Jesus is the Only Son who is the LORD

From ancient times till today, two questions have often been asked about Jesus:

1.  “How could the Creator God share our human life?”
Many religions and philosophies assert that the Creator God would not get tangled up in our human flesh.  In the first Century AD, some claimed that Jesus only seemed to have a body, and therefore did not experience hunger, thirst, or pain.  What do you think?

2.  “Is Jesus the Son of God really God?”
Many today assume that Jesus was a great teacher, a kind person, a great moral example – but still just a man.  In the early 300’s AD, a chap named Arius claimed that Jesus was the first being of God’s creation – and therefore lesser than God.  What do you think?

“What’s so special, unique or amazing about Jesus?”  How would you answer the question?

The accounts of Jesus in the New Testament make it clear that in the light of Jesus’ claims, teachings, miracles, death and resurrection, the Jewish disciples who witnessed these events confessed Jesus as the Son of God and LORD (Greek: kurios).

In our worship series on The Creed, this month we’re taking a closer look at Jesus the Son of God.  Last week Pr Reid asked the question: “Who do you say Jesus is?”

It is one of the most important questions of all!

Luther’s answer:
 “I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord.
  He is truly God – he has always been the Son of the Father.
  He is also a real human being, the Virgin Mary’s son.”

I invite you to read and reflect on our readings for this Sunday, and join us as we celebrate the life and love of God that is ours forever in Jesus.

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Reading: John 1:14-18,  Matthew 22:41-46
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.

Ladies Fellowship
Congregation members are invited to “Experience life in PNG” through the eyes and work of nursing sister Margaret Voigt, guest speaker Tuesday 6th August at 1pm.  Coffee and afternoon tea will be served.

Karaoke Night to Support the Family Hub

• This will be held on Saturday August 17th at 7:30.  All proceeds will go to the Family Hub to support their work among the needy families in Ingle Farm.

• Early bird ticket price is $10 if purchased before July 31st.  Tickets are on sale in the hall after both services each Sunday.

• Part of the fun on the night will be a  fabulous wine auction.  Donations of wine for the auction will be greatly appreciated. These can be left in the church office or given to Eric Hofmanis or John Dolling.

From the Office

Cafe Repairs
The replacement of the cafe floor has been completed and this area is now back in full operation.  Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the repairs.

A reminder if you shift furniture in the cafe area please return to its original position after use.

Redevelopment of Facilities
Except for a roof leak we are close to finally signing off on the redevelopment.  Hopefully this should occur in the next few weeks.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Dr Robert Heimann, a professional genealogist from Germany, presents the story of the persecuted French Reformed ‘Huguenots’ in exile, “Wandering between the Lines”.  Many found refuge in German lands, and some joined the German migrations to Australia – and even into the Lutheran Church.  Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday 15th July, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city.  Supper and gold coin donation.  All most welcome.

Lutheran Nurses (LNAA)
All healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting on Monday 29th July with Pastor Michael Prenzler presenting 'Adelaide Deaf Community Church', 7.30 pm 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.

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, … he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. … a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus the Christ

C. S. Lewis wrote in his book, Mere Christianity:

You can make your choice.  Either this man was, and is, the son of God: or else a madman or something worse.  You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call him Lord and God.  But let us not come with any patronising nonsense about His being a great human teacher.  He has not left that open to us.  He did not intend to.

Lewis has taken the question that Jesus asks, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ and adds quite a bit of pepper to it.

In our 21st century world (as well as Lewis’ 20th century one), Jesus’ question is almost always responded to with a ‘soft soap’ answer.  “He was a great moral teacher.  He was a great pacifist.  He was a social activist.”  But rarely, will you hear the words ‘Lord and Saviour, Son of God,’ in the broader world.

Some of this has to do about how we, as Christians, answer the question that Jesus asks.

This week, read chapters 6 and 7 of the book of John and dig a little deeper under your own skin, in your own soul.  Who do you say that Jesus is?

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: John 6: 60-69 John 7:37-44
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
Thank you for your continued fantastic support last week for the food and blanket collection for the Family Hub.  Kathleen was amazed at the generous support of the congregation.  With the advent of winter there are constant calls for extra food.

This was a real team effort.
• fantastic donations of food and blankets
• the transform group sorting the donations
• the transporting of goods to the Family Hub

The donations brought a smile to all at the Hub.

You could also support the Hub by having an enjoyable Karaoke Night at the church on Saturday August 17th.  All proceeds to support the work of the Hub.

