Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Jesus says, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied."  The word 'fill' or 'satisfy' is the same one used after the feeding of the 5,000.  There, they all ate, they all were filled, and there were 12 baskets left over.

When Jesus gives, he does so abundantly, leaving you completely sated.  Not just a little bit of righteousness, or half an in-filling, or a snippet of acceptance.  Rather, a completely ridiculous, overwhelmingly abundant display of acceptance, deposit of righteousness, and endowment of favour.

Living in this gift that satisfies completely changes everything. We no longer work for favour, but live out of it.  We don’t strive for acceptance, but seek to know more deeply the heart of this gracious Father who accepts us.  We don’t discipline our way into righteousness.  Instead, receiving his righteousness, we now delight in the reality that we’re included, we’re welcomed, we’re accepted.  This delight has us seeking the appropriate discipline for each of us, one that fuels our hungering and thirsting to know him deeper, more intimately.

Then we become people who show the world our delight instead of our displeasure.  We show them acceptance instead of judgement.  We display our satisfaction in the Father’s heart toward us, instead of a striving for the love that we could never believe is really ours.

Remember, when you hunger and thirst for righteousness, you’re not champing at the bit after something that doesn’t exist or that you don’t yet have.  You’re already righteous in Jesus.

You’re hungering to see yourself as you truly already are.  You’re thirsting to drink deeply from the identity you’ve already been given.  Nothing satisfies like the security of knowing your identity as a daughter or a son; that you’re an insider and you belong; that he has placed you in Christ and that is where you’ll remain.

Pr Peter Steicke (who will be our guest preacher this Sunday.)

Bible Readings: Matthew 5:6, Psalm 63
(For background to the character skit, please read: 1 Samuel 24)
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.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Our journey through Lent begins. A time for reflection. Please find the latest Growing Faith at Home resource attached to this email for you to try out with your family. If you would like to have a printed copy, please see me and it can be arranged! If you would like any more information about these resources, please see me.

Throughout Lent, we will be sharing some ‘Generations In Faith Together’ (GIFT) questions for you to try. These will be available on the tables in the café area and on a couple wall displays. I encourage you to be brave and ask someone. I wonder how they will respond! Here is one for you to consider…  ‘How have you seen or sensed God this week?’
God bless you all,
Georgie

From the Office

LCA eNews Ministry Support
Follow this link to view the latest http://lcaenews.online/200218

Facilities update
The Café dishwasher has been installed and commissioned for use.  Please read the instructions prior to use when using the machine. PLEASE do not use for Sunday service morning teas as a wash cycle takes over an hour. Continue to use the commercial dishwasher in the main kitchen.
If you find a discrepancy with the instructions please advise the Congregational Administrator on
churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Electrical upgrades have been progressing during the weeks since the end of November 2019. The Library has been electrically completed and data cable has been installed to most points throughout the buildings along with lighting controllers.  Most of the work is hidden behind walls and ceilings but the upgrade will take us well into the 22nd century.  Thanks to Lindsay Freund and the boys from AVID for their professional work.  You will notice lighting changes throughout the ablution areas as sensors have been installed. If you do not understand the lighting controls or new points please kindly request one of the staff to show you or a member who may already be familiar with the system.  To assist with preserving electrical costs please only turn on lighting to the areas you are going to be using.  Once finished in an area turn lighting off.

Office Closed Wednesday 4th March
Please note the church office will be closed on Wednesday 4th March while staff attend a personal development day.

“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ

to all who believe.”
Romans 3:22

Blessed are those who Mourn

In our 21st Century Western culture we like to think we are in control.  We enjoy our creature comforts.  We desire continued progress, advancement, success.  We want to maximise pleasure and minimise discomfort – including other people’s pain.  For some reason, we tend to think that other’s people’s pain might be contagious.  We’d much rather celebrate than commiserate.  Yes?

There’s a verse in Ecclesiastes that challenges this: It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:2 NIV)

Going to a house of mourning reminds us that we are not “gods”, or masters of our own destiny.  Death reminds us that no matter how hard we try, we cannot conquer death… and we cannot establish heaven on earth.  In time, each of us will breathe our last breath… our heart will stop beating… and then what?

