Spiritual Freedom

A few decades ago, I think it was Bono from U2 who made this comment:
"The material world is not enough...we had a century of being told by the intelligentsia that we are two dimensional creatures, that if something can't be proved, it can't exist… That is over now. Transcendence is what everybody, in the end, is on their knees for, running at speeds towards..." (Rolling Stone, February 1993)                                                                     

There is a renewed quest for the transcendent, the mystical, the mysterious and the magical. In Western culture, there’s a "pick and choose" approach to spirituality where consumers join aspects together that were previously seen as incompatible.  Psychic fairs and “mind body spirit” festivals attract hundreds of thousands of paying customers.  As do late night TV shows. People are searching for meaning and mystery. 

Sadly, many are dabbling in the diabolical things that bring them undone.  When we can longer discern between what’s true and what is counterfeit, what’s of God and what is of the evil one, then sadly some will find themselves infected by unclean spirits – also called demons. 

In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus’ first miracle was casting out an unclean spirit on the Sabbath (Mark 1:23-27).  Later: Jesus appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. (Mark 3:13-15 NIV)

By the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ ministry of setting people free from unclean spirits continues through his people.  In the book of Acts, Peter shares: God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, … he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. (Acts 10:37-38 NIV, cf 1 Jn 3:8 )

This Sunday we will consider an example in Acts 16, as well as listening to a couple of testimonies from our time.  Jesus is greater than all the powers of evil, and shares his victory and authority with all who believe and trust in his mighty name. 

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Acts 16:16-24
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Tuesday 3rd July @ 1pm
Bible Study: Pastor Rolly

Youth
REBEL - METRO CLW 2018
Years 7-9  July 9th – 13th
Years 10-12  July 16th – 20th
Port Hughes Accommodation Centre
$220 per camper
For more information and to register: http://blueprintministries.org.au/
Registrations close 1st July
Please contact Chelsea Schiller if you require financial support to attend
chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au

Are you able to Help?
A volunteer is needed to replace unused sheets in activity folders for the children while Stuart & Patricia are away.
Stuart normally spends about an hour changing the sheets and sharpening pencils each week.
Your help is needed for the weeks beginning 2nd & 9th July.
Please contact Chelsea Schiller if you’re able to assist

Youth Retreat – SAVE THE DATE
Combined with Golden Grove Youth, we are going on retreat!
Friday 5th – Sunday 7th October 2018
Camp Kedron, Barmera (there will be a bus)
For youth in year 7-12
More information coming soon!

CLW Off-site Prayer Team
This year we have an exciting opportunity to be involved in an off-site prayer team for Metro CLW. Working with the Prayer Support on camp, you are able to nominate to receive prayer requests throughout the 2 weeks of camps (July 8 – 21st).  Chelsea Schiller is coordinating the team and will distribute the prayer requests to interested members via email each day.

From the camp Directors
“We are excited at the idea of having so many parents, caregivers and church members praying for our campers and leaders throughout the week. We have experienced the power of prayer in our lives and we know how good it is when we are united in prayer.”
Please contact Chelsea or add your name to the sign-up sheet in the Café area if you would like to be involved.

2018 Step Up Program
Young people aged 10 and over, and their parents are invited to take part in our Step Up program to prepare for Holy Communion.  Taking the approach that Parents are the primary faith developers in their children, Step Up is designed to support parents in preparing their child for Holy Communion.

Step 1 (Launch) Family Lunch – Sunday 29th 12:30pm – 2:30pm in the Church Hall
To register please contact the Church office or Chelsea Schiller at chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au
More information and dates on our website

From the Office

Support for LCC Family Hub
The congregation agreed to support LCC Family Hub at Ingle Farm.  As Kathleen Wilson, Manager of the Family Zone explained last Sunday, one of the Hubs greatest needs to help families in crisis during winter, is an ample supply of food.  To assist them in a practical way the congregation is having food collections once a month.  Our first collection will be this Sunday 1st July at both services.

Kathleen has provided a list of food that they would find very useful. This includes:
Breakfast cereals (ie weetbix, cornflakes) - large boxes can be divided         
Pasta + Pasta sauces       
Soup     
Rice     
Toilet rolls – again, large packs can be divided into singles             
Tinned vegetables – variety – carrots, peas, corn etc.
Small butter/margarine i.e. 125 gram packs

Tea bags – large box for dividing
Long life custard
Tins of fruit
Medium and large freezer bags to divide/pack food for parcels
Muesli bars for children’s school lunches.

The Food will be collected early in both services during the first 2 songs.  Members will be asked to bring their gifts forward and place on the top platform on the floor on the left side of the altar.  For those who have difficulty with the steps there will be someone to take your gifts and place them for you.

Help in transporting the food to the Hub on Monday morning @ 9:30 would be greatly appreciated.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  No personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the sanctuary or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board

Blueprint Ministries Appeal Dinner
Saturday 14th July 2018
Mawson Lakes Hotel & Function Centre
$69 individual tickets // $448 table of 8
Speaker is Jonathan Krause – Community Action Manager for Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS)
All tickets can be purchased online at www.blueprintministries.org.au or by contacting us directly. Tickets are available until 1st July unless sold out prior.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au 
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you..”

Luke 10:19

Living Culture

When I think of the word ‘culture,’ two separate and varied ideas spring to mind.

Culture is the ideas, customs and behaviours of a group of people.  For instance, the descriptor of Western Culture stereotypically would be, post enlightenment, post Christianity, secular understandings.

The other idea of a culture, though, is the cultivation of bacteria or tissue cells in an artificial medium containing nutrients.

This week, we’re going to explore both ideas of culture and how each grows and spreads.  Using the early church as a ‘science project,’ we’ll explore the question: What were the conditions for the early church to spread?  What did the ‘petri’ dish contain?  How does the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch help us to see what evangelism looked like in the early church and now in the late church?

