.  ‘In Search of Anna’ covers 60 years of German and Australian history in a fiction novel that is a warm and compelling story of family relationships, ending in Jindera, New South Wales.  Friends of Lutheran Archives, Monday 29th April at 7.30 pm, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city.  All welcome - gold coin donation and supper.

Tour of SW USA
Dave Anderson has toured Australia several times with his wife Barb.  They performed concerts in many Lutheran churches throughout Australia.  Dave is hosting a tour of SW USA from 1-20 August, 2019.  Full details are available from Jenni Hoffmann 0418895318 or dhoffy@bigpond.net.au

Adelaide Show Outreach Ministry
The Adelaide Show Outreach Ministry has been running for over 40 years and is coordinated by people from a range of denominations across Adelaide. The ministry relies entirely on God’s grace through volunteer support from congregations and individuals to finance its work.  You are invited walk with them again this year in Spirit, prayer and financial as you are able to do so. With your support, you are helping to pass on your faith and reaching out to non-Christians.
Please contact Jeff Roberts on 0478 293 650, jmroberts@internode.on.net or Con Schlenk on 0408 811 370, conschlenk@adam.com.au

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,..”

1 Peter 1:3

Freedom from Circumstances

When things actually go as planned, or turn out the way we’d hoped, we rarely wonder why.  We tend to take that for granted.  When things turn out better than we anticipated, we might give thanks to God for his providence.

But what about when things don’t turn out the way we expected?
• A person out on their morning walk is hit and killed on the footpath by an out of control vehicle.
• A couple on their honeymoon in the tropics are both injured by a devastating cyclone.
• A wonderful family holiday at the beach is marred by food poisoning from eating takeaway.
• A healthy and active child goes to school one morning, yet by nightfall is in ICU with meningococcal disease.
• A routine annual medical check-up reveals advanced cancer.

In our broken world, we sometimes find ourselves ambushed by events we were not expecting… by circumstances beyond our control.

It seems so random!  We wonder: ‘What on earth is God doing?  Why is this happening to me?  What have I done to deserve this?  How long will I have to put up with this?”  Many of the ancient people of God asked the same questions – as recorded in the Psalms and in Job.

The character we’ll meet this Sunday is Simon of Cyrene.  Cyrene was a capital city in present-day Libya, with a large Jewish population.  Simon would have grown up in the Jewish faith, observing the Law of Moses with his family and Jewish community.

It was the hope of every Jew who lived in nations beyond Israel to attend at least one Passover Festival in Jerusalem.  So for Simon, making his pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover was a dream come true.  But as he makes his way into the city, a Roman soldier orders him to carry Jesus’ cross beam to the place called The Skull.

The day did not turn out the way he expected.  I wonder what went through Simon’s mind as he “took up the cross” and followed Jesus.  Was this the unluckiest day of his life?  Or was it the most incredible turning point of his life?

None of us get through life in this broken world unscathed.  We all have “a cross to carry”… we don’t get to choose which one.  Yet in the midst of this, God is still carrying us – from here to eternity!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Luke 23:26-31 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Prayer Request
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.

Food Collection for the Family Hub
Early notice, due to Easter, for the next collection which will be on Sunday April 28th at both services.  Closer to the date we will publish a list of food required in the Weekly News and via email.  Thank you for your continuing support of the Family Hub.

Thank You from the Family Hub
What a lovely start to the week!  Sincere thanks to you and the helpers who bought gifts from the congregation – much appreciated.  Your beautiful gifts make the pantry look inviting at the moment – it is easy to make a food parcel and good to be able to offer some choice to some of the families.

Please pass on our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed towards this as well as those who visit and offer time too.

It makes our daily life so much easier to know that we are supported so beautifully.

Thank You for Suggestions
Thank you to everyone who submitted names for our café (28 names submitted), library (9 names) and the area previously known as Baby Zone (9 names).  The Cafe Team is working through the list and will inform the congregation when a decision has been made.

Working Bee
Learn some new skills or utilise some old ones.  Good Shepherd community will be holding a working bee on Saturday 13 April from 8.30am.  Let’s combine our resources to complete a few tasks before the Easter week to ensure our property is maintained.  Some of the tasks to be completed are:
• Gardening – trimming back the overgrowth from summer
• Change some blown light globes
• Repair a roller shutter to ensure office security
• Replace a tap in the parenting room to save water wastage
• Run a new data cable from the church building to the LED sign
• Replace a drain cover to prevent serious injury
• Repair some raised paving
• Install some new door closers
Please notify the office (churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or 8263 5087) of your skills and involvement or indicate on the Sunday connect card your attendance so we can coordinate the activities.

