Shaped for Justice

Depending on your age, if I were to say the word ‘justice,’ various images might come to mind. Perhaps some who lived through the 60’s remember the young boys from ‘The Terrific Adventures of the Terrible 10.’  If you survived the 70’s, ‘Doctor Down Under.’ If you were fortunate to watch television in the 1980’s in Australia, maybe Professor Poopsnaggle’s Steam Zeppelin. (I’m not making that up.)

The media influences our worldview in a much greater way than we could ever imagine, and most people who have visited the movie theatres in the last ten years are aware that the biggest box office hits include superhero characters of the likes of Superman, Batman, Wonder woman, Flash, Ironman, Thor… the list goes on and on.

And the typical theme of these superheroes is that there is a villain in the world who must be brought to justice. The heroes must use all of their strength to either kill them or place them in the hands of the ‘authorities,’ so that they can be properly punished.

But this form of justice is completely opposite to the biblical form of justice that Jesus portrays in his parable of the workers in the vineyard.  Jesus response to the ancients’ protest, ‘That’s not fair!’ is ‘Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money?  Or are you envious because I am generous?’

God’s generous is linked with his justice and is so far beyond the punitive restrictions that we have placed on his mercy, that we can’t quite comprehend this justice, paired with righteousness as the twin bases of the throne of God, without viewing it from a Shalom-like perspective.

This week, encounter one of Jesus’ most controversial parables as it speaks to our 21st century ‘Lucky Country.’  Then, after the service, join in our Coffee and Theology discussion on ‘The theology of justice as opposed to greed.’

Reid Matthias

Bible Readings:   Matthew 20:1-16, Psalm 89:14-18
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

Prayer Requests: 
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
 
Weekly Message Sheets
To cut back on wastage the message sheets will no longer be handed out with the Connect Cards, but will be available upon request from the Worship Hosts.

Step Up
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program is in progress.  Please keep these young people and their families in your prayers as they explore Holy Communion.

Kingdom Kids
Our final Kingdom Kids for term 3 will be available this Sunday at our 10.30 service for Kindy – Year 7 aged children.

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup meets in the church hall on Wednesday mornings during school term.  Our start time for the remainder of term 3 is 10am finishing round 11.30am.  Please bring pre cut fruit to share.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
This Friday we have our next Bible study - the series we are looking into is “Following Jesus in a selfie-centred world” – by Craig Groeschel.  We are will be discussing - Intimacy – the struggle with “Likes”.  Our young people really enjoyed looking at the last topic of ‘envy’ and it gave them some real insight, making them think about themselves and others in a completely different way.

Soft drink cans will be available for $1 and hot chocolate will also be available.  Looking forward to seeing you all Friday.

A lot of things happening with our young people, in events, in worship and serving, which is so exciting.  Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au


From the Office

For Sale - or make an offer!
2 microwaves from old kitchen.  $30 each or make an offer.
Items can be viewed by contacting Stephen Zanker.

Building and facilities maintenance – occasional/casual
Good Shepherd is looking for a person who produces quality work in efficient time.  Such a person will have general handyman or carpentry skills to a high standard, ability to patch and paint walls, and will maintain a neat and tidy worksite.
Hours will be as need arises, and rates of pay according to skills required.  

Please contact Stephen on 8263 5087 or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au  for further information.

Finance Report 

Offerings
January - August  2017
Total Offerings – Budget $339,000 Actual $344,003 Surplus $5,003

Budget Summary
January – July 2017
Total Income – Budget $330,895 Actual $338,600 Surplus $7,705
Total Expenses – Budget $319,326 Actual $304,262 Deficit $15,064

Notes since last Board meeting:
• August offerings were under Budget, with REG below average for the year and plate just above expectations.
• Offerings are maintaining a buffer above budget.
• Income is over budget due to Offerings and Interest received over budget.
• Expenditure continues to be below budget.

Ignite Budget Update
• We received $3,330 in August for the Ignite the Future building fund and we have now reached the pledge target. Thank you to all who have honoured their pledge for the Ignite project.
• Donations for the Ignite project are still appreciated as there are fittings and furnishings still required to make the new area hospitable.

Donations to the Ignite building project can be made via:
The collection plate in an envelope marked Ignite Project, or
Direct debit  BSB: 704 942  Account: 154796  Account Name: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Notice Board

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

Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

LCC job vacancies
Several job opportunities have become available at Lutheran Community Care in the last week. Please visit www.lccare.org.au/careers.html for more information.

Dried apricots 
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

FOSSILS fundraising concert
Tickets are now on sale for the FOSSILS live in concert. The FOSSILS (Folkies of the Sixties Sing Iconic Legendary Songs), featuring Peter Combe, Brian Loffler, Alan Hartley, Hugh Rudham and Monica Christian, will bring to life the best folk songs of the 60s and 70s.

This year, we are extending the event and invite you to join us early, from 6pm, for live pre-show entertainment, drinks and appetisers. There will also be a pop-up op shop and mystery boxes to be won! All proceeds support our programs helping vulnerable families and children, many of which are run entirely on the generosity of our donors.

When: Friday, September 29th
Where: Concordia College Chapel, corner of Cheltenham St & Balmoral St, Highgate
Time: Pre-show entertainment from 6pm, concert doors open 7.15pm
Tickets: Adults $25, Concession/Pensioner/Unwaged $15, Group of 10+ $20, Children $10

For tickets or enquiries, phone 8269 9333 or book online at trybooking.com/rjsn.

https://www.growministries.org.au/ 

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,

 just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Shaped for Reconciliation

We don’t often think about how difficult reconciliation is, or even that there are steps in the process.  For most of us, reconciliation is an alien concept as transubstantiation: we’ve heard the term before, but as for what it’s really about…

This week, we’re taking a journey to understand the immensely rewarding but inherently problematic path to rediscovering shalom through reconciliation.  We don’t stop at forgiveness; that is simply the first step and then we move to repair the connection so that we have relationship, covenant, community and faithfulness restored.

The entire Bible is a book of reconciliation. 
In fact, Paul writes specifically about it in Romans 5:8-10,

But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.  Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God.  For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life.

Find out through the story of Peter how God reconciles himself to us through Christ so that we might do the same for others. 

