It is a communal phenomenon, I’ve noticed.

When we pray in groups, often we conclude the prayer (like stamping an envelope and dropping it in the post box) ‘In Jesus’s name.’ Have you ever wondered why we do this? What do we hope will happen as we invoke His name?

Certainly, in the book of John, Jesus emphasises using his name for multiple reasons, but the most important is this: “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it.” Unfortunately, many Christians have taken this sentence as kind of a magic phrase that will a.) give us what we want or b.) get us out of what we shouldn’t have been in.

To our own detriment, we neglect what comes before and what comes after Jesus’ words nullifying what he is actually talking about. Here they are: “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And they will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14)

Notice the license that Jesus is giving to his followers. Ask for anything in his name but realise that everything you’re asking in his name must be about doing the works that he does.

That’s an amazing restriction to put on what we ask for.

John’s description fits tightly with our readings this week in Mark 9:38-41. Three times we find a directive about using Jesus’ name. The disciples misunderstand and Jesus corrects them. Using Jesus’ name is not about getting what we want, or achieving self-fulfilment, but aligning ourselves with the will of the Father.

Which is to do the works of God who ‘…calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith…’ (Luther’s Small Catechism – Third Article of the Creed).

We are called to live our whole lives in Jesus’ name, not only attaching his name to prayers. Is this confronting? It was for me, but it opens up an entire new world of opportunities for his Church. Read Mark 9:38-41 in preparation for a discussion this weekend and beyond.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Readings: Mark 9:38-41 (NIV)

Please check the website www.paravista.org.au for podcasts and video archives of weekly messages or head to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista for regular updates and encouragement from our pastors.

Prayer Requests

Please forward all prayer requests to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087. If you know or have spoken to anyone who does not have access to a computer, please assist them to submit their request and offer to pray with them. Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news online. If you would like to view the current requests please refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news.

Farewelling Pastor Reid

On October 31^st we will be saying goodbye to Pastor Reid and family, as they prepare to fulifl their call to Tallebudgera, QLD. Here are a few ways you can show your appreciation to the Matthias family:

Farewell Service

• 31st October at both services – primarily at the 8:45am service but Pastor Reid will be acknolwedged for his involvement in the Good Shepherd school at the 10:30am service as well – you are invited to be part of the thanks and farewell
• Please note that the 10:30 am service is also the GS School 40th celebration
• We anticipate a large event, so if you are attending the 10:30am service that includes the school celebrations we ask that people register at this link: https://bit.ly/2YOpgBk
• Church members who find it difficult to register, will still be welcome to attend!

Monetary Gift

• The Church is organising a monetary gift. If you would like to contribute to this fund please put cash in an envelope clearly marked “Pastor Reid Farewell” and put it in the offering bowl or deliver it to the church office; or
• Via direct deposit to the Church bank account: BSB 704-942 Account Number 100 713 424 clearly labelled “Pr Reid”.

Good Shepherd Scrapbook

• We are planning a “Memories from Good Shepherd” Scrapbook
• We invite you to think about a greeting/photos from individuals, small groups, ministry groups etc, so start being creative, with something to fit on an A5 sheet
• Pages can be delivered to the church office, or given to Julie Freund or Tina Pfeiffer on Sundays at worship.

Monetary gifts and tribute pages are to be finalised by Wednesday 20th October. For further information, please contact Julie Freund Julie.freund@ljf.com.au or 0429 696 424 or Tina Pfeiffer tpandtmp@bigpond.com or 0409 690 070.

Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations

You are invited – to Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations.

Tickets are available by booking here: https://bit.ly/2YOpgBk

The Good Shepherd Lutheran School welcomes anyone who has been involved with our great School, and its amazing development over the past 40 years (former students, staff, Council/PFA members, parents, volunteers & friends). There is some exciting planning, and we welcome your involvement in the planned activities. We also welcome your assistance to promote, share any photos (with written permission) or memorabilia as we celebrate. Please click here: https://bit.ly/3sHfjAR for the Invitation. We are looking forward to a great celebration!

Matt Schmidt
Chair, Good Shepherd Lutheran School

A Welcoming and Connected Community

How have you been connecting or reconnecting with new people each week?  This Sunday we will have a time of sharing how we have been connecting.  Come along ready to share one of your experiences to encourage one another to be a welcoming and connected community. “A community which intentionally develops intergenerational relationships to grow faith in Jesus so that He can build His Kingdom here and now”.

Kathy Liebig
Grow Team Leader

Ladies Fellowship

If there are any Ladies in the congregation who would like a copy of Lutheran Women of SA/NT quarterly Tidings emailed to them, please contact Di Schlenk (pdschlenk@internode.on.net) New members are always welcome to join our Fellowship. Enquires to Di Schlenk on 0409 820 448.

Thank you!

Sew Good Masks

“Sew Good” face masks help disadvantaged families in Cambodia survive the pandemic.  Local Adelaide woman (Joy Marshall) has been selling face masks to raise funds for the past 18 months. The proceeds have funded many months of food relief, medicine and school uniforms for a vulnerable community of families in Phnom Penh. The pandemic has been extremely tough for them. Without welfare, the income from mask orders has thankfully helped families survive until better days return.

