5 Feburary 2012

Surrender

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about surrender and what it means to surrender everything we are and everything we have to God. There’s no doubt in my mind that God calls us to complete surrender, but what would it look like lived out in our everyday lives?

Don’t get me wrong, I definitely believe that we are saved by grace through faith, not by anything we have done or are yet to do (Eph 2:8-9), but I also believe that our thankful response to grace should be a willingness to surrender and follow Jesus.

Jesus says we are to love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and with all our mind (Luke 10:27) and to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Jesus even says in Luke 14: 25- 26 that if we come to Him and don’t hate our father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, even their own life by comparison to how much we love Him, we cannot be His disciples. It’s crazy! And it definitely isn’t easy, yet it’s the life God is calling us to. I often feel that we give so little to the one who gave so much for us. I find myself asking ‘how much is too much for me to give, to the one who has given me everything?’

I’m still figuring it all out and maybe I never will. For me at the moment it is choosing to spend time with God, praying and in the Word, over things that I would sometimes rather be doing (denying self). Time is important to me, so it’s a struggle to surrender. What is it that you struggle to surrender to God? Could He be calling you to give it to Him?

I love how the Message puts it in Romans 12:1-2

“So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”

Many blessings,

Sophie

Prayer Requests  

For privacy the prayer list is not included in this Blog but if you would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this site.   If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

This week we continue the theme, “Better Than Busy”, with “How to Simplify”.  Simplifying things has gained quite a lot of support in recent years. There are also a number of books that have been written on the topic in the last few years. We have 52 Ways to Simplify Your Life, 90 Devotions to Simplify Your Life, Simplify your Life 101 Ways, 201 Great Questions to Simplify Your Life, 255 Ways to Simplify Your Life.  There is one book on the simple life that is 872 pages long.

Does this sound simple?   

                 Bible Readings: Luke 10:38-42: John 10:10

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Starting next week.  YES!!!!…

Kingdom Kids gets back into full swing next week.  Jump on board and come for the ride.  Please remember to arrive a little early and sign your children in.

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

lcarson@paravista.org.au      8263 5087

Ignite Youth 

Sophie Gerrie

Small Groups Launch – Sunday 19^th February 2012  

Our Sunday services on 19^th February 2012 will be highlighting the purposes and blessings of small groups, and providing opportunities for people to try out a small group.  I will be preaching on the importance of Growing in Jesus Together!

Please note we will NOT be holding a lunch or dinner at Good Shepherd.  Rather, we are asking small groups to be open to the possibility of hosting some new people on Sunday 19 February – or a time slot during that following week.  

Grab a flyer at worship and express your interest in trying out a small group or contact the office.

Joy in Jesus!

Rolly Stahl

Associate Pastor - Discipleship & Small Group Ministries

DISCOVERY IS MORE THAN MEMBERSHIP

Last chance to Register Now!

Discovery course starts on Tuesday evening 21^st February at 6:30pm – 9:30pm beginning with a meal and an informal introduction to the staff; and continues on the 28^th February 2012.

To Register write ‘Discovery’ on your welcome card or contact the office by telephone 8263 5087
 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

From the Administration Manager

Position Vacant

Administration Manager

(Part Time – 18 hours per week)

We are seeking an organised self-starter, passionate about our mission and vision at Good Shepherd, for the position of Administration Manager.

The Position Description for this position is available from our website www.paravista.org.au in the members section, from the church office (8263 5087) churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or from the member’s information section in the church foyer.

Direct any queries to John Dolling, Administration Manager 8263 5087 or jdolling@paravista.org.au

Applications, in writing only, by Friday 10^th February 2012, should include current curriculum vitae together with referees and be sent (marked confidential) to:

The Administration Manager

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista

PO Box 306

Modbury North  SA  5092

Facilities

160 sq. metres (14 tonne of asphalt) of the car park that had deteriorated has been replaced. The next step is to crack seal the car park to prevent water getting through the surface. This will prolong the life of the car park. The cost of this project will be shared between the church and school.

