The Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life

Witnessing the birth of a baby reminds us of the miracle of life.  New babies are “people magnets” – drawing people around them wherever they go.  We want to take a look so we can share in the joy and wonder of the parents.  We marvel at the tiny hands, fingers and toes.  We look at the face to see if the child has any of mum or dad’s features.

With a new baby is the reminder that only life can produce life.  With a humble awe, we realize that the living God is The Creator of life.  No amount of science, biology or technology can create new life.  Life is a gift from God.

When Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again (born from above), he could not fathom what Jesus was saying.  Jesus explains: “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.  Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3:5-6 NIV)

Every time a baby is born, we witness physical life made possible through the parents.  But spiritual life must come from God above: the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Through the Good News of Jesus, the Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds to Jesus and brings us into a relationship with God.  By joining us to Jesus in baptism, we receive God’s forgiveness, entry into the kingdom of God, adoption into God’s family and the promise of everlasting life.  By the Holy Spirit we are born from above.

Last Sunday we celebrated the anniversary of Pentecost.  As Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit filled his followers.  As a result, they proclaimed the life giving message of Jesus to people in Jerusalem.  As the Spirit gave birth to spirit, about 3000 people came into the kingdom of God.

It’s the same Holy Spirit we need today to make us alive in Jesus and continue his work in this world.  Over three Sundays, we’re getting to know the Holy Spirit.  This Sunday we will unpack the prophecy of Ezekiel to a valley of dry bones.  We will see that the Holy Spirit is indeed the Lord and Giver of Life.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14, John 3:1-8
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.

Good Shepherd Ladies Fellowship
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON 2nd July at 12 noon.  A celebration of 50 years of the fellowship.  A delicious three course meal with glass of wine will be offered to guests.  Special guest speaker Julie Krause from Lutheran World Service.  Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall  Cost: $20ph  Anyone is welcome but there are limited numbers .  RSVP 15th June to Ragna ph 7325 8016 or Dorothy 0403 967 943.

From the Office

Replacement of Cafe Floor
Due to issues with the cafe flooring, which in future would be expensive for the congregation to rectify, the cafe flooring will be replaced at no cost to the congregation.  This will occur between the 3rd and 12th of July.  During this time access to the hall and worship centre via the cafe will not be possible.  The kitchen can be utilised by access through the hall.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Glen Auricht, who has lived in the Centre for most of his life and is a fluent Arunda speaker, follows with his camera the path taken by Missionary Carl Strehlow on the dash for medical help which ended with Strehlow’s death at Horseshoe Bend in 1922.  Glen’s stunning images of the landscape bring to life one of the most dramatic stories in Lutheran mission history.  Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday June 24th, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30pm.  Gold coin donation and supper.  All welcome.

“The Spirit of God has made me;

the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

Job 33:4

The Day of the LORD

Since the Great Deception, when Satan whispered the words into the ears of Adam and Eve, and the world changed from perfection to less than so, all of creation groaned in anticipation of what most of the Old Testament prophets called ‘The Day of the Lord.’

For the Israelite prophets, this day, ‘Great and dreadful’ as the prophet Joel wrote, was one that the people longed for and dreaded at the same time.  The Day of the Lord symbolised a hopeful anticipation that God would explode onto the scene and destroy all of Israel’s enemies.  The Lord’s anointed, the one promised, would take up the throne in Jerusalem and re-establish the Davidic covenant that there would always be a descendant of David on the throne.

At the same time, though, the dreadfulness on the Day of the Lord, was that as God would punish Israel’s enemies for their deeds, so would God unharness his discipline on Israel to clear out the idolatry that had been pervasive in separating the people from God.  This was the painful promise.

Joy and dread.

But the people of Israel never expected that the Day of the Lord would appear like something else.  They never expected that the Day of the Lord would start with the Lord of Hosts being crucified and raised from the dead, and then continue fifty days later as the Spirit of God was unleashed in all His power on the unsuspecting hordes that gathered in Jerusalem for a festival.

Certainly Joel didn’t expect it.

Certainly Peter couldn’t have known, and yet he uses the words of Joel to help us see the great and dreadful day of the Lord – Pentecost – as it seared the hearts and minds of all who heard the name Jesus Christ.