During the beginning of the great persecution, directly after Stephen became the first martyr, the Christian world was in growth mode - just as Jesus predicted.  “You will be my disciples in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.”  The persecution did not have the desired effect – exactly the opposite.  The faith was cultured and grown due to the perfect conditions.

Now, in the 21st century, how do we capture the Spirit’s fire in sharing the message of the Messiah in the same kind of culture?

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading:  Acts 8:26-39 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Morning Tea
At this week’s Sunday services there will be ‘Rite of Vicarage Completion’ for Mat von Stanke as his placement at Good Shepherd comes to a close.
We will share a morning tea together after each service, in celebration of Mat and the von Stanke family.
Please bring a plate to share for morning tea, and take it to the kitchen upon arrival at either the 8:45am or 10:30am service.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Tuesday 3rd July @1pm
Bible Study: Pastor Rolly

Youth
REBEL - METRO CLW 2018
Years 7-9  July 9th – 13th
Years 10-12  July 16th – 20th
Port Hughes Accommodation Centre
$220 per camper
For more information and to register: http://blueprintministries.org.au/
Registrations close 1st July
Please contact Chelsea Schiller if you require financial support to attend
chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au

From the Office

Plant sale
With extra sales, $640 was raised for the Family Hub at Ingle Farm.  The money was gratefully received when delivered this week.  It will be used to support their playgroup.

Ideas for playground
Chelsea will be co-ordinating additional equipment for our play area. If you have any ideas or sources for equipment please see Chelsea.

Flooding
All the damage from the flooding has been rectified.  A special thank you to Lindsay Freund and John Dolling for organising repairs to the distribution board which means that there is lighting and power to all sections of the plant.
We are investigating with the builders the cause of flooding.

Support for the Family Hub 
This Sunday Kathleen Wilson, Manager of the Family Hub at Ingle Farm, will speak at both services.  She will inform us how they support many in need in the local community.
In this cold weather one item that is always in demand is food.  We are instigating a food collection at both services on a monthly basis commencing on Sunday 1st July.  From then on the collection will be on the last Sunday of the month.
Next week via email and the Weekly News, you will receive a list of the foods they find very useful to support families in need.

Ideas for cafe
There will be a meeting next Thursday 28th June at 7:30pm in the church to discuss the cafe - its physical appearance and how it can best be utilised to help meet our mission.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  No personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the sanctuary or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board

Blueprint Ministries Appeal Dinner
Saturday 14th July 2018
Mawson Lakes Hotel & Function Centre
$69 individual tickets // $448 table of 8
Speaker is Jonathan Krause – Community Action Manager for Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS)
All tickets can be purchased online at www.blueprintministries.org.au or by contacting us directly. Tickets are available until 1st July unless sold out prior.

Australian Lutheran College has launched its 2018 annual appeal
Your support of this appeal is vital, as together in partnership with you, ALC prepares people to serve in and through the Church.  If you haven’t received a copy of the appeal letter, please make enquiries with your Pastor/Church Office or contact the College direct via email: alc@alc.edu.au or ph: (08) 8267 7400.  A message from the ALC Principal, Pastor James Winderlich, concerning the appeal, is also available for viewing on our website – http://www.alc.edu.au/community/your-support/annual-appeal/.  Your donation to the ALC annual appeal is tax-deductable and donations made before 30th June will enable you to claim your benefit this year. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;

be courageous; be strong. ”

1 Corinthians 16:13

Dynamic Community

At Pentecost, the number of “Jesus followers” went from 120 to 3000 in one day. So there are 2880 people who’ve heard the good news of Jesus and been baptised.  Assuming that many of them lived in or near Jerusalem, maybe Peter and his colleagues wondered: 

•    How do we go about helping these brand new Christians to walk in the way of Jesus?  What do we teach them first?  What’s the best way to do this?
•    How do we help them to develop a deeper relationship with God?
•    How do we help them to grow in Jesus’ love for one another – and for those who do not yet know him?
•    How do we foster a community where we are learning what it means to obey Jesus in everything, and doing this so authentically that others are drawn to him?

The disciples enacted the common life they had previously experienced with Jesus: they passed on the teaching of Jesus, worshipped together, ate together, witnessed miracles carried out in the name of Jesus, prayed together, shared their resources with people in need, and did life together.   And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
•    Do you think God still wants this to happen in local churches today? 
•    I wonder if God could do something like this with us at Good Shepherd.
•    Would we be open to this? Would we be prepared for the changes and challenges? 

Of course, issues arose and troubles came along. There was a reaction from the Jewish leaders. But the power of a community filled with the live and life of Jesus where people’s needs are met is profoundly attractive. 

This Sunday we’ll explore the Holy Spirit’s work of a Dynamic Community.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Acts 2:42-47  
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Youth
REBEL - METRO CLW 2018
y7-9 July 9-13
y10-12 July 16-20
Port Hughes Accommodation Centre
$220 per camper
For more information and to register: http://blueprintministries.org.au/
Registrations close 1 July
Please contact Chelsea Schiller if you require financial support to attend
chelsea.schiller@paravista.org.au

From the Office

Flooding of redevelopment.
Unfortunately there was a major  flooding  of the new entrance, café, kitchen and tech room during the week. As water got into the new switch board, at the time of writing there is no power or lighting to these areas. We hope to have the situation rectified by Sunday but there may be alternate arrangements for tea and coffee.

AGM questions
There were questions/information raised/supplied at the AGM last week that are addressed below.

1.    LLL Matching deposit funds for LLL account holders to match their deposit against our congregation.
Information can be found here or at www.lll.org.au or by calling the LLL on 1800 556 457.  This could allow Good Shepherd to borrow funds at 5% p.a. See the article below.

2.    Furniture equipment request for the café playground
A request for the type and design of furniture you would like to see in the café area.  Please let John Dolling know.

3.    Equipment request for the playground
A request for the type and design of equipment you would like to see in the playground area.  Please be mindful that the area will be predominantly aimed at the 5 years and under age group.  Please let John Dolling know.

