16th June 2013

Good, pleasing and desirable.

When God created Adam and Eve He gave them a clear instruction, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17). This was God’s plan. For a while Adam and Eve allowed His voice to be their guide.

It wasn’t long before the voice of another came and began to speak contrary to what God had said. The serpent’s voice rang loud, “You will not certainly die” (Genesis 3: 4) he said to Eve.

“When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took it and ate it” (Genesis 3:6).

We have a tendency in life to believe that if something is good, pleasing and desirable then it must be right for us. However, as Eve discovered, just because something is good, pleasing and desirable it does not mean it is God’s plan for our lives. Eve let the serpent’s words shape her decision. “The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate it’” (Genesis 3:13).

The chances are there will be at least one person, in any situation in life, encouraging you to go against God’s plan. This does not mean they are the devil, but he can and will use their words to get you off track. If something feels right and people are encouraging you to do it then it can be really hard to even stop and consider that maybe it is not God’s plan. But as followers of Jesus we need to be mindful that God’s voice speaks louder than any other.

By getting into the Word, talking and listening to God and seeking counsel from older and wiser Christians we can be confident we are making a way for God’s voice to come through. The next step, which is probably the hardest, is doing what God says.

We will never be able to do this perfectly and God’s grace is not dependent on our ability to. Allowing God’s voice to be the loudest may not always seem ‘good, pleasing and desirable’ but God is sovereign overall and if you put your trust in Him, He will not lead you astray.

Sophie

Prayer Requests: Not included in this newsletter, but if you would like to view the current requests, refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter. 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 series “Life in the Word” This week’s message is “Living in the Word” Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

Bible Reading: Matthew 7:21-27; James 1:22-25

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids:

This term we are continuing to work our way through the bible and will be studying the following this Sunday:

Baby Zone - Family Worship Workshop No. 3 with Matt Huckel (gaining tools and ideas for nurturing faith at home)

Kindy Zone - Stargazing, from Genesis 15:1-6  

Kids Zone - The birth of Isaac, from Genesis 18 and 21

Kool Zone - Lies and deception, from Genesis 25, 26, 27, 28

Please have a chat to your children, grandchildren, friends or those you see around the church to find out more about the awesome work God is doing in the lives of our Kingdom Kids.

Kindy Zone helpers:  We are still looking for 3 more helpers in Kindy Zone (ages 3-5 + reception).  Please consider getting involved as a helper (no preparation involved) so that we are able to continue this important ministry each week.

Boy Girl Chats: Kool Zone (for year levels 4+) will have their first ‘BOY GIRL’ session on Sunday 23^rd June. Nathan Carson will lead the boys’ chat, while the girls enjoy good conversation and hot chocolate with some of the Ignite Youth Leaders. We will explore topics such as respecting the opposite gender, putting God before worldly desires, honouring God at home and school and any other ‘girl boy’ topics the kids wish to discuss. Please speak to Laura if you have questions or concerns or if you would like to access the new ‘parent aid’ resources in our church library.

Kids Film Series round 2

Most families would have received a mail out last week containing the next round of questions for our Kids Film series. Emma Kluge and her team will be filming the kids’ responses on Sunday 30^th June. Please take the time to read through and discuss the questions at home. We look forward to sharing their responses in worship soon. Extra copies of the questions can be found at the sign in table at the back of the church. Please help yourself.

 

Playgroup:

We need the church’s support. Could you help with the following?

1. Set up and pack up
2. Story time
3. Leadership: Playgroup needs a new coordinator.

You do not need to have any previous involvement in playgroup, or children/grandchildren in playgroup to get involved.

This term we are celebrating different places of work. Our theme on Wednesday was ‘at the Post Office’. Our theme for next week will be ‘at School’. 9:30am -11:30am in the Church Hall. $2 per child per each week or $3 for a family. We hope to see you there.

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader

 

 

MEMBERSHIP AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Discovery is the vehicle by which membership is attained – it is the “Road to Relationship and Growth”.

If you have been attending Good Shepherd for some time and have not attended Discovery or are new,

Discovery is for you!

Discovery runs over two Tuesday evenings: 25^th June 2013   6:30pm – 9:00pm

Come and meet the staff over a complimentary dinner with tea, coffee and dessert

2^nd July 2013   6:50pm – 9:00pm Complimentary coffee & tea

Enrolment is simple: Ring the church office (8263 5087); Email, churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or
write ‘Discovery’ on your welcome card in a worship service

From the Board

Social Media

The Board continued discussion on the use of Social Media to help further our mission. There was also a wider discussion on how we can improve communication and our web site. The outcomes when implemented will be exciting.

Visit from Children and Family ministry staff team

Laura and Beth accepted an invitation from the Board to talk about Children and Family ministry. They discussed the ministry now, their plans for the future and informed the Board how we could assist this ministry area. The Board was very impressed with what is happening and their clarity for future directions.