From the Office

Replacement of Cafe Floor
The replacement of the cafe floor has commenced and should be finished by Friday next week. During this time this area cannot be accessed except for turning on and off the lights.  If workers are present check first before entering to access the lights.

Movement restrictions:
• Sunday there will no entry directly from the courtyard.  Entry will be via the door by the church office
• Entry to the hall will be through the door in the operable wall at the back of the church or via the Montague Road foyer.
• Morning tea will be served at the servery between the kitchen and hall.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives
Dr Robert Heimann, a professional genealogist from Germany, presents the story of the persecuted French Reformed ‘Huguenots’ in exile, “Wandering between the Lines”.  Many found refuge in German lands, and some joined the German migrations to Australia – and even into the Lutheran Church.  Come along to the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday 15th July, 7.30 pm at Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city.  Supper and gold coin donation.  All most welcome.

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

John 30:31

Spirit of Truth

When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.  He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

John 16:13

Jack Nicholson, in one of his most famous roles as Colonel Nathan R. Jessup in the movie, A Few Good Men, screams at the top of his lungs at the young upstart lawyer played by
Tom Cruise, “You can’t handle the truth!”

Nicholson, in his role of defending the country in Cuba, makes the point that most people would like to be ignorant of the difficulties that go on around them.  No matter how much they proclaim that they might like to be given brutal honesty, in practice, most people cannot, in fact, handle the truth.  So, they accept the convenient lie.

Sometimes these lies are subtle and devious.  Our culture speaks in serpent-like hisses, “If you try hard enough, you can do anything!  You are the most important person in the universe; go and grab the world by the horns!  If you just eat right, exercise right, live right, you will never die!  If you have to believe in a god, make it the one that offers you the most freedom – graceful, self-absorbed living, from the confines of your spiritual armchairs.  Just change the channel if the god (idol) you’ve chosen doesn’t give you what you want.”

But the Holy Spirit, the living Breath of God, is the Spirit of truth and speaks a vastly different message to the disciples of two thousand years ago, and the disciples of today.  The truth of the matter is, every breath that you take is a gift of God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.  ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.’  (Philippians 2:3)  You will all experience death, and the odds are, you will not like it.  And, the truth of the matter is, there is only one God, and we believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, who promises us that the cross is planted squarely in the middle of our personal Gardens of Eden.

As we look at the closing verses of the third article of the Apostle’s Creed this week, we’re going to look into the painful truth that the Holy Spirit brings to us in God’s word to the Apostle John.  Please bring your Bibles this week, because we’ll be looking at passages from Romans and the book of John.

Come, ready for transformation in truth.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: John 16:7-15
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 at the combined service will be the monthly food collection in support of the Family Hub.  This support is invaluable to allow the Family Hub to support families in need especially in the cold winter months.  Thank for your generous support for the previous months’ collections

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

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

John 16:13

The Universal Church

In the year 325, a gathering of bishops (a flock? a pod?  I don’t know what that would be.) came together in Nicea to draw together the unifying beliefs of the church.  Over the first centuries of Christianity, various groups and individuals were divided on all sorts of things, even about the divinity of Jesus, so the council introduced the Nicean Creed which was supposed to decide once and for all the things that are basic to the faith.

And yet, throughout millennium to follow, groups and individuals persisted to have differing ideas and thoughts about the scriptures and how they were interpreted with regards to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Eventually, during the Reformation, new denominations were born which each believed that they were the ‘true church’ – the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church.

Today, we’re going to take an in depth look at this piece of the Nicean Creed.  As the Holy Spirit gives us life, he then moves us toward the Church.  But what is this Church?  What is the role description of the congregation?  How does the Church make a difference in the universe?
Make sure that you bring your Bibles this week (and the weeks to come) as we peer into Ephesians, chapter 3 and the revealed mystery in the Church and in Christ Jesus.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: John 17:13-18, Ephesians 3:7-11
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
• Next food collection will be Sunday 30th June at the combined 10:30am service.  In next week's Weekly News and via email there will be a list of items that will assist the Family Hub in supporting the needy families in the area.

• Our major Fund Raiser this year in support of the Family Hub is a Karaoke night in the hall on Saturday 17th August.  More details will be provided as we get closer to the date.  Part of the evening will be a wine auction.  Any donations of wine would be appreciated.  These can be left in the church office or given to one of the Team - Joan McCarthy, Eric Hofmanis, Sonia Hulme, Lorraine Johns or John Dolling.

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.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 10:24-25

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