Thank you to Jeff Eckermann who coordinated the project and used the skills gained from working in the Department of Transport to ensure the work was of a high standard and at the lowest cost to the congregation.

OHS

When setting up for some activities cables are run across walkways. This can cause trip and fall injuries. A portable 3 meter cable cover (for use on hard floors) has been purchased. This is stored in the plant room which is situated in the foyer by the Members Information section. Please use this to cover cables run across hard surfaces and ensure it is returned for future use.

Mission news

Marantha Health, one of the overseas mission organizations we support are holding a stall selling baby and children' items after both morning services on Sunday 12th February. Money raised will go to Uganda to equip the Clinic and Community Centre that is changing lives in Kamwenge, Uganda.

From the Office

Staff on Leave

Noel:   6th February - 14th February 2012

  

LCA 2012 Yearbook

“Where love comes to life” Limited copies available during February ONLY from the church office for $20 each. Contact the church office 8263 5087 or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

notice board

Pre-Marriage Seminar 18^th -19^th February

Help build strength into your marriage and develop skills for dealing with difficult times.  This course will be conducted at Para Vista Lutheran School. See the notice board or contact the office for further details.

Fuel Vouchers???

Help those less fortunate.  Please pin your excess vouchers to the notice board.  By assisting with this you can share with others a community spirit.

Thankyou

Daphne Hausler, Di and Tom Ollino and family wish to sincerely thank everyone for the cards, phone calls, personal expressions of sympathy and donations to Lutheran Community Care following the death of Lou.  We rejoice that he is now at home with his Lord.

Bushed blokes

SHOW ME A SIGN!

Ever felt like this?

Not sure which sign post to follow…….

Well come to BuShed Blokes and get some direction.

Bring ya mates, ya camping gear and a heart to be encouraged by Peter ‘Sticks’ Steicke and Ian ‘Watto’ Watson. Connect with your identity as a Son of the King and come to know who you were created to be. All blokes welcome!

 Date: Friday 23^rd March 6pm – Sunday 25^th March 11am 2012

Location: South Kilkerran Picnic Grounds, MAITLAND SA

Cost: $50 per Bloke/ Under 15 free

For more info and registration forms contact: Luke Doecke  Ph: 0403 801 990  Email: lukedoecke@bigpond.com

Bring a mate with you for Breakfast at

Good Shepherd  Lutheran Church, 388 Montague Road  Para Vista

Saturday March 3^rd                                                                      Served at 0730

Are you a typical Bloke .. BBQ Chief,

Mr Citizen, Son, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Husband, Neighbour, Drive a car,

A Workmate or Student, Gardener, Like the outdoors,  Spend hours in the shed on projects ?

Do you know the answers to…

What is a Burn? How do you treat a burn?..

        Cold water or tried & true butter? 

“So what it doesn’t hurt its OK “. Is this the right answer ? YES or No ??

What happens in the RAH Burns Unit ?

Donation  of $5.00  for breakfast costs  is appreciated.    Any ????’s Contact Jim 0438 899 629

We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm

Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

388 Montague Road                                      Phone: 8263 5087                                     PO Box 306

Para Vista SA  5093                                       Fax: 8395 2680                    Modbury North SA  5092

 

29 January 2012

ARE WE BUSY MAKING OUT WHAT WE ARE NOT

I was very interested in a comment written by Rick Warren where he wrote, “Satan doesn’t mind Bible Study never applied”. (Daily Hope 17/01/2012)

Rick wrote, “Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word of God are all a waste of time if we fail to put them into practice. We must become doers of the word (James 1:22 KJV). He went on to say, “I understand this is a hard step, because Satan fights it so intensely. He doesn’t mind you going to Bible studies as long as you don’t do anything with what you learn! (emphasis mine)  We fool ourselves when we assume that just because we have heard or read or studied a truth, we have internalized it”.

Another reality which Rick Warren highlighted is that many are so busy (there’s that ‘busy’ word again) going to the next home group or seminar or Bible conference that you have no time to put into practice what is learned. He said, “You forget it on the way to your next study. Without implementation, all our Bible studies are worthless”.