Bible Readings:   2 Corinthians 5:10-21, John 21:15-19
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

Weekly Message Sheets
To cut back on wastage the message sheets will no longer be handed out with the Connect Cards, but will be available upon request from the Worship Hosts.

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

Step Up
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program is in progress.  Please keep these young people and their families in your prayers as they explore Holy Communion.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be available this Sunday at our 10.30 service for 10 month – Year 4 aged children. Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Little Lambs Playgroup meets in the church hall on Wednesday mornings during school term.  Our start time for the remainder of term 3 is 10am finishing round 11.30am.  Please bring pre cut fruit to share.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
Last Friday we held our first bible study.  Some very interesting discussions around envy and contentment came up, and how it can effect every single one of us.  We learnt some grounding strategies and also how to use scripture to help us overcome these struggles. This will be fortnightly, running opposite nights to our youth events.  The series we are looking into is “Following Jesus in a selfie-centred world” – by Craig Groeschel.

This Friday we have our next event – Jesus- Who Am I – Part IV.  We are having a Girl / Guy night with a difference – we will be having a “Battle of The Sexes”.  Lots of fun and games planned, as well as some quiet girl/guy discussion time.  There will be supper at the usual cost of $2 and we are now offering $1 cans of soft drink for purchase as well.  Looking forward to seeing you all then.

A lot of things happening with our young people, in events, in worship and serving,  which is so exciting.  Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au

Maranatha Health
It's blooming wonderful to celebrate Maranatha Health with you at our Spring Party!
Saturday 16th September
10am-12pm (presentation at 10:45am)
Knightsbridge Baptist Church Hall & Garden, 455 Glynburn Rd, Leabrook SA

This event is a thank you to our supporters, a welcome to new supporters, and a chance for to hear about the latest developments in Uganda.

BYO rugs or chairs
Gold coin donation
Please RSVP for catering purposes (incl. dietary needs) 12th September contact@maranathahealth.org

From the Office

For Sale - or make an offer!
Shelving 3400mm  long, 430mm deep, and 1170mm  high constructed of timber and steel. $40 or make an offer.

2 microwaves from old kitchen.  $30 each or make an offer.

Items can be viewed by contacting Stephen Zanker.

Building and facilities maintenance – occasional/casual
Good Shepherd is looking for a person who produces quality work in efficient time.  Such a person will have general handyman or carpentry skills to a high standard, ability to patch and paint walls, and will maintain a neat and tidy worksite.

Hours will be as need arises, and rates of pay according to skills required.  

Please contact Stephen on 8263 5087 or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au  for further information.

Notice Board

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

Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

LCC job vacancies
Several job opportunities have become available at Lutheran Community Care in the last week. Please visit www.lccare.org.au/careers.html for more information.

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

FOSSILS fundraising concert
Tickets are now on sale for the FOSSILS live in concert. The FOSSILS (Folkies of the Sixties Sing Iconic Legendary Songs), featuring Peter Combe, Brian Loffler, Alan Hartley, Hugh Rudham and Monica Christian, will bring to life the best folk songs of the 60s and 70s.

This year, we are extending the event and invite you to join us early, from 6pm, for live pre-show entertainment, drinks and appetisers. There will also be a pop-up op shop and mystery boxes to be won! All proceeds support our programs helping vulnerable families and children, many of which are run entirely on the generosity of our donors.

When: Friday, September 29th
Where: Concordia College Chapel, corner of Cheltenham St & Balmoral St, Highgate
Time: Pre-show entertainment from 6pm, concert doors open 7.15pm
Tickets: Adults $25, Concession/Pensioner/Unwaged $15, Group of 10+ $20, Children $10

For tickets or enquiries, phone 8269 9333 or book online at trybooking.com/rjsn.

Items needed
LCC’s op shop at Blair Athol is in need of ornaments, vases, coffee cups, water glasses, saucepans, light electrical items and any other household items.

Our emergency relief program is also in need of blankets and bedsheets (single, double and queen) and pillows.

If you can help donate any of these items, please drop by 307 Prospect Road, Blair Athol.

https://www.growministries.org.au/

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”

Psalm 32:8

Shaped for Shalom

And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

There are many times throughout the year when we talk about Jesus’ moniker of ‘The Prince of Peace,’ and when I write that, I have this weird thing that goes on in my head. My inner voice goes deep as if I am somehow changing into Darth Vader, ‘The Prince of Peace!’ my voice sinks into the abyss and then I breathe deeply into a mask…

Of course Darth Vader really knew nothing of peace, whether internal or external, and even if he did, I’m sure that the shell of Anakin Skywalker would think about peace the same way that many do:

Striving for peace is giving in to weakness.
Striving for peace is simply an attempt to avoid conflict.
Striving for peace is less important than striving to be comfortable with myself.

But the true sense of peace comes from the Hebrew word Shalom.  Perhaps you have heard that word before, maybe from The Fiddler on the Roof, Schindler’s List or Barbara Streisand’s movie, Yentl.  You may tend to think that this word, Shalom, simply means ‘peace.’  But it is incredibly deeper than that. 

Shalom is not shallow.  It is a deep pool of tranquillity by which the ancients would sit.  In essence, shalom restoreth my soul. 

This week, encounter the true depth of the word Shalom and how we are shaped for it.   God draws us into the margins of this shalom to guard our hearts and minds in Christ. When we encounter shalom, we find ourselves being more gentle, less anxious, more thankful, prayerful and lovingly dependent on God.  (Philippians 4:6)

Join with us as Bruce Hulme opens the scriptures and this peace beyond understanding.

Reid Matthias
Lead Pastor

Bible Readings:   2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Jeremiah 29:4-14
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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

Step Up
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program is in progress.  Please keep these young people and their families in your prayers as they explore Holy Communion.

Kingdom Kids
This Sunday is Fathers’ Day!  At the 10.30 service during the message the Kindy – Year 4 children will be invited to join us in the hall with their adult to make something for Dad.  Our Kingdom Youth will be participating in their service event for this term – preparing and serving morning tea after the service.

