Strength as we go

Sooner or later life has a way of throwing something at us that is way beyond our capacity to deal with. It will feel like a weight that is too heavy to carry and we will look for ways to find
the strength to get through. The good news is that God wants to give us the strength we need to do the hard things in life. The Bible says, ‘God gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. … Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.’ (Isaiah 40: 29, 31)

How do we access God’s strength to do the hard things that feel beyond us? Jesus provides
an answer to this question. He faced many challenges along the way but none were greater than dying on the cross for our sin. How did Jesus find the strength to do this?

Jesus found God’s strength through prayer. Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to pray. So
it is no surprise then to see Jesus going off to pray the night before he died on the cross. His prayer reveals the struggle he was going through. “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42)

Jesus was asking God for another way; a way that would be easier for him. At the same time Jesus submitted himself to God’s will whatever the outcome of his prayer. God’s will was to bring all people back to him and for this to be possible Jesus would have to die on the cross for our sin. God could not give Jesus another. Instead, God answered Jesus’ prayer by giving him the strength to go his way to the cross. We read, ‘Then an angel appeared and strengthened him.’ (Luke 22:43)

We are not sure how the angel strengthened Jesus, but when he had finished praying he got up and walked back to his disciples where his enemies arrived at the same time to arrest him. Jesus could have run away but he chose to walk straight into the hands of the people who would kill him. He trusted God to give him the strength he needed for every step to the cross. God’s strength would come as he in faith did what he knew God wanted him to do.

Jesus shows that prayer is vital for connecting us to God’s strength. Have you prayed about your current challenges? Even if you have never prayed before, God hears you and you may be surprised by the way he answers you.

God’s strength comes as we go. God’s strength comes as we take him at his word and do what we know we have to do no matter how hard it is. You will be amazed at what God enables you to do if you just take the first step.

Why not take some time today to pray about what you feel is too hard and when and you have finished get up and take the first step needed trusting that God will give you the strength as you go?

Pastor Noel Kluge

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Reaping what you sow” as we continue the series “What’s in your hands?” Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Luke 6:37-38; 2 Kings 4:1-7

New Personal Journal Available in Worship
Each week we have Activity Folders available for kids who stay in the service. During the school holidays and going forward there will be a new Personal Journal handout available for older kids and youth to interact with and respond to the services. Please make sure you try these out!


Kingdom Kids will not be meeting this week as it is school holidays! We hope you enjoy worshipping our amazing God together in the services!

Kingdom Kids Celebration Service
Planning is well under way for our Kingdom Kids Celebration Service this year with a theme of ‘Make Room for the Saviour’. Make sure you book in the date of Sunday 30th of November (10:30am service) which is the first week of Advent. More info will be out soon about how you can get involved!! It’s going to be an amazing time to share as a family with lots of different ways to participate.

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Interested in supporting our local Christian Pastoral Support Workers? 
Earlier this year, four CPSW workers shared at our Sunday morning service the difference they are making in their school communities.  Inspirational!

The local board that supports and helps resource our local CPSW’s is made up of representatives from local churches.  This board is called SHIN: Salisbury Hills Interchurch Network.  In recent years, Good Shepherd has been represented by Pr Noel, Dean Eaton, and for the last three years your truly.

Since I intend to finish up on SHIN at the end of 2014, I am keen to find another person from Good Shepherd to take my place. SHIN currently meets bi-monthly on a Thursday night at Ingle Farm Salvation Army centre (cnr of Bridge and Maxwell roads).  Normally 5-8 people attend, and meetings run for 1-2 hours, including visits and reports from our local CPSW’s. 

SHIN is also looking for a new treasurer for 2015. If you have served on a governance team in the past, or have gifts in admin, supervision, communication or finance –- and are even ‘just a little’ interested –- I would love to hear from you.   

Pr Rolly Stahl

From the Office

Air conditioners
The evaporative coolers in the church have been opened for the summer months.  Overview instructions for use are situated on the wall next to the controllers. If you experience any problem using the units please inform the administration manager during office hours or leave a note in the communications book in the hall kitchen.

Time-Out Devotion Book
Pre orders for the 2015 devotion book “Time Out. God calls” are now being taken. The books will be available early in December for $22 per copy.

The book provides Christian devotions by Australian writers for each day of the calendar year. Each meditation, edited by Greg Lockwood, is a “time-out” of about 3 minutes. The devotion writers’ thoughts are life-related and centered on the message of God’s love for people shown in Jesus Christ.

Please advise the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087 to order your copy, by October 20th.

Lutheran Media newsletter
Lutheran Media presents comfort not only to lonely and hurting people, but to everyone through God’s message of hope. Read personal testimonies and other articles of interest in the Lutheran Media newsletter, now in your pigeon hole.


Noticeboard

Organist Meet & Swap
Saturday, 18th October, 2014 12noon to 5pm at Zion Lutheran Church Glynde: 15 Glynburn Rd, Glynde. Cost: $10 for light lunch and refreshments – payable on the day. Registrations due by Friday 10th October to: joymildren@hotmail.com

Sports Carnival
For all young people - Sunday 19th October from 2pm at Golden Grove Lutheran Fellowship
FREE event, including a Jumping Castle! Cricket, Netball, Ultimate Frisbee, Relays.
Followed by a bbq at 5.45pm and a youth worship service at 6.30pm. More information can be found at www.blueprintministries.org.au

Adelaide: Grab a bargain at our annual Garage Sale on 25 October
Gather a group of friends and grab a bargain at Lutheran Community Care's annual Garage Sale on Saturday, 25th October from 9.00am-2.00pm at LCC, 309 Prospect Road, Blair Athol. We will have hundreds of items for sale including clothes, shoes, accessories, electrical items, home wares, bric-a-brac, children's toys and books. We will also have a sausage sizzle and other refreshments available for a small donation. All proceeds from the day will directly benefit our community programs.