In the last few weeks our Pastors have preached sermons with gems of practical instruction, guidance and training for us to live functional uncluttered lives conducive to being a person of God. I have just asked myself, “How have I applied or changed in my life, that has needed to be applied or changed?”

Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV) Jesus also pointed out that God’s blessing comes from obeying the truth, not just knowing it. He said, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17 (NIV)

 Of Bible studies, Rick states that the value of being a part of a small group cannot be understated. We always learn from others’ truths we would never learn on our own. Other people will help you see insights you would miss and help you apply God’s truth in a practical way.

(If you are not in a small group, the opportunity is being given to be invited into one before the 2012 small group launch on the 19th February).

I agree with Rick Warren who suggests the best way to become a doer of the Word is to always write out an action step as a result of your reading or studying or reflecting on God’s Word. Develop the habit of writing down exactly what you intend to do.

This action step should be

•             personal (involving you),

•             practical (something you can do), and

•             provable (with a deadline to do it).

Every application will involve either your relationship to God, your relationship to others, or your personal character.

Think about it – What has God already told you to do in his Word that you haven’t started doing yet?

Talk about it with someone, a prayer partner maybe, so they can help you become accountable.

Barry Klaer        Pastoral Care & Fellowship team Leader

Prayer Requests  Please pray for

For privacy the prayer list is not included in this Blog but if you would like to view the current requests refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this site.   If you have a prayer request or wish to be covered by prayer please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

This week we continue the theme, “Better Than Busy”, with the title “Focussing your Life”.  We’re trying to do a hundred things at the same time and we think they’re all of equal value when they’re not, and that leads to overloaded lives.  God has a plan and He has a purpose for your life.

                 Bible Reading: Luke 4:38-44

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

 

Back to School Service – I need your help!

Our 2012 Back to School Service will be held on Sunday 5th February at 10:30am. The service will be packed with prayers and blessings for our teachers, students and brand new receptions. There will also be great music, children’s entertainment, God filled and inspired message ‘Better than Busy’ and a shared FREE community lunch. I am looking for people to help in the following areas

- 5-10 people to bring salads for our shared lunch

- 5-10 people to bring finger food desserts (i.e. cupcakes, fairy bread, slice etc)

- 5 people to help with set up, serving and pack up

If you are able to help with one of these tasks please contact Laura on 8263 5087, write on your welcome card ‘back to school lunch’ or send an email to lcarson@paravista.org.au. Please consider helping to make this day a truly special event for the children and families in our church and school communities.  

Messy Church Play Group…

We are in the early stages of starting up a Messy Church style Playgroup and have already been blessed financially and spiritually, giving the program a healthy start. We will have a brand new team of 6 running our play group this year and I ask that you keep the team in your prayers as we meet to pray, plan and prepare for what we believe will be a life changing year in the life of our local community. There is still room for more involvement so don’t be shy! Grab a jersey and come join the team. Play group will start on Wednesday 8th February from 9:30am-11:30am in the hall. All welcome.

Kingdom Kids Holiday Program – last week

Messy Church - Come along this Sunday for some fun and adventure as we learn more about our awesome God. See you there (both morning services)

Move Urban Dance

Due to popular demand, primary dance classes will continue this year on Thursday afternoons in the church Hall. Classes will begin on Thursday 9th February for ages 4-7 (3:45pm-4:30pm) and ages 8-12 (4:30pm – 5:30pm). We don’t have enough interest to run a middle school/early high school class but encourage those who are interested to check out www.one50.com for local hip hop classes. Please contact Laura on 8263 5087 to register.

Wanting to have your child baptised?

Our first ‘Having Your Child Baptised’ course for 2012 will be held at the church on Wednesdays 29th February, 7th March and 14th March from 7:30pm-8:30pm with Pastor Rolly. If you are interested in having your child baptised please contact the church office for information about course registration and baptism dates.