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Next Wednesday Chris Jaensch will be coming in to share his music with the children and parents in the church hall.  Our start time for the remainder of term 3 is 10am finishing round 11.30am.  Please bring pre-cut fruit to share.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
Friday night we learnt all about loving our neighbours and most of all loving our enemies.  This is a real challenge to all, no matter what your age.  We learnt how Jesus taught us this is the way for us all to live by so the challenge was put out to all to love their enemy, or at least think of ways they could overcome their dislike of others.  This week we are kicking off our bible study.  This will be fortnightly, running opposite nights to our youth events.  This will be strictly looking at a topic relevant to the young people and delving into the scriptures.  These nights will be more like a small group, and all are welcome.  Our first series we are looking into is “Following Jesus in a selfie-centred world.”

On Saturday we had around 70 young people and leaders attend our NELY event at Blair Athol and had a fun day playing Family Feud and various music games too.  Michael Mertin delivered a great message about the fact that being a Christian does not mean you have to be boring, and he referred to various Bible verses showing us that God clearly wants us to have fun, but always remembering to keep God at the centre.  We had an awesome band leading us in worship too.  A great day had by all.

Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au

Para Vista Women’s Fellowship Meeting - September 5th
You are most welcome to attend our next meeting in Good Shepherd Church Hall
at 1.00pm for Bible Study with Pastor Reid immediately after we welcome everyone.
This will be followed by a simple afternoon tea during which we mix and chat to one
another. We would love to see you there - Tuesday, September 5th, 1pm - 2:45pm.

Maranatha Health
It's blooming wonderful to celebrate Maranatha Health with you at our Spring Party!
Saturday 16th September
10am-12pm (presentation at 10:45am)
Knightsbridge Baptist Church Hall & Garden, 455 Glynburn Rd, Leabrook SA

This event is a thank you to our supporters, a welcome to new supporters, and a chance for to hear about the latest developments in Uganda.

BYO rugs or chairs
Gold coin donation
Please RSVP for catering purposes (incl. dietary needs) 12th September contact@maranathahealth.org

From the Office

Professional Standards Workshop
Register for participation in the Professional Standards Workshop on Sunday 10th September commencing at 12.30pm and finishing at 6.30pm.  Lunch will be provided for members attending.

Registration is via online system and is accessible here: https://goo.gl/Zanktk and also via the SA/NT District website. If you do not have computer access please contact the church office and they will assist in registration.

Vacancy
Seeking an experienced individual to complete building and facilities maintenance on a casual basis. Hours will be as the need arises to perform general maintenance at Para Vista.
Requirements include: Exceptional work ethic, integrity, general handyman skills, Carpentry experience to a high standard, ability to paint and patch walls, mechanical skills and maintain a neat and tidy worksite. Please contact Stephen or the front office on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au for further information.

 
Notice Board

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

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

Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

LCC job vacancies
Several job opportunities have become available at Lutheran Community Care in the last week. Please visit www.lccare.org.au/careers.html for more information.

Lutheran Homes Glynde Spring Fair 2017
is on Saturday 9th SEPTEMBER, from 9.00am till lunchtime at 22 Avenue Road Glynde.
Stalls include Biscuits and Cakes, Books, CD’s, Craft, Jams & Chutneys, Jewellery, Plants and Toys  plus Devonshire Tea and continuous Sausage Sizzle.

Proceeds go to LHI Resident Care Facility projects at Glynde. If you have any questions or donations for the fair please contact Marion Schubert 8336 4361

https://www.growministries.org.au/

“Whatever your hand finds to do,

 do it with your might”

Ecclesiastes 9:10

God’s compassion for ALL people

This Sunday will be our final part of our series: Growing God’s heart for ALL people. We’ve been reflecting on the story of Jonah.

In chapter one, Jonah flees. But God finds him. You can run, but you can’t hide. 
In chapter two, Jonah cries out and God hears. When you’re down, look up.
In chapter three, God gives Jonah and Nineveh a second chance. Thank God for second chances!
In chapter four, Jonah is angry. The LORD reminds Jonah that there are more important things than air conditioning: God’s compassion for ALL people. 

Over these weeks I’ve wondered how the story of Jonah became part of the Bible. We do not read of any friends travelling with Jonah.  My best guess is that when Jonah returned from Nineveh to Israel, he must have either written down his story, or told others of his adventures (who wrote down his story). 

Now most of us do not tell stories that expose the very worst of our character – unless God has transformed our character since.  In that case, we usually tell our stories to highlight how God has changed our understanding of who He is and what he wants for us; and the difference this has made in our lives. 

I wonder how Jonah was a different person in the years after this story.  Let me admit, I see a lot of Jonah in me.  His story reminds me how much I need Jesus to save me and change me. How about you?

The hero of this story is the LORD – who never gives up on us, no matter how much we mess up.  In Jesus, we see the LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love. In Jesus, we discover God’s compassion for ALL people. 

Bible Readings:   Jonah 4:1-11
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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

Step Up
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program began last Sunday with a shared family lunch.  Please keep these young people and their families in your prayers as they explore Holy Communion.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be available this Sunday at our 10.30am service for 10 months old – Year 4’s.
Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup has now moved back to the church hall.  Due to the chilly winter mornings we will be adjusting our start time to 10am finishing round 11.30am on Wednesdays.  Please bring pre cut fruit to share.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
Friday night as we are still having chilly winter nights, and a lot of people love getting into their pj’s to get warm, we are having pyjama/onesie night.  It is not compulsory, but young people are able to come along all nice and snug for this week.  We will be looking at loving our enemies and just how hard that can be for us all.  Would love to see you there, and invite heaps of friends too.

Due to extremely keen and enthusiastic young people, next week we are kicking off our bible study.  This will be fortnightly, running opposite nights to our youth events.  This will be strictly looking at a topic relevant to the young people and delving into the scriptures.  These nights will be more like a small group, and all are welcome.  Our first series we are looking into is “Following Jesus in a selfie-centred world.”

We are also very excited to have approximately 40 people coming along to our NELY event on Saturday for our Gameshow day.  This is promising to be a fun event – watch this space for how the event went!