Adelaide and Barossa: Sign up now to volunteer with Christmas Hampers
We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the packing and distribution of Christmas Hampers. Packing will take place at the end of November and the hampers will be distributed in December.

If you have time to spare and would like to help those in need this Christmas, please contact our Blair Athol office at 08 8269 9300 or the Barossa office at 08 8562 2688 for more information on how to get involved.


Saturday November 1 - Seminar
Presenting research into young adults in the Lutheran Church
$10 including lunch. This event is open to every congregation member and friend. More information can be found at www.blueprintministries.org.au

Part Time Marketing Officer Vacancy
Enquiries can be made to Karen Granger on 8236 4278 or humanresources@sa.uca.org.au.
Application close date: 13th October 2014 at 4.00pm.

Greater love has no one than this,
that he lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

What about rest?

Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” (Mark 6:31a NLT)

Work is perhaps the most common addiction among Christians! We affirm the value of working hard and doing things well. We want to be faithful servants. We want to make a difference in the lives of others.   

The danger in pumping out stacks of work is that we can end up an empty soul. When constant activities leave no space to register and work through feelings - or nurture our soul - our hearts start to shrivel up. We lose a sense of doing life with God. We get tired and cranky. We lose interest in other people.

Bill Hybels calls it “the shrunken heart syndrome”. He asks, “What’s the good of standing before God at the end of your life with a great big list of accomplishments but a shrivelled up heart?” 

At what point do we say: “That’s enough for today.” Or: “That’s enough for this week.”

In God’s plan, a balance between work and rest is essential for human flourishing. 

I confess that I have not yet mastered this art of healthy balance, but am still “working” towards it.

It starts by turning to God: “Father, my life is out of whack.  Please help me to get some space in my life to let you into my inner world.” It will require discernment of God’s calling in this particular season - and saying “NO” to a bunch of other “good” things. It may require a mentor or friend to help us with accountability. It means regularly finding a quiet place - and resting awhile in the company of Jesus.

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Using God’s Gifts” as we start a new series “What’s in your hands?” Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Timothy 6:17-19


Reminder
Daylight saving time begins this weekend on Sunday 5th October 2014 at 2am. Please set your clocks forward by 1 hour.

New Personal Journal Available in Worship
Each week we have Activity Folders available for kids who stay in the service. During the school holidays and going forward there will be a new Personal Journal handout available for older kids and youth to interact with and respond to the services. Please make sure you try these out!

Kingdom Kids will not be meeting this week as it is school holidays! We hope you enjoy worshipping our amazing God together in the services!

Kingdom Kids Celebration Service
Planning is well under way for our Kingdom Kids Celebration Service this year with a theme of ‘Make Room for the Saviour’. Make sure you book in the date of Sunday 30th of November (10:30am service) which is the first week of Advent. More info will be out soon about how you can get involved!! It’s going to be an amazing time to share as a family with lots of different ways to participate.

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

PVLW Fellowship
Meet again on Tuesday, 7th October at 1:00 in the Para Vista church/hall. Our bible study and business meeting will be followed by a "FLORAL DAY". We are asking that you choose to wear or bring your favourite floral piece to share with us. We hope that you will explain why it is special. Do feel free to bring a friend, neighbour of family member along. We look forward to seeing you.

 
Thank you......thank you.....Thank you from Cebu Mission Fundraising Team
We had so many plants this year for our Spring Plant Stall; we had to keep getting more tables set up! So thankyou to all who donated plants and to all who bought plants.
A big thankyou to Daryl Schaeffer, who supplied us with the beautiful, quality seedlings. 
We raised the wonderful amount of $680!

Next week, we will be sending off to Cebu Mission, the wonderful sum of $5000 from our last few fundraising events and donations. This amount will be very welcome at the Mission, so that they can pay for repairs, or maybe purchase land, or use the money where it is most needed at Inayawan Dump area.

Our next fundraiser will be selling Christmas cards on Sunday 9th November, also some jewellery made in Cebu.

On Sunday 23rd November, we will be having a Sausage Sizzle and Steak Sandwich Day after both morning services. This will be followed by the Half Yearly Meeting at 12.30pm in the church. We will also have the Christmas Cards on sale that day.
The last opportunity to purchase Christmas cards will be on Sunday 7th December.

We look forward to your continued support.
Blessings from the Team
Joan McCarthy
Team Leader

Interested in supporting our local Christian Pastoral Support Workers? 
Earlier this year, four CPSW workers shared at our Sunday morning service the difference they are making in their school communities.  Inspirational!

The local board that supports and helps resource our local CPSW’s is made up of representatives from local churches.  This board is called SHIN: Salisbury Hills Interchurch Network.  In recent years, Good Shepherd has been represented by Pr Noel, Dean Eaton, and for the last three years your truly.

Since I intend to finish up on SHIN at the end of 2014, I am keen to find another person from Good Shepherd to take my place. SHIN currently meets bi-monthly on a Thursday night at Ingle Farm Salvation Army centre (cnr of Bridge and Maxwell roads).  Normally 5-8 people attend, and meetings run for 1-2 hours, including visits and reports from our local CPSW’s. 

SHIN is also looking for a new treasurer for 2015. 

If you have served on a governance team in the past, or have gifts in admin, supervision, communication or finance –- and are even ‘just a little’ interested –- I would love to hear from you.   

Pr Rolly Stahl

Time-Out Devotion Book
Pre orders for the 2015 devotion book “Time Out. God calls” are now being taken. The books will be available early in December for $22 per copy.

The book provides Christian devotions by Australian writers for each day of the calendar year. Each meditation, edited by Greg Lockwood, is a “time-out” of about 3 minutes. The devotion writers’ thoughts are life-related and centered on the message of God’s love for people shown in Jesus Christ.

Please advise the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087 to order your copy, by October 20th.