Invigorate 2012 – Saturday 18th February (Unity College, Murray Bridge)

I am blessed to be on the team organising this State Children’s Ministry event for 2012 and can tell you that we are in for a fantastic day! If you are currently involved in Children’s Ministry or are considering an involvement I strongly encourage you to come along. I am hoping to take a team up with me from our church and will ensure the cost of the day is covered. For more information on the key note speaker, workshops and registration go to http://invigor8.eventzilla.net. Please contact Laura ASAP if you are interested so that registrations can be processed together.  

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

lcarson@paravista.org.au      8263 5087

Ignite youth is back! And with a number of exciting changes.

This year I am pleased to say that we have enough resources to split into Junior (years 7-9) and Senior (years 10-12) youth. Tennyson Jaensch has stepped into the junior youth team leader role and Emma Kluge and I will be co-running senior youth.

Junior youth will be every second Friday night during the school term, from 7-9:30 as it has been for the last few years. The timetable for term 1 is opposite (at left).

Senior youth will be every second Sunday afternoon during the school term, from 3:30- 5:30, tea and then 6pm church. The timetable for term 1 is opposite (at right). 

“Transform”, our confirmation program, will also be starting this term. Your prayers for this ministry would be much appreciated.

Blessings,

Sophie Gerrie

Small Groups Launch – Sunday 19^th February 2012  

Our Sunday services on 19^th Februry 2012 will be highlighting the purposes and blessings of small groups, and providing opportunities for people to try out a small group.  I will be preaching on the importance of Growing in Jesus Together!

Please note we will NOT be holding a lunch or dinner at Good Shepherd.  Rather, we are asking small groups to be open to the possibility of hosting some new people on Sunday 19 February – or a time slot during that following week. 

Three weeks leading up to this date, we will be distributing flyers at worship where people can express interest in trying out a small group.  I will allocate these to various group leaders to make contact and provide details of the next gathering of their group. 

Small Groups can do something social or fun (e.g. lunch or dinner, a gathering in the park, trip to the beach); or follow their normal group pattern. If you’re already in a small group, please explore this with your group so we can have healthy participation.  

Lent Studies – Crossing the Boundaries

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday: 22^nd February in 2012.  Through Lent we will be taking a fresh look at Jesus through the Gospel of Mark. Who is Jesus?  Why does Jesus cross all sorts of “boundaries” of his day?  What does it mean for us to follow Jesus? 

To “value add” into this series, we will be offering a series of 5 Bible Studies for small groups – which will be emailed to small group leaders in early February.  If anyone else is interested, please write “Lent Studies” on your Sunday Welcome Card and your email address.  If you require a printed copy, please write “Printed copy” on your Welcome Card and Lorraine will place it in your pigeon hole.

Joy in Jesus!

Rolly Stahl

Associate Pastor - Discipleship & Small Group Ministries

Women's Fellowship

Our first meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday 7th February beginning at 12noon with a BYO sandwich lunch in the church hall. Fresh fruit supplied by the exec committee. Bible study will follow, before discussing and approving the program for 2012.

There will be a trading table, proceeds of which support projects of Lutheran Women of SA (LWSA) and Australia (LWA).

Correction from last week’s news:   Cebu and Maranatha Health missions are supported by the Women’s Fellowship from Good Shepherd Para Vista and not the LWA

NAME BADGES

Name badges can be ordered by writing ‘Name badge’ on your welcome card. Write your preferred name and choice of magnet, pin or clip. Avoid the Christmas rush – order your name badge now! Cost is $9:50 each badge.

DISCOVERY IS MORE THAN MEMBERSHIP

Register Now!

The next Discovery course starts on
Tuesday evening 21^st February at 6:30pm – 9:30pm beginning with a meal and an informal introduction to the staff; and continues on the 28^th February 2012.

To Register write ‘Discovery’ on your welcome card or contact the office by telephone 8263 5087
 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

FOOD FOR FAMILIES

As coordinators for “Food For Families” we are well aware of how people today are very time poor. (This current sermon series should help alleviate that!!)  A small group has offered to have a huge cook-up however, they need your help!