This Pentecost, open your hearts to the Revealing Spirit as He is poured out once again into the unsuspecting world.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Joel 2:12-16  Acts 2:17-24
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.

Good Shepherd Ladies Fellowship
ANNUAL FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON 2nd July at 12 noon.  A celebration of 50 years of the fellowship.  A delicious three course meal with glass of wine will be offered to guests.  Special guest speaker Julie Krause from Lutheran World Service.  Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall  Cost: $20ph  Anyone is welcome but there are limited numbers .  RSVP 15th June to Ragna ph 7325 8016 or Dorothy 0403 967 943.

From the Office

Replacement of Cafe Floor
Due to issues with the cafe flooring, which in future would be expensive for the congregation to rectify, the cafe flooring will be replaced at no cost to the congregation.  This will occur between the 3rd and 12th of July.  During this time access to the hall and worship centre via the cafe will not be possible.  The kitchen can be utilised by access through the hall.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Glen Auricht, who has lived in the Centre for most of his life and is a fluent Arunda speaker, follows with his camera the path taken by Missionary Carl Strehlow on the dash for medical help which ended with Strehlow’s death at Horseshoe Bend in 1922.  Glen’s stunning images of the landscape bring to life one of the most dramatic stories in Lutheran mission history.  Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday June 24th, Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city, 7.30pm.  Gold coin donation and supper.  All welcome.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8

Paradise Restored when the Bridegroom Comes

Last Sunday, we unpacked the vision John was given of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, the bride, the wife of the Lamb (Revelation 21:2,9-27).  In the beginning of the next chapter, John gives us an inside look of the heavenly city:

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city.  On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.  And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

No longer will there be any curse.  The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.  There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.  And they will reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 22:1-2 NIV)

Some of the language reflects the Garden of Eden – yet this is in a holy and awesome city.  This city is filled with God’s people from the nations who have made their robes white in the blood of the Lamb.  The future for all who trust and follow Jesus is assured.

But what about the here and now?  John’s audience are facing testing times.  Those who refuse to declare allegiance to Caesar as Lord are facing discrimination, confiscation of property, beatings, arrest, imprisonment, or even death.

They wonder how long it will be until Jesus comes to bring them into his wonderful future.  They struggle to make sense of their pain.  They wonder how on earth they would endure.

They endured by remembering the deeds and promises of Jesus.  Three times in the closing chapter of Revelation, Jesus promises: “I am coming soon!”

Most people wonder about the time frame – what does “soon” mean in the light of eternity?  Perhaps a better question to ponder is this: “Are you ready to meet Jesus face to face?”  When you think of that, does it fill you with joyful anticipation – or something else?

This Sunday – as we finish off our series: The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory – we will press into the promises of Jesus that sustain us in our struggles; and remind us that we have a hope and a future with him.  Come and share the good things of God this Sunday!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Revelation 22:1-5, 12-17, 20-21
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.

Good Shepherd Ladies Fellowship Meeting
Tuesday 4th June at 1pm.  Pastor Rolly will lead Bible study.

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON 2nd July at 12 noon.  A celebration of 50 years of the fellowship.  A delicious three course meal with glass of wine will be offered to guests.  Special guest speaker Simone Krause from Lutheran World Service.  Venue: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Hall  $20ph limited numbers.  RSVP 10th June to Ragna ph 7325 8016 or Dorothy 0403 967 943.

Thank you from the Family Hub
Again a great team effort:
• your very generous support with goods donated both food and blankets.
• the Transform Youth who sorted the donations which made it much easier and quicker for the Family Hub to store the donations.
• the 5 volunteers who helped transport the goods to the Family Hub.
Kathlene continues to be amazed at the generosity of the congregation.  By the time you read this Kathlene said all the blankets would have been distributed and being put to good use.

From the Office

Replacement of Cafe Floor
Due to issues with the cafe flooring, which in future would be expensive for the congregation to rectify, the cafe flooring will be replaced at no cost to the congregation.  This will occur between the 3rd and 12th of July.  During this time access to the hall and worship centre via the cafe will not be possible.  The kitchen can be utilised by access through the hall.