Noticeboard

Organist Meet & Swap
Saturday, 18th October, 2014 from 12noon to 5pm at Zion Lutheran Church Glynde: 15 Glynburn Rd, Glynde. Cost: $10 for light lunch and Refreshments – payable on the day. Registrations due by Friday 10th October to: joymildren@hotmail.com or post to 8 Cambridge St, Vale Park, 5081

Sports Carnival
For all young people - Sunday 19th October from 2pm at Golden Grove Lutheran Fellowship.
FREE event, including a Jumping Castle! Cricket, Netball, Ultimate Frisbee, Relays.
Followed by a BBQ at 5.45pm and a youth worship service at 6.30pm. More information can be found at www.blueprintministries.org.au

What, then, shall we say in response to this?

If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

Words that bless

Think about all the words you have spoken over the last week. You probably can’t remember most of them. However, there may be some that you do remember because of their impact.
It may have been words of love you shared with your partner or child. It may have been
some hurtful words you blurted out and now regret. It may have been the hard words to an employee who wasn’t performing well. It may have been sad words of tragic news.

While we forget most of the words we speak there are some that we do remember because
of the importance they carry. The book of Proverbs says, ‘The tongue can bring death or life.’ (Proverbs 18:26) We can probably all think of words spoken to us that have in effect killed something in us. It may have been a dream or a plan. We can also think of words that have encouraged us and spurred us on to become something more. These were words of life.

As God’s people we are encouraged to use our words to bring life and blessing to others. The Bible says, ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.’ (Ephesians 4:29) Instead of using our words to put others down, we are to use them to build others up through encouragement and support.

This is not easy to do especially if the person we are speaking to has used their words to hurt us. Our natural response is to hurt back. How do we find the capacity to act in a way that doesn’t always come naturally to us?

The answer is found in hearing God’s words of blessing. As we listen to what God says to us about his incredible love and forgiveness through Jesus, we discover a transforming power that enables us to speak words of blessing to others.

There is a saying that goes, ‘Hurt people, hurt people!’ If we are hurting on the inside it will show in the way we speak and act towards others on the outside. God wants to speak his words of love and forgiveness into our hurts to bring healing and restoration. As this happens we will notice that the tone of our words will begin to change from hurtful to helpful. As the hurt on the inside heals the hurt coming out of us in our words will reduce and be replaced with words that bless others.

While it is always good to think before we speak, the best way to grow in speaking words that bless others is to hear God speaking them to us first. Are you taking the time to hear what God wants to say to you?

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Why is work so hard?” as we continue the series “God in our work” Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Genesis 3:1-13; 16-19; Ecclesiastes 2:22-26a

Term 3 Diary Dates
Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

New Personal Journal Available in Worship
Each week we have Activity Folders available for kids who stay in the service. During the school holidays and going forward there will be a new Personal Journal handout available for older kids and youth to interact with and respond to the services. Please make sure you try these out!

Kingdom Kids will not be meeting this week as it is school holidays! We hope you enjoy worshipping our amazing God together in the services!

Kingdom Kids Celebration Service
Planning is well under way for our Kingdom Kids Celebration Service this year with a theme of ‘Make Room for the Saviour’. Make sure you book in the date of Sunday 30th of November (10:30am service) which is the first week of Advent and more info will be out soon about how you can get involved!! It’s going to be an amazing time to share as a family with lots of different ways to participate.

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

70th Wedding Anniversary! 
God willing Pastor Bill and Melva Stolz will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this Sunday, September 28th. They were members for nearly 20 years at Para Vista, before transferring to Hope Valley. We extend congratulations and wish them God’s continued blessings for their life together. 

Spring Plant Stall
Our Spring Plant Stall will be held again this Sunday 28th September after both morning services.

PVLW Fellowship
Meet again on Tuesday, 7th October at 1:00 in the Para Vista church/hall. Our bible study and business meeting will be followed by a "FLORAL DAY". We are asking that you choose to wear or bring your favourite floral piece to share with us. We hope that you will explain why it is special. Do feel free to bring a friend, neighbour of family member along. We look forward to seeing you.

Board vacancies
The Good Shepherd Board has the responsibility to resource the  Ministry Team, so working in tandem with those who call Good Shepherd their church home, we can further our mission of Reaching into the community with the Gospel. In 2015 there will be several vacancies on the Board. If you are interested in finding out more about what is involved in being a Board member I encourage you to contact John Dolling 0409 819 864 / 8367 5296 / jdolling@bigpond.net.au.

Maranatha support
Last week’s retiring offering to support Maranatha Health as they recommence their work in Uganda totalled $920. We thank for your generous support.

Notes from September Board meeting

• The Board discussed the quote to upgrade the church sign. It was decided to get a further quote
• The Board decided to revisit the Board Strategic plan to see if it required updating
• Policy on Corporate Image and Branding was adopted
• Progress of 2014 budget was discussed. It was noted offerings in August were below budget but budget position for 2014 remained positive
• Pastor Noel shared the exciting news of people new to the faith were joining our community.

Interested in supporting our local Christian Pastoral Support Workers? 
Earlier this year, four CPSW workers shared at our Sunday morning service the difference they are making in their school communities.  Inspirational!

The local board that supports and helps resource our local CPSW’s is made up of representatives from local churches.  This board is called SHIN: Salisbury Hills Interchurch Network.  In recent years, Good Shepherd has been represented by Pr Noel, Dean Eaton, and for the last three years your truly.

Since I intend to finish up on SHIN at the end of 2014, I am keen to find another person from Good Shepherd to take my place. SHIN currently meets bi-monthly on a Thursday night at Ingle Farm Salvation Army centre (cnr of Bridge and Maxwell roads).  Normally 5-8 people attend, and meetings run for 1-2 hours, including visits and reports from our local CPSW’s. 

SHIN is also looking for a new treasurer for 2015. 

If you have served on a governance team in the past, or have gifts in admin, supervision, communication or finance –- and are even ‘just a little’ interested –- I would love to hear from you.   