Exciting times as lots are happening with our young people.  Please contact me for further details regarding youth ministry - Margot 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au

Para Vista Women’s Fellowship Meeting - September 5th
You are most welcome to attend our next meeting in Good Shepherd Church Hall
at 1.00pm for Bible Study with Pastor Reid immediately after we welcome everyone.
This will be followed by a simple afternoon tea during which we mix and chat to one
another. We would love to see you there - Tuesday, September 5th, 1pm - 2:45pm.

Maranatha Health
It's blooming wonderful to celebrate Maranatha Health with you at our Spring Party!
Saturday 16th September
10am-12pm (presentation at 10:45am)
Knightsbridge Baptist Church Hall & Garden, 455 Glynburn Rd, Leabrook SA

This event is a thank you to our supporters, a welcome to new supporters, and a chance for to hear about the latest developments in Uganda.

BYO rugs or chairs
Gold coin donation
Please RSVP for catering purposes (incl. dietary needs) 12th September contact@maranathahealth.org

Notice Board

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

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

Employment
Project Coordinator - Lutheran Community Care, Blair Athol SA
Education Leader - Lutheran Schools Association SA, NT & WA, North Adelaide SA
Youth Ministry Coordinator - St Michael's Lutheran Church, Hahndorf SA
Personal Assistant to the Secretary of the Church - North Adelaide SA

Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

LCC job vacancies
Several job opportunities have become available at Lutheran Community Care in the last week. Please visit www.lccare.org.au/careers.html for more information.

Lutheran Homes Glynde Spring Fair 2017
is on Saturday 9th SEPTEMBER, from 9.00am till lunchtime at 22 Avenue Road Glynde.
Stalls include Biscuits and Cakes, Books, CD’s, Craft, Jams & Chutneys, Jewellery, Plants and Toys  plus Devonshire Tea and continuous Sausage Sizzle.

Proceeds go to LHI Resident Care Facility projects at Glynde. If you have any questions or donations for the fair please contact Marion Schubert 8336 4361

https://www.growministries.org.au/

“Greater love has no one than this:

to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:13

Thank God for second chances!

This Sunday we continue to unpack the story of Jonah in our worship series: Growing God’s heart for ALL people.
Jonah rejected God’s command to go to Nineveh, and ended up having a three day ‘spiritual retreat’ inside a huge fish. After getting spewed up onto dry land, the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” (Jonah 3:1-2 NIV)

The LORD did not give up on Jonah – or on the people of Nineveh.  The LORD spared them and gave them a second chance.  

Have you ever messed up so bad – and felt so guilt ridden and ashamed that you wondered whether God was finished with you? 

Truth is God never gives up on you!  Jesus is God’s lifeline of grace, redemption and hope.  In Christ, we have a future in God’s good plans! 

Jesus came into the world to save sinners – people who’ve messed up in all sorts of ways – just like Jonah, just like me, just like you… and just like every other person on this planet.

Thank God for second chances! 

Bible Readings: Jonah 3
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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

Step Up
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program will commence this Sunday 20th August with a shared family lunch.  If your child is now in year 5 or about 10 years of age they are welcome to participate.  If you would like to register your child for Step Up, please ring the church office on 8263 5087 or email your details to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au by August 18th.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be available this Sunday at our 10.30am service for Reception – Year 7s.  Please note that due to the Step Up luncheon we will not be providing lunch for our Kingdom Youth so please come and collect them at 12 sharp from the OSCH room in the school.  Thank you.  Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup has now moved back to the church hall.  Due to the chilly winter mornings we will be adjusting our start time to 10am finishing round 11.30am on Wednesdays.  Please bring pre-cut fruit to share.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
Last Friday night we looked in depth at the parable of The Rich Young Man and established what is really important to us and where Jesus fits into that.  On Monday we served at Meet’n’Eat and this was very rewarding for all those who came along and served.  We will be looking at making this a regular event, a great way of giving back to our community. Our next event will be next Friday 25th August.

Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or Margot.Mertin@paravista.org.au

NELY (North Eastern Lutheran Youth)
Our next exciting event is scheduled for Saturday 26th August and will be held at St Paul, Blair Athol.  It will be a day of gameshow fun, friendship, fellowship and food.  Event is open to all young people in school years 5 to 12.  Cost is $15 to cover dinner, snacks and hours of fun.  Tickets must be purchased prior to the event.  These are on sale now until 23rd August via www.nely260817.eventbrite.com.au Looking forward to seeing you all then.  Any further queries plase contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814.

Maranatha Health
It's blooming wonderful to celebrate Maranatha Health with you at our Spring Party!
Saturday 16 September
10am-12pm (presentation at 10:45am)
Knightsbridge Baptist Church Hall & Garden, 455 Glynburn Rd, Leabrook SA

Delicious morning refreshments (brunch) provided, with traditional Ethiopian coffee and espresso coffee for sale. Enjoy live music, lawn games and peruse market stalls for homemade, African and original wares for sale (proceeds to MH).

This event is a thank you to our supporters, a welcome to new supporters, and a chance for to hear about the latest developments in Uganda.

BYO rugs or chairs
Gold coin donation
Please RSVP for catering purposes (incl. dietary needs) 12 September contact@maranathahealth.org

Notice Board

Winter Appeal – Donate and Give Hope
This winter we are asking you to donate and give hope to those who need it most. 
Many of the people that Lutheran Community Care meets are homeless and they urgently need assistance this winter. Not only have they survived the circumstances which have resulted in homelessness, the isolation they often experience adds a further burden and getting support can be difficult. With your help, we can help people get back on their feet and experience hope again.  Please visit www.lccare.org.au or phone 8269 9333 to make a donation.  All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

Employment and Volunteer opportunities at the LCA
Employment
Project Coordinator - Lutheran Community Care, Blair Athol SA
Education Leader - Lutheran Schools Association SA, NT & WA, North Adelaide SA
youth ministry coordinator - St Michael's Lutheran Church, Hahndorf SA

Volunteer’s role:
Overseas Mission
Photographers

Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

Lutheran Homes Glynde Spring Fair 2017
is on Saturday 9th SEPTEMBER, from 9.00am till lunchtime at 22 Avenue Road Glynde.
Stalls include Biscuits and Cakes, Books, CD’s, Craft, Jams & Chutneys, Jewellery, Plants and Toys  plus Devonshire Tea and continuous Sausage Sizzle.