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Psalm 16:11

Basking in the Glory of God

When we talk of palaces, cities or wonders, what in the world has most impressed you?  I always found Sydney Harbour spectacular – especially during New Year’s Eve fireworks. 
When it comes to accommodation, I once attended a conference at the Stamford Grand, North Ryde, in Sydney.  It was the most impressive place I’d ever slept in – but still I wouldn’t like to live there on my own!

What’s the most extravagant room, building, or dwelling you’ve ever been in?  Maybe it was a night or two in in a luxury hotel on your honeymoon?  Or perhaps on a cruise ship where everything was provided in lavish proportions?  Maybe while inspecting properties, you came across your “dream home”– yet walked away knowing it was way beyond reach?

These pale into insignificance when we read of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, in Revelation 21.  As we saw last week, the new thing always replaces the old.

From the days of King David, the old city of Jerusalem was the focal point for the people of Israel.  It’s where the temple was, the dwelling place of God in the midst of his people.  It was the city from which God declared his plans and purposes for his people.

A classic example is this vision of Isaiah, a picture of heaven for God’s ancient people:
This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 
In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.  
Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob.  He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.  They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.  (Isaiah 2:1-4 NIV)

The New Jerusalem John describes in Revelation 21 echoes this promise.  John tells us of the splendour and extravagance of the celestial city.  The imagery makes it clear that heaven is the most fantastic place imaginable: gold and jasper as clear as glass…. gates made of single pearls… and foundations decorated with jewels and gems.  The place God has prepared for us transcends anything we will ever experience here on earth.

Yet, more importantly God and his people will be together forever!  Nothing will ever separate the bride and the Lamb!  There will be no more wars or conflict, but perfect peace.

There will no need for a temple, because we will bask in the glory of the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb.  All who have trusted in God and followed Jesus will be there too!  Indeed, all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be home at last!

Come along on Sunday and get a taste of what God has prepared for those who love him!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Revelation 21:9-14, 22 – 27
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.

Support for Family Hub
This Sunday is food collection at both services in support of LCC Family Hub.

The items listed below are required by the Family Hub to support families in need in the local area:
Pasta sauces
Bake beans
Spaghetti
Small tubs spreadable margarine
Cheese – slices, block, grated
SR flour – for cooking class
Tinned vegetables – not corn
Meals in a can
Large tins of tuna

In this cold weather the Family Hub are urgently in need of warm blankets to distribute to families in need.  These can be included with the food collection on Sunday.

IN NEED OF WOOL
Do you have some spare wool which you no longer need?  The school are looking for bright colourful wool to use for “Wednesday Woolies” activities.  If you have some wool which you could spare, please drop it to the church or school office with a note saying “Wednesday Woolies”.  Thank you

From the Office

Replacement of Cafe Floor
Due to issues with the cafe flooring, which in future would be expensive for the congregation to rectify, the cafe flooring will be replaced at no cost to the congregation.  This will occur between the 3rd and 12th of July.  During this time access to the hall and worship centre via the cafe will not be possible.  The kitchen can be utilised by access through the hall.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) with a difference!
Sunday 26th May, 2.00 pm at Bethlehem House in the city.  Please note change of day and time.  German cabinetmakers and their Australian heritage . As a keen collector of Barossa and other colonial furniture, Dr Jim Bertouch tells the story of local furniture makers, illustrating the native timbers, style, construction methods and traditional finishes used by German craftsmen to make their work so distinctive.  All welcome, gold coin donation, supper.

Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia
All Healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting on Monday 27th May 2019, with Evie Proeve presenting 'Development Education'.   7.30pm at 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide, at LCA/SA District Office.  Entry through rear door with 2 hour CDP evidence provided.  Rose Howard,Secretary LNAA Mobile: 0410 463 649

“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours."

1 Chronicles 29:11

When God Makes Everything New

“Things don’t last as long as they used to!” How many times have you said this about clothes, shoes, tools, or electrical appliances?  Yet no matter how well something is made, with regular use over time, it will wear out.  The new item will replace the old.