Pr Rolly Stahl

Noticeboard

Position Vacant
A part time position (6 hours a week) is available at Para Vista Lutheran Homes Inc. for a Maintenance/Handy-person (non-trade). Full details are available from Bill Waring on 0405213460. Please note applications close on Monday, 6th October 2014.

Time-Out Devotion Book
Pre orders for the 2015 devotion book “Time Out. God calls” are now being taken. The books will be available early in December for $22 per copy

The book provides Christian devotions by Australian writers for each day of the calendar year. Each meditation, edited by Greg Lockwood, is a “time-out” of about 3 minutes. The devotion writers’ thoughts are life-related and cantered on the message of God’s love for people shown in Jesus Christ.

Please advise the church office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087 to order your copy, by October 20th.

Foster Care Information Session
Are you able to provide foster care to a child? Come along to a Foster Care Information Session on Wednesday 15th October 2014 from 6.30 – 8.30pm at Golden Grove Lutheran Fellowship (Admin building) Sunnybrook Drive, Wynn Vale. Meet a Carer and hear what it’s
like to open your home to a child or young person in need.
Light refreshments will be provided.

For further information and to RSVP call 8337 8787
Or visit the website: http://www.fostercare.lccare.org.au

Forgive them even if they are not sorry

Mark 11:25

Taking chances

We are currently in the middle of the series ‘God in our work’. Last week I had the privilege of getting to interview people about why they work and how they see their work as service to God and others. My favourite part about doing interviews of this nature is the conversations I get to have with people off-camera as well as on-camera. It was so encouraging to hear each person share about how they see God in their work. A common theme that came out in each of their stories was where there was contact with people there was an opportunity to be Jesus to people and share Jesus’ love.

I think we often limit how we can work for God or what God can work through but really wherever we have contact with people – whether it is at the coffee shop in a break or the petrol station on the way to work, at your workplace, during lunch, in your dealings with clients, at the supermarket or with your family at home – you have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus. God has given us each our own little mission field and he has equipped as with all that we need to be his ambassadors. You probably hear this all the time but Christianity is more about what happens Monday to Saturday than it is about what happens on Sunday.

I wonder what change we could be in our workplace and the lives of others if we came into them with the perspective of being missionaries. What if we tried to share the love and hope of Jesus in our attitudes and our words? What if we worked with excellence and encouraged those around us?

I think we could have a huge impact. I challenge you today to go out with this mindset. Share the awesome love and grace God has given you and remember Jesus promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20).

Emma K.

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Choosing your work” as we continue the series “God in our work” Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Psalm 146, Ephesians 6:5-9

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

Term 3 Diary Dates
Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We URGENTLY need more teachers and helpers in Baby Zone and Kool Zone to make sure our programs are safe and can still run each week! Please pray for this ministry and consider if you can help out once or twice a term and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Spring Plant Stall
Our Spring Plant Stall will be held on Sunday 21st and Sunday 28th September, after both morning services. If you have potted up plants for sale, you can deliver them to the church on Saturday 20th between 10.30am and 12.30pm.  Otherwise bring them to the hall on the Sunday prior to the service you are attending.  Please label your plants with a name and if they flower, a colour of the flower. Thank you for your support.

Card Stall
Various cards will be on sale in the hall this Sunday after both services.

PVLW Fellowship
Meet again on Tuesday, October 7th at 1:00 in the Para Vista church/hall. Our bible study and business meeting will be followed by a "FLORAL DAY". We are asking that you choose to wear or bring your favourite floral piece to share with us. We hope that you will explain why it is special. Do feel free to bring a friend, neighbour of family member along. We look forward to seeing you.

Interested in supporting our local Christian Pastoral Support Workers? 
Earlier this year, four CPSW workers shared at our Sunday morning service the difference they are making in their school communities.  Inspirational!

The local board that supports and helps resource our local CPSW’s is made up of representative from local churches.  This board is called SHIN: Salisbury Hills Interchurch Network.  In recent years, Good Shepherd has been represented by Pr Noel, Dean Eaton, and for the last three years your truly.

Since I intend to finish up on SHIN at the end of 2014, I am keen to find another person from Good Shepherd to take my place. SHIN currently meets bi-monthly on a Thursday night at Ingle Farm Salvation Army centre (cnr of Bridge and Maxwell roads).  Normally 5-8 people attend, and meetings run for 1-2 hours, including visits and reports from our local CPSW’s. 

SHIN is also looking for a new treasurer for 2015. 

If you have served on a governance team in the past, or have gifts in admin, supervision, communication or finance –- and are even ‘just a little’ interested –- I would love to hear from you.   

Pr Rolly Stahl

Noticeboard

Foster Care Information Session
Are you able to provide foster care to a child? Come along to a Foster Care Information Session on Wednesday 15th October 2014 from 6.30 – 8.30pm at Golden Grove Lutheran Fellowship (Admin building) Sunnybrook Drive, Wynn Vale. Meet a Carer and hear what it’s like to open your home to a child or young person in need. Light refreshments will be provided.
For further information and to RSVP call 8337 8787
Or visit the website: http://www.fostercare.lccare.org.au

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
Things happened differently in Queensland. 19th century German migration to Queensland
and the slow process of forming a Lutheran church there. You are all invited to come to the next FoLA gathering to hear Robin Kleinschmidt, a retired Lutheran educator from Queensland, enlighten us on the arrival in Queensland 150 years ago of the first German Lutheran settlers. Bethlehem House, City, 7.30pm, Monday 22nd September. 
Supper and gold coin donation.

For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the LORD,
plans for welfare and not for evil,
to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Praying with your children

How often do you pray with your children?  When do you pray with them? What do you bring to God in prayer with them? These are questions I ponder, particularly as I raise my own children.

Did your parents pray with you when you were a child? When I was growing up, my parents rarely prayed with me except before mealtimes and at church on Sundays. One of the things that God placed on my heart when having children was to help them understand how relevant their faith is to their lives. We pray most nights before bedtime. And some nights we have time to read the Bible and answer a couple of questions with regard to the passage we've read and an application question. Occasionally these times also bring out of my children stuff that's happening in their lives which we can talk about in relation to what God is doing in their life and then pray about it. These are treasured times.