In a house of mourning we are confronted with our own inevitable death – and our impotence to change that fact!

I can remember the first time this fact hit me real BIG.  I was in my mid-20’s, doing vicarage at Mt Barker.  After attending three funerals of people I’d known, and reflecting on times shared with them, it suddenly dawned on me: “One day it will be my body in that box at the front – and then where will I be?  And how can I be sure?”

With this sudden awareness, I threw every objection I could muster at the resurrection of Jesus.  In the end, I was convinced by the cumulative evidence of the New Testament that Jesus is risen, and my hope in him well placed.

Jesus says: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV)

Our Western culture keeps grief and loss at arm’s length.  Even among fellow Christians, we don’t talk about it all that much.

So when someone we know is mourning the loss of a loved one, many of us are not sure how to respond.  We might attend a funeral, drop off a meal, and send flowers or a card.  Feeling awkward in knowing what to say or how to help… we may keep our distance.

What can we do to comfort those who mourn?

As followers of Jesus, we do well to take a leaf out of Jesus’ book, responding to people in grief with compassion, empathy, and tenderness.  Come along this Sunday as we explore this some more.

And if you are currently in the shadowlands of grief, may you experience Jesus’ comfort and peace in these days!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Matthew 5:4, Ruth 1:1-22
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.

Ladies’ Fellowship
The meeting for March will be held on Tuesday March 3rd at
1-00pm in the hall.  All ladies most welcome to attend.
Pastor Reid will be challenging us with his Bible study.
Entertainment: please bring along a souvenir from a holiday.  Hostesses for the day: Judy R & Lyn.
Trading Table: looking for 2 ladies to volunteer.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Are you a good listener? What is involved in listening carefully to
others?
Check out this week’s Growing Faith at Home resource for some ideas to try out with your family.
God bless your week!  Georgie

Little Lambs Playgroup Resources Needed
Little Lambs Playgroup are looking for cardboard rolls for an upcoming activity. Think cling wrap, alfoil or paper towel rolls etc. No toilet rolls please.
Please see Emma or Georgie or leave at the Church Office.
Thank you!

Noticeboard

Lutherans@Uni Welcome Event- Come along and meet other young Lutherans at Uni this O'Week on Tuesday Feb 25, 3:00pm. We'll meet in the 'Hub' at Adelaide Uni, and then head to the room where our weekly Bible studies will be held for a chat, some snacks and a short study. All welcome! Look up Lutherans@Uni on Facebook to stay in touch, or contact our chaplain Pastor Joshua Pfeiffer on 0431 398 713. Look forward to seeing you there!

LCA eNews Ministry Support

Follow this link to view the latest http://lcaenews.online/200218

“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.’”

Revelation 7:17

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs…

Who does Jesus think he is?  To make a statement like this - that somehow those who are dispirited will ‘own’ the kingdom – this makes privileged people uncomfortable.

In giving the sermon on top of a mountain, surrounded by hordes of people who were waiting with bated breath to hear how good they were, how well they were liked, how blessed they were to because they were too rich, healthy, prosperous and comfortable, Jesus turned everything upside down.  The culture of egocentrism and greed - of seeking after what ‘God can do for me’ - needed to be destroyed.

In order to actually see, experience, and even inherit the kingdom of heaven, the temple-of-self had to be deconstructed so the temple of God in human hearts could be rebuilt.

This was only done in Jesus and through Jesus.

The people who followed Jesus caught a first-hand glimpse of this many times, but a great example of Jesus blessing the ‘poor in spirit’ was his encounter with a woman who had a bleeding disorder for twelve years.

This week, as we continue the series of radical, cultural transformation using the Beatitudes (blessings) as a template, we encounter a shift in thinking.  From one who was considered unclean and shunned, to one who was blessed with saving faith, peace, healing and an inheritance.

We will see a recollection of the story, retold in dramatic form, and then take into our own hearts the struggles of communities and cultures as focus shifts from self to others.

Please read Mark 5:25-34 to be prepared for the discussion.