The face masks are $6 each and made to recommended specifications., The inside layer is a water-resistant fabric and the two outside layers cotton. They are expertly made by the women in the community and come in many stylish patterns plus black.

If you would like to support this cause , Di Ollino will be selling masks in the foyer next to the cafe after both services on Sunday 10th and 17th October.

CASH only please.

Support for Lutheran Care

The next collection will be on Sunday September 26th at both services or alternatively donations can be dropped into the church office. Requirements for September are: sweet/savoury biscuits; small boxes of cereal; rice; instant coffee; small washing powder.

We thank you for continuing support.

Plant Sale

The plant stall last weekend was very successful, raising in excess of $1,200. The final amount has yet to be finalised. This will help the Family Zone at Ingle Farm support families in need in the local area.

Thank you to Joan McCarthy who was the driving force behind the sale, to the Family Zone Support Team for all their work on both Saturday and Sunday, to all the volunteers who assisted  on either day and to everyone who supported by purchasing plants.

Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie

Growing Faith at Home Resources

What is salt used for? You might think of its cleaning agent properties, its use as a preservative… or how it brings out the flavour in food. One of this week’s Caring Conversation ponderings is: Jesus says his followers must have the qualities of salt. What do you think he means?’ The resource offers some creative ideas that around the text, ‘Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another’ (Mark 9:50).  I guess one take on this could be ‘How do you flavour the conversations that you are involved in? Check out the resource for more ideas!

Little Lambs

Little Lambs Playgroup met once again on the school oval for some outdoor fun. Have a look at the Little Lambs Facebook page to see what we have been up to this term (photos are shared on our Good Shepherd Facebook page as well.) Little Lambs are now on a break for the school holidays. Please keep the team, the Little Lambs and their families in your prayers.

Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team

Office News

For the Beverage Lovers

Morning tea is going to be re-introduced this Sunday and will be served after both services. To comply with COVID regulations beverages will be made and served by the dedicated teams who have been rostered on. Once you have received your beverage, please maintain a distance of 1.5 metres while enjoying its consumption and sharing with others what you did with your time this week.

Front Office Closure

To allow staff time to take annual leave the church office will be closed on Friday October 8.  Please email churchenquires@paravista.org.au or leave a message on the answering service and staff will get back to you as soon as they can.

Covid-19 Update

At Good Shepherd we want to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome. The current Covid-19 guidelines require people to wear a mask while gathering for worship, unless they have a medical exemption or are less than 12 years of age.

Singing while wearing your mask is permitted, although you might need to bring a spare in case of dampness (please take your old mask with you when you leave).

Capacity is currently 75%, with 1.5m distancing, but the group you arrive with may be seated together. Please check in upon entry via the front door and exit via the rear door. We feel so blessed to be able to gather in this space, we thank you, and we look forward to the time when we can share Communion and a cuppa with you again!

Found

A Christmas card with money in it has been found in the church. Please contact the office if it is yours.

Notes from the Board

Pastor Reid’s Call

Since Pastor Reid has accepted a call, the Board has met to discuss:

• the options regarding calling a Pastor, and
• the implications of the various options.

The Board invited the Assistant Bishop for Mission Stephen Schultz to their meeting on 14th September to assist in these discussions. The Board will meet with him again in the near future to work through these options in order to bring a recommendation to the congregation.

Our Mission Statement

Thank you to all who participated and provided feedback on the updated Mission Statement.  This is being collated so the Board can provide a formal recommendation to the congregation. Please keep the Board and leaders in your prayers as they deliberate on navigating Good Shepherd into the next 20 years.

Convention of General SYNOD

The Book of Reports for the 20th Convention of General Synod has been issued to Delegates. This year is a little different as most of the conversation will be conducted online.  A soft copy of the reports can be found at http://www.generalsynod.lca.org.au/business/agenda/  A hard copy is also available to borrow from the church office.

Tangara 2021 is Now Available

The 2021 edition of ALC’s annual student-produced magazine is now available for purchase. Our theme is 1 Peter 4:10b with a focus on serving God and one another with the unique gifts we each have. In this year’s Tangara you’ll find student profiles, staff and ordination photos, some other feature articles and even a couple of long-lost Refectory recipes!

Tangara 2021 costs $10.00 – to get your copy see Jacob Fabich. If you would like it posted, contact us via email tangara@alc.edu.au – postage doesn’t cost any extra. You can place bulk orders for your congregation, or simply order your own.

 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:17

We are a Covid-Safe Church

The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 restrictions as mandated by the State Government. QR Code check-in is a legal requirement for all who enter the facility.   If you do not have the ability to check in using this code you are required to check in with a host or sign the records sheet with your name and telephone number.  A physical distance of 1.5 metres is still required when not seated. This includes entering the building, attending Communion and getting served tea & coffee. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current social distancing regulations. White floor markings are placed at 1.5 to assist you.

Weekly News Submissions should be made by the Wednesday prior to Friday publication.

Church Giving via Electronic Funds Transfer:
Regular Electronic Giving (REG): BSB 704 942; Acc 100 354 939
Church Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9am-3pm
Church Website: www.paravista.org.au Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

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388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093  |   Phone: 8263 5087 |  PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092