Faith brings joy

 

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. (Romans 5:3-5)

 

I have recently felt that everyone I know is facing some kind of trial or problem that is significantly diminishing their ability to see light and joy in the midst of their struggles. I lay awake many nights wondering how on earth to love and support so many struggling people, when I myself have days of struggle.

 

In the midst of these thoughts, I was reminded of a book given to me that I never sat down to read. After a short search I found the book and began to read it. It didn’t take long to note that the author, whose life story the book was based on, had an incredibly strong relationship with God. His ability to see God in all things and his willingness, even in his weakest moments, to seek God inspired me to do the same. In one instance, this man’s severe temper almost caused him to kill one of his best friends. It was in this moment that he realised he needed help. The kind of help that can only come from God! After hours of prayer and many tears he felt a sudden relief come over his mind and body and it was in that moment that he knew God had heard him and saved him from his troubles. To this day he has never again struggled with his temper and gives glory every day to our almighty God for the miracle he performed in his life. This miracle, amongst several others, enabled him to become one of the greatest neurosurgeons in the world, who has performed many incredible life changing surgeries, bringing hope and joy to so many people.

 

This man’s testimony has re-inspired me to seek God in all that I do and to come before him on my knees in those moments where I am struggling. God is always listening and constantly reminds me that his will for each and every one of us is perfect. We learn so much through our struggles and can often look back and see God working through what seemed like an impossible situation. When we place our hope in Christ we will never be disappointed.

 

Faith in God is the one thing that will not let us down, for God loves us in a way we will never understand, and his spirit fills us with such joy and hope for our lives and the lives of those we love. In our times of weakness and struggle, let’s not forget to faithfully pray, pray, PRAY for in God all things are possible and we are never alone.

 

Laura

 

This Sunday at Good Shepherd

This week’s message will be ‘God’s promise of provision as we start a new series ‘God’s promises in tough times’

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

 

Bible Readings: Matthew 6:25-34 and Psalm 145:13b-19

 

Kingdom Kids: The Promise of a Saviour King

We would like to invite all children aged 3-12 to join us in the school for the next 3 Sundays (during the 10:30am service) as we prepare for our 2013 Celebration Service – The promise of a Saviour King. Kindy Zone will meet in their usual classroom for a special lesson titled ‘Like little children’. We will have a full dress rehearsal for all ages in the school gym on the 24^th November, followed by the Celebration Service at 10:30am on Sunday 1^st December.

PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE.

 

Baby Zone:

Baby Zone ministry for ages 0-3 will continue to run during term 4 and will conclude on Sunday 15^th December. This term we will cover topics such as Jesus loves children, Jesus gives me food and Jesus was a baby. There will be no Baby Zone on the 1^st December as all ages will be involved in our Celebration Service.

 

2013 Celebration Service 1st December - Things you can do to help:*

• PRAY:            For God to bless our preparations and the event itself
• SEW:              Help make costumes
• COOK:           At least 2-3 people to help cook the community BBQ lunch
• BRING:          A salad for the community BBQ lunch

KEEP THE DATE FREE AND COME ALONG!!!

 

*Please forward your expressions of interest via email or write your name down on the sheet located at the Kingdom Kids sign in table.

 

Playgroup: The things we love about Christmas!

Playgroup is back on for families with preschool children. This term we will be celebrating the theme “the things we love about Christmas”. Each Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am the hall will be transformed into an inviting play area with loads of fun and interesting activities for everyone to take part in. We will cover topics such as getting ready, creative cooking, holiday adventures, helpful hands (serving others at Christmas), let’s celebrate, giving gifts, Christmas tree decorating, the nativity story and finally carols and community. $2 per child or $3 per family. Please bring a piece of fruit to share.

All welcome.

Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671.

 

C & F Ministry Volunteers Dinner:

Children and Family Ministry volunteers, you and your family are invited to a celebration to thank YOU for your time and efforts volunteering in C & F ministry this year. Please keep Saturday 16^th November, 4pm-7:30pm free. Please RSVP to Beth Einthal on 0438 233 671 or beth.einthal@paravista.org.au by the 9^th November for catering purposes. Thanks 

 

Laura Carson

Children and Family Team Leader

 

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 churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

 

Cebu Mission Fundraising

Plant Stall

Many thanks to those who donated plants to the recent stalls and thank you to all who bought plants.  We raised $395.70 for Cebu Mission.