To greatly assist with the cook-up, I am asking for your help with donations of non-perishable food, such as pasta, rice, tins of sweet corn, peas, diced or puree tomatoes, tuna, salmon and any other ingredients that will help make a delicious wholesome meal for, well maybe you! 

Can you help? A clearly marked “Food For Families” box will be placed in the church hall servery area for your convenience.

Or,…. are you able to prepare ‘one off’ meals for those with special needs, e.g. diabetic, gluten free and etc.   If you can assist in this area please contact me at the church office or Sue Renfrey on 8250 0576, email rengal9@bigpond.com

Thank you in anticipation for love and care for others in our church family.

Barry Klaer, Pastoral Care and Fellowship, Shepherding and Care

Sue and Graham Renfrey, Food For Families Coordinators.

From the Administration Manager 

Position Vacant

Administration Manager

(Part Time – 18 hours per week)

We are seeking an organised self-starter, passionate about our mission and vision at Good Shepherd, for the position of Administration Manager.

The Position Description for this position is available from our website www.paravista.org.au, from the church office (8263 5087) churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or from the member’s information section in the church foyer.

Direct any queries to John Dolling, Administration Manager 8263 5087 or jdolling@paravista.org.au

Applications, in writing only, by Friday 10^th February 2012, should include current curriculum vitae together with referees and be sent (marked confidential) to:

The Administration Manager

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista

PO Box 306

Modbury North  SA  5092

From the Office

Pigeon Holes updated for 2012

Please note that your pigeon hole may have ‘moved’. Please remember to check yours each week. To help you remember, why not leave your name badge in your pigeon hole and collect it each Sunday before worship!

If you have not been allocated a pigeon hole, OR would like one, please contact the church office phone 8263 5087 or
email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

notice board

THURSDAY CRAFT RETURNS  

Thursday 2^nd February 7.30 – 9.30pm in church hall

Come along with a craft project you are currently doing, or come for a coffee and chat to see what others are doing. People are currently working on quilting, knitting and embroidery projects. All ages and abilities are welcome to attend, especially if you would like to learn something new.

TERTIARY ORIENTATION DAY FOR NEW STUDENTS

If you are heading to uni or tertiary studies, coming down from the country or leaping from high school to a large university, at O-Day you will find many friendly faces and people who ‘know the ropes’ and are seasoned students. You are invited to O-Day on Saturday 18^th February at 12.00noon in North Adelaide. It includes a free pancake lunch and pizza dinner and a trip to your particular campus. If you are a student or know a student, check out the noticeboard or web page for all the details: lsf.org.au/sa, or contact Victoria (0448 865 735) or Pastor Mike Pietsch (8370 3615 or 0409 725 573).

Alternative Care Services

Lutheran community care provides community services on behalf of the Lutheran church in SA and NT through a range of programs. Our alternative care services is funded by the department for families and communities to provide home based foster care services.

We currently have a vacancy for a team player, committed to providing a high quality service to assist in the efficient delivery of all aspects of our alternative care services.

Administration and customer service assistant - level 3

Job description and enquiries: visit: www.lccare.org.au  Email: rjudd@lccare.org.au tel: 08 8337 8787 

Applications to: Mr. Robin Judd, Program Manager, ACS Lutheran Community Care, PO Box 2137 Magill North SA 5072 by 9.00am Monday 30^th January.

Indigenous andTtorres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply. (salary packaging is available)

Lutheran Archives and Finke River Mission

Book launch (sponsored by Lutheran Archives and Finke River Mission): The Tale of Frieda Keysser, by John Strehlow. Speaker: Alison Anderson, Member of NT Legislative Assembly. This important book tells the life-stories of Frieda and Carl Strehlow, missionaries at Hermannsburg 1894-1922. Held at Australian Lutheran College refectory (enter off Ward St), North Adelaide, on Sunday 12 February at 3 pm. All welcome. Books available for $90.

Your expression is the most important thing you wear

Church Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9.00am – 3.45pm

Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

388 Montague Road                                      Phone: 8263 5087                                     PO Box 306

Para Vista SA  5093                                       Fax: 8395 2680                    Modbury North SA  5092