All Things to All People
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. ~1 Corinthians 9:19-23
St Paul never compromised God’s standards, but he was always willing to forego traditions and other things in order to reach any audience. He used things that would give him credibility with his audience so that he had common ground with them. He earned the right to speak so that he could tell people about God’s love in Jesus.
Here are some ways we can “become all things to all people” as well, and so follow his example:
- Listen. We can often be very eager to share our own thoughts. A common mistake people make is to jump into a conversation before they really hear what the other person is saying. We all appreciate being heard; and when we extend that to someone else, they are more likely to listen to what we have to say. It is also a strong way of showing care for them.
- Be kind. This is part of the Christian’s DNA, however as humans we can easily fall into old habits and lose our kindness. Kindness never goes out of style and the respect that comes with being kind is vital in “being all things to all people”.
- Be sensitive to people’s backgrounds. It is important to understand where people come from so that we can have a better understanding of them. It is easy to think we know about others, but it is only from hearing people and putting ourselves “in their shoes” that we really can.
Being all things to all people is something St Paul did to enable others to hear the wonderful message of Jesus. It is also a way we have of showing God’s care and love to all people as well.
Paul Fielke
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
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 ministry team.
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.
Family Support Coordinator News, from Georgie
School Snippets
Annual Performance Report
Although not a formal agenda item on the Congregation AGM agenda, Good Shepherd Lutheran School shares its Annual Performance Report for the 2021 school year: https://bit.ly/38ktaHx
The regular Week Three Newsletter is available for you to enjoy here: on this link: https://bit.ly/3lpK7TG
We were so very blessed this week to gather in the school gym for worship as a school family. We continued our theme of ‘fruit of the Spirit’ focusing on ‘Peace’. It was certainly a team effort! To mention just a few… A group of students created the altar, and our student leaders were the worship leaders for the day. Our Auslan teacher Mrs Buhren led actions in Auslan for one the songs. Some senior students led actions for the other ones. This was not filmed so, unfortunately, we can’t share it with you on our Chapel playlist. You can however read this week’s devotion on the church website for a summary of the message that was shared.
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
One of the ways that we get to know God is by investing some time by reading his word in the Bible. There are copies of the latest Grow Together newsletter in the café stand (and one on the bulletin board). Check out the back page. You will find a creative way to immerse yourself. It’s called ‘Lectio Divina for Families.’ (By the way, not just for families, for people of any age!) There are four parts to it: reading, meditating, contemplating, and praying. Why not have a go with one or more of the suggested texts for a start: Psalm 23, John 10:10 and/or Matthew 13:1-9? I would love to hear your reflections! If you would like additional copies, please see me (Georgie). There is also the usual GFH resource for ideas to consider.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Georgie
Upcoming Youth Event at Good Shepherd
Are you looking for an opportunity for young people to connect and get to know each other? We would love for you to join us! Come along to meet new people, play games with friends and parents, and enjoy worship… Here at Good Shepherd church on Sunday 29th May from 4-6pm. For more details you can check out the flyer above (there are paper copies in the cafe), contact Rachel Pfeiffer on 0475 582 289 or see Georgie.
Camps
Junior Christian Life (JC Life) Camp
JC Life is a camp for young people in Years 4 -7. It is aimed at providing a fun, safe place for young people to meet others of their own age and grow in relationship with God. This year the camp’s theme is “Unlikely Heroes”. A generous sponsorship is on offer for all first-time campers attending camp in 2022. The camp will be held in the school holidays 11th-14th July, at Camp Kedron, Barmera. Head to blueprintministries.org.au and follow the links through to the JC Life camp section. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Georgie!
Metro CLW
Metro CLW is a camp for young people in Years 7-12. This year’s camp is held in the July school holidays, 11th-15th of July, at the Ankara Campsite at Walkers Flat. The theme for camp is GLOW, based on Matthew 5:14-16. Pastor Stephen Schultz will be talking about how we can GLOW in our schools, workplaces and at home. There will be fun, games, worship, small group time, amazing food and even a gnome hunt!! A generous sponsorship is on offer for all first-time campers attending camp in 2022. For more information and to register head to blueprintministries.org.au and follow the links through to the Metro CLW camp section. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Nicole Pfeiffer or Georgie!
Idea Inspired by Pastor Richard
Idea Inspired by Pastor Richard
Thank you to everyone who has already written their Bible text in the letters that will make up the words ‘Be determined and confident’.
The cut-out letters will be available again after the services on Sunday. You are invited to write one of your favourite Bible verses on the letters. It could be a verse that inspires you, a verse that you have relied on when you have walked through days that you needed God’s strength to be strong and courageous, or maybe just a verse that that means a lot to you. There will be pens available (with wipes to clean them after) or you may choose to bring your own pen of whatever colour.