At present, we do not live in a perfect world.  Creation and humanity are damaged and broken.  In Romans 8, Paul says that the creation groans and longs for its liberation from decay
(Rom 8:19-22).  As our bodies get older and wear out, we join in the groaning, looking forward to when God will make all things new again – including us!

In our Sunday reading from Revelation 21, we discover this wonderful declaration from God about how things will be at the end for his people and his creation: “I am making everything new!” (Rev 21:5 NIV)

A new thing always replaces an old thing.  A new car replaces an old one.  New clothes replace dirty rags.  A new love makes all previous loves obsolete.

The same is true when God eliminates evil and suffering, and brings us into perfection.  When God brings all things in heaven and on earth under Christ, everything will be brand new, wondrous, exciting – and fit for eternity.

As Paul writes: “… our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20-21 NIV)

Come along this Sunday to be refreshed with hope, and to realise our role in God’s restoration plan of making everything new.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Revelation 21:1-6 
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.

Congregation and School AGM’s
The AGM’s of the congregation and school will be held this Sunday May 19th at 12:30pm.  The Maranatha Team will provide a soup lunch for sale after the second service.

Main items for the congregational meeting:
• Presentation of 2018 audited accounts
• Report from Pastor Reid
• Election of SYNOD delegates

IN NEED OF WOOL
Do you have some spare wool which you no longer need?  The school are looking for bright colourful wool to use for “Wednesday Woolies” activities.  If you have some wool which you could spare, please drop it to the church or school office with a note saying “Wednesday Woolies”.  Thank you

Support for Family Hub Sunday 26th May
The items listed below are required by the Family Hub to support families in need in the local area:
Pasta sauces
Bake beans
Spaghetti
Small tubs spreadable margarine
Cheese – slices, block, grated
SR flour – for cooking class
Tinned vegetables – not corn
Meals in a can
Large tins of tuna

Thanks from the Family Hub
Please pass on our continued thanks for the fantastic support.

We had a request from a migrant family with 6 children – they have been cuddling at night to keep warm.  Although we had been on the lookout for blankets and bedding it hadn’t come through.  One of the lovely volunteers from Para Vista bought me some blankets – thank you.  We received the thanks and the hugs and wiped away the tears.  The volunteer thought outside the box and helped!

Could you also thank the lady who bought in the box of nappies – she will be pleased to know they have supported a very fragile family.

If you have spare blankets that are no longer required the Family Hub could make good use of them.  They can be added to the food collection on Sunday May 26th or left at church any Sunday or dropped into the church office.

Good Shepherd Community Library up and running again!
The library contains over 2,000 items – books, devotional material, Bible study resources, DVDs, CDs, Christian fiction, biographies and a variety of resources for children.

To search for resources on the digital catalogue, follow the instructions attached to the screen of the computer in the library.

To register as a borrower, if you have not already done so, write your name and contact details on a borrowing slip and place it in the box provided. These details will then be entered into the library computer programme and you will be able to borrow.

To borrow from the library, either follow the instructions on the borrowing slips provided, or use the computer and follow the instructions attached to the screen.

To return resources that have been borrowed, place them in the plastic RETURN ITEMS HERE crate in the library.

If you have any questions, write them on a piece of paper and place them in the borrowing slip box, or send an email to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.

From the Office

Professional Standards Certificates
Thank you to the number of Good Shepherd community who completed professional standards training earlier this year.  Your service and involvement in God’s work in our community ministries and your commitment to participating in the care and protection of all is particularly important and valued by us.

For those who completed the training, certificates are now available to collect from the church office.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) with a difference!
Sunday 26th May, 2.00 pm at Bethlehem House in the city.  Please note change of day and time.  German cabinetmakers and their Australian heritage . As a keen collector of Barossa and other colonial furniture, Dr Jim Bertouch tells the story of local furniture makers, illustrating the native timbers, style, construction methods and traditional finishes used by German craftsmen to make their work so distinctive.  All welcome, gold coin donation, supper.

Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia
All Healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting on Monday 27th May 2019, with Evie Proeve presenting 'Development Education'.   7.30pm at 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide, at LCA/SA District Office.  Entry through rear door with 2 hour CDP evidence provided.  Rose Howard,Secretary LNAA Mobile: 0410 463 649

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22-23

The Centre of the Throne

Two weeks ago, Pastor Rolly began our series, Kingdom, Power and Glory, by giving us a glance into the book of Revelation, expounding on the fact that Revelation is steeped in Old Testament symbolism and theology.  Almost the entire book, or revelatory vision, has echoes of the Old Testament and Hebrew understanding.  This week, that understanding is played out in Revelation 7 where John wonders with one of the elders around the throne who all the people are.  Listen with me:

They have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb… Never again will they hunger or thirst; the sun will not beat down on them nor any scorching heat.  For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ (Rev. 7:14b, 16,17)

This passage jumps out of the page at us in the 21st century because it tells us that in the end, God will take all things into himself and even go so far as to erase hunger, thirst, heat and pain.  No matter how much we try to ignore these things, they are constants in our Western culture, but God draws the hungry and the thirsty and the overheated and the one driven mad by anguish and invites them to a place of serenity.

For the ancient Hebrew mind, they would recognise that this scripture is almost a direct quotation from the book of Isaiah which reminds the Israelites that even in exile, God will call them back – back home, where he comforts them, nourishes and sustains them and finally… takes away all their pain.

This week as we delve into the bedrock of the future beauty of God’s heavenly reign in the Lamb, we’re going to look at the scenery of heaven – and the furniture therein.  As the people who have suffered greatly for their faith surround God’s throne and are overwhelmed with praise, how does this throne symbolically help us to see God’s kingship and kingdom.

God’s Peace,

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Revelation 7:9-17
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.

Sympathies
We extend our sympathies and prayers of comfort for Mary Egyud and her family as they grieve the loss of her mother, Ana Kolar.

Monday Night Bread Roster
We are looking for volunteers to join the bread run on Monday evenings once every couple of months.  The role involves collecting bread bags from the store room (this could be done on a Sunday), picking up bread from a bakery at Tea Tree Plaza at 5.50pm and bringing the bread back to the kitchen at Good Shep.  If you are able to help please contact Anthea Courtney via the churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.

Congregation and School AGM’s
The AGM’s of the congregation and school will be held next Sunday May 19th at 12:30pm.  The Maranatha Team will provide a soup lunch for sale after the second service. Information re the congregational meeting will be available this Sunday May 11th and emailed to members.
Main items for the congregational meeting:
• Presentation of 2018 audited accounts
• Report from Pastor Reid
• Election of SYNOD delegates

Support for Family Hub
Plant sale - the plant sale was a great success.  The proceeds of the sale were $503.  This was delivered to the Family Hub this week.  It will be used to support their creche programme which was defunded last year by the government.  The creche is essential as it enables the Hub to provide child care while parents attend courses. Thank you to Joan McCarthy for her organization of the stall, to all who helped on the stall and supported it by purchasing plants.

Food collection - thank you again for your very generous support of the food collection programme.  It brought great joy to the workers at the Hub knowing there was support from our congregation as they often feel as though they are struggling alone.  It also means they can continue to support the many families in need.

Date for your diary - fundraising for the Family Hub - Saturday August 17th a fun filled Karaoke night.  More details to come.

Give Aways
As we continue to upgrade the play area we identify equipment that is no longer required.  On several tables in the hall is equipment that is no longer required.  If you would like any of these items, please write your name on the paper provided and place on the floor behind the tables with the tape provided.  These will be displayed till next Sunday and then disposed.

Good Shepherd Community Library up and running again!
The library contains over 2,000 items – books, devotional material, Bible study resources, DVDs, CDs, Christian fiction, biographies and a variety of resources for children.

To search for resources on the digital catalogue, follow the instructions attached to the screen of the computer in the library.

To register as a borrower, if you have not already done so, write your name and contact details on a borrowing slip and place it in the box provided. These details will then be entered into the library computer programme and you will be able to borrow.

To borrow from the library, either follow the instructions on the borrowing slips provided, or use the computer and follow the instructions attached to the screen.