2013 Budget

The Board spent considerable time discussing the 2013 financial position. Present indications are that there will be a deficit in 2013. This will be first deficit for many years.

LCA Questionnaire

Considerable time was spent completing a questionnaire from the SA District.

Upcoming worship series at Good Shepherd:

Getting a Grip on Life

(based on Proverbs)

Proverbs is intensely interested in the art of living well. 

One of the keys towards this goal is to pursue wisdom.

Trusting the Lord and doing life HIS way is the beginning of wisdom. 

Come and join in this series as we get wisdom from God on living well.

       June 23    1. Gaining a heart of wisdom

       June 30    2. Mastering my mouth!

       July 7       3. Taming my temper!

       July 14     4. Surviving my schedule

       July 21     5. The fine art of friendship

       July 28     6. Succeeding at work (8:45am service only)

Cultivating Generosity will be our 4-week August series

Sept 1 (Father’s Day) 7. Cultivating character

In your Good Shepherd Church Library

Tools to help us unpack God’s Word

(with edited descriptions from www.koorong.com)

Matthias Media, The Bible Overview. DVD rom and Participant’s workbook.

The Bible is God's word. If people are to know God truly, and understand their world and themselves, they must have an understanding of the message of the Bible. The Bible Overview was created because of a perception that many people, Christian and non-Christian, find the Bible daunting and hard to understand. The aim of TBO is to equip each other to better read, understand, and apply the Bible.

The Bible Overview consists of four parts:
1. An overview of the story of the whole Bible (known as the General Presentation). This includes 15 pictures with name cards, each representing a stage in the unfolding story of the Bible.
2. A way of summarizing the message of the Old Testament (the Old Testament Presentation).
3. A way of summarizing the message of the New Testament (the New Testament Presentation).
4. A straightforward process for understanding passages of the Bible. This process is called the COMA method (Context, Observation, Meaning, Application).            Church Library: 220/MAT

Have you ever heard people say that they think very highly of Jesus but don't agree with some of the teachings of the Bible?

John Chapman shows that if we are to trust in Jesus we must also trust in Jesus' own view of God's word. He also explains how to read and explore the Bible to get the most from it.

Rolly’s comment: This is a short book, with Chappo’s warmth oozing encouragement for us to get into the Bible.  Great for those starting off on the journey with Jesus - or for old Christians who rarely read the Bible.

Church Library: 220/CHA

Notice Board

“The Lutheran” Magazine

Did you know you can now receive the Lutheran from the iTunes App Stor.

Click on the App Store icon on your iPad and search for “The Lutheran” Brochures are available from the information rack in the foyer.

For those people who already subscribe to the Lutheran (magazine form) – your renewal is due this month. Please ensure you make your payment, either on-line, or to the church office.

 

Get outside every day.

Miracles are waiting everywhere.

Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

9th June 2013

God’s special agents

God has a mission: for all people of this world to know and receive his love for them in Jesus. 

But how does God get that mission done?  Through his people: you and me. We are God’s special agents in this world, sharing the love and good news of Jesus.  Peter gives some excellent instructions

(1 Peter 3:15-16a NLT):

1. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.

At that time, the crazy Roman emperor Nero was demanding that everyone worship him and address him as Lord.  The early Christians refused, because they confessed: “Jesus is Lord.”  

Christians are people who worship and follow Jesus as Lord over their lives.  They know Jesus loves them, they receive his forgiveness, they let Jesus call the shots for their lives.

When we’re trusting and following Jesus, other people will see there’s something different about us – not “weird different” or “mean different” – but “good different”, “cool different”, “kind different”, “decent different”. 

Curious, they might ask: “Hey, there’s something different about you – and it seems to be connected with Jesus.  Can you tell me about who Jesus is and what he means to you?” 

2. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 

If someone asked: “What’s so special about Jesus?” would you be ready to give a clear and short reply?  Peter tells us to always be ready to share our hope.  

3. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.

By being gentle with people, by being interested and kind to people, and by respecting others even when they do not agree with us, hopefully we will be a positive influence towards them one day knowing Jesus personally. 

Now we cannot make anyone believe in Jesus.  Only God can open the human heart  to receive Jesus!  But as God’s special agents our mission is to keep sharing the love and good news of Jesus with others.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Prayer Requests: Not included in this newsletter, but if you would like to view the current requests, refer to the e-mail that alerted you to this Newsletter. 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 series “Life in the Word” This week’s message is “Reflecting on the Word” “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.  (Joshua 1:8-9 NIV2011)

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:1-9, Psalm 1

Podcasts available at www.paravista.org.au

Kingdom Kids:

This term we are continuing to work our way through the bible and will be studying the following this Sunday:

Baby Zone –       Family Worship Workshop No. 2 with Matt Huckel (gaining tools and ideas for nurturing faith at home)

Kindy Zone –      Lots and lots from Genesis 13.  Kindy Zone almost had to be cancelled this week due to a lack of helpers. Please consider getting involved so that the program can continue to run each week. Thank you to Wendy Janetzki who will teaching for the 3^rd week in a row.

