Overtime

Have you ever been in or watched a sporting match which has gone into overtime? Suddenly the intensity of the game sky-rockets and every movement matters, every goal is crucial. Each player knuckles down and reaches for that last bit of strength. Spectators lean in with hearts racing, investing in the outcome of the game as much as the players. The tension and excitement in the air is palpable. Essentially things are still the same as they were before the buzzer – the players are the same, the venue is the same, the game is the same – but the stakes are much higher and this transforms everything.

As Christians we are living in overtime. The buzzer announced the end of everything, because of our sin the game was over. But then Jesus came and through his death we were given more time. We were allowed to go into overtime. We were given a second shot at life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says if anyone is in Christ they are a new creation, ‘the old has gone, the new is here!’ Even though many things are still the same – we still have the same bodies, live in the same world, have the same family – everything has changed, all things are new. Like overtime in a game, the stakes are now higher. No longer do we live for an earthly prize – now we live for God and to build his kingdom on earth and invite others into eternity. Each moment is a gift that allows us to love more, give more and live more.

Jesus not only gives us a second chance but he enables us to live better, to be transformed into his perfect likeness. We aren’t just playing the game with our basic skills anymore but through Jesus we can now access all the gifts and talents of the Father. So be thankful for every moment you have and live with the awareness that you are playing in overtime.

Emma Kluge

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Samson - Great strength or great weakness?”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Judges 16:1-30

Kingdom Kids is back on this week and we will be exploring the following topics:

• Baby Zone: God Made Me
• Kindy Zone: Promises and Prayers (Genesis 25:19-28)
• Kids Zone: God sends a rescuer: Gideon (Judges 6-8)
• Kool Zone: Elijah and Ahab (1 Kings 17:1-6)

More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We urgently need more teachers and helpers in ALL Kingdom Kids Zones, please consider if you can help out once or twice a term to help take ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!!

Term 3 Diary Dates
Chris Jaensch Concert - We are lucky enough to be having a Chris Jaensch concert for Kindy Zone and Kids Zone on the 10th of August. It will be in the school library during Kingdom Kids so put this date into your diary!

Boy/Girl Chats - Kool Zone will be having their once a term boy/girl chats on the 10th of August.

Kingdom Kids Serving
Last Sunday Kingdom Kids made pikelets and sold them in the hall after the 10:30am service. They raised an amazing $129.15 which will be donated to Family Zone Ingle Farm Hub which is a child and family centre that brings together a range of supports for families. Family Zone aims to facilitate the development of healthy attachment in the early years and create an environment which enhances the development of children 0-12 years in the physical, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual domains. Well done Kingdom Kids!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

Beth Einthal
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.

How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd, we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership.

Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 19th and Tuesday 26th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

You can register for Discovery in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@parvista.org.au or by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.

Para Vista Lutheran Women’s Fellowship
Next meeting on August 5th, 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall for Bible Study and business meeting followed by "Tasty Titbits".

We ask that each member attending, bring a small plate of the tasty titbit which she likes preparing, along with one or several copies of the recipe. These tasty titbits will be enjoyed for afternoon tea as we share and compare. Looking forward to seeing you with us.

Cebu Major Fundraising Night
Time to buy your tickets for 'A Night with the BordererS'.  Saturday 23rd August in the Good Shepherd Church. 7 for 7.30pm start, BYO drinks and supper, Tea and Coffee will be provided. Bring coins for Raffles, Lucky Squares, Guessing game and Coin Slide. Tickets $20, (cash only) available on Sundays 3rd, 10th and 17th August in the Hall, or from Team members: Rex Post, Aston Schenscher, Di Ollino, Karen Small, Karen McAleer or Joan McCarthy. Also available from the Church Office on weekdays. We look forward to your support for this event.

Noticeboard

Hymnfest 10th August - Hope Valley Lutheran Church
The Bible Society is conducting a festival of hymns on 10th August and all are welcome to attend, enjoy the music and sing our praises. This may be easier to attend for those who cannot attend Hymnfest scheduled for St Peter's Cathedral on July 27th.

Work Opportunities at the LCA SA/NT District Office

1. Executive Assistant/Administration Assistant
2. Administration/Professional Standards Assistant

Job and Person Specifications available on the District website:  http://www.sa.lca.org.au  email: districtadministrator@sa.lca.org.au or phone Jayne Wardrop on 8230 0919.
Applications close Friday 8th August 2014

God didn’t bring you this far to leave you

Philippians 1:6

In the dust of the Rabbi

In Jesus’ day, young Jewish people learnt their Old Testament Scriptures in the synagogue schools. There was a basic level that everyone reached, and then more advanced levels. Those who had a passion for God’s Word and showed promise would eventually seek to follow a rabbi (a teacher). The goal was not to just learn what the rabbi knew – rather it was to become like the rabbi himself: to live out the Word of God in everyday life just like the rabbi did. The disciple learnt by closely following ‘in the dust of the rabbi’. The aim: to become just like him.

Whereas academically bright students searched out a rabbi to follow, Jesus chose people who would have been overlooked by the rabbis of his day.  His invitation: “Come follow me!” A bunch of people did. They followed in the dust of the Rabbi, experiencing life with God; and learning how to show and teach others to do the same. 

If we are to influence others for Jesus, we too need to be following ‘in the dust of the Rabbi’.  This is not just learning about Jesus, but seeking to become more like him - as we do life with him. Intimacy with God cannot be faked. Nor can we produce the fruit of the Spirit within ourselves.  As the Holy Spirit shapes us through the Word of God to become more like the Son of God, then the fruit of Jesus’ character will positively impact others through us.

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Ruth - Loyalty in troubled times”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Ruth 1:1-22

There is no Kingdom Kids this week due to school holidays. There will be activities available for kids to do and respond to in the activity folders. Come along and worship together as a family! 

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

Beth Einthal - 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.

How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd, we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership.

Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 19th and Tuesday 26th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

You can register for Discovery in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@parvista.org.au or by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.