Proceeds go to LHI Resident Care Facility projects at Glynde. If you have any questions or donations for the fair please contact Marion Schubert 8336 4361

https://www.growministries.org.au/

Faith can move mountains

Matthew 17:20

When you’re down, look up!

Last Sunday we kicked off our new series: Growing God’s heart for ALL people. Over four weeks, we are looking at the story of Jonah and asking God to help us see ALL people through his eyes.

God gave Jonah a mission, but Jonah ran in the opposite direction. Things got rough and Jonah ended up inside a huge fish. Jonah gets to have a “three day spiritual retreat” – a time to reflect and pray. 

No doubt it was a traumatic experience. Yet Jonah cries out to the LORD; and the LORD listened to his cry and saved him. Jonah discovers there’s no place beyond God’s reach. 

We see this repeated over and over again in Scripture, especially in the ministry of Jesus. When people turned to Jesus for help, Jesus reached out to them and saved them.  Through his death and resurrection, the same thing happens to us.  

When you and I are overwhelmed, take a leaf from Jonah’s book: When you’re down, look up!  

Bible Readings:   Jonah 2 (For similar prayers when people were overwhelmed,
see Psalm 18:1-7, 16-17, Psalm 69:1-4, 13-18) 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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

Step Up
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program will commence on Sunday 20th August.  If your child is now in year 5 or about 10 years of age they are welcome to participate.  If you would like to register your child for Step Up, please ring the church office on 8263 5087 or email your details to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au by August 18th.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be available this Sunday at our 10.30am service for 10 month olds – Year 1.  Kool Zone will not be available this Sunday.  Kingdom Youth will be staying in to worship with their families.  We look forward to seeing you!

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup has now moved back to the church hall.  Due to the chilly winter mornings we will be adjusting our start time to 10am finishing round 11.30am on Wednesdays.  Please bring pre-cut fruit to share.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
NELY (North Eastern Lutheran Youth)
Our next exciting event is scheduled for Saturday 26th August and will be held at St Paul, Blair Athol.  It will be a day of gameshow fun, friendship, fellowship and food.  Event is open to all young people in school years 5 to 12.  Cost is $15 to cover dinner, snacks and hours of fun.  Tickets must be purchased prior to the event.  These are on sale now until 23rd August via www.nely260817.eventbrite.com.au Looking forward to seeing you all then.  Any further queries plase contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814.

From the Office

Good Shepherd Representative
The next General Convention of Synod for the Lutheran Church of Australia will be held at Rosehill Gardens in western Sydney from 2nd to 7th October 2018. The LCA’s 19th general synod will feature the theme 50.500 faith.freedom.future.  If you wish to represent our congregation at this gathering please contact Stephen or the front office on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au for further information.  Alternatively please mark your connect card with “Convention”

Ignite the Future building update
The steel works have been completed and signed off by the engineers.  Work has commenced on the roofing section above the narthex and by print time should be completed.  Timber framing for the remaining roofing structure and walls has commenced.  Take time to view the progress through the cut out in the corridor doors or through the glass panel in the door at the rear of the hall.

Finance Report
Offerings
January - July  2017
Total Offerings – Budget $299,500    Actual $305,662    Surplus $6,150

Budget Summary
January – June 2017
Total Income – Budget $286,550        Actual $288,755    Surplus $2,205
Total Expenses – Budget $269,678    Actual $265,299    Deficit $4,379

Notes since last Board meeting:
•    July offerings were well above Budget, with plate offerings on 3 Sundays well above expectations. 
•    Offerings are now $6,150 above budget.
•    Income is slightly over budget due to Interest received over budget.
•    Most Expenditure lines continue to be maintained below budget. 

Ignite Budget Update
•    We received $3,600 in July for the Ignite the Future building fund and with what has already received in August there is currently now only $312 still to be received.  Thank you to all who have honoured their pledge for the Ignite project.
•    Donations for the Ignite project are still appreciated as there are fittings and furnishings still required to make the new area hospitable.

Donations to the Ignite building project can be made via:
The collection plate in an envelope marked Ignite Project, or
Direct debit  BSB: 704 942  Account: 154796  Account Name: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Wine and Cheese Night
We are bringing the Cellar Door to school on Saturday 26th August from 7.00pm.
Ticket includes complimentary arrival glass of wine, feasting on a magnificent grazing table filled with an impressive selection of produce, together with acoustic tunes, plus on the night purchase raffle tickets to be in the running to win some amazing prizes. Boutique beers, Cellar door wines and soft drinks can be purchased on the night!

We appreciate your assistance in spreading the word and supporting this community school event to raise funds for school projects together fostering fellowship in the community. Tickets on sale now, $25 per person.

Enquiries / ticket sales to Sharon at school 8264 7966 or email admin@gspv.sa.edu.au 

Notice Board

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

Winter Appeal – Donate and Give Hope
This winter we are asking you to donate and give hope to those who need it most. 
Many of the people that Lutheran Community Care meets are homeless and they urgently need assistance this winter. Not only have they survived the circumstances which have resulted in homelessness, the isolation they often experience adds a further burden and getting support can be difficult. With your help, we can help people get back on their feet and experience hope again.  Please visit www.lccare.org.au or phone 8269 9333 to make a donation.  All donations over $2 are tax deductible.


Employment and Volunteer opportunities at the LCA
Employment
Chief Executive Officer
Business Director

Volunteer’s role:
Overseas Mission
Photographers

Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

https://www.growministries.org.au/

“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh;

is anything too difficult for Me?”

Jeremiah 32:27

Growing God’s heart for ALL people

What comes to mind when you hear the name “Jonah”?  Maybe: “Whale”?  

Lots of people know about Jonah – the prophet who hears from God but refuses to do what God tells him.  As spectators of the story, we can easily look down on Jonah: “What is Jonah hoping to achieve by running away from the LORD?  Doesn’t he know that’s impossible? Who does he think he is?” 

But then the story draws us in – as participants.  Like Jonah, we find ourselves trying to keep God at a comfortable distance.  We want God’s blessing for ourselves; but not for those who are different from us – or those who may be hostile to us.  Like Jonah, we want them to ‘get what they deserve’.