4.    The dedication Sunday for the new works had been set for Sunday 16th September.  The Transform Team are organising this and would love to hear from you if you wish to provide input.

5.    The popular report from District Synod can be found here or go to http://www.sant.lca.org.au/events/convention-of-synod/.  If you require a hard copy please contact the office and they will print you a copy.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Lutheran Teachers College est. 1968 (LTC) was the training ground for prospective teachers and Lay Workers in the church for many years.  These people are now part of Australian Lutheran College.  At the Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday 18th June,

Dr Richard Hauser (a published author) directs a panel of 7 early LTC graduates and a lecturer as they reflect on their LTC experience – serious & funny.  Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, City, 7.30 pm.  Supper & gold coin donation.  All welcome.

Plant stall
The proceeds of the plant stall held on the last 2 Sundays is to support the work of the Family Hub. It is very pleasing that through the generosity of those who supported the plant sale we will be giving the Family Hub $613. Thanks to all who worked on the stall or donated plants.

Food Donation
The Family Hub supports many families in need in the local community. Especially in winter there is a great demand for food. Kathleen Wilson Manager at Family Zone will  speak in the Spotlight segment at both services on Sunday 24th  June. She will share  about the work of LCC  and will  highlight how we as a caring congregation can support the work of the Hub through  regular food collections.

Our first collection will be on Sunday July 1st at both services. We will provide information about the items they would find most useful.

Blueprint Ministries Appeal Dinner
Saturday 14th July 2018
Mawson Lakes Hotel & Function Centre
$69 individual tickets // $448 table of 8
Speaker is Jonathan Krause
All tickets can be purchased online at www.blueprintministries.org.au or by contacting us directly. Tickets are available until 1st July unless sold out prior.

Need your interest?
LLL account holders can provide additional support to a particular project or department of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) by nominating their account to be ‘non interest-bearing’. As a result, the LLL is able to provide an additional benefit to LCA projects based on 5% of total ‘non interest-bearing’ deposits held for each project.

An LLL ‘non interest-bearing’ account has the other usual features and access of an LLL Account.

Your ‘non interest-bearing’ instructions can be changed at any time in writing to the LLL.  Please include your account details and your signature in writing, and then post the instructions to our office in North Adelaide.

If you have an existing LLL Account and wish to provide this support to a particular project, fill in a new LLL Account Application form and complete the ‘non interest-bearing’ instructions.  Then transfer the desired amount of money from your existing LLL Account into the new ‘non interest-bearing’ account.

It is possible for an LLL ‘non interest-bearing’ account to also be a Matching Deposit.
LLL non interest-bearing accounts are a great way to support the ministry and mission of the LCA.

Australian Lutheran College has launched its 2018 annual appeal
Your support of this appeal is vital, as together in partnership with you, ALC prepares people to serve in and through the Church.  If you haven’t received a copy of the appeal letter, please make enquiries with your Pastor/Church Office or contact the College direct via email: alc@alc.edu.au or ph: (08) 8267 7400.  A message from the ALC Principal, Pastor James Winderlich, concerning the appeal, is also available for viewing on our website – http://www.alc.edu.au/community/your-support/annual-appeal/.  Your donation to the ALC annual appeal is tax-deductable and donations made before 30 June will enable you to claim your benefit this year. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us:  

‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,

 that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Acts 13:47

Everyone's Story, Everyone's Promise

Don’t we all like a good story?  My preference has always been the fantasy genre.  Stories of high adventure, heroic deeds, and imaginary lands of magic and monsters.  Others might prefer something a little more grounded in reality.  Maybe an intriguing crime or mystery novel or perhaps a good romantic tale is your genre of choice.  Whatever your preference, most of us love hearing or reading a good story.

And it’s no wonder really.  Studies of the brain have indicated that we are hard wired to derive meaning from stories; to remember details and order events in ways that help us to understand the world.  Most of us will recognise that we remember stories more easily than we remember shopping lists.  Yet the real trick is in our imagination.  When we encounter a really well written and engaging story, with interesting and dynamic characters, we imagine ourselves in the story.  We associate with or at least empathise with the characters and the situations they encounter.  These are the things that make a story memorable.

So, what about the Bible?  About 43% of the Bible is written in the form of narrative, or storytelling.  However, it has one significant difference to other stories.  God, the author and main character of the story, has actually made us characters in the continuing and unfolding story of his intervention and restoration of a broken and fallen world.

In the book of Acts, chapter 2, Peter is laying out the events of Jesus life, death and resurrection and explaining what this means for those who are gathered around listening to his message.  When they ask him what they should do in response to his message, Peter says this “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Him.”

This part of the story directly involves us, we don’t have to imagine it.  God has called us to himself, we have come to him and we have received His gifts of baptism, forgiveness and the Holy Spirit.  But that isn’t the end of the story.  The promise of these gifts is also for those who are still far off.

Throughout the book of Acts, God uses his disciples to bring this message to far off places.  We are also God’s disciples and he invites us to join with him in the work of calling out to those who are still far from His kingdom.  He is inviting us to take up our role in the best-selling story of all time, the story of his redemption of the entire world, the Bible.  It is God’s story and promises; it is our story and God’s promises to us; it is everyone’s story, and God’s promise to all.

Vicar Mat von Stanke

Bible Reading:  Acts 2:36-42
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Biggest Morning Tea
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea.  We raised a total of $231.  It was great to see people from the church, school and playgroup interacting together.  Thanks for your support.
Tina Pfeiffer and Lenna Uebergang

Youth
Black Dagger Night
7.15pm Friday 15th June at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista
Combined with Golden Grove Lutheran Youth

Metro CLW
School years 7-9:  9th to 13th July
School years 10-12: July 16th to 20th July

More information on both of these coming soon!

Thank You
Thank you so much to the people of this congregation who donated wool and knitting needles for the NOVO camp in the April school holidays.  Your donations were much appreciated.  If you were one of these people, you will find your knitting needles in the church office if you would like them back.
Elsa Matthias

From the Office

AGM questions
There were questions/information raised/supplied at the AGM last week that are addressed below.