Para Vista Lutheran Women’s Fellowship
Next meeting on August 5th, 1pm in Good Shepherd Hall for Bible Study and business meeting followed by "Tasty Titbits".

We ask that each member attending, bring a small plate of the tasty titbit which she likes preparing, along with one or several copies of the recipe. These tasty titbits will be enjoyed for afternoon tea as we share and compare. Looking forward to seeing you with us.

From the Office

Vacancy
An opportunity exists for two willing persons local to the church to become second and third contacts to respond to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church. Work may be at random hours and in most cases to date have been proven honest operator error.  However these incidents do require a physical check of the facilities to ensure security is maintained. For all expressions of interest please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or mark ‘security’ on your Connect Card.


Noticeboard

Adelaide Hymnfest
The Bible Society invites you to join with us for an afternoon of singing favourite hymns at St Peters Anglican Cathedral, King William St, North Adelaide on Sunday 27th July 2014  at 2.30 pm. Free Admission. A collection will be taken for the work of the Bible Society in China.

Valiant Man
Friday 26th July 7.30pm and Saturday 27th July 9.00am
Then 7.30 - 9.30pm every Wednesday until 11th September

For many years Clovercrest Baptist Church has run the Valiant Man course with great impact in men’s lives. A great opportunity for men to address the challenges we all face in the area of sexuality - in a safe, confidential, non-judgemental and supportive environment. We will be honest, realistic and deepen our understanding of how to develop and maintain a healthy male sexuality.

Facilitator: Lee Haakmeester Cost: $60 per person, Concession $35
Please register by 22 July through the Church Office Clovercrest Baptist Church, 2 Famechon Cres, Modbury North, 5092, P: 8397 9400 E: office@clovercrest.com.au

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
What is an archivist and why does the LCA have one? Archivists keep records that have enduring value as reliable memories of the past and they help people find and understand the information they need in those records. Come along to the next FoLA gathering on Monday 28th July in Bethlehem House, Flinders Street, 7.30 pm to hear the retiring LCA Archivist, Lyall Kupke, talk about his experiences. Supper, gold coin donation. All welcome.

We can finish strong when we focus on Christ

Choices

I don't know how you get on with your family (mum, dad and siblings) but my family get on OK together. We don't see much of each other because of distance or work. But when we do get together - we're Ok. I've always felt though, that there is something not quite right. We all have things in our lives that are holding us back from being the people that God wants us to be.

We've just started up a weekly prayer request. Each Sunday, we email each other how we would like God to help us serve Him better in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. It's a great way to stay in touch but also gives each of us an opportunity to share where we are at in our faith life. But rather than just praying for consequential things, we're praying about deeper things - the root of why we act, say and do things. This is where God wants to change and mould us into the people He intended. "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18. This is the stuff that matters. And coming up with a weekly prayer request like this week after week gives us an opportunity to dig deeper and let God teach us how He wants us to pray for ourselves and each other.

We have a choice. We can choose to stay the way we are, feeling the way we do or putting up with things the way they are, or we can ask God to change us so that we can be transformed into the people that God intended us to be.

Do you care enough about someone in your own family to pray that God would help them to move on from where they are? Do you want for them a better way of life, better attitude, greater faith in God? You have a choice and God has the power. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Kathy Liebig

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Esther - In the right place for God’s purposes”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Esther 4:1-14

There is no Kingdom Kids this week due to school holidays. There will be activities availablefor kids to do and respond to in the activity folders. Come along and worship together as a family! 

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

School Holidays
Looking for something to do during the school holidays? Would you and your children like to be involved in volunteering your time for a morning or afternoon to help others? Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm is an initiative of Lutheran Community Care and supports families in the Ingle Farm area. They are located within the grounds of Ingle Farm Primary School.

Kathlene Wilson is the Manager and she would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in coming along to help out with cooking, reading or participating in outdoor activities with children. Please contact Kathlene on 8349 6099 to discuss and organise a time to help out. She would love to hear from you!
   
Beth Einthal
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.

How to become a member at Good Shepherd
If you are interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd, we invite you to attend our next Discovery course in August. When you take the step to become a member of a local church you are making a commitment to God’s mission through that church. Discovery will provide you with the opportunity to hear about the exciting mission God has called Good Shepherd to and how you can be part of it.

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership.

Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 19th and Tuesday 26th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

You can register for Discover in the following ways: by phoning the office on 8263 5087, emailing churchenquiries@parvista.org.au or, by writing ‘I would like to register for Discovery’ on your Connect Card at a Sunday service.

Report from July meeting of the Board

• Rolly attended and shared about the Associate Pastor role
• Policy on off budget Ministry Financing Requirements was passed
• Safe Place and Child Safe policies were deferred to next meeting for further discussion
• Financing new radio microphones (present ones will not be able to operate after December 2014 due to change in band width), replacement of photocopier, replacement of roof on temporary office building and replacement of the hands free headset for the front office was passed. Funding from Asset Replacement Account.

From the Office

Vacancy
An opportunity exists for two willing persons local to the church to become second and third contacts to respond to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church. Work may be at random hours and in most cases to date have been proven honest operator error.  However these incidents do require a physical check of the facilities to ensure security is maintained. All expressions of interest please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.

Facilities and Equipment

Kitchen Freezer food safe
The large kitchen freezer has been repaired after breaking down. All ministry areas will be allocated shelf space to temporarily store items for their ministries. Please ensure when storing items they are labelled with the Ministry Name and Date. Any items not marked will be discarded. An audit of the freezer may be done and items stored greater than 6 months discarded. Request any spills or loose packaging be removed on occurrence.

Hall Floor
The hall floor has been resurfaced. I thank you for your assistance in removing any spills straight away and lifting of furniture to prevent damage to keep the floor looking great.

Office Business Machine
The office photocopier scanner decided it was time for retirement and ceased working. Four companies supplied a quote for a new office machine and Ricoh were successful in retaining the maintenance contract and supplying a new machine. This has been funded from the asset replacement account. A loan copier was installed by Ricoh until the new machine arrives with minimal effect on office output.