Hmmm.  What would happen if God gave us what we deserve? 

Go to the cross... that’s where Jesus took what we deserved.  Was it only for you and me?  No, it was for ALL.   For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)

The LORD wants to help Jonah - and us - see ALL people through his eyes: as objects of his love and compassion. As we explore the story of Jonah over the next four weeks, my prayer is for us to be Growing God’s heart for ALL people.
Part one this Sunday: You can run, but you can’t hide. 

Bible Readings:   Jonah 1:1-17.  (For background, please read 2 Kings 14:23-29.  Jesus also refers to Jonah in Matthew 12:38-41, and Matthew 16:1-4.) 
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au

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

Step Up
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program will commence on Sunday 20th August.  If your child is now in year 5 or about 10 years of age they are welcome to participate.  If you would like to register your child for Step Up, please ring the church office on 8263 5087 or email your details to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au by August 18th.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will begin for Term 3 this Sunday at our 10.30am service.  Available for children who attend Kindy – Year 7.  We look forward to seeing you!

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup has now moved back to the church hall.  Due to the chilly winter mornings we will be adjusting our start time to 10am finishing round 11.30am on Wednesdays.  Please bring pre cut fruit to share.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
Our first event for the term was held last Friday night.  We looked in depth at the parable of The Lost Sheep and how it relates to our everyday life in today’s society.  We “lost” some sheep during the night, we studied the parable, we found our rhythm as a flock and we even ate some “sheep”.  It was a really enjoyable night and a good time was had by all.  Our next event will be held on Friday 11th August.  Love to see you all there and bring along a friend or two.  We are also holding a service event and encouraging as many young people as possible to come along to Meet’n’Eat on Monday night 14th August to serve.  This is a great way to give back to the community, so if interested please have your young person/people at the school gym by 6.15pm.  Hope to see a lot of familiar faces there.
Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

NELY (North Eastern Lutheran Youth)
Our next exciting event is scheduled for Saturday 26th August and will be held at St Paul, Blair Athol.  It will be a day of gameshow fun, friendship, fellowship and food.  Event is open to all young people in school years 5 to 12.  Cost is $15 to cover dinner, snacks and hours of fun.  Tickets must be purchased prior to the event.  These are on sale now until 23rd August via www.nely260817.eventbrite.com.au Looking forward to seeing you all then.  Any further queries plase contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814.

From the Office

The 2017 ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service)
Annual Report has been received at the Office and has news relevant to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista.  If you wish to view this copy please contact the office.

Wine and Cheese Night
We are bringing the Cellar Door to school on Saturday 26th August from 7.00pm.
Ticket includes complimentary arrival glass of wine, feasting on a magnificent grazing table filled with an impressive selection of produce, together with acoustic tunes, plus on the night purchase raffle tickets to be in the running to win some amazing prizes. Boutique beers, Cellar door wines and soft drinks can be purchased on the night!

We appreciate your assistance in spreading the word and supporting this community school event to raise funds for school projects together fostering fellowship in the community. Tickets on sale now, $25 per person.

Enquiries / ticket sales to Sharon at school 8264 7966 or email admin@gspv.sa.edu.au  

Notice Board

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

All Things New Sala Exhibition by the Department of Visual Arts
This is a display of beautiful art works by many artists, in the St Stephens hall, as well as a display in the Church.  Paraments from St Stephens and Dernancourt will be displayed around the Church.

The opening is on Sunday 6th August at 2pm by Rev Adrian Kitson. This will also be the launch of the new Visual Arts website by Linda Macqueen. The exhibition runs on Saturday and Sunday, 1-4pm for the month of August.

Winter Appeal – Donate and Give Hope
This winter we are asking you to donate and give hope to those who need it most. 
Many of the people that Lutheran Community Care meets are homeless and they urgently need assistance this winter. Not only have they survived the circumstances which have resulted in homelessness, the isolation they often experience adds a further burden and getting support can be difficult. With your help, we can help people get back on their feet and experience hope again.  Please visit www.lccare.org.au or phone 8269 9333 to make a donation.  All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Employment and Volunteer opportunities at the LCA

Employment
Chief Executive Officer
Business Director

Volunteer’s role:
Overseas Mission
Photographers

Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

https://www.growministries.org.au/

“Love one another with brotherly affection.

Out do one another in showing honor.”

Romans 12:10

God of Wonders

Jesus is accused of all sorts of things in the Gospel stories, but perhaps there is nothing quite as stark as what the Jews call him in John 8.  “Aren’t we right in in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”

Unbelievably, these are the same people at the beginning of the passage who are described as ‘Jews who believe in him!’  But Jesus, in the book of John, has this way of offending almost everyone he comes into contact with - especially those who presume to be more religious.  It is these ‘Jesus-believing-Jews’ who have yet to understand what God’s glory really looks like. It’s not about who they are or who they are descended from, it’s about God the Father and his word that Jesus obeys.

Last week we unearthed a discussion about what we encounter in scripture and how we encounter it, but this week we see how God’s glory is bound up in the Living Word, Jesus Christ.  Here are a couple of questions we’ll be looking at in depth in John 8:31-59:
1.    What is glory?  Why is it important?
2.    Why does God seek it for Himself?  Doesn’t he already have it?
3.    What does Jesus mean by, ‘whoever obeys my word will never see death?’ What word is this?
4.    Lastly, we have been following the path that Luther’s theology sets up for us, ‘By grace we are saved by faith in Christ Jesus who we encounter in the scriptures for the glory of God alone,’ but what is at the heart of our path of salvation?

Come along and find strength and hope in God’s glory!

Bible Readings:  Psalm 19:1-4; John 8:48-58
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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

Step Up
Our Step Up - Preparing for First Communion in 2017 program will commence on Sunday 20th August.  If your child is now in year 5 or about 10 years of age they are welcome to participate.  If you would like to register your child for Step Up, please ring the church office on 8263 5087 or email your details to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au by August 18th.

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids will be staying in worship with their families this week as one of our families will be leading worship. We will be encouraging and supporting them as they serve in this special way.  Kingdom Kids will resume next Sunday 6th August at our 10.30am service.

Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them in the narthex.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Face Book page!  To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup has now moved back to the church hall.  We thank Tony for kindly allowing us to use the OSCH space during the hall renovations.  We will keep to our 9.30am time slot on a Wednesday for now.  Please bring pre-cut fruit to share.  Join other Mums and Dads and Grandies for a coffee and chat with activities for the little ones.

Youth Ministry
Welcome back to term 3! Our first event for the term is this Friday night starting at 7pm.  This term we are going to be looking at Jesus – Who Am I? What does it mean for us as individuals to live in Christ?  It will be a great fun filled night looking at what the parable of the lost sheep really means in relation to Who Am I in Jesus.  Bring your bibles, your sense of adventure and your friends. Cost is $2 to cover the cost of supper.

Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

NELY (North Eastern Lutheran Youth)
Our next exciting event is scheduled for Saturday 26th August and will be held at St Paul, Blair Athol.  It will be a day of gameshow fun, friendship, fellowship and food.  Event is open to all young people in school years 5 to 12.  Cost is $15 to cover dinner, snacks and hours of fun.  Tickets must be purchased prior to the event.  These are on sale now until 23rd August via www.nely260817.eventbrite.com.au Looking forward to seeing you all then.  Any further queries plase contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814.

Para Vista Lutheran Women's Fellowship - Notice of Meeting
Please note that the next meeting takes place in our renovated Good Shepherd Hall at 1pm, Tuesday, August 1st with Pastor Rolly leading the Bible Study. This will be followed by coffee, tea, biscuits and a social gathering.

Anyone still wishing to donate to the Lutheran Community "Socks and Jocks" collection may take this last opportunity to do so.

The Maranatha Health Quiz Night is on Saturday 5th August
Shrug off the winter blandness and let your inner patterns shine! Sharpen your wits for a night of African and general knowledge puzzling, dress in your favourite colourful patterns, grab a team of friends, bring some delicious nibbles, and come for a night of fun. There will be a special kids quiz, lots of prizes, fun games, and the latest news from our work in Uganda. All proceeds to the work of MH. Saturday 5th August, 7pm sharp start
Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes

Tables of 10. Adults $20, kids aged 10 years and over $10, kids under 10 free. BYO drinks and nibbles (alcohol allowed) Hot drinks available. Limited space so get in quick!
RSVP 28th July contact@maranathealth.org

From the Office

Professional Standards Workshop
Last opportunity to register for participation in the Professional Standards Workshop on Sunday 6th August commencing at 12.30pm and finishing at 6.30pm.

Registration is via online system and is accessible here: https://goo.gl/Zanktk and also via the SA/NT District website. If you do not have computer access please contact the church office and they will assist in registration.

IT House keeping
Please note the use of USB sockets on the projection PC to charge phones or smart devices is not permitted and is to cease forthwith.  The projection PC is a critical piece of infrastructure in our church.  In order to minimise the chances of things going wrong during worship sessions it is essential that it is only to be used for activities directly related to projection. 
To also maintain the integrity of the projection computer casual web browsing is not to be conducted on this machine.  Thank you for your cooperation with this.

Good Shepherd Representative
The next General Convention of Synod for the Lutheran Church of Australia will be held at Rosehill Gardens in western Sydney from 2nd to 7th October 2018. The LCA’s 19th general synod will feature the theme 50.500 faith.freedom.future.  If you wish to represent our congregation at this gathering please contact Stephen or the front office on 08 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au for further information.  Alternatively please mark your connect card with “Convention”

Free Books
There are still free books and AV items available on a table in the hall with books that you are free to help yourselves to.  Request that the books are not returned to the library.

Notice Board

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

Adelaide: Op Shop Volunteers Needed
LCC is in need of volunteers to help in our Op Shops at Blair Athol and Smithfield.  We are also looking for volunteers to help sort donations at the Blair Athol shop.  If you want to contribute to the community and be part of a friendly team, contact Di for more information: 8269 9300 or dgerrie@lccare.org.au

Winter Appeal – Donate and Give Hope
This winter we are asking you to donate and give hope to those who need it most. 
Many of the people that Lutheran Community Care meets are homeless and they urgently need assistance this winter. Not only have they survived the circumstances which have resulted in homelessness, the isolation they often experience adds a further burden and getting support can be difficult. With your help, we can help people get back on their feet and experience hope again.  Please visit www.lccare.org.au or phone 8269 9333 to make a donation.  All donations over $2 are tax deductible.  

Employment and Volunteer opportunities at the LCA
Employment
Chief Executive Officer
Chaplaincy
Business Director
Youth Ministry Coordinator
Assistant Manager

Volunteer’s role:
Blea Board Vacancy
Overseas Mission
Photographers
Humanitarian Roster – Lutheran World Service

Please visit www.lca.org.au for more details.

https://www.growministries.org.au/

“My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:26

Cuts like a knife

For the word of God is alive and active…

The book of Hebrews was written to a group of people who were daily threatened with all the things that tear joy from life: hardships, persecution, pain and terror.  These things translate very well to our contemporary life and not just to Christians.  More and more, though, Christians, including those who live in relatively peaceful places like Australia, are understanding what the early church was going through whether attacked by the government for their beliefs, persecution for doctrinal statements, the pain of watching faith being abused in all spheres of culture and the terror of the unknown.

But the author of Hebrews offers a suggestion to those who are struggling with staying on target with regards to their lives of faith.  Use the Word of God.

Lutherans believe that the Word of God is three things:
First and foremost, the Word of God is Jesus Christ - the living Word who was with God in the beginning and is the Word of life even today.

Secondly, the Word of God is the preached word – for faith comes through hearing, and all of us, whether we recognize it or not, came to faith by hearing someone speak about it.

Lastly, the Word of God is the written word – the Bible, the scriptures.  When we speak of Sola Scriptura in our series, we understand that the scriptures are the cradle of Christ and it is here that we run headlong into the breath of God in the flesh who has come to save the world, not condemn it for its faithlessness. 

What do we do with this written word?  How do we use it?  How does it become alive and active?  How do we see its sharpness which penetrates to divide even soul and spirit, joints and marrow?