Kids Zone –        Abraham and Lot, from Genesis 13:1-14:16; 17:1-16

Kool Zone –        Isaac and Rebekah, from Genesis 24:1-66

Please have a chat to your children, grandchildren, friends or those you see around the church to find out more about the awesome work God is doing in the lives of our Kingdom Kids.

URGENT NOTICE: We are finding that less and less parents (particularly within Kids and Kool Zone) are signing their kids out on Sundays. This is not safe. Please make this a priority so that we can ensure everyone is safe and accounted for and so that our records can be accurate. Thank you.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The sign in sheets are for parents and carers only!! Please DO NOT let your child sign themself in or out. Sign in sheets are important safety records and must be easy to read and accurate. Children will have plenty of opportunities to write and draw their names and other things through the kingdom kids program. Thank you.

Kindy Zone helpers:  We are really struggling to keep the program for ages 3-5 running each week due to a lack of helpers. Please consider getting involved as a helper (no preparation involved) so that we are able to continue this important ministry each week.

Baby Zone:

Last Sunday, 6 families enjoyed worshipping together in Baby Zone through music and movement. Matt Huckel will be running Baby Zone for the next 5 weeks with the aim of teaching families with young children how to worship together at home. The kids and their parents had a ball experimenting with sounds, lots of different instruments, stretchy Lycra and interactive songs. If you have a child under the age of 3 please book aside this time to come along and worship with us. You are in no way missing out on worship, as this space will become our time of praise and worship as we learn with and from our little ones. We ask that at least one parent attends with their child so that the whole family can benefit from the experience. Hope to see you in the Education Centre on Sunday.

Kids Film Series round 2

Last Sunday Emma and Jonathan filmed the kids’ responses to a series of questions relating to the upcoming sermon series.  As a way to include children in worship, we would like to film their responses again so have sent home a list of bible readings and questions for you to consider as a family. We would like to encourage you to read through and discuss the questions over the next few weeks. We will be filming responses to these questions (as well as a few surprise ones) on the 30^th June during Kingdom Kids and look forward to sharing them soon. Please contact Emma Kluge on 8263 5087 or via email ekluge@paravista.org.au if you have any questions or to let her know that you have read through the questions below (so she knows who is willing to be involved).  Thanks

Playgroup:

We need the church’s support. Could you help with the following?

1. Set up and pack up - Could you spare half an hour to come along and help out with one of these tasks? Each week the hall is transformed into a play area for the kids, and this is a BIG JOB. More hands to help with this process would be appreciated.
2. Group time leaders - Do you love to read or tell stories, sing, dance and worship in creative ways? Then this could be a role for you. Each week I look for someone to run ‘group time’ for 10 minutes, where we explicitly teach the families about God’s love through stories, music, dance, etc. If you have skills and an interest in this area, I’d love to hear from you. I am only looking for people to commit once a term.
3. A coordinator. Playgroup is currently running without a coordinator, which puts a strain on the team who have to pick up all the roles a coordinator would normally take on. If you are interested in a leadership role that aims to nurture and give direction to the playgroup team, then this could be for you. The coordinator does not have to be at playgroup every week nor do they have to run playgroup on their own. We have embraced a team approach, which works well; we just need someone to pull it all together.

*You do not need to have any previous involvement in playgroup, or children/grandchildren in playgroup to get involved.

This term we are celebrating different places of work. Our theme on Wednesday was ‘at the Airport’. Our theme for next week will be ‘the Post Office’. 9:30am -11:30am in the Church Hall. $2 per child per each week or $3 for a family. We hope to see you there.

Laura Carson – Children and Family Team Leader

MEMBERSHIP AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Discovery is the vehicle by which membership is attained – it is the “Road to Relationship and Growth”.

If you have been attending Good Shepherd for some time and have not attended Discovery or are new,

Discovery is for you!

Discovery runs over two Tuesday evenings: 25^th June 2013 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Come and meet the staff over a complimentary dinner with tea, coffee and dessert

2nd July 2013 6:50pm – 9:00pm Complimentary coffee & tea

Enrolment is simple: Ring the church office (8263 5087); Email, churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or write ‘Discovery’ on your welcome card in a worship service

Cebu Missionary Foundation Fundraising report

The team is very pleased to report that we raised the wonderful amount of $456.20 from the fundraiser on Sunday 26th May. A very BIG thank you to all who bought sausages and steak sandwiches on the day and also thanks to those who bought Filipino Jewellery and Ringpull Bags.