Noticeboard

Farewell service for retiring LCA Archivist Lyall Kupke
Sunday 13 July 2014, 9am at Zion Glynde 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde followed by a shared morning tea.

Adelaide Hymnfest
Bible Society invites you to join with us for an afternoon of singing favourite hymns at St Peters Anglican Cathedral, King William St, North Adelaide on Sunday 27th July 2014  at 2.30 pm. Free Admission. A collection will be taken for the work of the Bible Society in China.

Valiant Man
Friday 26th July 7.30pm and Saturday 27th July 9.00am
Then 7.30 - 9.30pm every Wednesday until 11th September

For many years Clovercrest Baptist Church has run the Valiant Man course with great impact in men’s lives. A great opportunity for men to address the challenges we all face in the area of sexuality - in a safe, confidential, non-judgemental and supportive environment. We will be honest, realistic and deepen our understanding of how to develop and maintain a healthy male sexuality.

Facilitator: Lee Haakmeester Cost: $60 per person, Concession $35
Please register by 22 July through the Church Office Clovercrest Baptist Church, 2 Famechon Cres, Modbury North, 5092, P: 8397 9400 E: office@clovercrest.com.au

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots for sale
$10.50 a 500g bag. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservatives. They come straight from the grower so have not been rehydrated. More apricots, less water for your money while supporting Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust Inc.

When God gives an assignment

It comes with His enablement

The Heart behind Engage

On Sunday in church we announced the launch of a Good Shepherd service initiative called Engage. Engage is about our congregation engaging with our local community through service. We want to show Jesus’ love through service and be his hands and feet. Many people know about our church because of our sign on Montague Road. This project can be the spark that leads to us being known for our love and our heart for the community as well. Through this project we will continue and grow in the work of our mission statement: reaching into the community with the gospel so that all may come to know Jesus and worship him.

Why we serve
We don’t serve as an attempt to earn God’s favour or our place in the church. We serve as a response to what God has given us. As Jesus says to his disciples in Matthew 10:8: “Freely you have received; freely give” We receive many things from God that he chooses to bless us with just because he loves us. Our heart for service comes from understanding the abundance of these blessings and wanting to freely pass them on as they were freely given to us. We meet the needs of others just as Jesus meets ours.

How we serve
We have all been gifted uniquely and all have different life situations and therefore we serve in a multiplicity of different ways. A good place to start is to ask, ‘what skills do I have? What resources do I have? Who has God placed in my life? What needs exist in my community? What injustices or hardships get me fired up?’

From here, we start to get some ideas about where we might be able to serve. For some of us the idea of actively seeking to serve is a new idea. I encourage you to give something a go – either ask your small group or friends how they are planning to serve, or approach the Engage team about what you may be able to do. It is worthwhile to do something even if you are unsure. Often we learn more about how God has gifted us and what his purpose is through doing.

How we grow as we serve
It is easy to think about serving only in terms of how we help others but often the experience profoundly impacts us as servers. For example, giving away money or possessions helps to meet a physical need in someone else but it also transforms our sense of ownership and entitlement and can develop in us a greater reliance in God.  We serve to pass on the blessings God has given us and to meet needs but we are also transformed by the experience and God gives us spiritual blessings. We can’t out give God – but it is fun to try.

How to get involved in Engage

1. Prayer: ask God to reveal to you areas of need where you could serve and start to pray for the needs in the community.
2. Discussion: start talking with your small group, family and friends about ways you could serve together.
3. Nominate: fill in an expression of interest card at our Sunday service expressing an area you would like to be involved in.

If you have any further questions about Engage you can email me at: ekluge@paravista.org.au or come and talk to one of the Engage team members at church.
Emma Kluge

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Moses - Life in the faith zone, not the safe zone”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Exodus 3:1-14, 4:1-17

There is no Kingdom Kids this week due to school holidays. There will be activities for kids to do and respond to available in the activity folders. Come along and worship together as a family! 

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

School Holidays
Looking for something to do during the school holidays? Would you and your children like to be involved in volunteering your time for a morning or afternoon to help others? Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm is an initiative of Lutheran Community Care and supports families in the Ingle Farm area. They are located within the grounds of Ingle Farm Primary School.

Kathlene Wilson is the Manager and she would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in coming along to help out with cooking, reading or participating in outdoor activities with children. Please contact Kathlene on 8349 6099 to discuss and organise a time to help out. She would love to hear from you!
   
Beth Einthal
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.
 

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots for sale
$10.50 a 500g bag. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservatives. They come straight from the grower so have not been rehydrated.
More apricots, less water for your money while supporting Ministries in Tonga through
Nazcare Aust Inc.

Preparing for Marriage Course – 19-20 July
These group sessions are designed for couples who are planning to marry or those who have recently married. It will help couples to build on their strengths and develop skills for dealing with difficult times.
When: Saturday-Sunday, 19-20 July; Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 9am-1pm
Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Para Vista SA
Cost: $160 per dual income couple; $85 per single income couple
Contact the Centre for Learning on 08 8331 3111, visit www.lccare.org.au or email magill@lccare.org.au to register, or for more information.

Time for Us Relationship Retreat – 26 July
A relaxed workshop run by an LCC qualified relationship educator allows couples to take timeout from day to day stresses and reflect on what is important for your relationship. Held at Lyndoch Hill in the Barossa, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful gardens, it is a great opportunity to learn, grow and have fun together. There is an option of staying overnight with dinner and breakfast for extra charges.
When: 26 July 2014 from 9.30am-3.30pm
Where: Lyndoch Hill Conference Room, Barossa Valley Way, Lyndoch SA
Cost: $120 per couple; Stay overnight for an additional $135 per night with breakfast from $9 per person and dinner at $35 per person
Contact the Centre for Learning on 08 8331 3111, visit www.lccare.org.au or email magill@lccare.org.au to register, or for more information.