1. LLL Matching deposit funds for LLL account holders to match their deposit against our congregation. 
Information can be found here or at www.lll.org.au or by calling the LLL on 1800 556 457.  This could allow Good Shepherd to borrow funds at 5% p.a. See the article below.

2. Furniture equipment request for the café playground
A request for the type and design of furniture you would like to see in the café area.  Please let John Dolling know.

3. Equipment request for the playground
A request for the type and design of equipment you would like to see in the playground area.  Please be mindful that the area will be predominantly aimed at the 5 years and under age group.  Please let John Dolling know.

4. The dedication Sunday for the new works had been set for Sunday 16th September.  The Transform Team are organising this and would love to hear from you if you wish to provide input.

5. The popular report from District Synod can be found here or go to http://www.sant.lca.org.au/events/convention-of-synod/.  If you require a hard copy please contact the office and they will print you a copy.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Lutheran Teachers College est. 1968 (LTC) was the training ground for prospective teachers and Lay Workers in the church for many years.  These people are now part of Australian Lutheran College.  At the Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday 18th June,
Dr Richard Hauser (a published author) directs a panel of 7 early LTC graduates and a lecturer as they reflect on their LTC experience – serious & funny.  Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, City, 7.30 pm.  Supper & gold coin donation.  All welcome.

Plant Stall
Our popular plant stall will be held on 10th June after both services.  This is an opportunity to support the valuable work of the Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm.  Lutheran Community Care have established this centre and it's right on our doorstep, so we are keen to encourage their work with families in need.

Need your interest?
LLL account holders can provide additional support to a particular project or department of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) by nominating their account to be ‘non interest-bearing’. As a result, the LLL is able to provide an additional benefit to LCA projects based on 5% of total ‘non interest-bearing’ deposits held for each project.

An LLL ‘non interest-bearing’ account has the other usual features and access of an LLL Account.

Your ‘non interest-bearing’ instructions can be changed at any time in writing to the LLL.  Please include your account details and your signature in writing, and then post the instructions to our office in North Adelaide.

If you have an existing LLL Account and wish to provide this support to a particular project, fill in a new LLL Account Application form and complete the ‘non interest-bearing’ instructions.  Then transfer the desired amount of money from your existing LLL Account into the new ‘non interest-bearing’ account.

It is possible for an LLL ‘non interest-bearing’ account to also be a Matching Deposit.
LLL non interest-bearing accounts are a great way to support the ministry and mission of the LCA.

Australian Lutheran College has launched its 2018 annual appeal
Your support of this appeal is vital, as together in partnership with you, ALC prepares people to serve in and through the Church.  If you haven’t received a copy of the appeal letter, please make enquiries with your Pastor/Church Office or contact the College direct via email: alc@alc.edu.au or ph: (08) 8267 7400.  A message from the ALC Principal, Pastor James Winderlich, concerning the appeal, is also available for viewing on our website – http://www.alc.edu.au/community/your-support/annual-appeal/.  Your donation to the ALC annual appeal is tax-deductable and donations made before 30 June will enable you to claim your benefit this year. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“For this is what the Lord has commanded us:  ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”

Acts 13:47

Living Acts

I think it would be safe to say that in our contemporary Western Culture, more people would know the name Luke Skywalker, than Luke, the Evangelist.

At times, Luke, the Gospel writer, seems to be overlooked in favour of the other Gospel writers, except, of course, at Christmas time.  But Luke, when his body of New Testament writings is accounted for, is the predominant writer of the New Promise – the New Testament; his two works, Luke and Acts account for one quarter of the pages.

Strangely, in most churches, the book of Acts is rarely ever used as a preaching text.  So, we will take a look at the living book of Acts and how it intersects our daily lives on a very personal level.  The Acts of the Apostles, as the book is correctly called, has two main functions.  To explain:

1. How Jesus’ apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and were led in their ministries
2. How the birth of the early Christian Church changed the landscape of the culture.

In essence, we find a flow of movement in the ancient Christian world.  A movement from Crowd, to Community, to Culture.

As we ponder our future here at Good Shepherd in the 21st Century, we’ll run right through the book of Acts chasing down opportunities to understand The Way (as the early Christian church was called) and put flesh on it for cultural living in our context.

This week, in chapter 5, the disciples are performing signs and wonders, even so much as being healed from Peter’s shadow!  Thrown into jail, the Apostles may have been wondering if this was the end, but an angel breaks them out and tells them to go back into public, back into the crowd, to continue to create a community that hears about this ‘new life.’  (Acts 5:20)
Come hear about the new life this week.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading:  Acts 5:12-20
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Youth – Save the dates
Youth Night – Activities
Friday 15th June
Combined with Golden Grove Lutheran Youth

Metro CLW
School years 7-9:  9th to 13th July
School years 10-12: July 16th to 20th July

More information on both of these coming soon!

Thank You
Thank you so much to the people of this congregation who donated wool and knitting needles for the NOVO camp in the April school holidays.  Your donations were much appreciated.  If you were one of these people, you will find your knitting needles in the church office if you would like them back.
Elsa Matthias

From the Office

AGM questions
There were questions/information raised/supplied at the AGM last week that are addressed below.

1. LLL Matching deposit funds for LLL account holders to match their deposit against our congregation. 
Information can be found here or at www.lll.org.au or by calling the LLL on 1800 556 457.  This could allow Good Shepherd to borrow funds at 5% p.a. See the article below.

2. Furniture equipment request for the café playground
A request for the type and design of furniture you would like to see in the café area.  Please let John Dolling know.

3. Equipment request for the playground
A request for the type and design of equipment you would like to see in the playground area.  Please be mindful that the area will be predominantly aimed at the 5 years and under age group.  Please let John Dolling know.

4. The dedication Sunday for the new works had been set for Sunday 16th September.  The Transform Team are organising this and would love to hear from you if you wish to provide input.