Woolies Earn and Learn Campaign

Good Shepherd Lutheran School is participating in the Woolies Earn and Learn program again this year.  Between 1st May and 25th June, shoppers at Woolworths supermarkets are given a sticker for each $10.00 spent in store, which in turn can be redeemed for classroom teaching aids such as maths and science equipment, sporting equipment or musical instruments.  Individual stickers or completed sticker sheets are being collect by the school via a box in the front office.  Any contributions to our sticker collection, no matter how small, would be gratefully appreciated.

Entertainment Books

2019/2020 Entertainment Book fundraising is happening again this year.  Books are available from the Good Shepherd Lutheran School office.  The price is $70.00 for a book or digital membership, which will quickly be recovered by the thousands of discount vouchers available. 

Payment may be in cash or online via the link here.

To register for this course go to: https://forms.gle/TsXdcyNipiv1WmU8A
Payment assistance is available.

I’m excited
Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has been launched providing opportunities for you to invest directly into different ministries here at the Good Shepherd community.

I’m excited
That each month we get to spend the entire month focused on a ministry based here like Transform, Meet N Greet or Visual Arts. During the allocated month, the ministry team will have opportunities to share stories of how their ministry has impacted the community and individuals, share stories of celebration and to share their dreams for the ministry so that as a congregation we can understand more about what they do in our community.

I’m excited
As many of you are passionate about different areas of ministries here at Good Shepherd; Therefore this is an opportunity to invest directly into the areas of ministry you are passionate about.

I’m excited
This month, April we are focusing on potential ministries for the café.

Go and seek
A clearly marked envelope available from our Worship Hosts or the host desks for your gift. This will mean that your donation will go straight to the ministry intended. Your gift may include time you can allocate to this ministry.  Envelopes can be either placed on the collection plate, placed in the bowls on the way out of handed into the office during office hours.

Be a part of
Donating via direct debit using the following information:
BSB 704942
Acct# 129523 (add S1 for internal LLL transfers)
Acct Name Para Vista Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Operating

Please ensure the reference includes the ministry area.   Donations without clear reference will be classed as general income.  Remember this is not intended to substitute from your normal offering but is allowing you to grow your ministry area of choice and not detract from the great things already happening within our community.

I’m excited, Look out for
The Posters that will indicate what Ministries need support and how you have helped.

From the Office

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
When Valerie Volk first heard the old family story of her great-grandmother’s journey alone, from Silesia in the 1880s to search for her missing son in the Australian colonies, she was fascinated.  ‘In Search of Anna’ covers 60 years of German and Australian history in a fiction novel that is a warm and compelling story of family relationships, ending in Jindera, New South Wales.  Friends of Lutheran Archives, Monday 29th April at 7.30 pm, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city.  All welcome - gold coin donation and supper.

Tour of SW USA
Dave Anderson has toured Australia several times with his wife Barb.  They performed concerts in many Lutheran churches throughout Australia.  Dave is hosting a tour of SW USA from 1-20 August, 2019.  Full details are available from Jenni Hoffmann 0418895318 or dhoffy@bigpond.net.au

Adelaide Show Outreach Ministry
The Adelaide Show Outreach Ministry has been running for over 40 years and is coordinated by people from a range of denominations across Adelaide. The ministry relies entirely on God’s grace through volunteer support from congregations and individuals to finance its work.  You are invited walk with them again this year in Spirit, prayer and financial as you are able to do so. With your support, you are helping to pass on your faith and reaching out to non-Christians.
Please contact Jeff Roberts on 0478 293 650, jmroberts@internode.on.net or Con Schlenk on 0408 811 370, conschlenk@adam.com.au

“So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Jeremiah 41:10

Freedom from Ignorance

“How can we know that God really exists?”  Such a question has been raised by people of every time and place: sceptics and searchers, philosophers and scientists, and many of secular cultures.

In our time, some who identify as “agnostic” claim there is no way of knowing for sure whether or not God exists.  Others who identify as “agnostic” are open to God’s existence, but remain ignorant of God’s self-disclosure: in creation, in history, and ultimately in his Son Jesus.  Paul describes this condition as “without hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:11-12)

Inevitably, we humans will give our allegiance to someone or something as “God”.  Our “God” is what we turn to for comfort in times of trouble; and to which we are devoted as the most important thing in our lives.  If this isn’t the living God, then it won’t bring us lasting satisfaction or peace… and it won’t bring us into eternal life.

This Sunday we share the story of the Roman Centurion who was in charge of Jesus’ execution.  Beside his duty to the Roman Emperor, he may have been devoted to any one of the Roman gods.  As far as we can tell, he was ignorant of the living God who created the world, who had a long history of making himself and his plans known to Israel, and who promised to restore this broken world through his chosen Messiah.