I've just finished reading a book (which you can borrow from our church library) called "Sticky Faith.” It is American but relevant for us as Aussies and current. I enjoyed reading it because it doesn't assume that everything suggested will work for your family. And no two families are the same! There are many suggestions with regard to how you can help your children own their faith.

Prayer plays a big part in this. Prayer is powerful.  Pray without doubting that God will answer your prayers. "Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.’“Matthew 21:21-22 | NIV

So what do we pray about? I try to get my children to pray about things that are bothering them and also for things that they are thankful. We praise God for who He is and thank Him for what He has done for us through Jesus. We pray about what we're sorry for and then we name people that we want the Holy Spirit to be at work in, drawing them closer to Jesus. It can be all over in 5 minutes or it might take a bit longer.

Praying with my children shows them I care about them and what's going on in their lives.  And it reminds them how much God loves them and how much He wants them to grow in His plans and purposes for them. It also keeps me connected to them which is so important as they grow into scary teenagers!!

So how are you going with helping your children own their faith? What about your grandchildren? If you need help, ask God to teach you how and He will. "Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them." Matthew 19:13

Kathy L.

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “What are you working for?” as we start a new series “God in our work” Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Psalm 145:1-17; John 5:16-19

New Parents’ Corner
There is a new Parents’ Corner in the Parenting Room which showcases new resources we have in the children and family section of the library and resources to help you in your faith at home! Please have a look at these while you are in there with your kids. All of these resources are available for borrowing from our very own library up the stairs at the back of the hall!

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

Term 3 Diary Dates
Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

This Sunday Kingdom Kids will be exploring the following topics:

• Baby Zone: I See God’s Love at Church
• Kindy Zone: An Egyptian Move (Genesis 46:1-47:12)
• Kids Zone: David lets Saul live (1 Samuel 24, Psalm 57)
• Kool Zone (Elisha: the widow’s oil, feeding 100 people (2 Kings 4:1-7, 42-44, Matthew 14:13-21)

More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We URGENTLY need more teachers and helpers in Baby Zone and Kool Zone to make sure our programs are safe and can still run each week! Please pray for this ministry and consider if you can help out once or twice a term and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

This Sunday After the 10:30 service
Meet Andrew Sajjabi from Maranatha Health Uganda. Andrew is a rare African man - he loves to cook! He is also an exceptional administrator and manager, and Marantha Health would not be about to launch its new project in Uganda if it weren't for his tireless work. Andrew will be visiting Para Vista with Kim and Michael Findlay this Sunday September 14. Join him for a cuppa and hear about his story and his passion for the people of Uganda. There will be a retiring offering after service to show our support

Spring Plant Stall
Our Spring Plant Stall will be held on Sunday 21st and Sunday 28th September, after both morning services. If you have potted up plants for sale, you can deliver them to the church on Saturday 20th between 10.30am and 12.30pm.  Otherwise bring them to the hall on the Sunday prior to the service you are attending.  Please label your plants with a name and if they flower, a colour of the flower. Thank you for your support.

Noticeboard

Foster Care Information Session
Are you able to provide foster care to a child? Come along to a Foster Care Information Session on Wednesday 15th October 2014 from 6.30 – 8.30pm at Golden Grove Lutheran Fellowship (Admin building), Sunnybrook Drive, Wynn Vale. Meet a Carer and hear what it’s like to open your home to a child or young person in need. Light refreshments will be provided.
For further information and to RSVP call 8337 8787
Or visit our website: http://www.fostercare.lccare.org.au

Adelaide and Barossa: Sign up now to help with Christmas Hampers
We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the packing and distribution of Christmas Hampers. Packing will take place at the end of November and the hampers will be distributed in December.

If you have time to spare and would like to help those in need this Christmas, please contact our Blair Athol office at 08 8269 9300 or the Barossa office at 08 8562 2688 for more information on how to get involved.

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
Things happened differently in Queensland. 19th century German migration to Queensland
and the slow process of forming a Lutheran church there. You are all invited to come to the next FoLA gathering to hear Robin Kleinschmidt, a retired Lutheran educator from Queensland, enlighten us on the arrival in Queensland 150 years ago of the first German Lutheran settlers. Bethlehem House, City, 7.30pm, Monday 22nd September. 
Supper and gold coin donation.

I can do all things through Christ
who strengthens me

Philippians 4:13

God in our work

This is the title of our new worship series starting this Sunday.  We want to explore how our everyday work connects with our everyday walk with God.  For the Christian, there is no division between the sacred and the secular.  We live in the grace and under the lordship of Jesus ALL the time – which includes how we go about our work.

Paul writes: Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)  Now Paul is not writing to professional church workers, but to a congregation of people with many different occupations – including  slaves.  

We honour the Lord by giving our best in our work; and by seeking to bless others through our work.  We work for God; and God works through us.  When our work is an expression of worship to the Lord, it is not in vain.  The love of Jesus transforms our work in a holy calling that blesses others … and sends ripples into eternity.

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “God’s plan for our work” as we start a new series “God in our work”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Genesis 1:26-2:3, Genesis 2:15-20

New Parents’ Corner
There is a new Parents’ Corner in the Parenting Room which showcases new resources we have in the children and family section of the library and resources to help you in your faith at home! Please have a look at these while you are in there with your kids. All of these resources are available for borrowing from our very own library up the stairs at the back of the hall!

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

Term 3 Diary Dates
Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

This Sunday is Father’s Day and we will be celebrating our Heavenly Father in worship together. Kingdom Kids will then all be meeting out in the hall during the 10:30am service to make a special gift for their earthly fathers or other special men in their lives, as well as praying for Father’s everywhere! All kids and their families are welcome to come and be part of the gift making and prayer!