God’s peace as you wrestle with the upside down kingdom!

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Readings: Matthew 5:1-3, Mark 5:24b-34
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

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




Ladies’ Fellowship
The meeting for March will be held on Tuesday March 3rd at
1-00 pm in the hall.  All ladies most welcome to attend.
Pastor Reid will be challenging us with his Bible study.
Entertainment: please bring along a souvenir from a holiday.  Hostesses for the day: Judy R & Lyn.
Trading Table: looking for 2 ladies to volunteer.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Interested in more information about Growing Faith at Home?  This Sunday Christine Matthias, from Grow Ministries… oh yes, and also the wife of our esteemed Pastor Reid… is going to be talking about this valuable resource for families as a Spotlight after both services.
If you can’t wait until then, check out this week’s Growing Faith at Home for some ideas to try out with your family.
God bless your week!  Georgie



Having Your Child Baptised
is a short course to help parents and families prepare for their first baptism at Good Shepherd.

Our next course commences Tuesday February 18th at 7:30pm at Good Shepherd, continuing for the next two Tuesday evenings (Feb 25, Mar 3).

For more info and how to register:
https://paravista.org.au/contact-us/baptism/

Noticeboard

ALC 2020 Commencement Events
ALC invites you to attend 2020 academic year commencement events:
• Opening Service—Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Flinders St Adelaide, Sunday 23 February (in conjunction with the regular 11.00 am service).  ALC Principal, Pastor James Winderlich will preach at this service.
• Opening Conversation—on campus in Hamann Hall, Monday 24 February at 2.00 pm. Topic: ALC exists in partnership to serve.  Format: a Q&A session with a panel of leaders from various parts of the LCA contributing to the discussion. The conversation will be facilitated, live streamed and will include a Twitter feed. For more information visit: alc.edu.au.

“Blessed are you who are poor for yours is the Kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:20

Transformed Culture and Matthew's Account of Jesus

Culture is to us what the ocean is to a fish.  We live in it – often unaware of its effects.  The country we live in, the people we do life with, our education, and the local community we’re part of – these keep shaping us as people.  Our identity, sense of belonging, beliefs and values, hopes and dreams – these are influenced by the culture we live in.

21st Century Western culture keeps telling us that the most important person in the world is self.  And that the purpose of life is to pursue one’s own happiness, strive for success, become financially secure, and cram as much pleasure into life as possible.  As we hear in the lyric from an Aussie band: “Do what you wanna do, be what you wanna be, yeh!” (The Master’s Apprentices, 1988)

With individualism, each person ends up writing one’s own story.  Frankly, many find it empty and unsatisfying: “There must be something or someone greater to live for than self!”

Those who seek to live in a larger story may seek community in a common interest or passion. It may centre in sport, hobby, or a creative pursuit.  It may focus on a project, or service agency, or even connection with a local church.

A shared interest and goal is better than doing life alone.  Yet our souls still sense that we have been created for much more.  We still hunger and thirst for a deeper sense of meaning, purpose and destiny of God’s making – to be part of HIS story.

God created humans in his image so we could do life together with him - and participate in HIS story for HIS world.  God has always given humans freedom to reject him – to do life in whatever way we choose.  Yet it grieves the Father’s heart when we miss out on the better things he has in store for his children.  God will indeed bring his restoration plans for his world to completion – and he wants ALL people to join him in this.

We find proof of God’s passion and plans for us in his Son, Jesus.  In Jesus, we see what it looks like when God is King here on earth, and what it means to live as children of God’s kingdom.

Jesus was born and raised in a Jewish culture.  His stories and teaching connected with the people of his culture.  Jesus made it clear that he had come to fulfil God’s ancient promises, and to usher in a kingdom where former cultural values would be challenged and transformed.

In Jesus’ first sermon - The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) - he starts with a series of one-liners that tip the world’s values upside down – and reveal the things that matter to God and his kingdom.

In the weeks ahead at Good Shepherd, we’ll be looking closely into Matthew’s account of Jesus – and what it means to do life together with Jesus in such a way that it permeates everything we do… until it’s part of our culture.