Yet when the Centurion watches how Jesus dies, he sees God up close and personal - in the midst of the worst suffering imaginable.  It moves him profoundly.  We will hear his story this Sunday.  Like the Centurion, when we understand the depth of God’s love and empathy for us in Christ crucified, we are set free from ignorance about God.

Paul says that in the past God overlooked our ignorance (Acts 17:30).  Now that he has made himself clearly known to humanity in Jesus, we are without excuse.  The God who created everything can be known personally, intimately, and eternally through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Luke 23:32-37, 44-49
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Prayer Request
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.

Great Effort Supporting Family Hub
Last Sunday we had the first food collection for 2019 in support of the Family Hub.  Again the response was exceptional.  Out of interest, as we sorted the donations, we counted the number of items donated.  The tally was an amazing 443.  Kathlene Wilson from the Hub was overwhelmed and amazed at the generosity of those who call Good Shepherd their church home.  She said recently their resources had been stretched due to an unprecedented demand for food support.  Thank you to Helen and Trevor Bridge who assisted with the sorting and transport of the food to the Hub.

Working Bee
Learn some new skills or utilise some old ones.  Good Shepherd community will be holding a working bee on Saturday 13 April from 8.30am.  Let’s combine our resources to complete a few tasks before the Easter week to ensure our property is maintained.  Some of the tasks to be completed are:
• Gardening – trimming back the overgrowth from summer
• Change some blown light globes
• Repair a roller shutter to ensure office security
• Replace a tap in the parenting room to save water wastage
• Run a new data cable from the church building to the LED sign
• Replace a drain cover to prevent serious injury
• Repair some raised paving
• Install some new door closers
Please notify the office (churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or 8263 5087) of your skills and involvement or indicate on the Sunday connect card your attendance so we can coordinate the activities.

I’m excited
Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has been launched providing opportunities for you to invest directly into different ministries here at the Good Shepherd community.

I’m excited
That each month we get to spend the entire month focused on a ministry based here like Transform, Meet N Greet or Visual Arts. During the allocated month, the ministry team will have opportunities to share stories of how their ministry has impacted the community and individuals, share stories of celebration and to share their dreams for the ministry so that as a congregation we can understand more about what they do in our community.

I’m excited
As many of you are passionate about different areas of ministries here at Good Shepherd; Therefore this is an opportunity to invest directly into the areas of ministry you are passionate about.

I’m excited
This month, April we are focusing on potential ministries for the café.

Go and seek
A clearly marked envelope available from our Worship Hosts or the host desks for your gift. This will mean that your donation will go straight to the ministry intended. Your gift may include time you can allocate to this ministry.  Envelopes can be either placed on the collection plate, placed in the bowls on the way out of handed into the office during office hours.

Be a part of
Donating via direct debit using the following information:
BSB 704942
Acct# 129523 (add S1 for internal LLL transfers)
Acct Name Para Vista Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Operating

Please ensure the reference includes the ministry area.   Donations without clear reference will be classed as general income.  Remember this is not intended to substitute from your normal offering but is allowing you to grow your ministry area of choice and not detract from the great things already happening within our community.

I’m excited, Look out for
The Posters that will indicate what Ministries need support and how you have helped.

From the Office

Notice Board

Hymns We Love
Monday April 1st then Monday May 6th.  There will be a ‘winter break’ until we start again on first Mondays September 2nd, October 7th, November 4th  at Zion Glynde Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde.  Arrive at 10-30am for cuppa, biscuits and chat time.  Singing begins at 11am until 12 noon.  ”..you choose the hymns, I play the organ and we made a very ‘joyful noise unto the Lord’!  “  Enjoy airconditioned comfort.  No cost – just come!
Joy Mildren, organist, 0458 650 135/ 8367 9969 joymildren@hotmail.com

Tour of SW USA
Dave Anderson has toured Australia several times with his wife Barb.  They performed concerts in many Lutheran churches throughout Australia.  Dave is hosting a tour of SW USA from 1-20 August, 2019.  Full details are available from Jenni Hoffmann 0418895318 or dhoffy@bigpond.net.au

Adelaide Show Outreach Ministry
The Adelaide Show Outreach Ministry has been running for over 40 years and is coordinated by people from a range of denominations across Adelaide. The ministry relies entirely on God’s grace through volunteer support from congregations and individuals to finance its work.  You are invited walk with them again this year in Spirit, prayer and financial as you are able to do so. With your support, you are helping to pass on your faith and reaching out to non-Christians.
Please contact Jeff Roberts on 0478 293 650, jmroberts@internode.on.net or Con Schlenk on 0408 811 370, conschlenk@adam.com.au

“I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord.  They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart."

Jeremiah 24:7