More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We URGENTLY need more teachers and helpers in ALL Kingdom Kids Zones, please consider if you can help out once or twice a term to help ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

Spring Plant Stall
Please note: the change of dates for our next Fundraiser, our Spring Plant Stall.
It will now be on Sunday 21st and Sunday 28th Sept after both morning services.
If you have potted up plants for sale, you can deliver them to the church on Saturday 20th between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Otherwise bring them to the hall on the Sunday prior to the service you are attending. Please label your plants with a name, and if they flower the colour
of the flower.

Thankyou to all who supported our Major Fundraiser recently, it was a great night with the Borderers!  We raised just on $4000! Thank you to all who donated gifts and prizes for this event also, it was very much appreciated.

Blessings from the Team
Joan McCarthy
Team Leader

September 14 (After the 10:30 service)
Meet Andrew Sajjabi from Maranatha Health Uganda.
Andrew is a rare African man - he loves to cook! He is also an exceptional administrator and manager, and Marantha Health would not be about to launch its new project in Uganda if it weren't for his tireless work. Andrew will be visiting Para Vista with Kim and Michael Findlay on Sunday September 14. Join him for a cuppa and hear about his story and his passion for the people of Uganda.

Noticeboard

Adelaide and Barossa: Sign up now to help with Christmas Hampers
We are currently looking for volunteers to help with the packing and distribution of Christmas Hampers. Packing will take place at the end of November and the hampers will be distributed in December.

If you have time to spare and would like to help those in need this Christmas, please contact our Blair Athol office at 08 8269 9300 or the Barossa office at 08 8562 2688 for more information on how to get involved.

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
Things happened differently in Queensland. 19th century German migration to Queensland and the slow process of forming a Lutheran church there. You are all invited to come to the next FoLA gathering to hear Robin Kleinschmidt, a retired Lutheran educator from Queensland, enlighten us on the arrival in Queensland 150 years ago of the first German Lutheran settlers. Bethlehem House, City, 7.30 pm, Monday 22nd September.  Supper and gold coin donation.

Worry about tomorrow
steals the joy from today

When first means last

As Australians we love our sport. We enjoy participating in sporting activities and we love watching sports. It is often said that for many sport is their religion.

Our love of sport also means we admire those who excel at it. We love those who come first and win. We are quick to give celebrity status to people who can win and come first. We call then “legends” and “greats”.

While it is fine to acknowledge the exceptional skill of athletes and those who play sport at the top level; when all our definitions of greatness are linked to winning our life’s focus can quickly become how we can best come out in front of everyone else. Our major concern will be what is best for us and not others. Invariably this leads to conflict as each of us strives to be first.

Defining greatness in people as those who come first is nothing new. Jesus’ disciples got into an argument one day about who was the greatest. Jesus responded to their argument by redefining what greatness would be in his kingdom. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone.” (Mark 9:35)

Greatness for Jesus was not putting ourselves first, but rather putting ourselves last by serving others. Greatness in God’s kingdom is not defined by how often we come first but rather how often we put others first as we serve them. It sounds simple enough but putting others first does not come naturally to any of us. How can Jesus ask us to do something that is often so unnatural for us?

Jesus can call us to this because he has put us first and himself last. Jesus put us first when he gave his life for us on the cross for our sin. By putting us first Jesus has broken the hold of sin over us and made a way for us to be embraced by God as his children in this life and the next. The greatest title you and I can be given is ‘Child of God.’ Nothing in this life or the next surpasses this in terms of greatness and significance.

We do not have to strive for our own greatness by putting ourselves ahead of others. As children of God we are already great. We can put others first because Jesus has put first. This is what makes us great. When you look at this way, when we put others first we are simply being like Jesus, a child of God. Our serving doesn’t make us great but rather reflects how great God has already made us in Jesus.

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “When first means last” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: Philippians 2:1-11; Mark 9:33-35 

Kingdom Kids will not be on this week as we have an all age service to celebrate the month of August and our engage initiative!

More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We urgently need more teachers and helpers in ALL Kingdom Kids Zones, please consider if you can help out once or twice a term to help ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Term 3 Diary Dates
Saturday 30th of August
Sean W Smith – LIVE CONCERT TOUR 2014!! Featuring 60 minutes of High Energy Fun, Music and Hilarious Dancing Antics for the whole family! Sean W Smith will be live in Adelaide on the 30th of August and tickets can be purchased from Koorong for $7 each.

Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

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

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

A HUGE THANK YOU
The past 12 months have provided our family with some very difficult challenges.  On the 2nd of July our family business was totally guttered by fire and we were lucky to escape with the shirts on our backs.  As a result we have been emotionally fragile, traumatised by our employee being trapped and burnt in the fire and left with no immediate income.

We are totally over whelmed with the love, support, prayers and friendship shown to us by the beautiful families and friends who make up The Good Shepherd Family. We thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts and are amazed be the many different ways people have assisted us.

Although this has been a horrific time for us, God has shone through and been so good, from blessing us by ensuring our precious little Taylor was not there on the day, to giving us appropriate scriptures, songs and fantastic caring people. We are very aware that many positive and wonderful things will eventuate out of this and for everything, there is a reason.

“Great comebacks often require some setbacks”

Regards
Pete, Donna and Taylor Hoeymakers

Women's Fellowship, Para Vista
On Tuesday, September 2nd at 1pm in the church, our next meeting will be held featuring Bible study, a business meeting and guest speaker. Joy Wandel will share with us her impressions and experiences during a visit to the Amish comunity in America. A power point presentation will accompany her talk. We WELCOME anyone who wishes to join us for this presentation. Afternoon tea in the hall will follow Joy's illustrated talk. Hope to see you join us.

Maranatha Health Spring Party - September 6
You are invited to celebrate with Maranatha Health at our Spring Party.
Join us at Phillips Park, corner Rochester Ave & Glynburn Rd, Leabrook from 10:00 – 11:30 am, presentation at 10:30 am.