This Sunday we will be laying the foundation by looking at some of the cultural background and main themes of Matthew’s account of Jesus.  Please come along…  I’d love for you to be part of this adventure.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Matthew 9:9-13  (See also Matthew 8:5-13, 15:21-28)
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.

When: - 11th February
Where: - 6 Von Braun Crescent, Modbury North
Time: - 6.30 to 9.00 pm
Cost: - $10 donation is appreciated to offset costs (under 16 $5)
Contact: - Jim 0438 899 629

Transform 2020
The Team are excited to welcome you to Transform for 2020!

This Sunday (Feb 9th) we would love to invite families with youth (age 10 to 13) who are interested in joining/continuing their Transform journey this year.  Families are invited to bring a plate to share (drinks provided) and hear this year’s plan for faith in action.  We will be meeting in the Ark over at the school.  Please follow the signs, or there will be people around to show you the way.  Time 12:30pm to 2pm.  See you there!
Blessings,
Mardi and Georgie

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
This week, the resource explores ‘Jesus calls us to live as salt and as light for him.’
What is your favourite salty food? I still enjoy salt and vinegar chips myself!
Check out some conversation starters and other ideas with your family!
Bless you!, Georgie

Having Your Child Baptised
is a short course to help parents and families prepare for their first baptism at Good Shepherd.

Our next course commences Tuesday February 18th at 7:30pm at Good Shepherd, continuing the next two Tuesday evenings (Feb 25, Mar 3). 

For more info and how to register:
https://paravista.org.au/contact-us/baptism/




Noticeboard

ALC 2020 Commencement Events
ALC invites you to attend 2020 academic year commencement events:
• Opening Service—Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Flinders St Adelaide, Sunday 23 February (in conjunction with the regular 11.00 am service).  ALC Principal, Pastor James Winderlich will preach at this service.
• Opening Conversation—on campus in Hamann Hall, Monday 24 February at 2.00 pm. Topic: ALC exists in partnership to serve.  Format: a Q&A session with a panel of leaders from various parts of the LCA contributing to the discussion. The conversation will be facilitated, live streamed and will include a Twitter feed. For more information visit: alc.edu.au.

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God

are the children of God”

Romans 8:14

We more than Me

“Do this and you will live.”

Imagine one morning waking up, stretching your arms and suddenly feeling that something wasn’t quite right inside your body.  You knew that even though life seemed to always feel like it was moving in the right direction, there was a niggling sense of dis-ease.  Then, after going to the doctor, she said, “You were right to come to me.  The bad news is that you are sick and, if you keep on going the way you are, the prognosis isn’t good.  But if you do this, you will live.”

If I was that person, and the doctor told me the way to live, I would do everything possible to follow her directives.

In Luke 10:25-37, an expert in the law stood up to confront Jesus about what it takes to inherit eternal life.  Jesus turns the question around – “What is written in the law?” he asks.  “How do you read it?”

Immediately, Jesus engages the situation and wants to hear how others understand the greatest gift of God.  He wants to know their own interpretations of salvation and inheritance.

In the next piece of dialogue, the expert answers correctly, but Jesus’ response is enigmatic and, in some ways, almost cheeky, before he launches into what might be his most famous parable.  The Good Samaritan.

This week, as we ponder our own reading and understanding of the scriptures, let’s pause as we carefully peruse Jesus’ words to all centuries which have a niggling sense of dis-ease.  As we hear Jesus speak to the expert in the law, let we who hear the resounding voice of the gospel get stuck on the Healer’s words:

“Do this and you will live.”

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Readings: Luke 10:25-37
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.

Ladies Fellowship 2020
All ladies are welcome to come to the first meeting of Ladies Fellowship for 2020.  We will be meeting at 12 noon on 4th February at the church hall.  Please bring your lunch.  We look forward to seeing you with all ladies most welcome to attend.

When: - 11th February
Where: - 6 Von Braun Crescent, Modbury North
Time: - 6.30 to 9.00 pm
Cost: - $10 donation is appreciated to offset costs (under 16 $5)
Contact: - Jim 0438 899 629

Transform 2020
The Team are excited to welcome you to Transform for 2020!