To return resources that have been borrowed, place them in the plastic RETURN ITEMS HERE crate in the library.

If you have any questions, write them on a piece of paper and place them in the borrowing slip box, or send an email to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au.

From the Office

Professional Standards Certificates
Thank you to the number of Good Shepherd community who completed professional standards training earlier this year.  Your service and involvement in God’s work in our community ministries and your commitment to participating in the care and protection of all is particularly important and valued by us.

For those who completed the training, certificates are now available to collect from the church office.

Notice Board

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) with a difference!
Sunday 26th May, 2.00 pm at Bethlehem House in the city.  Please note change of day and time.  German cabinetmakers and their Australian heritage . As a keen collector of Barossa and other colonial furniture, Dr Jim Bertouch tells the story of local furniture makers, illustrating the native timbers, style, construction methods and traditional finishes used by German craftsmen to make their work so distinctive.  All welcome, gold coin donation, supper.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

1 Peter 5:10

Praise to the Lamb

Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.  And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’  But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it…
Rev. 5:1-3

Even in an age of technological wizardry, most people have a fascination with scrolls.  When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, people flocked to wonder what the mysterious words could be on the fragments that had been buried for thousands of years.  Would the mystery of faith be revealed?  Would the scroll give directions to another buried treasure?

In Revelation 5, we are presented with the intrigue of ‘the one who sits on the throne’ holding a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals.  Many of us who might read this will move quickly past so that we can catch a glimpse of the mysterious words inside, but on this scroll, the viewer is intrigued that there is writing on both sides.

What is this about?  The scriptures have been revealed, but perhaps the symbolism is that what is inside is the final word, the last ‘Big Reveal’ of God’s immense end to time and the beginning of eternity.  It’s sealed with seven seals, and as we heard from Pastor Rolly last week, that means it is sealed perfectly.

So perfectly, in fact, that no one on earth, above or below it, can open it.  Only the one with the power to do it.

Who is this?  Who is it that will reveal God’s last and final word of judgement and promise?  What are these words?

Journey with us this week for the second segment of the series, The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, to hear and see what is revealed.

Dr. Tania Nelson, CEO of the LCA’s Local Mission, will be our preacher this weekend.  We are grateful to Dr. Nelson for her in depth look into the revelatory scroll.

Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Revelation 5:1-14

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.

Volunteers Needed for Toolbox Parenting Creche
Can you assist with caring for a small number of pre school children in the parenting room on the mornings of either the 7th and/or 14th May?  Please contact Chelsea 8263 5087 or the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au if you can help.  Thank you.

Support for Family Hub
A plant stall will be operating after both services this Sunday.

Date for your diary - fundraising for the Family Hub - Saturday August 17th a fun filled Karaoke night.  More details to come.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
7th May at 1pm.  Bible study with Pastor Reid.  Finalising program for convention.  Trading table.

Monday Night Bread Roster
We are looking for volunteers to join the bread run on Monday evenings once every couple of months.  The role involves collecting bread bags from the store room (this could be done on a Sunday), picking up bread from a bakery at Tea Tree Plaza at 5.50pm and bringing the bread back to the kitchen at Good Shep.  If you are able to help please contact Anthea Courtney via the church office or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Congregation and School AGM’s
The AGM’s of the congregation and school will be held on Sunday May 19th at 12:30.  The Maranatha Team will provide a soup lunch after the second service.  Information re the congregational meeting will be available in hard copy on Sunday May 11th and emailed to members early in the following week.

Main items for the congregational meeting:
• Presentation of 2018 audited accounts
• Video report from Pastor Reid
• Election of SYNOD delegates

Good Shepherd Community Library up and running again!
The library contains over 2,000 items – books, devotional material, Bible study resources, DVDs, CDs, Christian fiction, biographies and a variety of resources for children.

To search for resources on the digital catalogue, follow the instructions attached to the screen of the computer in the library.

To borrow from the library, either follow the instructions on the borrowing slips provided, or use the computer and follow the instructions attached to the screen.

To return resources that have been borrowed, place them in the plastic RETURN ITEMS HERE crate in the library.