5. The popular report from District Synod can be found here or go to http://www.sant.lca.org.au/events/convention-of-synod/.  If you require a hard copy please contact the office and they will print you a copy.

Kitchen Café Instructions Manuals
Manuals for the operation of equipment in the kitchen and cafe area have been placed into the appropriate areas.  Please be patient as they are still in compilation for completion.  Please refer to these manuals as a first reference for the operation of equipment.

Check list for the use of areas 
A check list of tasks on completion of use of all facility areas has been placed into the areas for reference.  If you use one of the areas please check the area has been left appropriately.  Remember you may be the next user of the facility.

Security of church
Request members on locking facility do a complete building check prior to setting the alarm.  As you move through the building shut all the doors and windows pushing on double doors to ensure second door is locked.  Please take note of the keypad near the office entry and it there are staff names on the key pad please do not set the alarm.

Lighting the facility
If you use the facility after hours please ensure the lights in the ablutions and the front foyer are turned off.  These are not yet connected to the main control panel.  A number of lights will come on after hours for security and are not able to be switched off.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Lutheran Teachers College est. 1968 (LTC) was the training ground for prospective teachers and Lay Workers in the church for many years.  These people are now part of Australian Lutheran College.  At the Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday 18th June,
Dr Richard Hauser (a published author) directs a panel of 7 early LTC graduates and a lecturer as they reflect on their LTC experience – serious & funny.  Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, City, 7.30 pm.  Supper & gold coin donation.  All welcome.

Time is running out!!!
Bible Society Australia has had positive feedback to the new film documentary called “For the Love of God” which is screening currently all over the country.  You are encouraged to be equipped by this film as it is suitable also for non-Christian people. Invite and take an interested friend.  There is a screening at HOYTS Tea tree Plaza Modbury on Mon 4th June 6pm.

The tickets need to be purchased on-line before the event. To buy tickets:https://fan-force.com/screenings/for-the-love-of-god-hoyts-tea-tree-plaza-sa/
Click here for more information on the film, and click here to watch the trailer.

Plant Stall
Our popular plant stall will be held on 3rd and 10th June after both services.  This is an opportunity to support the valuable work of the Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm.  Lutheran Community Care have established this centre and it's right on our doorstep, so we are keen to encourage their work with families in need.

Need your interest?
LLL account holders can provide additional support to a particular project or department of the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) by nominating their account to be ‘non interest-bearing’. As a result, the LLL is able to provide an additional benefit to LCA projects based on 5% of total ‘non interest-bearing’ deposits held for each project.

An LLL ‘non interest-bearing’ account has the other usual features and access of an LLL Account.

Your ‘non interest-bearing’ instructions can be changed at any time in writing to the LLL.  Please include your account details and your signature in writing, and then post the instructions to our office in North Adelaide.

If you have an existing LLL Account and wish to provide this support to a particular project, fill in a new LLL Account Application form and complete the ‘non interest-bearing’ instructions.  Then transfer the desired amount of money from your existing LLL Account into the new ‘non interest-bearing’ account.

It is possible for an LLL ‘non interest-bearing’ account to also be a Matching Deposit.
LLL non interest-bearing accounts are a great way to support the ministry and mission of the LCA.

Australian Lutheran College has launched its 2018 annual appeal
Your support of this appeal is vital, as together in partnership with you, ALC prepares people to serve in and through the Church.  If you haven’t received a copy of the appeal letter, please make enquiries with your Pastor/Church Office or contact the College direct via email: alc@alc.edu.au or ph: (08) 8267 7400.  A message from the ALC Principal, Pastor James Winderlich, concerning the appeal, is also available for viewing on our website – http://www.alc.edu.au/community/your-support/annual-appeal/.  Your donation to the ALC annual appeal is tax-deductable and donations made before 30 June will enable you to claim your benefit this year. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.”

Acts 5:42

Remind Me Again

There are few things in life that are tougher than forgetting.

Sometimes it’s embarrassing when I forget someone’s name, or where I left my car keys, or the things that were on my to do list.  Some people would like to say that the older one gets the more likely they are to forget things, but I’m not sure it’s about age.  I think some of it is that life has a tendency to be packed full and when our brains are replete with thoughts, new information pushes necessary information out the backdoor and we’re left befuddled wondering how we got to where we were.

That’s why we need someone to remind us.

In John chapter thirteen, the disciples have been traveling with Jesus on their discipleship journey.  Jesus has just washed their feet – many of them were wondering how the master could possibly wash the servants’ feet.  As if their brains weren’t full enough, Jesus then moves on to tell them that one of the twelve will betray him.  All thoughts of washing feet were pushed out the back door with this new information.  Jesus then tells Peter that he will disown him, literally give up ownership, and that Peter will deny him three times.

A mind can only take so much, so when the last straw is thrown on top of the back of the mental camel and Jesus tells them that he is permanently going away, it’s almost as if the disciples can’t even begin to process what’s going on.  Not only is the brain full, but the circuits are overblown and as they gaze at him, like sheep, it’s as if they’ve forgotten who he is and what he came for.

Enter the mind of Jesus in John 14.

Jesus knows that he is going away and that he can’t remain with them forever, so he will send someone who will remind them, someone who will live with them and in them.  Someone who will bring the power to overcome sin, death and the devil so that they can reform their thoughts and hearts in him, Christ Jesus.

Follow me through the mind of Christ this week as we discuss the greatest gift in the world ever given to humankind.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading:  John 14:15-27
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Congregation and School AGM’s
The AGM’s of the congregation and school will be held on Sunday 27th May at 12:30pm.  The Maranatha Team will provide a soup lunch after the second service.  Information regarding the congregational meeting has been emailed, and will also be available in hard copy on Sunday 20th May.

Main items for the congregational meeting:
• Presentation of 2017 audited accounts
• Report from Pastor Reid
• Report on Facilities Redevelopment

Youth – Save the dates
Youth Night – Activities
Friday 15th June
Combined with Golden Grove Lutheran Youth

Metro CLW
School years 7-9:  9th to 13th July
School years 10-12: July 16th to 20th July

More information on both of these coming soon!