Vacancies

Client Services Manager
Full-time Permanent, Level 6 SCHDS Award based in Adelaide
Lutheran Disability Services has an exciting and challenging opportunity for an enthusiastic, experienced and motivated manager to lead and develop teams. Reporting to the Senior Client Services Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for a highly passionate service-orientated team in a thriving organisation.

Client Services Assistant
Level 3 SCHDS Award based in Adelaide
We are seeking highly motivated staff to complement our team to provide high quality client-centred services. You will be responsible for the smooth running of a client house and a small team of Support Workers, through hands on daily activities including personal care and administrative duties.

If you are interested in working in a supportive Christian environment and contributing to a highly motivated team, for further details and a Job Description contact Lutheran Disability Services on: Tel: 08 8212 7766 or Email: admin@ldssa.org.au

Applications to: Senior HR Advisor
136a Wright Street, Adelaide SA 5000 or via the above email address

Applications close Friday 18 July at 5.00pm (Salary Packaging is available) 


Regional Worker - Hills Mallee 0.4 FTE
An opportunity exists to recruit and support volunteers to visit aged care home residents and community members in the Hills Mallee Southern region of South Australia. 

For a Job Description and further details:
www.lccare.org.au or contact Di Schneider Email: dschneider@lccare.org.au Tel: 08 8331 3111
Applications close Monday 7 July at 5.00pm

Laughter is sunshine you can hear

Ready to share our hope

My hope of the Sydney Swans winning this weekend might not be realised. But when it comes to the hope I have in Jesus, I can be much more confident. Since God always keeps his promises, God will carry out his good plans for his world – and He wants everyone to be part of this! 

God wants you and me to help others get to know and trust Jesus. Of course, we cannot make people follow Jesus. But we can be signposts who keep pointing others to Jesus. Peter, tells us how:

Honour Christ and let him be the Lord of your life. 1 Peter 3:15a CEV

This means Jesus is the managing Director over my life. I seek to consistently say “Yes” to Jesus. I follow Jesus as my Lord so I can become more like him. 

Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope.
1 Peter 3:15b CEV

Why would someone ask this? Because they notice something different about you that’s good – and want to know what that something is… and whether they can have it too. We know that something is a someone: Jesus. 

 “What difference has Jesus been making in your life?” This is worth thinking about so we can be ready to give an answer. We can share what Jesus did for us through his death and resurrection, and the benefits we’ve experienced in doing life with God through Him. And we can say: “Hey, just as Jesus has helped me, Jesus can help you too!” 

Give a kind and respectful answer… 1 Peter 3:16a CEV

When we are kind to people and treat them with respect, then our words about Jesus will be matched by the love of Jesus that we show them. We will be effective signposts pointing others to Jesus. 

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Joshua - Be strong and courageous”
As we continue the series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Joshua 1:1-11, 16-18
 

There is no Kingdom Kids this week due to school holidays. There will be activities for kids to do and respond to available in the activity folders. Come along and worship together as a family! 

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

School Holidays
Looking for something to do during the school holidays? Would you and your children like to be involved in volunteering your time for a morning or afternoon to help others? Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm is an initiative of Lutheran Community Care and supports families in the Ingle Farm area. They are located within the grounds of Ingle Farm Primary School.

Kathlene Wilson is the Manager and she would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in coming along to help out with cooking, reading or participating in outdoor activities with children. Please contact Kathlene on 8349 6099 to discuss and organise a time to help out. She would love to hear from you!
   
Beth Einthal
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.

Scone Day
This Sunday 29th June. Freshly baked scones will be available after both morning services. Only $1 each, including jams and cream. All proceeds go to Cebu Mission in the Philippines. Various cards by Sue Schenscher will also be on sale.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Thank you to everyone who came along and supported the morning tea last Friday. A special thanks to Jurgen Lehmann for his help and also thanks to the many other helpers, people who donated food and gave a monetary donation. We raised a total of $300 for the Cancer Council.

Lenna Uebergang and Tina Pfeiffer

Para Vista Lutheran Women’s Fellowship
PVLWF executive thanks all members, husbands and friends who helped support our fundraising luncheon in the hall on Tuesday, June 3rd.  We greatly appreciated your attendance and look forward to your company at our Advent/Christmas luncheon in December this year.

The next meeting of Para Vista Women's Fellowship will be held in the church. Our guest speaker is Coral Laube who will share her experiences, in January 2014, working at Home of Grace and Home of Praise in Bangkok. Thailand. The meeting commences at 1pm on Tuesday, July 1st. All Welcome

From the Office

Name Badges
For those who have requested new name badges, they have arrived and are now in your pigeon holes.

Church Freezer under maintenance
The large freezer in our church kitchen is faulty and consequently out of action.
Please do not plan to store anything in this freezer over the next  few weeks, until repairs are completed. Thank you for your patience.

Trusty Chair movers
Assistance is required to move some of the chairs in the complex so the carpets can be cleaned. Half an hour of time is all that is required. Proposed times are 15th July at 1pm to move the chairs out and then 9.30am on the 17th July to move them back again. Please mark your connect card with ‘chairs’ and date, send an email to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or call the office with your availability.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots for sale
$10.50 a 500g bag. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservatives. They come straight from the grower so have not been rehydrated. More apricots, less water for your money while supporting Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust Inc.

Grassroots Training Workshops – July 2014
Dates and course are available on the Church Noticeboard.

Crafty Volunteers Needed
Lutheran Community Care's Family Zone Hub is seeking volunteers to teach people to knit, crochet and a few basic sewing skills during term 3 (21 July - 26 September).

If you are available on Monday afternoons from 12.30pm-2.30pm and would like to share your skills please contact Patricia or Kathlene on 08 8349 6099. If you have another skill that you would like to share with our craft groups, we would love to hear from you.

Regional Worker - Hills Mallee 0.4 FTE
An opportunity exists to recruit and support volunteers to visit aged care home residents and community members in the Hills Mallee Southern region of South Australia. 