This event is to say thankyou to supporters for staying with MH, a welcome to new supporters and a chance to tell you about the new and exciting Progect #2 set to happen in Uganda. Morning refreshments will be provided with coffee for sale. BYO chair
Please RSPV for catering purposes: contact@maranathahealth.org
 
September 14 (After the 10:30 service)
Meet Andrew Sajjabi from Maranatha Health Uganda.
Andrew is a rare African man - he loves to cook! He is also an exceptional administrator and manager, and Marantha Health would not be about to launch its new project in Uganda if it weren't for his tireless work. Andrew will be visiting Para Vista with Kim and Michael Findlay on Sunday September 14. Join him for a cuppa and hear about his story and his passion for the people of Uganda.

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For God is working in you,

giving you the desire and

the power to do what pleases him

Philippians 2:13

Serving Family

Family is the first circle of ministry.  When family members keep serving one another, those families are usually healthy and happy.  Isn’t that what we all want? 

Yet getting on with family members is not always easy. 

In families, we are not always caring – or care-full – with our attitudes, words or actions.  We are rude, make demands, and take one another for granted.  We tend to put mouth into gear before engaging the brain.  We know how to push one another’s buttons.  We vent the frustrations of our day onto family members. 

Ironically, our worst behaviour comes out with those we claim to love the most.

How can God change this?  It starts with acknowledging our selfishness and asking God to change us!  God forgives us for Jesus’ sake.  As Jesus lives in our hearts, the Holy Spirit changes us to more consistently bear the fruit of Jesus’ character in our family relationships.

So by the grace of God, we can become more generous with our time and attention, more encouraging and thankful, more willing to do those menial tasks around the home, more able to apologise, more ready to forgive, more disposed to random acts of kindness… more like Jesus.


Serving your family has three huge benefits. First, it’s showing the love of Jesus to others. Second, it helps us to be more giving – less selfish. And third, it helps you grow closer as friends.  Twenty years from now, you may not have the same bunch of work or play friends – but by the grace of God you can still be friends with your family.

Pr Rolly Stahl

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Ground for growth” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 15:1-8

Kingdom Kids will be exploring the following topics this week:

• Baby Zone: God Gives Me Friends
• Kindy Zone: Homecoming (Genesis 31:3, 32-33)
• Kids Zone: God Chooses David (1 Samuel 15:10-12, 22-26, 16:1-13)
• Kool Zone: God Answers Elijah (1 Kings 19:9-21)

More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We urgently need more teachers and helpers in ALL Kingdom Kids Zones, please consider if you can help out once or twice a term to help ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Term 3 Diary Dates
Saturday 30th of August
Sean W Smith – LIVE CONCERT TOUR 2014!! Featuring 60 minutes of High Energy Fun, Music and Hilarious Dancing Antics for the whole family! Sean W Smith will be live in Adelaide on the 30th of August and tickets can be purchased from Koorong for $7 each.

Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

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

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

From the Office

Budget 2014
July 2014
Total Offering - Budget $43,250        Actual $41,233.

January thru July 2014
Total Offering - Budget $309,100    Actual $298,480. DEFICIT $10,620

January thru June 2014 – Total Income & Expenses
Total Income - Budget $283,848        Actual $273,096. SHORTFALL $10,752
Total Expenses - Budget $278,294    Actual $265,298. SHORTFALL $12,996
Projected deficit $2,254 against a budgeted deficit of $2,480

• Offerings are starting to show signs of tapering off after the encouraging start to the year.
• Plate offerings have regularly kept pace with budget and are only $2,350 below budget.
• REG has been $2,000 below budget for the last 3 months.
• Overall income is below budget primarily due to Offerings.
• The good news is that expenses are under budget by greater amount than income being under budget.
• Staff expenses & Ministries are the 2 areas where this is most evident.
• Staff expenses are now $7,000 under budget and this amount is growing month on month, primarily due to vacancy in the Pastoral Care and Fellowship position not being filled.
• Ministries have shown restraint and are currently $3,500 under budget.
• Most other expense areas are running close to budget.

Regular Electronic Giving (REG)
Have you updated your REG? Over half our weekly offerings are made through REG. For those who are altering their giving through REG or wish to start giving via REG the appropriate forms are available from the information rack at the rear of the auditorium or via this link http://www.lll.org.au/giving_through_the_lll/regular_electronic_giving_reg
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

Radio Microphones
Policy changes by the government over the last few years has led to our radio microphone equipment becoming obsolete and non-compliant with regulations.  The tech team have been proactive in investigating equipment over the past 12 months and have now purchased equipment that will see us well into the future.  The new equipment was operational last week without any noticeable change thanks to the experience of the tech team.  For any problem solving with the equipment please talk to the tech team or contact the front office during office hours.

First Aid
As part of providing child safe programs for our children we are required to have safety management systems in place.  To assist our leaders and teams, anyone with a current first aid certificate is requested to provide a copy to the office for recording.  Your services would only be required in the unlikely event that minor assistance is required.

Women's Fellowship, Para Vista
On Tuesday, September 2nd at 1pm in the church, our next meeting will be held featuring Bible study, a business meeting and guest speaker. Joy Wandel will share with us her impressions and experiences during a visit to the Amish community in America. A power point presentation will accompany her talk. We WELCOME anyone who wishes to join us for this presentation. Afternoon tea in the hall will follow Joy's illustrated talk. Hope to see you join us.

Pr Rolly recommends an inspiring book…
Last Sunday’s message was on Sharing the Good News.  While not all of us are gifted evangelists, Peter urges:  ‘But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…’   (1 Peter 3:15 NIV)

The book pictured is full of stories and practical wisdom that has inspired and encouraged me in this. There are 42 short chapters which can be read daily over six weeks.  Honestly, I couldn’t wait that long!  