Cancer Council
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Please join the church and school communities for morning tea in the church café area
Friday 1st June at 9.15am, after chapel
Monetary donation towards the Cancer Council appreciated
For further information, please contact Tina Pfeiffer 0409 690 070

From the Office
Finance Report 
Offerings
January – April 2018
Total Offerings – Budget $173,000 Actual $160,447 UNDER $12,553

Budget Summary
January – March 2018
Total Income – Budget $136,020 Actual $124,781 UNDER $11,239
Total Expenses – Budget $135,544 Actual $114,889 UNDER $20,665

Notes since last Board meeting:
• Offerings in April were around $2,300 below budget.  Offerings were slightly above March but still below budget equally for plate and REG.
• Income is below budget due to Offerings.
• Expenses well under budget mainly due to Staff expenses and Plant.  However Staff expenses will  increase due to new position being filled and being closer to budget for remaining of the year.

Kitchen Café Instructions manuals
Manuals for the operation of equipment in the kitchen and Cafe area have been placed into the appropriate areas.  Please be patient as they are still in compilation for completion.  Please refer to these manuals as a first reference for the operation of equipment.

Check list for the use of areas 
A check list of tasks on completion of use of all facility areas has been placed into the areas for reference.  If you use one of the areas please check the area has been left appropriately.  Remember you may be the next user of the facility.

Security of church
Request members on locking facility do a complete building check prior to setting the alarm.  As you move through the building shut all the doors and windows pushing on double doors to ensure second door is locked.  Please take note of the keypad near the office entry and it there are staff names on the key pad please do not set the alarm.

Lighting the facility
If you use the facility after hours please ensure the lights in the ablutions and the front foyer are turned off.  These are not yet connected to the main control panel.  A number of lights will come on after hours for security and are not able to be switched off.

Entertainment Books
Discover thousands of valuable 2-for-1 offers and up to 50% off for many of the best restaurants, cafés, arts, attractions, hotels, travel, shopping and much more. 

Like to see before you buy?  Click here:  https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/about/flickbook/adelaide

The Entertainment Book of vouchers cost $70, with Digital Membership for Apple or Android devices also available.  A percentage from each sale benefits Good Shepherd Lutheran School fundraising projects.

Orders may be placed online at https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/161r565 or in cash at the school office.  For further information, please contact Sharon on 8264 7966

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board
Time is running out!!! 
Bible Society Australia has had positive feedback to the new film documentary called “For the Love of God” which is screening currently all over the country.  You are encouraged to be equipped by this film as it is suitable also for non-Christian people. Invite and take an interested friend.  There is a screening at HOYTS Tea tree Plaza Modbury on Mon 4th June 6pm.

The tickets need to be purchased on-line before the event. To buy tickets https://fan-force.com/screenings/for-the-love-of-god-hoyts-tea-tree-plaza-sa/
Click here for more information on the film, and click here to watch the trailer.

Plant Stall
Our popular plant stall will be held on 3rd June after both services.  This is an opportunity to support the valuable work of the Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm.  Lutheran Community Care have established this centre and it's right on our doorstep, so we are keen to encourage their work with families in need.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au 
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

John 14:26

Power to Witness, Power to Love

Who are the people in your life who have most influenced you for Jesus? 
What was it about them that helped you come to know Jesus?

It may have been your mum or dad, a grandparent, an uncle or aunt. It may have been a Sunday School teacher, a leader at a youth camp, or a person who took an interest in you.  It may have been a close friend. 

The Christian faith is passed on through trusted personal relationships. Somewhere along your journey, other Christians have loved you, introduced you to Jesus, and helped you to grow in Him. 

Yet the real Person behind all this was the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit was calling you to Jesus through the influence of God’s people.  It’s been an ongoing relay of passing the baton for about 2000 years.  And the great thing about this relay is that it ends in eternity.  Every person who receives Jesus and follows him receives forgiveness and life with God forever. 

The greatest gift you and I can share with another person is the love and good news of Jesus.  And the only way we can do this effectively is by the Holy Spirit who lives in all who trust and follow Jesus.  This Pentecost we’ll ask the Holy Spirit to give us power to witness, power to love! 

So who are you passing the baton to?

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading:  Acts 2:32-39   (perhaps you can read all of Acts 2)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request

Praise Point
Baptism of Hendrix Gabe Smith this Sunday at 10:30am; parents Trent and Calli Smith

Congregation and School AGM’s
The AGM’s of the congregation and school will be held on Sunday 27th May at 12:30pm.  The Maranatha Team will provide a soup lunch after the second service.  Information regarding the congregational meeting has been emailed, and will also be available in hard copy on Sunday 20th May.

Main items for the congregational meeting:
• Presentation of 2017 audited accounts
• Report from Pastor Reid
• Report on Facilities Redevelopment

Young Adults – Jumbo Games
Sunday 20th May, 2 - 5:30pm in the Church Hall & Cafe
Cost: $2 (snacks provided, bring coins for hot drinks)
Come and mingle with young adults while playing against your opponents on a Gigantic level!
For young adults 18+
For more information talk to Elsa Matthias & Tara Rogers

Youth – Save the dates
Youth Night – Games in the gym
Friday 15th June
Combined with Golden Grove Lutheran Youth

Metro CLW
School years 7-9:  9th to 13th July
School years 10-12: July 16th to 20th July

More information on both of these coming soon!

Cancer Council
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Please join the church and school communities for morning tea in the church café area
Friday 1st June at 9.15am, after chapel
Monetary donation towards the Cancer Council appreciated
For further information, please contact Tina Pfeiffer 0409 690 070

Good Shepherd Lutheran Women’s Fellowship
Our members look forward to your company at our annual fundraising luncheon on Tuesday 5th June, 2018 at 12 noon here at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Your spouse, partner or friend is also welcome.  Come along and hear Pastor Reid and his wife Christine entertain us.  Reid is the writer of “The Little Church on the Prairie” in the Lutheran Magazine.  There will be a trading table and door prizes.  Lunch $15  RSVP Friday 18th May to Ragna Gaard 7325 8016 or Dorothy Buscomb 0403 967 943. Limited seats available.