This Sunday we have opportunity to meet with anyone who might be interested in becoming a Leader.  We will be meeting in the Education Centre.

The following Sunday (Feb 9th), we would love to invite families with youth (age 10 to 13) who are interested in joining/continuing their Transform journey this year.  Families are invited to bring a plate to share (drinks provided) and hear this year’s plan for faith in action.  We will be meeting in the Ark over at the school.  Please follow the signs, or there will be people around to show you the way.  Time 12:30pm to 2pm.  See you there!
Blessings,
Mardi and Georgie

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,
Is there a teacher you admire or respect?
What have you learnt from them?
One day Jesus taught his followers up on a mountain. (Matthew 5:1-11) He said that God blesses those who are humble, those who stand up for what is good and right, those who are forgiving, and those who work for peace. Share some real life examples for these behaviours with one another.
Check out this week’s Growing Faith at Home for ideas to nurture faith at home.
God bless, Georgie

Noticeboard

“And this is the testimony:

God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

1 John 5:11

God's Light in a Dark World

Every day we are bombarded by messages of hopelessness: bushfires, climate change, murder, strife, anger, greed.  Constantly soaked in these images and texts, there is a tendency for even the strongest of humanity to sink into the quagmire of desire.  Darkness draws a blanket over the collective cultures of the world and we cry out…

Hosanna. Save us.

In the book of Isaiah, we hear the voice of God’s chosen instrument, the prophet, reminding people of two things: 1.) their consequences are a product of their actions.  They have disobeyed God and turned to idols. 2.) God will not abandon them in their consequences, but will help them through.

Eventually, as the prophetic promise resonates centuries later, the people of Israel will not only be God’s servants, but lights in the world.  And, as is written in chapter 49, “See, these will come from far away; from the north and from the west…”

People will be drawn to the light of God in this world because he saves his people, Israel.
How does this translate into the 21st century?

Some of what we experience in 21st century culture, the perpetual indignation, of taking offense, of discarding the word of God for the idol of self – these have consequences.  But God promises not to leave us out in the darkness.  In Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness,” we are told of the light that has come in the darkness, and now we are called to be mirrors to reflect Christ, the light of life, into the same kind of darkness.

This, in its very essence, is the journey of culture change.  As we look towards the next seven years, we’ll be using a chart like this to mark our progress:

Using Isaiah’s words, this week we will take a look at where God was calling the people of Israel about to be sent into exile, and where he sends the people of the contemporary Church to be the reflection of light as God brings about his culture change.

Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Isaiah 49:1-13
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.

Hi Good Shepherd!
I am excited to be appointed as your new Office Administrator, in the role formerly held by Belinda Konrad. At the moment I'm available Tuesday to Friday, 9am-3pm.  A big thank you for the lovely warm welcome I have received thus far... looking forward to working for you!

Blessings,
Rachel Koopmans





Ladies Fellowship 2020
All ladies are welcome to come to the first meeting of Ladies Fellowship for 2020.  We will be meeting at 12 noon on 4th February at the church hall.  Please bring your lunch.  We look forward to seeing you with all ladies most welcome to attend.







Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Jesus calls his followers to ‘fish for people’.
What does he mean?
Please have a look at some ideas that you might like to try out with you family through the week.
God bless, Georgie

Noticeboard

In some parts of Australia bushfires are continuing to threaten lives and livelihoods. In other places, hundreds of people are sifting through ashes, wondering how they will put their lives back together.

Many of us are asking how we can bring the love of God into this awful situation, how his love might come to life through us. Here are some ways that could happen.