This week we’ll look at the difficulties of truly living as people of the Word, people of the Book, people who actively allow the scriptures to cut them to the quick, incise sin, like a cancerous tumour, from our lives. 

Come and open the book with us this week!

Bible Readings:  Hebrews 4:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11; Proverbs 30:5
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au 

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

Kingdom Kids
Kingdom Kids is now on holidays.  We will resume on Sunday 6th August at 10.30am.
Activity folders are available for the younger children and Worship Journals available for the older children for use during the services.  Please help yourself to them just outside the parenting room.

Growing Faith at Home
Now available on our church Facebook page! 
To encourage families to keep growing in their faith at home each week.

Little Lambs Playgroup
Playgroup is now on a break.  We will resume on Wednesday 26th July.

Youth Ministry
SOUL Crew is currently on a break for the school holidays.  Our first event will be held next Friday 28th July.  This term we are going to be looking at Jesus – Who Am I? What does it mean for us as individuals to live in Christ?  I look forward to another exciting term ahead of us.  For term 3 dates check out the flyer.

The school holidays have been an exciting time for many of our youth and leaders, whom attended CLW Camps.  I know as the Head Chef on one of the camps I was able to watch these young people grow in their relationship with Jesus over the week.  Some of them went from grumbling teens that were forced to go to camp because their parents made them, to outgoing, loving caring young people with a totally different attitude.

Further details regarding youth contact Margot Mertin 0401 850814 or mmertin@paravista.org.au

Para Vista Lutheran Women's Fellowship - Notice of Meeting
Please note that the next meeting takes place in our renovated Good Shepherd Hall at 1pm, Tuesday, August 1st with Pastor Rolly leading the Bible Study. This will be followed by coffee, tea, biscuits and a social gathering.

Anyone still wishing to donate to the Lutheran Community "Socks and Jocks" collection may take this last opportunity to do so.

The Maranatha Health Quiz Night is on Saturday 5th August
Shrug off the winter blandness and let your inner patterns shine! Sharpen your wits for a night of African and general knowledge puzzling, dress in your favourite colourful patterns, grab a team of friends, bring some delicious nibbles, and come for a night of fun. There will be a special kids quiz, lots of prizes, fun games, and the latest news from our work in Uganda. All proceeds to the work of MH. Saturday 5th August, 7pm sharp start
Endeavour College, 85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes
Tables of 10. Adults $20, kids aged 10 years and over $10, kids under 10 free. BYO drinks and nibbles (alcohol allowed) Hot drinks available. Limited space so get in quick!
RSVP 28th July contact@maranathealth.org

From the Office

Good Shepherd Representative
The next General Convention of Synod for the Lutheran Church of Australia will be held at Rosehill Gardens in western Sydney from 2nd to 7th October 2018. The LCA’s 19th general synod will feature the theme 50.500 faith.freedom.future.  If you wish to represent our congregation at this gathering please contact Stephen or the front office on 8263 5087 or email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au for further information.  Alternatively please mark your connect card with “Convention”.

URGENT Candle trimmer
A volunteer is required to learn the art of candle trimming for our alter setting each Sunday.  This position only requires approximately 15 minutes to trim candles and ensure they burn brightly on a Sunday.  Please contact the office or Stephen on 8250 1690 or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or mark your connect cart candle trimmer.

Ignite the Future building update
Steel work is now well under way and roofing material should start to be put into place. 
The bi-fold doors have been installed to the chair store and this completes part of the project.
The narthex is available for use again this week.  Remember the rear doors are inaccessible for emergency use.

Free Books/DVD/Videos/CD’s
There are still a number of free items on the table in the hall with materials that you are free to help yourselves to.  Request that the items are not returned to the library.

Adelaide Show Outreach
If you received a copy of the Volunteer’s Response Form from Con Schlenk last Sunday please contact the office as the wrong form was accidently issued out.  If you didn’t get a form and would like one please let the office know.  Please consider this outreach program as a way to be trained then engage others in a thought provoking way about their spiritual life and open the gate for a discussion.  Please contact the office or Con Schlenk on 08 8359 1965 for further enquiries

Notice Board

Dried apricots
For sale in the church office at $12 per 500gm pack which will help support ministries in Cambodia and Tonga.

Adelaide: Op Shop Volunteers Needed
LCC is in need of volunteers to help in our Op Shops at Blair Athol and Smithfield.  We are also looking for volunteers to help sort donations at the Blair Athol shop.  If you want to contribute to the community and be part of a friendly team, contact Di for more information: 8269 9300 or dgerrie@lccare.org.au

Winter Appeal – Donate and Give Hope
This winter we are asking you to donate and give hope to those who need it most. 
Many of the people that Lutheran Community Care meets are homeless and they urgently need assistance this winter. Not only have they survived the circumstances which have resulted in homelessness, the isolation they often experience adds a further burden and getting support can be difficult. With your help, we can help people get back on their feet and experience hope again.  Please visit www.lccare.org.au or phone 8269 9333 to make a donation.  All donations over $2 are tax deductible.  

Professional Standards
Good Shepherd will host two opportunities to participate in the Professional Standards Workshop (PSW) on Sunday 6th August and again on Sunday 10th September commencing at 12.30pm and finishing at 6.30pm.  You only need to attend one.

The workshop numbers are capped at 35 people. This is due to the interactive nature of the sessions so early registration is recommended. Registration is via online system and is accessible here: https://goo.gl/Zanktk and also via the SA/NT District website. If you do not have computer access please contact the church office and they will assist in registration.

Cost for each participant is $40.00.  If this is prohibitive for you please contact the church office or Stephen on 8263 5087 and some concession can be arranged.

What happened to teachers in Lutheran schools in June 1917?
The greatest blow to the Australian Lutheran Church in World War I was the closure of its SA schools. Some were re-established within a decade, and today the sector flourishes. But what became of the 50 teachers who lost their positions on 30 June 1917? Jen Zerner has investigated this as an Adelaide University project, and will be the guest speaker at the next Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) meeting on Monday 24th July, 7.30 pm in Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the city. All welcome, supper & gold coin donation.

https://www.growministries.org.au/

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror;

then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part;

then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

1 Corinthians 13:12