From the Office

Entertainment Books
Discover thousands of valuable 2-for-1 and offers up to 50% off for many of the best restaurants, cafés, arts, attractions, hotels, travel, shopping and much more. 

Like to see before you buy?  Click here:  https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/about/flickbook/adelaide

The Entertainment Book of vouchers cost $70, with Digital Membership for Apple or Android devices also available.  A percentage from each sale benefits Good Shepherd Lutheran School fundraising projects.

Orders may be placed online at https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/161r565 or in cash at the school office.  For further information, please contact Sharon on 8264 7966

Available facilities
The new play group facilitators have done a wonderful job of sorting and organising the Baby Zone room.  This area and all its resources are available for all groups to use.  All users are asked to return the room to the condition they have found it, and to return all craft items back to the storage areas once finished.  We request that children be supervised in this area at all times.

Café/new area dedication
Let’s celebrate the gifts we have been given in this new area.  We are looking for a team to lead and organise this event.  Please consider if your care group could organise this or personally contributing to assistance by contacting the office with your ideas and skills.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Have you ever lived in or visited the Barossa?  How much do you know about it?

Meet the authors of 'Barossa: Federation to the Fifties'  Join local historians and authors Anne Hausler, Angela Heuzenroeder, Everard Leske, Donald Ross, and Geoff Saegenschnitter for a lively presentation of their comprehensive and authoritative account of early 20th century Barossa.  Come along to the Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday May 21st, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the City, 7.30pm.  The books will be available for sale at $35, but please pay with the exact cash.  Gold coin donation & supper.  All welcome.

Plant Stall
Our popular plant stall will be held on 3rd June after both services.  This is an opportunity to support the valuable work of the Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm.  Lutheran Community Care have established this centre and it's right on our doorstep, so we are keen to encourage their work with families in need.

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au 
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

Acts 4:31

Encountering Jesus at Home

What is it that you want most for your children?  If you don’t have children, ask yourself this, what are my hopes for the next generation of humanity?

Most people answer this question with answers like these:
- I want my children to live with financial security, free of war and poverty.
- I want my children to be able to determine their own path and live in freedom.
- I want my child to be successful in whatever they choose to do.
- I want my kids to feel safe and loved.

These are great goals, and as parents we often spend a lot of time, energy and resources creating an environment for our children that helps them to achieve these kinds of ideals.

But do we place the same value on helping our children encounter and have a living and loving relationship with Jesus?

Let’s take a minute to look at how helping our children encounter Jesus at home addresses our more human concerns for our kids.

Jesus says to us that we do not need to worry about food or clothes (Matt 6:31-33) because God knows that we need them and when we seek after him and his kingdom, he will provide what we need.  A life with Jesus is a life which is provided for.

He also said that those who hold to his teachings will know the truth and the truth would set them free (John 8:31-32).  A life with Jesus is a life of freedom.

In Philippians 4:12-13, we are reminded that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength.  A life with Jesus is a life of confidence.

Jesus tells us again how he loves us in John 15:9-13. “As the father has loved me, so I have loved you…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete…greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  A life with Jesus is a life filled with joy, hope and love.

We work so hard to provide, money and shelter, experiences and opportunities for our children so they may have a ‘good’ life.  But what kind of life do they have if we do not help them to encounter Jesus at home.  Our time and effort should be spent primarily helping them encounter Jesus as the one who offers real and lasting hope, security, life, and love.  If it is not, then maybe we need to check our priorities.

Join us this Sunday as we look at some mothers from the New Testament who did that, and learn from them how we can help each other, and our children, encounter Jesus in our homes today.

Blessings,
Vicar Mat von Stanke.

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-7
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Mothers’ Day Stall
Did you forget Mothers Day is this Sunday?  Don’t stress!  After BOTH services there will be an opportunity to purchase a last minute gift for Mum or Grandma.  Proceeds go to the school and Maranatha Health.

Congregation and School AGM’s
The AGM’s of the congregation and school will be held on Sunday 27th May at 12:30pm.  The Maranatha Team will provide a soup lunch after the second service.  Information regarding the congregational meeting will be available in hard copy on Sunday May 20th and emailed to members early in the following week.

Main items for the congregational meeting:
• Presentation of 2017 audited accounts
• Report from Pastor Reid
• Report on Facilities Redevelopment

Good Shepherd Lutheran Women’s Fellowship
Our members look forward to your company at our annual fundraising luncheon on Tuesday 5th June, 2018 at 12 noon here at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Your spouse/partner/friend is also welcome.  Come along and hear Pastor Reid and his wife Christine entertain us.  Reid is the writer of “The Little Church on the Prairie” in the Lutheran Magazine.  There will be a trading table and door prizes.  Lunch $15  RSVP Friday 18th May to Ragna Gaard 7325 8016 or Dorothy Buscomb 0403 967 943. Limited seats available.

From the Office

Office Closure
The church office will be closed on Wednesday 16th May as staff are attending a retreat.

Available facilities
The new play group facilitators have done a wonderful job of sorting and organising the Baby Zone room.  This area and all its resources are available for all groups to use.  All users are asked to return the room to the condition they have found it, and to return all the craft items back to the storage areas once finished.  We request that children be supervised in this area at all times.

Assistance still required
Several weeks ago an email was sent requesting assistance to relay a small section of the parquetry flooring in the hall.  This is required so we can get the hall floor treated.  So far there have been no offers of assistance.  Help could be as little as 1 hour. If you can assist please contact John Dolling 8367 5296.

Café/new area dedication
Let’s celebrate the gifts we have been given in this new area.  We are looking for a team to lead and organise this event.  Please consider if your care group could organise this or personally contributing to assistance by contacting the office with your ideas and skills.

