Doubt Proves that Faith Exists

Doubt almost seems like a bad word in Christian circles. All too often it is equated with falling away — with losing your faith. Christians fight against doubt and are often encouraged to just have faith. But doubts are a normal part of our lives, and we live with them most of the time. Sometimes those doubts can be quite debilitating, and in our faith, they can lead us to feel guilty and maybe even think that we aren’t a very good a follower of Jesus.
But is doubt always a bad thing? Could questioning our faith — when properly addressed — be a useful thing for us to experience?
As mentioned before, doubt is a natural part of being human. It comes to all of us periodically. So rather than run from it, use it to your advantage. Bring your doubts to God. Seek answers to your doubts. When you do that, doubts can lead to growth.
And it may actually be that there will be times when your doubts are really hard to answer. If that happens remember even though you might at times doubt God, God never doubts you. And always tell yourself that you can rely on his love for you and his promises to you.
Paul Fielke
Bible Reading: John 20:19-31
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.
Next Grow Ministries Workshop
Our next workshop with Grow Ministries has been tentatively rescheduled for Saturday 21st May. More details to come.
Faith Practice – Caring Conversations. How did you go with your caring conversations over Easter? Let’s continue to look out for others and connect during our question/conversation time during worship.
Faith Practice – Acts of Service. As our community seeks Father’s leading, how can you serve our community with the gifts and abilities God has given you? And how could you encourage someone younger within our community to serve?
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
Lutheran Family Care Support
Due to the upcoming long weekend and the current school holidays, the next food collection for LC will be Sunday 1st May, after our single 10:30am service.
Donations can also be left in the church office before the 1st. Due to the reduced office hours please phone to check if the office is open, on 8263 5087.
Requests for April:
- tinned spaghetti
- sugar
- toothpaste
- individual soaps
- shampoo
- conditioner
Thank you for continuing and very generous support.
Office News
Covid-19 Update
The SA Government has announced new Covid-19 rulings which are effective from Good Friday 15th April 2022. Please continue to maintain 1.5m distancing and exit the facility via the café doors.
- Masks do not need to be worn in churches
- Check-in via QR code or paper sign-in is no longer required
- Members should not attend church or other events/gatherings if they are not feeling well or think they have been exposed to COVID-19
- No density restrictions for all worship services
- No density restrictions if serving food or drink – standing whilst eating also permitted
- COVID Marshalls: to be advised.
- Holy Communion may be celebrated at the Communion rail. Individual cups are to be provided for all communicants but the Common Cup can be used by the pastor for consecration only
- Congregational singing and choirs are permitted
- Post-service fellowship: morning tea is able to be provided with people adding their own milk and sugar and helping themselves to any food
- Home gatherings are unrestricted
- Hand sanitiser will continue to be provided and good hygiene practise is encouraged
- People can continue to wear a mask if they choose to do so.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5
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); Fri Closed.
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