Christmas Stalls

Available after both morning services on the following dates: 10^th, 17^th and 24^th November, 1^st and 15^th December. We will be selling Christmas cards, Filipino Jewellery, Coconut Shell Necklaces and Bracelets, Ringpull Bags and Bible Covers; great pieces for Christmas gifts. All proceeds to Cebu Mission. Thank you for your support.

Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich Day

Sunday 24^th November. Sausages are available after 1^st service. Sausages and steak sandwiches are available after 2^nd service. Grab some food and then take part in the Half Yearly meeting at 12.30pm. 

New Team Member

We are still in need of a new member for our team, please give this your prayerful consideration and give me a call to discuss what is involved.  We only have a few meetings per year.
Joan McCarthy 8262 7429

 

 

From the Office

 

Volunteers make it happen

Our community is desperately short of volunteers to assist in two areas. One is vacuuming the church and the other is placing the bins onto the kerb. 

 

Vacuuming; all the carpeted areas of the complex require cleaning weekly. Back pack vacuum cleaners are available at the church or you can bring your own.

 

Bins; Bins are required to be placed onto the kerb at the front of the church on a Sunday or early Monday morning. A green or yellow pick up roster is attached to the bin enclosure for reference.

 

Volunteering can be a lot of fun when done in small groups but becomes a huge chore when it has to be done on your own. The more volunteers we have the greater the time between being rostered on. Can I strongly encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute to shining the light of the good news of Jesus into our community through your service?

 

Please contact the front office or Stephen on 8263 5087 or mark your Sunday welcome card with volunteer vacuum/bin.

 

Staff on Leave

Lorraine Johns will be on leave until 18^th November

 

Reformation Sunday Celebration Lunch

When? This Sunday 3^rd November 2013 after 10:30am Service

Where? Church Hall

Why? Come and enjoy the celebrations as we have fun and fellowship together eating yummy German Fare - bratwurst, schnitzels, sauerkraut, metwurst, green salad and dilled cucumbers!

Dare I say it? Enough fun with yum to make Martin Luther smile!

(Gold coin donation would be appreciated)

Notice Board

 

Para Vista Lutheran Cricket Club advisory note:

Cricket game results are now being printed in the Monday edition of ‘The Advertiser’. Results can also be accessed on Facebook. Apply to join Facebook group, view Para Vista Lutheran Cricket Club.

 

Christmas Trees from Holy Cross, Birdwood

We have high quality Christmas trees at $30 each available for purchase again this year. Delivery to the church will be on Saturday 14^th December.

 

Please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or contact the church office 8263 5087 or write your order on your welcome card by Wednesday 4^th December. It will be helpful if you can state a preferred height of tree.

 

Vacancies

 

Manager Blair Athol Office LCC Level 6 (1.0 FTE negotiable)

For a Job Description or further information for the above position:

Email:  slane@lccare.org.au or Tel: 08 8269 9333

 

Men’s Support Worker LCC Level 4 (0.4 FTE) Position funded until 30 June 2014

For a Job Description or further information for the above position:

Email:  kwilson@lccare.org.au or Tel: 08 8349 6099

 

Administrator LCC Level 4 (0.6 FTE) Backfill parental leave position for 12 months

For a Job Description or further information for the above position:

Email: hschulz@lccare.org.au or Tel: 08 8331 3111

 

Full Job Descriptions for the vacancies can be found at www.lccare.org.au

Applications close 5.00pm on Friday 8^th November.

 

Cleaner

Australian Lutheran College - 20 hours per week (9.30am-2pm)

Cleaning experience an advantage but not essential. For further information and details contact Kristine Leonard (Boarding Manager) on Ph: 8267 7361 or 0417 601 123 between 8.30am – 12.30pm Tuesday to Friday.

Starting date: Thursday 28^th November.

Applications close Friday 15^th November.

 

 

 

 

 “To show His love, Jesus died for us.