LCA Standing Committee
The LCA’s Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting all eligible congregational members to consider serving on a LCA Board, Council, Commission or Committee in the next Synodical term.  Please refer to the LCA nominations web-site: www.lca.org.au/nominations for information and to access the nominations form. Please note: Nominations must be submitted to the Standing Committee on Nominations by 15 May 2018.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board
Friends of Lutheran Archives
Have you ever lived in or visited the Barossa?  How much do you know about it?

Meet the authors of 'Barossa: Federation to the Fifties'  Join local historians and authors Anne Hausler, Angela Heuzenroeder, Everard Leske, Donald Ross, and Geoff Saegenschnitter for a lively presentation of their comprehensive and authoritative account of early 20th century Barossa.  Come along to the Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday May 21st, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the City, 7.30pm.  The books will be available for sale at $35, but please pay with the exact cash.  Gold coin donation & supper.  All welcome.

Plant Stall
Our popular plant stall will be held on June 3rd after both services.  This is an opportunity to support the valuable work of the Family Zone Hub at Ingle Farm.  Lutheran Community Care have established this centre and it's right on our doorstep, so we are keen to encourage their work with families in need.

LCC Op Shop
Did you know Lutheran Community Care have opened a new Op Shop in our area?  It's at the Pauls Drive shopping centre in Valley View and is worth a visit.  You never know what bargains you might find!

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Jesus Gives Fresh Starts

Have you ever made promises to God that you’ve broken big time?  Have you ever messed up so badly that you wondered whether God could ever smile on you again?

With a belly full of roast lamb and red wine among friends, Peter was big on promising to give up his life for Jesus.  Unfortunately, when the pressure and heat were turned up, Peter’s courage evaporated.  By dawn the following morning, Peter had thrice denied knowing Jesus – and then the cock crowed!

One of the gospel accounts says that Peter went out and wept bitterly.  He was a broken man haunted by his failures, perhaps wondering whether he’d disqualified himself from ever doing life with Jesus again.

Yet we are told that Jesus appeared to Peter on the same day as his resurrection from the dead (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:3-5).  We don’t know what was said.  But I can imagine Peter apologising – and Jesus reconciling.

In the closing section of John’s gospel account, Jesus has words with Peter – not angry words, but wise words of pastoral care that bring restoration to Peter’s soul, and a recommissioning for ministry.

This Sunday we’ll hear Peter’s own story of what happened, and how it impacted him.  What Jesus did for Peter, he wants to do for every one of us.  Thank God that Jesus gives us fresh starts.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: John 21:15-25
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

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 churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

From the Office

Office Closure
The church office will be closed on Monday 7th May as staff are attending a conference.

Available facilities
The new play group facilitators have done a wonderful job of sorting and organising the Baby Zone room.  This area and all its resources are available for all groups to use.  All users are asked to return the room to the condition they have found it, and to return all the craft items back to the storage areas once finished.  We request that children be supervised in this area at all times.

Hymn books/Red Supplement
As mentioned last week there are surplus hymn books and supplements available for any member who would like a copy.  These are by the piano in the hall. If you want a copy/ies please take them.  This is your last opportunity to acquire a copy.

There are 20 of both the hymn books and Red Supplement and a supply of bibles in the Usher's cupboard (green cupboard) in the Montague Road entrance. They are available to be used as required. We ask that after use they are returned to the cupboard.

Assistance still required
Several weeks ago an email was sent requesting assistance to relay a small section of the parquetry flooring in the hall.  This is required so we can get the hall floor treated.  So far there have been no offers of assistance.  Help could be as little as 1 hour. If you can assist please contact John Dolling 8367 5296.

Coffee machine
The coffee machine is available to use at any time by any person or groups wishing to use it.  Instructions for the machine are located along side.  If you are experiencing any difficulties with the machine please contact the office.

Café/new area dedication
Let’s celebrate the gifts we have been given in this new area.  We are looking for a team to lead and organise this event.  Please consider if your care group could organise this or personally contributing to assisting by contacting the office with your ideas and skills.

LCA Standing Committee
The LCA’s Standing Committee on Nominations is inviting all eligible congregational members to consider serving on a LCA Board, Council, Commission or Committee in the next Synodical term.  Please refer to the LCA nominations web-site: www.lca.org.au/nominations for information and to access the nominations form. Please note: Nominations must be submitted to the Standing Committee on Nominations by 15 May 2018.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)   www.lll.org.au/REG
REG is a way for our members to regularly support the work of our church.  Details of transactions are kept totally confidential.  None of your personal details are given to the congregation or treasurer.  The treasurer is only advised of the total amount credited to the account for the month.  For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG, the appropriate forms are available from the table at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.

Alternatively deposits can be made to the following bank account details.
If transferring from an LLL account, use account number 52752S1, BSB 704942.
If transferring from another banking institution, use account number 100354939, BSB 704942.

Notice Board
Friends of Lutheran Archives
Have you ever lived in or visited the Barossa?  How much do you know about it?

Meet the authors of 'Barossa: Federation to the Fifties'  Join local historians and authors Anne Hausler, Angela Heuzenroeder, Everard Leske, Donald Ross, and Geoff Saegenschnitter for a lively presentation of their comprehensive and authoritative account of early 20th century Barossa.  Come along to the Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday May 21st, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the City, 7.30pm.  The books will be available for sale at $35, but please pay with the exact cash.  Gold coin donation & supper.  All welcome.

Plant Stall
ADVANCE NOTICE!!  We will be running our popular Plant Stall once again in early June to support the valuable work of Lutheran Community Care through their Family Zone Hub in Ingle Farm.  If you are a gardener who has spare cuttings or plants, you could pot up now and then donate. We would love to hear from you!  Please contact Sonia: bshulme@gmail.com

Get the latest news from LCA www.lca.org.au
Subscribe to the LCA Notice Board
http://www.lca.org.au/departments/ministry-support/communications/lca-notice-board/
To receive Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) Notice Board in your inbox on Wednesday
every week, sign up to LCA Notice Board eNews.  It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17