For a Job Description and further details:
www.lccare.org.au or contact Di Schneider Email: dschneider@lccare.org.au Tel: 08 8331 3111
Applications close Monday 7 July at 5.00pm

No God – No peace

Know God – know peace

Jesus Calling

I was given a devotion book for Christmas last year and it has completely transformed my time with God and my need to hear from Him and spend time with Him each day. The devotion book is written by Sarah Young and is titled "Jesus Calling". I want to share one devotion with you that was very powerful for me.

"I am calling you to a life of constant communion with Me. Basic training includes learning to live above your circumstances, even while interacting on that cluttered plane of life. You yearn for a simplified lifestyle so that your communication with Me can be uninterrupted. But I challenge you to relinquish the fantasy of an uncluttered world. Accept each day just as it comes, and find Me in the midst of it all.

Talk with Me about every aspect of your day, including your feelings. Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me.
A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day. Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life. Instead ask My Spirit to guide you moment by moment. He will keep you close to Me."

I was very relieved when I read that I could "relinquish the fantasy of an uncluttered world" and that I can spend time with God in the midst of my daily life! Sometimes I can fall into the trap of thinking, "if I just get through this busy time, or this illness, or if I just get this job done, I will be able to do my Bible readings, or spend more time praying, or give more of my time to others". This devotion challenged me to acknowledge that this way of thinking and being, is a fantasy!

I can't wait until I am through the next difficult thing or challenge in my life, I need to talk to God before it, throughout it and after it! I need to look to Him each day to help me through the difficult times so I can learn and grow from them, as well as sharing the joy of good times. This keeps me focused on God and not on the things of this world.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I encourage you to make time and spend time with God each day and He will transform your life. Don't wait for everything to be going well or for that perfect time, just do it today!

Beth Einthal

This Sunday at Good Shepherd

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

There is no Kingdom Kids this week as Sons of Korah are at the 10:30am service! There will be activities for kids to do and respond to available in the activity folders. Come along and worship together as a family! 

Bibles for Kool Zone
We would love to buy a set of Bibles for Kool Zone to use each week in their time together on Sundays! We would love a set of 10 Hardcover CEV Level 66 Illustrated Youth Bibles as this is what the school also uses; they are $29.99 each from Koorong. If your family would like to donate one of these Bibles, please buy it and we would love you to write a message in it from your family and leave it in the sign in desk draws. If you would like to donate money towards these Bibles, please put your offering in the box on the Kingdom Kids sign in desk.

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

School Holidays
Looking for something to do during the school holidays? Would you and your children like to be involved in volunteering your time for a morning or afternoon to help others? Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm is an initiative of Lutheran Community Care and supports families in the Ingle Farm area. They are located within the grounds of Ingle Farm Primary School.

Kathlene Wilson is the Manager and she would love to hear from anyone who would be interested in coming along to help out with cooking, reading or participating in outdoor activities with children. Please contact Kathlene on 8349 6099 to discuss and organise a time to help out. She would love to hear from you!
   
Beth Einthal
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.

Scone Day
Sunday 29th June. Freshly baked scones will be available after both morning services. Only $1 each, including jam and cream. All proceeds go to Cebu Mission in the Philippines.

Great News fom Maranatha Health
Maranatha Health is ready to embark on Project #2 in Uganda, and we are incredibly excited to share a little of the details with you!

The plans for the new Maranatha Health project, although not fully developed, are coming along extremely well. In fact, we have just signed a lease on a 25-room building in Fort Portal, 70kms from Kamwenge, as our new project base.

You will be happy to know our commitment to improving health outcomes for communities, empowering the poor, and making positive long term change hasn’t waned! The essence of Maranatha Health remains, and our passion to do things effectively and in collaboration with communities has only grown.

This building will serve as a small paediatric clinic and a base from which to research, develop and implement an innovative capacity building project. This exciting new idea will focus primarily on addressing some of the challenges we have been identifying over the past 3 years in the health system in Uganda, both from a community and health service perspective.

Thanks again for your faithful support during this transitional time
The Maranatha Health Team

Para Vista Lutheran Women’s Fellowship
PVLWF executive thanks all members, husbands and friends who helped support our fundraising luncheon in the hall on Tuesday, June 3rd.  We greatly appreciated your attendance and look forward to your company at our Advent/Christmas luncheon in December this year.

The next meeting of Para Vista Women's Fellowship will be held in the church. Our guest speaker is Coral Laube who will share her experiences, in January 2014, working at Home of Grace and Home of Praise in Bangkok. Thailand. The meeting commences at 1pm on Tuesday, July 1st. All Welcome

News from the June Board meeting

• Emma Kluge shared with the Board the “Engage Project” which will encourage members to get involved in the community – more news to come.
• Beth and Kathy shared the positives and challenges of the Children’s and Family Ministry.
• The Board agreed to conduct a NCLS (National Church Life Survey) in the congregation. This will help focus our direction in the coming years.
• It was decided not to fill the Pastoral Care and Fellowship position in the short term.
• The new sign and signage was progressed.
• Financial guidelines for Auxiliaries of the congregation were discussed.

From the Office

Trusty Chair movers
Assistance is required to move some of the chairs in the complex so the carpets can be cleaned. Half an hour of time is all that is required.Proposed times are 15th July at 1pm to move the chairs out and then 9.30am on the 17th July to move them back again.

Please mark your connect card with ‘chairs’ and date, send an email to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or call the office with your availability.
 

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots for sale
$10.50 a 500g bag. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservatives. They come straight from the grower so have not been rehydrated. More apricots, less water for your money while supporting Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust Inc.

Royal Adelaide Show Outreach
The Bible League is looking for volunteers to help at the Royal Adelaide show. For more information, please contact Con Schlenk at conschlenk@adam.com.au

Grassroots Training Workshops – June & July 2014
Dates and course are available on the Church Noticeboard.

Connecting with Adults with Intellectual Disability
The workshop ‘Connecting with Adults with Intellectual Disability’ will address this issue, providing practical insights for any individual or organisation wanting to improve in this area - sporting club, workplace, church or community group.   It will explore etiquette and language, effective communication, how best to meet access needs, and attitudes around inclusion and individual contribution.