So, if you have not already done so, come along prepared jot it down… (it is hard to come up with just one!) It is especially helpful to write the Bible reference and the text, so it is easy for others to know which text you are referring to. We would love to have as many people contribute as we can! We are all part of the Good Shepherd flock!
Young Adults: Let’s Go Bowling!
Join us for some arcade fun at Zone Bowling Woodville.
Meet at Zone Bowling Woodville at 5pm for the first bowling game to begin soon after.
Rides are available from the Church if needed. Arrive from 4pm for a 4:30pm departure.
Support for Lutheran Care
Thank you for your generous support once again for the food collection for Lutheran Care. As many people struggle at present these certainly help families and individuals survive in these difficult times.
Requests for support in May:
Tins of fruit
Tinned vegetables
Canned soup
Coffee
Washing powder
Next collection will be on Sunday May the 29th at both services.
Grow Ministries Update
Our next workshop with Grow Ministries is on Saturday 4 June 8.45-1pm here at Para Vista. We will focus on “Missional Faith Formation”. Look beyond the walls of our church buildings and seek to understand the people in our local communities. Who are the spiritual but not religious in our area? What about church refugees? Why is it important to understand those we are trying to reach? We explore models and approaches for missional outreach and pathways for encountering Jesus.
Everyone is welcome! If you would like to come along, please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au to register. Tea and coffee will be provided but please BYO morning tea.
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
Office News
Notice of AGM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista Inc. will be holding the Annual General Meeting this Sunday 22 May 2022 beginning at 12.15pm. Hard copy agenda and reports will be available in the front foyer and café areas.
UPDATE: To participate in the meeting remotely please use the details which were emailed on Sunday morning. The information provided earlier has been superceeded.
Apologies may be submitted to the church office: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or 82635087.
An apology sheet is on the sound desk from this week if you wish to complete prior to the meeting.
Marantha Health Fundraising Sausage Sizzle Lunch
Prior to the AGM Maranatha health will be providing a sausage sizzle lunch. Cost will be $3.00 per sausage, or you can get a bargain and buy 2 for $5.00. See Maranatha Health for more information or to donate.
Caretaking Volunteers Required
Good Shepherd School has been chosen by SA Health to be a COVID-19 vaccination hub to help eligible people get vaccinated. The school has requested the use of the church cafe area to facilitate this. This is an opportunity to connect with our community. Caretaking/security volunteers are sought on the following dates:
- Friday 27 May 12.00pm to 5.00pm & Saturday 28 May 10.00am to 4.00pm
- Friday 29 June 12.00pm to 5.00pm & Saturday 30 July 10.00am to 4.00pm
An hour or two is all that is needed to reach missionally into our community. Please contact the office or Stephen with your availability.
Connect Cards
To enable us to keep in touch with you please collect a Connect Card on the way into church, fill it out and then place it in the offering bowl on the way out. As we still care for your health, please bring a pen to fill the card in. If you are seated with a visitor, please encourage them to fill in a card so we can get them a thank-you via the post.
Air Conditioners
The evaporative coolers have been closed for the winter months. The remote controls have been removed and will be returned when the units are opened for summer. Ceiling fans in the auditorium have been reversed.
Café Heating
Works to install heating into the Café area has been completed. To operate the system please follow the instructions placed alongside the controls.
Serving Platters
A few serving plates were left behind after the shared Sunday lunch. Please remove them from the café as any items left after one month will be donated to Lutheran Care.
Australian Lutheran World Service (AWLS)
509,873: that’s how many people our Australian and New Zealand Lutheran family have supported through AWLS. Lives You Touch leaflets have been placed into the display rack in the café concerning how that support can be continued by gifting through your will. Please take a leaflet and consider the impact you could make.
Employment Opportunity
CHILD SAFETY STANDARDS FOR CONGREGATIONS IMPLEMENTATAION SUPPORT OFFICER
Based in North Adelaide, SA
- Full-time 12-month contract
- For more information contact Mary-Ann Carver LCA Child Protection Project Officer Ph: 08 8267 7300 or 0490 281 727 Email: mary-ann.carver@lca.org.au
- Applications close 3 June 2022
For further information go to: www.lca.org.au/employment
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
We are a Covid-Safe Church 
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 arrangements as mandated by the State Government. From 15th April 2022 masks and check-ins are no longer required, however please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with continued physical distancing and by exiting the church through the café doors.
Please do not attend the church if you are feeling unwell. Thank 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-Thurs 9am-3pm (closed 12:30pm-1:30pm for lunch)
Church Website: www.paravista.org.au Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Look for us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!
388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 | Phone: 8263 5087 | PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092