To help people in immediate need you can donate to
Red Cross, Salvation Army and other organisations that are able to provide on-the-ground local support right now.
To help Lutherans and the communities they are supporting with immediate assistance and then, later, post-emergency restorative support, you can donate to
LCA Disaster & Welfare Fund (tax-deductible)
Click on the link to make a donation by credit card.  To make a bank transfer:
BSB 704942
Account: 100042902
Account name: LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund

Always wanted to study Biblical Greek?
ALC has an introductory New Testament Greek class running in 2020 which has already attracted a number of enrolments from mature-age lay people.  The class can be completed either for credit or as audit (no assessment required) and is time-tabled Monday to Wednesday at 11.15am for one hour commencing Monday 24 February.  For further details, contact enquiries@alc.edu.au or phone 08 7120 8200.  Special seniors’ discounts apply for audit students.  Semester audit fees: $360 Concession  $540 Non-concession.  All welcome.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

1 Peter 2:9

Jesus Lamb of God

In just over a week’s time we will celebrate Australia Day.  Perhaps you can remember the lamb adds by Sam Kekovich.  Here’s what he recommended as the appropriate cuisine for Australia Day: lamb chops from the BBQ, a few beers from the esky, and perhaps a Pavlova for those with a sweet tooth!

For you, what comes to mind with the word: “lamb”?  Perhaps lamb on a spit, lamb chops, or a lamb roast with a sprig of rosemary, vegies and lots of gravy?

Maybe you grew up on a property where your family had a pet lamb?  If so, you could hardly imagine eating it - could you?

When John the Baptist sees Jesus approaching, he declares: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NIV)

When John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as "the Lamb of God" what do you think that triggered in the minds of his hearers?  Probably not lamb roast!

This Sunday we will explore what John’s evocative term, “Lamb of God,” might have meant for his hearers – and what it could mean for us.

Jesus takes away the sins of the world.  That means each and every person on this planet: including you and me, children and grandchildren, relatives and friends, work colleagues, sporting buddies, and the people on your street.  Jesus wants every person on this planet to receive his forgiveness and leadership over our lives – so we can have life to the full… and an eternity of life.

How might you and I take a leaf out of John’s book, and point people to Jesus?  Maybe we can start by praying to see people through Jesus’ eyes – and to love them like Jesus loves them.  Also asking Father God for opportunities to share our stories on what Jesus has been doing in our lives.  And that might open doors to sharing who Jesus is, what he has done for all people, and the identity, purpose and destiny he gives to all who trust and follow Him.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: John 1:29-42
(See also Exodus 12, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, Revelation 5)
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.

Praise Point
This Sunday at the 10.30am service Tyler Max Stirling, son of Matthew and Alicia, will be welcomed into God’s family through Holy Baptism.




Hi Good Shepherd!
I am excited to be appointed as your new Office Administrator, in the role formerly held by Belinda Konrad. At the moment I'm available Tuesday to Friday, 9am-3pm. A big thank you for the lovely warm welcome I have received thus far...
looking forward to working for you!

Blessings,
Rachel Koopmans









Ladies Fellowship 2020
All ladies are welcome to come to the first meeting of Ladies Fellowship for 2020.
We will be meeting at 12 noon on 4th February at the church hall.  Please bring your lunch.
We look forward to seeing you with all ladies most welcome to attend.







Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
When Andrew heard that Jesus was the Messiah, the first thing he did was search for his brother Simon and bring him to meet Jesus (John 1:40-42).
In what ways do you help others meet Jesus?
Check out the Growing Faith at Home resource for some devotional ideas, conversation starters and activities to try out with your family.
God bless,
Georgie

Noticeboard

Open Garden
Every Saturday at 3 Aldrin Crescent Modbury North from 9–11 am.  Free entry and plants available to purchase.  All proceeds donated to LCA Disaster & Welfare Fund.  Phone 83953177 for more information.

In some parts of Australia bushfires are continuing to threaten lives and livelihoods. In other places, hundreds of people are sifting through ashes, wondering how they will put their lives back together.

Many of us are asking how we can bring the love of God into this awful situation, how his love might come to life through us. Here are some ways that could happen.