Lutheran Disability Services is conducting this workshop on Tuesday, 1st July from 6.30-9.30pm at Barossa Enterprises, 27 Samuel Road, Nuriootpa. Cost is $15, which includes materials and refreshments.

Please direct all enquiries and enrolments to LDS on 8212 7766 or admin@ldssa.org.au 


Burden God with what burdens you.

Life in the Holy Spirit

Through the Good News of God’s love for us in Jesus, the Holy Spirit creates faith in our once dead hearts, making us alive in Christ and enabling us to do life with God. 

Luther put it like this:
I believe that on my own I can never come to Jesus Christ my Lord, or believe in him, no matter how hard I try.  But the Holy Spirit has called me to Jesus by the good news about him.  The Spirit has led me to know and trust Jesus, made me holy, and kept me in the Christian faith.   Luther’s Small Catechism, (Openbook 1996), 14.

From beginning to end, the entire Christian life is by the Holy Spirit:

• In baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, are joined to Jesus, and become God’s children (Acts 2:38, Rom 6:3-4, Gal 3:26).
• Our confession: “Jesus is LORD” is by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:3).
• The Holy Spirit prays for us, and helps us to pray (Rom 8:26-27).
• By the Spirit, we cry out as God’s children: “Abba, Father!” (Rom 8:15-16).
• By the Holy Spirit, we put to death our selfish human nature; and bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,…(ala Gal 5:22, cf Rom 6:1-14, Rom 8:5-14).
• The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts to serve others in love - so the body of Christ will grow into the fullness of Christ (1 Cor 12:4-14, Eph 4:16).
• The Spirit who raised Jesus will also give all believers eternal life (Rom 8:11).

The fullness of life that Jesus promised is only possible by the Holy Spirit.  When it comes to participating in God’s good plans for his world, it’s not about me, my strength, or my abilities.  It’s about God’s gift of life in the Spirit.  

Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Succeeding in spite of your circumstances (Joseph)”
as we start a new series “Making your life count”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Genesis 37:1-36, Genesis 45:4-8     

Bibles for Kool Zone
We would love to buy a set of Bibles for Kool Zone to use each week in their time together on Sundays! We would love a set of 10 Hardcover CEV Level 66 Illustrated Youth Bibles as this is what the school also uses; they are $29.99 each from Koorong. If your family would like to donate one of these Bibles, please buy it and we would love you to write a message in it from your family and leave it in the sign in desk draws. If you would like to donate money towards these Bibles, please put your offering in the box on the Kingdom Kids sign in desk.

Calling All Creative People
Are you interested in sharing ideas, vision and creativity, or would you like to help with planning and pulling together events for the Children and Family Ministry? We would love to get together a team of people who can help provide this support for the ministry. If God has gifted you with creativity, drama, ideas and vision, or you have a passion for the ministry and enjoy working with kids then we need and want you! Please have a chat with me, or just contact me with your interest via email, phone or in person!

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

Beth Einthal
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.

AUSTRALIA BIGGEST MORNING TEA
Please join us for morning tea on FRIDAY 20th JUNE, 9.30am, in the church hall.  Come along for a scrumptious morning tea and chat, and help us fund raise for the Cancer Council. 

Cebu Mission Fundraising News

Scone Day is our next Fundraiser on Sunday 29th June. Freshly baked scones will be available after both morning services. Only $1 each, including jam and cream. All proceeds go to Cebu Mission in the Philippines.

Many thanks to all who supported our Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich day; we raised the wonderful amount of $386.85.  Thanks also to Betty Schwarz for donating $56 from the sale of her plants and thanks to Charlotte and Jeanne Conradie for the donation of $85 from the sale of their muffins. All monies go to Cebu Mission.

This year, unfortunately there will not be a winter time Plant Stall. However, we still plan to have a Springtime Plant Stall on 14th and 21st of September. So if you have plants to divide up from your pots or garden, start potting up now for the September sale.

From the Office

Budget 2014

Notes:

• Offerings for April were $2,883 below budget. This is the largest below budget figure for the year.
• In comparison to 2013, we are around $17,000 above actual Offerings to end of May 2013, which is an encouraging trend.
• We are $5,894 behind budget after May 2014.  At the end of May 2013 we were $8,800 behind budget.
• Please remember to prayerfully consider your offerings.

• Income is under budget through April due to offerings slightly under budget.
• Most expenses have again been kept under budget.
• Support expense was over budget as Valley View chaplaincy was paid and administration over budget as it included some rebranding costs for stationery.
• Plant expenses are now back on track.

Vacancy
An opportunity exists for two willing persons local to the church to become third contacts to respond to any security alarm events needing investigation at the church. Work may be at random hours and in most cases to date have been proven honest operator error.

However these incidents do require a physical check of the facilities to ensure security is maintained. All expressions of interest please contact Stephen or the office on 8263 5087 or mark security on your connect card.

Facilities and Equipment
Here at Good Shepherd, we are blessed with a facility that is second to none - with the equipment to carry out various ministries that fulfil our mission. As stewards of what God has given us, we seek to look after our equipment and take care of our facilities.

Nobody cares as much as you when you come to use equipment and it fails or find a room that’s been left in an unacceptable state. So please try and leave what you use in a better state or condition than when you found it and report any weekday issues to the office. There is also a communications folder in the kitchen to the right of the door as you enter from the passage that is available at all times.

These are simple ways of showing courtesy to others and working together for the good of all!

Stephen
Administration Manager

School Opening and Dedication of New Facilities
The opening and dedication of our new facilities will take place on Friday June 20 from 8.45am.
Join us for Chapel, followed by the official opening.  The doors to this innovative new space will be opened for the first time.  After touring the facility, guests, parents and friends will be encouraged to stay on and celebrate Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in the church hall.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots for sale
$10.50 a 500g bag. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservatives. They come straight from the grower so have not been rehydrated. More apricots, less water for your money while supporting Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust Inc.