 To show our love, we live for Him”

 

 

Great Encouragers

Who has been a great encourager in your life?  What difference has it made?

 

In the New Testament, Barnabas stands out as a ‘son of encouragement’.

 

In the Old Testament, David’s mate Jonathan is a great encourager. During a season when David is on the run from the murderous intentions of King Saul, we read: And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (1 Samuel 23:7-18 NIV)

Some things we learn from Jonathan about encouragement:

 

1. Jonathan is loyal – and wants God’s best for David.

2. Jonathan could allow David to surpass his own position as a prince of Israel – and still rejoice in David’s success.  Encouragers cheer on others who outshine them.

3. Jonathan finds David when he is cut off from his home, running for his life as a fugitive, and most likely depressed. Encouragers are friends who walk in when everyone else is walking out. 

4. Jonathan helps David find strength in God. What does this mean? I can imagine Jonathan reminding David: “Mate, God is your refuge and strength. God is watching over your life. And God will fulfil his plans and purposes for your life – even though you cannot see how right now!” 

 

Who does that for you?  Who are you encouraging in this season?

 

We all do better with encouragement. You never see a person go backwards with encouragement.  When you encourage people in the love of Jesus, it sends ripples of blessing throughout their lives – and every person they influence. 

 

Prayer:

Lord, give me a ministry: not of pulling down, but of building up.

Help me to encourage, to uphold and to understand.

That my life might be a blessing to those you love.  Amen.

 

Pr Rolly Stahl

 

This Sunday at Good Shepherd

Pastor Rolly will be presenting Reformation Sunday.

This week’s message will be ‘God comes down - for us”

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

 

Bible Readings: Romans 3:20-25 and Philippians 2:5-11

 

 

Kingdom Kids: Let the preparations begin!

We would like to invite all children aged 3-12 to join us in the school for the next 5 Sundays (during the 10:30am service) as we prepare for our 2013 Celebration Service – The promise of a Saviour King. Workshops for Kids and Kool Zone start this Sunday. Kindy Zone will meet in their usual classroom for a special lesson titled ‘The best treasure’. We will have a full dress rehearsal for all ages in the school gym on the 24^th November, followed by the Celebration Service at 10:30am on Sunday 1^st December. PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES FREE.

 

Baby Zone:

Baby Zone ministry for ages 0-3 will continue to run during term 4 and will conclude on Sunday 15^th December. This term we will cover topics such as Jesus loves children, Jesus gives me food and Jesus was a baby. There will be no Baby Zone on the 1^st December as all ages will be involved in our Celebration Service.

 

2013 Celebration Service 1^st December - Things you can do to help*:

• PRAY: For God to bless our preparations and the event itself
• ACT: We need adult shepherds (minimal prep required)
• SEW: Help make costumes
• PAINT/MAKE: Help make props (on Sundays during Kingdom Kids)
• COOK:  At least 2-3 people to help cook the community BBQ lunch
• BRING: A salad for the community BBQ lunch
• FACE PAINTERS or makeup enthusiasts who can help with stage makeup
• LEND: old brooms, scrubbing brushes, dusting cloths and rags (needed ASAP for rehearsals)
• KEEP THE DATE FREE AND COME ALONG!!!

*Please forward your expressions of interest via email, or write your name down on the sheet located at the Kingdom Kids sign in table.

 

Playgroup: The things we love about Christmas!

Playgroup is back on for families with preschool children. This term we will be celebrating the theme “the things we love about Christmas”. Each Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am the hall will be transformed into an inviting play area with loads of fun and interesting activities for everyone to take part in. We will cover topics such as getting ready, creative cooking, holiday adventure, helpful hands (serving others at Christmas), let’s celebrate, giving gifts, Christmas tree decorating, the nativity story and finally carols and community.  $2 per child or $3 per family.

Please bring a piece of fruit to share. All welcome.

Please contact Beth Einthal for more info 0438 233 671.

 

C & F Ministry Volunteers Dinner:

Children and Family Ministry volunteers, you and your family are invited to a celebration to thank YOU for your time and efforts volunteering in C & F ministry this year. Please keep Saturday 16^th November, 4pm-7:30pm free. Invites have been sent…we hope to see you all there!

