How often do you think about the foundation of your house? or the structural stability of it? If you are like me, it’s not very often. I trust that the builder did his job right. But what if he didn’t?
Imagine moving into a tall building
with a weak or poorly laid foundation. How comfortable would you be moving your
belongings, your family, your life, into a building with a weak foundation?
Imagine what would happen if a storm came, or worse an earth quake? With just a
tremor the building could be in trouble. If I knew that a building had a weak
foundation I wouldn’t live there.
There is another important
structural component to buildings – that is the cornerstone. This is the first
stone that is laid; it determines the direction and stability of the building
as well as the foundation. In the bible it says that Jesus should be our
cornerstone.
Have you ever considered what it is
that forms the foundation of your life? What is the cornerstone? What or who do
you put your hope and trust in? If we wouldn’t trust a building with a weak
cornerstone or a weak foundation then why are we often happy to build our lives
on one?
We all build our lives on something.
Cornerstones come in all shapes and sizes in our lives. If you were really
honest with yourself, what would you say your cornerstone is? What do you put
your hope and trust in? Good health, a good income, your family, your favourite
sporting team, what other people think of you?
We are so willing to allow temporary
and unstable things to be our foundation and to build who we are. But Jesus
alone should be the cornerstone of our lives. He is the only cornerstone that
is trustworthy, that is solid enough. The only cornerstone that is constant and
dependable, that will never let you down.
Isaiah 28:16(NLT) says “Therefore,
this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Look! I am placing a foundation
stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that
is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.”
Note that it doesn’t say those who
believe will never have trouble but that you won’t be shaken. Jesus says in
John 16:33 that: in this life we will have trouble. Life with Jesus won’t be
without its trials. The difference is that His presence gives us hope. And that
hope stops us from crumbling. When the storms come in your life, will you still
be standing firm with Jesus as your cornerstone?
Sophie
This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This
week’s message will be ‘Giving to what
matters most’ as we continue our series ‘Cultivating Generosity’ Podcasts
of the message are available at www.paravista.org.au
Bible Readings:
2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Matthew 6:19-24
Kingdom Kids: for
ages 0-12 on Sundays
This Sunday in
Kingdom Kids we will be looking at the following topics
Baby Zone - ages 0-3: God gives me friends (we will start a new
theme next week)
Kindy Zone - ages 3-5 + reception: ‘Chosen by God’ 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Kids Zone - year levels 1-3: ‘God provides for His people’ Exodus 16-17
Kool Zone – year levels 4+: What Happens when I sin? Part 4 of our
‘Raising Up Spiritual Champions’ Discipleship Program
All welcome!
2013 Father’s Day
Celebration – The Good Shepherd
We would like to
invite you AS A FAMILY to come along to our 2013 Father’s Day celebration ‘The
Good Shepherd’ on Sunday 1st September at the 10:30am service. More info to
come next week (Baby Zone will be cancelled on this day so that all children
and leaders can participate in the event).
How could you sew a
seed in Children and Family Ministry?
We may never know
the impact we have on those around us, but that should NEVER stop us from
investing in people. Children desire to be loved and included, not only at
school and in their homes, but also in the church.
In the words of
Mark Conner, Citylife Church Melbourne, “Christianity is always one generation
from extinction. That is why Children’s Ministry is so vital in the life of
every church’. Our prayer continues to be that we as a church will embrace and
believe in our kids! That we will take the time to teach and nurture them in
our homes and on Sundays.
PLEASE don’t
underestimate the importance of supporting and getting involved in this
ministry. Without leaders, helpers and support we can’t meet the needs of our
kids. They are too important to us and to God to let this happen. We need many
more members of our church, young and old, to come on board our team – to
partner with us as we embrace the future generation of our church. We want to
hear from you…..don’t hesitate!!! Call or email today.
Please contact
Laura Carson for more information on how to get involved, or how to complete
the Child Safe screening process.
Playgroup
Playgroup provides
a friendly and welcoming environment for families with young children to play,
build friendships and learn more about God’s love for His people. Our theme for
playgroup this term is “God makes growing things” and this week we celebrated
‘caring for the environment’. Next week we will celebrate Father’s Day. Come
along between 9:30am and 11:30am in the Church Hall. All welcome. $2 per child
or $3 for a family (please being a piece of fruit to share). Please contact
Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671
Child Safe Team
Member Training
Thank you to
everyone who completed Team Member Training on Saturday 10th August. Your
commitment to Children’s Ministry in this way is greatly appreciated.
Laura Carson
Children and Family Team Leader
Prayer
requests
Prayer
requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the
current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If
you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
Para Vista Lutheran
Women's Fellowship
Next Meeting -
Tuesday, 3rd September, 1pm in the church hall
Fashion Parade
featuring styles and clothing from LCC collection
From the Office
2013 Budget
Notes to end of June
2013:
- Income was $4,000 below budget in June. Offerings and Interest earned in June were both $2,000 approximately below our projected budgeted figure.
- During 2012 we had over $4,000 credited to our offerings account which was interest forgone by members. This dropped dramatically to only $760 in 2013 and this is major reason why interest for June is well below budget.
- On a brighter side, interest forgone by members and deposited to our loans for 2013 was $5,100 more than in 2012. This will go a long way in helping to repay our current loan quicker than anticipated.
- Expenditure was about $2,000 below budget and was primarily due to staff expenses. Ministries were under budget, which was offset by plant expenses being same amount over budget.
The response to our
chairperson’s request to prayerfully consider supporting our mission at Good
Shepherd and forgo that cup of coffee still continues to be positive and
encouraging. Thank you to all who have responded and embraced REG.
REG forms can be
obtained from the information section at the rear of the main church auditorium
for those who still wish to avail themselves of this easily accessible service.
An Afternoon of Music
and Entertainment
Sunday 29th
September, 2.00pm at Concordia College Chapel, 45 Cheltenham St Highgate.
Featuring a line-up of great performers including Mark Stefanoff from The
Voice, the Hills Musical Cast of ‘A Little Night Music’ and Peter Goers as MC.
Adults: $25
Concession &
Children 11-17: $20
Children under 10:
FREE
Family: $75
“To show
His love, Jesus died for us: to show our love, we live for Him”