Shed Night
Tuesday 17th June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Tilly Recreation Park Hall, Cnr Yatala Vale and Hancock Roads, Surrey Downs. This is an alcohol free event and you are invited to bring your father, son or friend along. For more information, please contact Jim on 0438 899 629.

Royal Adelaide Show Outreach
The Bible League is looking for volunteers to help at the Royal Adelaide show. For more information, please contact Con Schlenk at conschlenk@adam.com.au

Grassroots Training Workshops – June & July 2014
Dates and course are available on the Church Noticeboard.

Connecting with Adults with Intellectual Disability
The workshop ‘Connecting with Adults with Intellectual Disability’ will address this issue, providing practical insights for any individual or organisation wanting to improve in this area - sporting club, workplace, church or community group.   It will explore etiquette and language, effective communication, how best to meet access needs, and attitudes around inclusion and individual contribution.

Lutheran Disability Services is conducting this workshop on Tuesday, 1st July from 6.30-9.30pm at Barossa Enterprises, 27 Samuel Road, Nuriootpa.  Cost is $15, which includes materials and refreshments.

Please direct all enquiries and enrolments to LDS on 8212 7766 or admin@ldssa.org.au

“Christians are like coals of fire,

together they glow;  apart they grow cold”

Staying Connected

At our last house in Sydney we had a climbing Banksia Rose across the back fence of the house. After being scratched by it repeatedly I decided to prune it. The plant had now spread across a fair section of our back fence. My wife had encouraged this sprawl by threading the new shoots in and out of the mesh fence. Whilst this had been very effective in helping the plant to spread, the branches were now so intertwined that it was impossible to tell which branch was connected to what.

I attacked the plant with all the vigour of Indiana Jones hacking his way through vines in the jungle. After a couple of hours I had cut the rose back to a respectable level. It was great to be able to walk past it without getting my shirt caught in it or my arm scratched by it. However, after a couple of weeks my carelessness in the pruning stage began to show. A few of the green branches extending down the fence from the original trunk slowly began to turn brown and die. As I looked closely I could see that I had cut them off from the trunk. They were no longer connected to their water and food supply and so they died.

Jesus used this same analogy for our relationship with him. He said, “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stayed joined to me, and I stay joined to you, then you will produce lots of fruit. But you can’t do anything without me.” (John 15:5) Real life is found in Jesus. As we connect with him and grow in our relationship with him we will experience what it really means to live. Alternatively, if we remain separate from him, our lives will invariably begin to wither and dry up just like the branches I had cut off from the main trunk.

The danger is that we can outwardly appear to be connected to Jesus when inwardly our heart is far from him. We can be like the branches on my newly pruned Banksia Rose that looked alive and connected to the trunk but in reality were cut off and dying. It is only a matter of time before the lack of connection starts to show.

While the branches on my climbing rose became disconnected from the trunk in a matter of moments, our disconnection from Jesus tends to happen very gradually. As our times of Bible reading and prayer become less frequent; as our attendance at church becomes less and less; as our focus shifts to other things; we can reach a point where we feel distant and cut off from Jesus.

While Jesus promises to always be with us, our sense of connection to his presence can feel non-existent.

The good news is that Jesus is always ready to re-establish our connection with him. All it takes is for us to acknowledge our disconnection, ask for his forgiveness and turn back to him. As we do this we find Jesus still there ready to embrace us with his love.

How is your connection with Jesus? Are you in danger of becoming disconnected? What can you do to turn that around? Joining us this Sunday to celebrate Pentecost will be one step towards this. I hope you can make it.

Pastor Noel Kluge

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Wait, there’s more” as we finish the series “Is this all there is?”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Bible Readings: Acts 1:3-8; Luke 11:9-13

Kingdom Kids
This week Kingdom Kids will be looking at and learning about these topics:

• Baby Zone – God Cares for Me
• Kindy Zone – Growing God's family (Acts 9:19-31)
• Kids Zone – Using our gifts with love (1 Corinthians 13:1-8)
• Kool Zone – Unity and Love (Ephesians 4:1-16)

Bibles for Kool Zone
We would love to buy a set of Bibles for Kool Zone to use each week in their time together on Sundays! We would love a set of 10 Hardcover CEV Level 66 Illustrated Youth Bibles as this is what the school also uses; they are $29.99 each from Koorong. If your family would like to donate one of these Bibles, please buy it and we would love you to write a message in it from your family and leave it in the sign in desk draws. If you would like to donate money towards these Bibles, please put your offering in the box on the Kingdom Kids sign in desk. Let’s all join together to help our Kool Zone kids grow in The Word together!

Calling All Creative People
Are you interested in sharing ideas, vision and creativity, or would you like to help with planning and pulling together events for the Children and Family Ministry? We would love to get together a team of people who can help provide this support for the ministry. If God has gifted you with creativity, drama, ideas and vision, or you have a passion for the ministry and enjoy working with kids then we need and want you! Please have a chat with me, or just contact me with your interest via email, phone or in person!

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

Beth Einthal
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.

Noticeboard

Sweet Aussie Grown Dried Apricots for sale
$10.50 a 500g bag. The apricots are grown without any sprays, but do have Sulphur preservatives. They come straight from the grower so have not been rehydrated. More apricots, less water for your money while supporting Ministries in Tonga through Nazcare Aust Inc.

Wear Something Purple
on 15th June 2014 to show your support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Shed Night
Tuesday 17th June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Tilly Recreation Park Hall, Cnr Yatala Vale and Hancock Roads, Surrey Downs. This is an alcohol free event and you are invited to bring your father, son or friend along. For more information, please contact Jim on 0438 899 629.

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Margaret Koch will tell us the untold story of Lutheran pastoral ministry on Eyre Peninsula 1907 – 1957. Come along to Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place City, Monday 23rd June, 7.30pm. Supper, gold coin donation. All welcome.

