A Wild Night of Wonders
What’s the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen someone do?
I remember as a 5 year old seeing how far my dad kicked a football – wow!
A couple years later, Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. Given the technology available at that time it still amazes me.
When researchers find a way to cure certain cancers, or how to vaccinate against life threatening diseases – it boggles my mind.
Yet when I read the stories of what Jesus did – it’s always gob-smacking good news! And I’m not the first to notice.
After dealing with a demon in the Capernaum synagogue, word must have spread quickly. Because as soon as the sun went down, people in their droves were beating a path to Jesus – so he could heal their sick and deliver people from unclean spirits. Mark writes: “The whole town gathered at the door.” (Mk 1:33)
It was a “wild night of wonders”. Those who were brought to Peter’s house were broken or burdened. After encountering Jesus, they went home restored and renewed. Can you imagine their joy and wonder?
And what about Peter and Andrew, James and John? They would have been giddy with excitement, eagerly anticipating what the next day would bring.
Yet when they get up after “the wild night of wonders”, Jesus is nowhere to be seen. He’s out in “the wilderness” – a quiet place free from distractions – to pray. This tells us a lot about Jesus’ priorities: his relationship with his Heavenly Father was more important than the amazing miracles he had done; or the expectations of others.
The disciples eventually they find him: “Everyone is looking for you!” After what they have seen, they expect Jesus to do more of the same. But Jesus’ mission was to move on and preach in other places.
It’s amazing the difference Jesus makes. And it’s amazing how life can be different for us when we make some space in our lives to connect with his Father – whom we also address as: “Abba Father” or: “Our Father in heaven”. It’s wonder-full!
Shalom!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Mark 1:29-39(see also Mark 3:7-12)
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
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 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.
Good Shepherd Social Club
Our 2021 year has commenced, and we gather together each Thursday 1pm-3.30pm in the Church Hall.
We welcome anyone that would be interested in coming to a free one-off introduction on any Thursday afternoon.
Activities include meeting other members, playing different card games or carpet bowls and enjoying coffee and a chat.
If you wish to join after your free one-off visit then the weekly fee is $3.00 per person.
Please contact Tom Curnow, President on 72254593 or 0400 258 410; or Mike Hancock, Vice President on 0403 375 474 with any inquiries.
Having Your Child Baptised
Having Your Child Baptised is a short course to help parents and families prepare for their first baptism at Good Shepherd.
Our next course commences Tuesday February 9th at 7:30pm at Good Shepherd, continuing the next two Tuesday evenings (Feb 16, 23).
For more info and how to register: https://paravista.org.au/contact-us/baptism/
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Families,
When do you feel close to God? Just one of the questions that this week’s Growing Faith at Home resource prompts us to think about. Why not have a chat with your family and hear what they say? I’m also including a ‘Back to School’ resource that provides ideas to consider as your children settle into the new year. Printed copies of the ‘Back to School’ resource are available in the Church Café (please help yourself)!
Little Lambs
Little Lambs Playgroup will return next Friday 12th February, 9:00am to 10:30am in the Church Hall. If you have any ‘little lambs’ aged 0-5 years you are most welcome to join us for a fun morning together! Just a $2 donation per child. Please bring water bottle and a snack for your little one.
Worship Leading
Calling people who are interested in Worship Leading at church! If this is something you, or you and your family are interested in, I’d love to chat with you. Please let me know!
Blessings,
Georgie
Does God still communicate with us today? If so, what are the different ways? How can we be sure it is Him communicating, and not just our own thoughts or imaginations? What is the difference between “wisdom” and “revelation” when it comes to knowing the will of God? In this practical one day workshop you will learn about and practise listening to the different ways that God communicates to His people, both individually and in a group setting.
Details & Bookings: www.trybooking.com/boctn or michael.dutschke@lca.org.au
New Units at FLH Good Shepherd Para Vista – Effie Court
Five new retirement living units are nearing completion at Effie Court, FLH Good Shepherd Para Vista! For expressions of interest or to find out more information, go to Vacancies | Fullarton Lutheran Homes (flh.asn.au), or you can call Shannon O’Malley on 8372 3495. There are also plans and expression of interest forms on the noticeboard in the café area.
Office News
Connect Cards
Have a prayer request, information to share, or need the church to contact you? Connect Cards are available near the front entrance of the church. Please fill one out if needed and place it in the offering bowl during the service.
Restrictions for fruit fly affected areas.
To help South Australia fight fruit fly becoming an established pest, movement restrictions apply until at least Thursday 15 April 2021. Members are requested not to bring fresh fruit into the church for distribution as we are located in a suspension area. Please check the PIRSA website before moving any fruit.
Time Out Devotionals
There is one Time Out Devotional left. If you would like it, it can be paid for ($25) and collected from the Church Office.
Lost Property
Missing something? Lost property is accumulating! Take a look and see if any of it is yours: it is located on the shelves near the Parenting Room and women’s toilets.
COVID-Safe Requirements.
Anyone attending the premises (for whatever reason) is legally required to check-in using Covid-Safe QR Code or sign the visitor’s book with both name and contact number. Please remember to maintain 1.5m distance when entering the building, attending communion and getting served tea & coffee. White floor markings are placed at 1.5m to assist you.
Mission Support
Electronic Deposits can be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704942
Account No. 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG; or
Click on the GIVE button on our website.
LLL REG: Download the form here, use the same bank details as above and email/post back to the address shown on the form.
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Luke 5:16
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
