Celebrating the Reign of God in 2023
Jesus was the Messiah, the promised Saviour, who ushered in the Kingdom of God (the reign of God). The Scriptures tell us that the Kingdom of God exists, wherever Jesus reigns as King – wherever people acknowledge him as their Lord and Saviour. Usually, royal power is exercised in a way that benefits the one who is in power. But not so with Jesus! He tells us that he came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Jesus rules as our King, but he does so from the cross.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray, “Your Kingdom come.” That is, “Lord, bring in your Kingdom.” That occurs not just generally or generically, but personally. God’s Kingdom comes to us when we acknowledge Jesus as our King and trust in his help and salvation. Let that be your prayer throughout 2023, that Jesus would reign as King over your heart and life and that he would help you to trust in his forgiving, saving, healing, and renewing love – as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, including yours and mine.
Pr. Richard Haar
Bible Readings: John 1: 29-34 (NLT)
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.
RENEW Young Adults Camp
RENEW is a camp for young adults and those who have just finished high school to gather together for a weekend to connect with God and others. Join us to be “renewed” through worship, electives, activities, fellowship, and late-night chats.
Due to the flood currently impacting the river Murray communities,
RENEW 2023 camp will be held at Dzintari Campsite at Normanville from 3rd-5th February 2023
Two Nights $185 | One Night $155
50% discount – Year 12 school leavers 2021/2022
Click here to register by 23rd January 2023 by 12.00pm: https://bit.ly/3FCq8ME
Connect Cards
Please fill in a connect card as you walk in the church as it is the only way we can connect with you!
Easter Worship Planning Team
If you are interested in joining the Easter Worship planning team, please see Merv or Ros Thiele or contact the church office.
Fellowship and Fun
On Sunday 12th February, from 1pm in the church hall. Come along and enjoy sharing time over some friendly games. All welcome!
BYO drinks, nibbles, afternoon tea.
A gold coin donation on arrival would be appreciated, and tea/coffee is available.
Activities for the afternoon will include cards, board games and carpet bowls – if you can’t play, then come and learn!
Contact Peter Schlenk for more details on 0419 217 767.
We aim to provide a welcoming, enjoyable afternoon of conversation and fun and look forward to seeing you there.
Family Support Coordinator News, From Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
I’ve been watching ‘The Chosen’. The earlier seasons depict Jesus gathering his disciples. The episodes inspire you to reflect on the profound impact Jesus had on those he encountered and read the accounts recorded in the bible. Following Jesus is not all sunny weather and smooth sailing… There are complexities, questions, celebrations and challenges… and a cost… All things that we face today. This week’s GFH resource is called ‘Jesus calls us to follow him’. There are questions and a discussion point to consider as well as some other ideas. Why not have a look?
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Little Lambs
Dear Church Family,
Our Little Lambs Playgroup has been on hiatus throughout 2022. We have certainly been blessed in previous years with wonderful volunteers who have served in this area. Is it time to revisit this opportunity to share God’s love with little people and their families/ carers? Do you have a heart for little ones? Or do you know someone who does? Our community values opportunities to connect with others. Sharing time together, chatting over a coffee as little one’s play is its own reward. Creating an environment where relationships can be formed and nurtured is a wonderful area of ministry! If this is something you feel led to be a part of, I would love to hear from you. There are plenty of resources ready to go thanks to the creativity, generosity and love of previous Little Lambs team leaders. Please contact me via email here or chat with me sometime about this valuable opportunity.
Will keep you posted on Little Lamb’s next chapter. Watch this space!
Devotions
We give thanks for all those who have contributed to our online devotions this year. Now we are looking for more! If you have one or more of your own that you would like to share, please send them through to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Office News
Office Closure
A reminder that the office will remain closed on 26 January 2023 (Thursday) due to public holiday.
Facility Bookings
To alleviate the potential of double booking and embarrassment for users of our facility the following has been implemented. If you wish to use any room within the church facility for any reason a booking request will need to made and confirmed with the church office. If you are planning to use the church facility for any reason a booking will be required prior to commencement of the use. Please include any rehearsal or practice times. Please do not just assume that because an area is vacant when you arrive it is not being used. All pre-booked users will have preference.
Replacement Of Main Auditorium Carpet
When? 16 to 28 January 2023
How? This is your opportunity to move chairs, remove old carpet squares and replace chairs.
We are seeking a team to be available throughout this time to assist in saving the church up to $5,000.00. Please advise Stephen Zanker, Ross Pukallus, or the front office of your availability so this can happen in a smooth and organized manner without too much disruption of our activities.
Part of History Available for Sale!
For a donation you can purchase surplus carpet tiles. Let the history life on by lining your garage floor, man cave or other area for a small cost to assist in funding the full replacement of carpeting our facility. Be quick as they won’t last long. Contact Stephen or the front office for further information.
Thank you!
A huge thank you to the team/s that attended the church this past week to assist in moving chairs and lifting carpet tiles in readiness for the new carpet.
All involved had a good workout, enjoyed the companionship and most importantly hoed into the fresh hot scones with brewed coffee.
Listen out for the announcement this Sunday on joining us again next week to help finish the upgrade.
Empty Space?
A reminder that unwanted items are not to be bought to the Good Shepherd facility and left in hope that we may be able to use them. Permission from the Congregational Administrator or church office is required before leaving items in any area. A reminder to please take all your belongings with you when you leave the facility. Surplus items will be removed from the area after 2 weeks and placed in the community care bin. Remember a lost property box is located on the cupboard in the corridor leading from the parenting room to the rest rooms.
Name Badge Request
The cost for a Name Badge is $12. If you would like to order one then, contact the church office on 0882635087 or send an email to: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Weekly News Items
Weekly news items are to be sent to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or krishna.vasani@paravista.org.au by Wednesday Evening. Out of hours please leave a message on the answering system 08 8263 5087 or email the office and staff will respond as soon as they are able.
“…Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years.”
Revelation 20:6
Safe Church
Please consider the health and safety of others and do not attend the church if you are feeling unwell.
In observing Christ’s command to love one another, we are to treat each other with respect and dignity. In honoring people, we are also fulfilling our responsibility under the law of the land. The LCA and Good Shepherd Para Vista is committed to implementing processes to ensure the church is a safe place. If anyone feels they have been subjected to sexual abuse or harassment in any form by anyone who holds a position of trust in the church, please contact:
P: 1800 644 628 E: report.abuse@safeplace.lca.org.au
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 (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