To help people in immediate need you can donate to
Red Cross, Salvation Army and other organisations that are able to provide on-the-ground local support right now.
To help Lutherans and the communities they are supporting with immediate assistance and then, later, post-emergency restorative support, you can donate to
LCA Disaster & Welfare Fund (tax-deductible)
Click on the link to make a donation by credit card.  To make a bank transfer:
BSB 704942
Account: 100042902
Account name: LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund

Always wanted to study Biblical Greek?
ALC has an introductory New Testament Greek class running in 2020 which has already attracted a number of enrolments from mature-age lay people.  The class can be completed either for credit or as audit (no assessment required) and is time-tabled Monday to Wednesday at 11.15am for one hour commencing Monday 24 February.  For further details, contact enquiries@alc.edu.au or phone 08 7120 8200.  Special seniors’ discounts apply for audit students.  Semester audit fees: $360 Concession  $540 Non-concession.  All welcome.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:10

The Baptism of Jesus

“What does your baptism mean to you?”  How would you answer someone who asked you this question and was genuinely interested in your reply?

Decades ago, I was asked this question by a chap who did not think it was fitting and right to baptise babies.  My response: “I was baptised as a baby… so I know that at one point in history, God has put his name on me, joined me to Jesus, and adopted me as his child.  No matter what happens in my life, nothing can ever change that!”

Luther was subject to long bouts of depression.  In the midst of his melancholy, he would often declare: “But I am baptised!”  Not: “I was baptised!”  But: “I am baptised!”  God’s promise and commitment to us never wavers.  His unfailing love is a constant reality – in which we can always find refuge – regardless of our circumstances.

This Sunday we’re looking at Jesus’ baptism.  What does Jesus’ baptism mean for you?  For me, it provokes a lot of questions.

As John the Baptist preached, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven has come near!” people realised they’d fallen short of God's ways.  They confessed their sins to John and were baptized as an outward expression of their change of heart and life (Mt 3:6).  John's baptism was a baptism of repentance, preparing the people of Israel for their Messiah.  It is not the same as Christian baptism!

But then Jesus approaches John for baptism.  Hmmmm.  If Jesus was sinless, why did he ask John to baptize him?  Why did Jesus need it?  What on earth did he need to repent of?

John was not keen, but Jesus insisted: “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”  Then John consented. (Matthew 3:15 NIV)

What does it mean ‘to fulfill all righteousness’?  How would you explain that word “righteousness” to someone else?  How did Jesus’ baptism ‘fulfill all righteousness’?

When Jesus was baptised, some really interesting things happened.  As he came up out of the water, heaven opened… and the Spirit of God came down and rested on Jesus.  What’s that about?

And there was a voice from heaven.  Whose voice was it?  And what did the voice say?  What is the significance of all this for us?

Come along this Sunday as we wrestle with these questions, look into the Scriptures for answers, and help one another to live in the grace and leadership of Jesus, our Friend and King.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Isaiah 42:1-7. Matthew 3:13-17. (See also Psalm 2, Isaiah 11:1-3) 
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.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
What took place at Jesus’ baptism?
How do you think he felt?
How do you feel about your baptism?
What does it mean to you?
Check out the Growing Faith at Home resource for some devotional ideas, conversation starters and activities to try out with your family.
God bless,
Georgie

From the Office

Office Closure January
The office will be closed for an extended period to allow staff to exhaust leave.  Times will be:-

Every Monday in January 2020 CLOSED
Tuesday to Friday January 2020 OPEN 9.00am to 3.00pm

For urgent contact during this time please call 8263 5087 and leave a message.  Messages will be retrieved on working days over this time.

Noticeboard

In some parts of Australia bushfires are continuing to threaten lives and livelihoods. In other places, hundreds of people are sifting through ashes, wondering how they will put their lives back together.

Many of us are asking how we can bring the love of God into this awful situation, how his love might come to life through us. Here are some ways that could happen.

To help people in immediate need you can donate to
Red Cross,  Salvation Army and other organisations that are able to provide on-the-ground local support right now.
To help Lutherans and the communities they are supporting with immediate assistance and then, later, post-emergency restorative support, you can donate to
LCA Disaster & Welfare Fund (tax-deductible)
Click on the link to make a donation by credit card.  To make a bank transfer:
BSB 704942
Account: 100042902
Account name: LCA Disaster and Welfare Fund

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,..”

Titus 3:4-5