The promo blurb is spot on: ‘Bestselling authors Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg use compelling and humorous stories from their own lives in a devotional-style book that paints an irresistible picture of what personal evangelism can be - the fulfilling adventure of a lifetime!’
Available through Koorong at this site:
http://www.koorong.com/search/product/unexpected-adventure-the-lee-strobel-mark-mittelberg/9780310283928.jhtml

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Adelaide: Free 'Building strong, caring communities' workshop
A workshop to help you better serve in your community followed by the launch of our 2014-2019 Strategic Plan. Join us at this exciting afternoon that will include a panel discussion with representatives who have spearheaded community projects within their congregations and a session to discuss how you can help build your community.  

Join us for drinks and nibbles afterwards to help launch our Strategic Plan. If you can’t join us for the workshop you are still welcome to celebrate with us at the launch.
When: Thursday, 4 September
Time: Workshop 2.00pm-4.30pm; launch from 4.30pm-5.30pm
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde SA 5070
RSVP: 27 August to mcirocco@lccare.org.au

And now these three remain:

Faith, Hope and Love

But the greatest of these is Love

1 Corinthians 13:13

Jesus with his sleeves rolled up

The story of Jesus washing his disciples’ is one that continues to amaze me. Jesus is sharing his last meal with his disciples before his death on the cross. Out of all the things he could have said and done, Jesus chooses to wash their feet. The Bible says-

‘Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.’ (John 13:3-5)

God had given Jesus authority over everything which means he could’ve done anything. Jesus could’ve chosen to wipe out the whole planet with all its problems and create a new perfect one. However, what does Jesus choose to do with this incredible authority and power? He chooses to roll up his sleeves and wash his disciples’ feet. Jesus uses his authority over everything to serve and this desire to serve flowed from his incredible love for us.

Jesus goes on to say, “And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.” (John 13:14) As people served and loved by Jesus we are to serve and love others. A little later Jesus says, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35) Our love for each other which is expressed through serving is the clearest way we show the world we follow Jesus. Our love and service also helps people see what Jesus is like.

As we roll up our sleeves and serve, people get a glimpse of Jesus who rolled up his sleeves and served by washing his disciples’ feet. When we use our hands to help others in need, people get a glimpse of Jesus who stretched out his hands to help them in their greatest need by dying on the cross.

God’s love for this world is shown most powerfully through Jesus who rolled up his sleeves and entered our mess to help us. During Engage we continue this story of God’s love for the world by rolling our sleeves up and entering the lives of others to help them in practical ways.

Pastor Noel

This Sunday at Good Shepherd
This week’s message is “Sharing the Good News” as we continue the series “Engage”
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Bible Readings: 1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT and Romans 10:9-15 NLT

Kingdom Kids will be exploring the following topics this week:

• Baby Zone: God Gives Me Friends
• Kindy Zone: God Looks After Us (Genesis 29)
• Kids Zone: God Gives His People a King: Saul (1 Samuel 8-11)
• Kool Zone: Elijah Prays For Rain (1 Kings 18:41-19:8)

More Teachers and Helpers Needed
We urgently need more teachers and helpers in ALL Kingdom Kids Zones, please consider if you can help out once or twice a term to help ease the load for everyone and spend some time with our amazing Godly kids!! Please contact me for more info (beth.einthal@paravista.org.au)

Term 3 Diary Dates
Saturday 30th of August
Sean W Smith – LIVE CONCERT TOUR 2014!! Featuring 60 minutes of High Energy Fun, Music and Hilarious Dancing Antics for the whole family! Sean W Smith will be live in Adelaide on the 30th of August and tickets can be purchased from Koorong for $7 each.

Wednesday 1st of October
Colin Buchanan is putting his whole self in to his 2014 national tour, celebrating the release of his new album, "The Jesus Hokey Pokey”. Colin will be in Adelaide on the 1st of October with his cheeky puppet chum, Nudge! Tickets are available from Koorong for $11.50 each.

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

Beth Einthal
Children and Family Team Leader

Prayer Requests:
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchequiries@paravista.org.au with your request.

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

Discovery is also a great way to get to know other people new to Good Shepherd who are considering membership. Our next Discovery course will be held over two evenings, Tuesday 19th and Tuesday 26th August. The first evening begins with a meal at 6.30pm in the church hall and finishes at 9pm. The second evening is from 7pm – 9pm in the Education Centre at the rear of the hall.

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

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

The Team is requesting approx 8-10 helpers at 2pm on Sat 23rd to move all the chairs in the church, to help set up tables and chairs, cabaret style please.  If you are available, please put your name on the list at the Ticket Sales table on Sundays 10th and 17th.  Also, if you are coming to the Borderers Night, we ask that a few people stay behind and help with vacuuming, putting tables away and resetting all the chairs back into place for the services next morning.  Please put your name on the list if you can do this.....it would be VERY MUCH appreciated.

Noticeboard

Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA)
German language documentation and revival in the Barossa and Beyond.
At the next FoLA gathering on Monday 25th August, Dr. Peter Mickan will tell the remarkable story of how community members have maintained the ability to speak German, how their speech is being recorded and how the community is now working to revitalise the use of German.  Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place, Adelaide. 7.30 pm. Supper, gold coin donation.

Adelaide: Free 'Building strong, caring communities' workshop
A workshop to help you better serve in your community followed by the launch of our 2014-2019 Strategic Plan. Join us at this exciting afternoon that will include a panel discussion with representatives who have spearheaded community projects within their congregations and a session to discuss how you can help build your community. We will also be releasing the 2014 edition of the booklet 'When a Neighbour Comes Knocking: Helping People who Seek Emergency Assistance through the Church'.

Join us for drinks and nibbles afterwards to help launch our Strategic Plan. If you can’t join us for the workshop you are still welcome to celebrate with us at the launch.
When: Thursday, 4 September
Time: Workshop 2.00pm-4.30pm; launch from 4.30pm-5.30pm
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 15-17 Glynburn Rd, Glynde SA 5070
RSVP: 27 August to mcirocco@lccare.org.au

I can do everything through Him

who gives me strength

Philippians 4:13