Our next fundraiser will be a Plant Stall on both Sunday the 23rd and 30th June after both morning services.  If  you have potted up some plants for the stall, please note that you can bring your plants to the Hall on Saturday 22^nd June from 10.30am til 12noon. Otherwise bring them on Sunday prior to the service that you are attending, so that they can be priced. Please have them labelled with the name of the plant and the colour of the flower, if they are flowering plants. Thank you again from the Team.

Joan McCarthy

From the Office

Facilities update

Air conditioners - The evaporative coolers in the church have been closed down for the winter months.  To prevent accidental usage the remote controls for each unit have been removed and will be returned when the units are opened for summer.

Heating units - A 3 yearly service has been carried out on the gas heaters in the manse and the church to prevent a build-up of fluff and contaminants and to prolong the service life of the units.

Demountable buildings - God blessed us with recent heavy rains that have highlighted water leaks into both transportable buildings.  The facilities team will be ascertaining where the leaks are coming from and try to prevent them from causing further damage. 

In your Good Shepherd Church Library

Tools to help us unpack God’s Word

(with edited descriptions from www.koorong.com and current approximate prices)

John Drane, The World of the Bible. (Lion: 2009) 256 pages. About $10

The authors of the 66 books of the Bible reflect the social, cultural and religious contexts in which they lived. Understanding these contexts can greatly enrich and deepen our appreciation of the Bible's meaning and message. John Drane provides a survey of the many different worlds which helped to forge the pages of the Bible. He ranges over thousands of years from the earliest hunter-gatherers to the Roman world in Jesus' day. Areas include: courtly and military structures, home life, social and economic relationships, ritual and cultural practices.  Beautifully illustrated.   

GSPV Church Library: 220/DRA

 

Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.

 3^rd edtn (Zondervan: 2003). 288 pages. About $20

Covering everything from translational concerns to different genres of biblical writing, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth is used all around the world. In clear, simple language, it helps you accurately understand the different parts of the Bible - their meaning for ancient audiences and their implications for today - so you can uncover the inexhaustible worth that is in God's Word.      GSPV Church Library: 220/FEE

Gordon D Fee & Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book. (Zondervan: 2002) 448 pages.  About $17.

For each book of the Bible, the authors start with a quick snapshot, then expand the view to help you better understand its key elements and how it fits into the grand narrative of the Bible. Written by two top evangelical scholars, this survey is designed to get you actually reading the Bible knowledgeably and understanding it accurately.

GSPV Church Library: 220/FEE

 

Henrietta Mears, What the Bible is All About NIV Revised and Updated.

(Regal Books: 2012), 832 pages. About $15.

This is a Bible handbook that provides introductions and information on all the books of the Bible.  Readers will find essential facts and historical background, but more importantly see how every book of the Bible points to Jesus and God’s plan to transform everyone's life through faith in Him.

GSPV Church Library: 220/MEA

 

Michael Williams, How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens. 

(Zondervan: 2012) 288 pages. About $17

Many Christians today experience Bible teaching in isolated, unconnected pieces, receiving little or no guidance into how these pieces form a coherent picture in Christ.
How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens presents Christ as the central focus of each biblical book and the primary way the Bible relates to contemporary circumstances. Each book of the Bible has an identifiable theme ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. GSPV Church Library: 220/FEE

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea  at Good Shepherd

Huge thanks to all who attended and supported Australia’s Biggest Morning tea last Friday morning. It was a great time of meeting new people and enjoying a cuppa and a chat. We raised $260 to help fund Cancer Research, prevention programs and support services. Your donation of your time and money was appreciated.  Extra big thanks to those who helped with food, setting up and cleaning up!

Lenna Uebergang and Tina Pfeiffer

HOT SOUP SUNDAY

Sunday 16^th June 2013

Enjoy a variety of fresh homemade soups with bread rolls and

‘Hexagon’ party pies & cocktail frankfurts!

 

Notice Board

'Preparing for Marriage' Courses

Saturday 15^th [9am-5pm] and Sunday 16^th June 2013 [1pm-5pm] Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 388 Montague Road, Para Vista. Cost: $160/couple if both employed; $85 if one employed; $65 if neither employed/students. For registrations or more information: Tel: 8331 3111; E: magill@lccare.org.au

SPECIAL REQUEST FOR FOOD ITEMS

We are in need of specific food items for our Emergency Relief program this winter. Major items needed include long life milk, tinned fruit, and tinned green veggies (peas, asparagus, green beans, etc). If you are able to help with any of these items, please take them to our Blair Athol office at 309 Prospect Road, Blair Athol.

Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

Church Web site: www.paravista.org.au

Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au