Cafe Mission Coordinator
Hahndorf St Michaels Congregation, SA - 18hrs/wk
For further details go to: http://www.lca.org.au/employment-opportunities.html     

Experienced network and SharePoint administrator
Full time position North Adelaide Location. Start Immediately.
Closing date for applications: 13th June 2014
Please see Church Noticeboard for more details

Grassroots Training Workshops – June & July 2014
Dates and course are available on the Church Noticeboard.

Adelaide Hymnfest
Bible Society invites you to join with us for an afternoon of singing favourite hymns.
Free Admission on Sunday 27th July 2014, 2.30pm at St Peters Anglican Cathedral, King William St, North Adelaide.  A collection will be taken for the work of the Bible Society in China

How to Train Your Dragon 2
Presented by the Schools Ministry Group in partnership with local churches. All funds raised go to support the Christian Pastoral Support Program (formerly chaplains) in our local state school. Saturday 21 June, 2.30pm at Hoyts Tea Tree Plaza.
Pre purchase Tickets are available online at www.trybooking.com/EZUZ. Tickets prices are $18.00 (adult), $16.00 (student) and $14.00 (child) which are less than box office prices.

“The winds of grace are always blowing,
but you have to raise the sail.”

Guiding Light

I was talking with one of my young people recently about the stresses of Year 10. She shared that at the beginning of the year the teachers sat them down and told them every piece of work- every test, assignment, essay and exam- that they would be doing over the course of the year. She said it was overwhelming and that it would have been nicer if the teachers told them about the work load step by step rather than all at once.

I started to think about all the times I have asked God to give me a detailed plan of my future.
I often find myself wondering where God wants me to be in 10 years and praying that He’ll tell me right now every step I need to take to get there. I’m guessing I’m not alone in my frustration when it doesn’t happen. But this conversation made me consider how overwhelmed I would be if God actually did what I asked Him to, if He told me everything that was going to happen in my life or even if He told me everything that was going to happen this year. I still wish God would give me a little more to work with.

Psalm 119:105 says that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet. Did you catch that? The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet. It doesn’t say it is a beacon into the future. It doesn’t even say it is a street lamp that will help you get to the next corner. It says a lamp unto our feet. This means that it will illuminate our next step or two but not much further. Following a light that only allows you to see the next step may not be the easiest way to get to your destination but it is possible to make the whole trip this way.

I was driving in the Adelaide Hills one night and it was unbelievably foggy. My headlights were barely lighting up more than a metre in front of my car. I hate this kind of driving, it scares me. I like to see further into the distance. I like to see any obstacles or bends in the road so that I can safely navigate them. But with teeth gritted and knuckles white on the steering wheel, I made it to my destination. I could only see a metre in front of me the entire time and, although I didn’t like it, I made the whole trip that way.

My journey with God is often like that. I find myself wishing I could see further into the future or see any obstacles that are coming my way. But I know that I can make the whole journey with only enough light to see the next step. This way I am depending on God for each step and not getting overwhelmed by the things that He has for me far in the distance. Let’s face it, if God gave me enough light to see even the next months’ worth of steps I would be very tempted to do it without Him or maybe to go a different way.

It can be pretty scary feeling like you are walking into the unknown. Thankfully we have a God who not only gives us a light unto our feet, but also offers to walk with us and guide us every step of the way.

For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14

Sophie Gerrie

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Loneliness: When there’s no one to share with” as we continue the series “Is this all there is?” Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Luke 19:1-9

Kingdom Kids
This week Kingdom Kids will be looking at and learning about these topics:

• Baby Zone – God Cares for Me
• Kindy Zone – Chosen and changed (Acts 9:1-19)
• Kids Zone – All part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)
• Kool Zone – Phillip tells about Jesus (Acts 8:26-40)

Bibles for Kool Zone
We would love to buy a set of Bibles for Kool Zone to use each week in their time together on Sundays! We would love a set of 10 Hardcover CEV Level 66 Illustrated Youth Bibles as this is what the school also uses; they are $29.99 each from Koorong. If your family would like to donate one of these Bibles, please buy it and we would love you to write a message in it from your family and leave it in the sign in desk draws. If you would like to donate money towards these Bibles, please put your offering in the box on the Kingdom Kids sign in desk. Let’s all join together to help our Kool Zone kids grow in The Word together!

Calling All Creative People
Are you interested in sharing ideas, vision and creativity, or would you like to help with planning and pulling together events for the Children and Family Ministry? We would love to get together a team of people who can help provide this support for the ministry. If God has gifted you with creativity, drama, ideas and vision, or you have a passion for the ministry and enjoy working with kids then we need and want you! Please have a chat with me, or just contact me with your interest via email, phone or in person!

Kindy Zone Team Leader
We are still praying for someone who would love to lead Kindy Zone and be part of the team! Please consider if this might be you and get in touch with me (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au) for a chat!

Playgroup Coordinator
We are still praying for someone who would love to coordinate Little Lambs Playgroup. Please consider if this might be you or if you can help in any way and get in touch with me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au).

Beth Einthal - 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.
 
Report on AGM

1. The audited Financial Statement for 2013 was presented and accepted by the meeting. There was a deficit of $961 for 2013. The members were thanked for their generous financial support of the mission of the congregation as was the Finance Team for all their work preparing and monitoring the budget.
2. Senior Pastor’s report was accepted as presented.
3. The meeting was informed that the Stewardship Campaign to ascertain financial support for the Connect project has been postponed to 2015.
4. Report was given on the progress to upgrade the Branding including work on street sign, website upgrade, publication and general signage. Quotes are being obtained for the new street sign.
5. Faye Godfrey Chair of the Village Board was thanked for all her work during 2014.
6. The issue of lack of parking was raised. This was being investigated.

Noticeboard

Lutheran Men of Australia SA Division
47th Annual Convention & AGM 28th June 2014
St John’s Lutheran Church Woodside
Theme – Communicating Christ
Study Leader – Rev Richard Fox, Director Lutheran Media Cost $20
9am registration, 9.30 Service with Holy Communion

Grassroots Training Workshops – June & July 2014
Dates and course are available on the Church Noticeboard.

“The Bible that is falling apart,
usually belongs to someone who is not”