Opportunities to Share Gifts and Talents
Over the course of Lent and Easter we enjoyed considering perspectives of a range of people from the Bible, brought to life by a variety of people in our community who shared their gifts and talents with us in quite a dramatic way!  Thank you to each and every one of you!

But it has got me thinking…

We would like to continue to offer opportunities for people to share their gifts and talents, through skits or dramas and other creative means.  You might have been watching others, thinking to yourself, “I could do that!”

If you, or someone you know, are interested in participating in skits or similar, please let me know.

I would love to hear from you!  Please come and have a chat or drop me a line sharing your interest. My email is georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au

I look forward to catching up!  Blessings on your day.  Georgie

From the Office
Facilities Maintenance
After the success of the team at the working bee there are still a few maintenance items to be completed.  If you have time and skills please let the Admin Manager or the office know if you are able to assist with any of the following:
• Gardening
o Bushes along eastern fence need trimming back to fence height
o Front garden needs some tending
• Run a new data cable from the church building to the LED sign
• Repair some raised paving
o Under LED sign, along footpath outside main office and main walkway by bus shelter
• Install hand rails in the men’s toilets
• Repair Screen in Hall
• Install pinup board in library area
• Install pin boards in the toilet corridor
• Identify water leak above main front entry area
• Clean gutters
• External clean of windows

Notice Board

What is MulitLit? How can I help?

Are you looking for a way to help at Good Shepherd? Do you have a spare 30min a week to assist students with their reading? We are currently looking for volunteers to train to become MultiLit Reading Tutors. You can come at any time that suits you, once a week or more. Training for this program will take place on Monday 13th May from 9am until 10am in the Learning Support Room.
MultiLit is a reading intervention program that has been used at Good Shepherd for a number of years, it involves students working through two books at their own individual level. Volunteers (reading tutors) receive training and support in the program, these volunteers are made up of parents, our Lutheran School Officers (LSO’s) and both myself and our other Learning Support Coordinator (Trish Stewart). The program runs until the students complete both books. We currently have approximately 45 students from Years 2 to 6 on the MultiLit program. We have found the program to be greatly successful.
Please register your interest by emailing myself anne.carter@gspv.sa.edu.au for the training on Monday 13th May. I look forward to working with you all as we continue to support the students at Good Shepherd with their learning.
Anne Carter
Learning Support Coordinator

 “In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword.  His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.”

Revelation 1:16

The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory Who's in Charge?

When God’s people are under the pump, questions arise:  “Why is this happening to us?  Is God still in charge?  Is Jesus still Lord?  Why doesn’t God do something? How long do we have to put up with this?”

John received visions from God for his people in distress, and was commanded to write them down.  We find them in the last book of the Bible: Revelation.  It contains pictures and visions difficult to fathom.  Yet the most important things are still crystal clear!

This type of literature is called “apocalyptic” which means uncover/reveal.  The aim of this pictorial and symbolic language is to reveal God’s perspective of reality – so we can find comfort knowing God is with us, and hope in God’s promises for our future.

Much of the imagery is from the Old Testament.  According to Dr John Strelan: ‘…of the 404 verses in Revelation, 275 contain one or more allusions to the Old Testament.’1   For those seeking to destroy God’s people – unfamiliar with the Hebrew Scriptures and code words like Babylon for Rome - the symbols and language would have seemed like nonsense.

The unfolding drama of the book describes the dilemma for Christians, God’s judgements on their persecutors, and clarity about the ultimate destiny for God’s faithful people.

This Sunday we ask the question: Who’s in Charge? as part one of our new worship series: The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory.  We want to get the attention off ourselves, and onto the living God.  We want to remember who we are as God’s people, to do life more intentionally with God, and to live for God’s glory.

I invite you to read through Revelation, to discuss it, and to realise that in Christ you are caught up in God’s forever story for his world.  No matter what tribulations we experience, Jesus has got us covered – from here to eternity.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: Revelation 1:4-18  (Compare: Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 25:31-33, Mark 14:60-64)
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 
1 John G Strelan, Where Heaven Meets Earth - A Commentary on Revelation, (Openbook, 1994), 30.

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.