 

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.

 

From the Office

 

2013 Budget

 

 

Notes to end of June 2013:

• Total Offerings in September received were $43,584 against the budget of $44,200.
• Offerings received each Sunday exceeded budget in September, with REG Offerings slightly below budget.
• Total Offerings to end of September are currently $10,066 below budget.

 

It has been encouraging to see the Sunday offering being exceeded for this month. The extra cup of coffee (make it a double shot) added to the REG for the next few months would achieve the results required to see the finances allow the ministries of PV being continued in the current capacity for next year.

 

Thank you to those who have submitted the blue Impact 2014 slips. If you have not completed and returned a slip please prayerfully consider doing so.

 

Volunteers make it happen

Our community is desperately short of volunteers to assist in two areas. One is vacuuming the church and the other is placing the bins onto the kerb. 

 

Vacuuming; all the carpeted areas of the complex require cleaning weekly. Back pack vacuum cleaners are available at the church or you can bring your own.

 

Bins; Bins are required to be placed onto the kerb at the front of the church on a Sunday or early Monday morning. A green or yellow pick up roster is attached to the bin enclosure for reference.

 

Volunteering can be a lot of fun when done in small groups but becomes a huge chore when it has to be done on your own. The more volunteers we have the greater the time between being rostered on. Can I strongly encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute to shining the light of the good news of Jesus into our community through your service?

 

Please contact the front office or Stephen on 8263 5087 or mark your Sunday welcome card with volunteer vacuum/bin.

 

Car parking

As a service which can be done every Sunday, without cost or time, please consider parking in the Alliance or Mattiske’s carpark on a Sunday morning. This will allow those who are guests or have mobility issues to gain easy access to the facility.

 

Together in Mission

The LLL supporting the Lutheran Church 2012/2013 information booklet is now available from the information area. Please take a copy and find out whether the early disciples operated cafes or restaurants.

 

2014 Daily Devotion Book “Time out with Jesus”

Orders are being taken now. Cost is $22. Please let the office know by 28^th October. Thanks.

Position Vacant - Children and Family Team Leader (12 hours per week)

We are seeking someone with a love and passion for Children and Family ministry to join our pastoral ministry team in 2014. The purpose of this position is to lead and prepare teams focussed on children (0-12) and their families to:

·         Disciple children and their families in the Good Shepherd community

·         Help equip families to be the primary place of faith nurture and development.

 

This position requires a leader who is comfortable to lead through empowerment and trust while accepting accountability for outcomes. The person we are seeking will invest the majority of their time in recruiting, equipping, and supporting leaders and teams who will carry out this ministry. The successful applicant will be directly assisted by the Children and Family Support Worker
(8 hours) and supported by the entire staff team.

 

Remuneration will be according to the Lay Workers Salary Scale Level 2 for accredited Lay Workers or as negotiated in the interview for applicants without accreditation.

 

A Position Description is available on request from the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or by phoning 8263 5087.

 

Applications in writing by 3^rd November 2013 are to be submitted to:

John Dolling

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista

PO Box 306, Modbury North SA 5092

 

Reformation Sunday Celebration Lunch

When? Sunday 3^rd November 2013 after 10:30am Service

Where? Church Hall

Why? Come and enjoy the celebrations as we have fun and fellowship together eating yummy German Fare - bratwurst, schnitzels, sauerkraut, metwurst, green salad and dilled cucumbers!

Dare I say it? Enough fun with yum to make Martin Luther smile!

(Gold coin donation would be appreciated)

 

Notice Board

 

Twilight Tour and Middle Years at Endeavour College,

Thursday 31 October

Come for our Twilight Tour between 4:00 – 6:30pm, stay for a BBQ and at 7pm find out just how Endeavour is preparing for the Middle Years right now, ready for Year 7s in 2016. Many plans are already in place to continue the LENS commitment of providing our students a holistic education in a dynamic learning environment. Our strong, supportive Christian community provides many pathways, enabling each student to reach their potential. Please give the College a ring on 8368 3311 if you have any queries about the transition enrolment or to arrange a tour when it suits you.

 

 

 

“God’s word is the compass that keeps us on course”