A Welcome Place for Faith
(Matthew 13:23)
I think far too often, I read this passage and understand it from the analogical perspective of seeds of faith. Although this is a piece, I think, of what Jesus is speaking to this great crowd, notice the wording:
…the one sown…
He’s speaking about people.
Throughout the scriptures, individuals and communities have been planted in various places with some bearing fruit, others withering away. The struggle is real, isn’t it? The faith that is sown in our own hearts often needs tending so that we can bloom and produce fruit wherever we are.
This week, as we continue along the “Welcome” series, we’ll look at this welcome faith sown by the Great Gardener.
Read Matthew 13:1-23 for background study as we hear God speaking to us.
Pr. Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23.
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.
COVID-19 News and Weekly Messages
During this period of COVID-19 restrictions, our Sunday worship has moved online, starting at 10:30 am. If you would like to participate please contact the church office for information about how to access this.
Prayer Requests
As we adapt to our new way of living please forward all prayer requests to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 08 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. If you would like to view the current requests please refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news.
Worship News
We are looking forward to gathering in worship together once more on Sunday July 26th. Ps Reid and Rolly discuss some of the practical considerations of being under the same roof once more in a video chat that is available on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdparavista/videos/288260179044723/
or you can view it on our new YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/yVydrWRuv64Pastoral Care for Everyone
Dear Church FamilyJesus’ parable of the Sower and the seed gets you thinking. To be honest, there are times in my life where I have identified with all four categories! Knowing that God’s Word is important is one thing, but allowing time and space for it to take root, nourish and sustain me so that it can flourish can be another. I reap many benefits when I invest in his word. Imagine a world where we all bloom where we are planted! What would the landscape look like? Check out the Growing Faith at Home emailed resources for this week. Here is a child-friendly clip on this week’s parable. Follow it up with a chat about what it means.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZEO_Ls2ERs
God bless you and your week!
Georgie
Little Lambs Opportunity!
With Covid-19 restrictions easing in South Australia, we are keen to reconnect face to face. Little Lambs Playgroup has been on hold through this time and we are looking forward getting back together.
Over time we have been blessed to have amazing servant hearts in our community. We thank and bless Amy and Rochelle who ran things last year and Emma who took over the reins this year before she had to go home to America. So we are looking for people who are interested in serving. We aren’t starting from scratch. We have some great ideas and a couple of helpers already. If you have some time on Friday mornings and would like to be part of this valuable time of connection and community, please let me know! Wonderful seed is being sown!
Please contact me on 08 8264 7966 or via the church office. Otherwise send me an email: georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au
I am happy to give you more details.
Many thanks,
Georgie
On the opening page of our GSPV website, https://www.paravista.org.au/ we now have a button that people can click onto for care and assistance, such as:
• Phone call or visit from one of the Pastoral Care Team
• Counselling referral
• Food/groceries/vouchers/household items
• Handyman help
• Backyard clean up team
• Prayer Ministry Team
• Pastors – spiritual/theological issues; pastoral acts
The vision is that more people from GSPV will be able to use their gifts to share the love of Jesus in the lives of others. It’s joining in his mission.
Please make use of this link and point it out to others.
Pr. Rolly Stahl
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