Easter Car Parking Thank You
Thank you to the attendees who parked on the school oval allowing our guests to park in allocated parking spaces for all services.

Opportunities to Share Gifts and Talents
Over the course of Lent and Easter we enjoyed considering perspectives of a range of people from the Bible, brought to life by a variety of people in our community who shared their gifts and talents with us in quite a dramatic way!  Thank you to each and every one of you!

But it has got me thinking…

We would like to continue to offer opportunities for people to share their gifts and talents, through skits or dramas and other creative means.  You might have been watching others, thinking to yourself, “I could do that!”

If you, or someone you know, are interested in participating in skits or similar, please let me know.

I would love to hear from you!  Please come and have a chat or drop me a line sharing your interest. My email is georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au

I look forward to catching up!  Blessings on your day  Georgie

Support for Family Hub
Below is a list of food required by the Hub this month.  This allows them to support the many families who require assistance simply to put food on the table.

Pasta sauces
2 minute noodles
Cans of spaghetti, bake beans
Cans of vegetables – (not corn thanks)
Muesli bars
Dishwashing liquid

After Sunday one young person said to her mum please don't give me Easter eggs for Easter.  I would rather the money so I can buy some food items to support the Family Hub.

If you are available to help sort and transport goods to the Family Hub it would be greatly appreciated.  Meet at the church at 9:30am on Monday April 29th.

Two dates for your diary - fundraising for the Family Hub
• the ever popular Plant Stall after both services on Sunday May 5th
• Saturday August 17th a fun filled Karaoke night.  More details as we get closer to the date.

Ladies Fellowship Meeting
7th May at 1pm.  Bible study with Pastor Reid.  Finalising program for convention.  Trading table.

LWSA/NT Convention

18th May at 9am at Good Shepherd.  All welcome
Theme:  Radiant with Hope (Romans 15:13)
BYO lunch and cup






Woolies Earn and Learn Campaign

Good Shepherd Lutheran School is participating in the Woolies Earn and Learn program again this year.  Between 1st May and 25th June, shoppers at Woolworth’s supermarkets are given a sticker for each $10.00 spent in store, which in turn can be redeemed for classroom teaching aids such as maths and science equipment, sporting equipment or musical instruments.  Individual stickers or completed sticker sheets are being collect by the school via a box in the front office.  Any contributions to our sticker collection, no matter how small, would be gratefully appreciated.

Entertainment Books

2019/2020 Entertainment Book fundraising is happening again this year.  Books are available from the Good Shepherd Lutheran School office.  The price is $70.00 for a book or digital membership, which will quickly be recovered by the thousands of discount vouchers available. 
Payment may be in cash or online via the link here.

To register for this course go to: https://forms.gle/TsXdcyNipiv1WmU8A
Payment assistance is available.

From the Office

Our Mission Vision Support Plan (MVSP) has kicked off to a great start.  Thank you for your willingness to invest directly into different ministries here at the Good Shepherd community.

I’m excited
About the graph below indicating the areas that require support and how you have supported them.  This is a working graph and will be updated at the end of each month.  We have received donations other than monetary as well.

This month, April, we are focusing on potential ministries for the café.

Clearly marked envelopes are available from our Worship Hosts or the host desks for your gifts. Envelopes can be placed on the collection plate or handed into the office during office hours.  Please remember to mark the envelope with your ministry of choice.  Donating via direct debit using the following information:

BSB 704942
Acct# 129523 (add S1 for internal LLL transfers)
Acct Name Para Vista Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Operating

Please ensure the reference includes the ministry area.  Donations without clear reference will be classed as general income.  Remember this is not intended to be a substitute from your normal offering but is allowing you to grow your ministry area of choice and not detract from the great things already happening within our community.

Have you seen
The Posters that indicate what Ministries need support and how you have helped.

Notices for Display BLU TAC
Please remember to pass through the front office first any information you wish to leave in the café or on the noticeboards.  Any notices that are not passed through the front office will be removed.  Good Shepherd has a policy to refrain from using Blu Tac or cello tape on any surface in the building other than glass.  Your assistance in complying with this is appreciated. Thank you.

Notice Board

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8