Encounters with Jesus 4: Peter – The Fickle Follower
In our Lent-Easter worship series, Encounters with Jesus, we’re following Jesus from his raising of Lazarus to his resurrection (based on John 11-20).
Over the last 3 weeks, we’ve heard the stories of Caiaphas, Mary the sister of Lazarus, and last week Andrew – one of Jesus’ first disciples. This Sunday we will hear the story of Andrew’s brother: Peter – The Fickle Follower.
With his propensity to speak first and think later, I so get Peter! It’s not easy for an extrovert to remain silent or bite one’s tongue. One’s words can gush out like water from a fire hydrant… and do untold amounts of damage!
Peter wants to prove himself worthy of being Jesus’ right-hand man. But the harder he tries, the more he keeps messing up. Think of when he hopped out of the boat amid the swell, took a few steps towards Jesus, and then sank like a rock!
Even after three years with Jesus and the others, Peter is still making impulsive promises. At the last Passover meal, Jesus talks of imminent betrayal – and of being deserted by his disciples. With characteristic boldness, Peter declares to Jesus: “I will lay down my life for you” (Jn 13:37).
But as the night wore on, Peter’s resolve ran dry. Before the dawn crowing of the rooster, Peter denied having anything to do with Jesus… three times.
Yet Jesus did not give up on Peter! This is good news for every one of us. Jesus never gives up on us! His mercy triumphs over judgment. He is always walking towards us to do us good – to forgive us, to restore us, to grow us, to keep loving on us, and to bring us into his story for his world.
A widely held attitude in many cultures: “Three strikes and you’re out!”
I’m glad that Jesus is not like that!
Shalom!
Pr Rolly
Bible Reading:John 18:1-18, 25-27 (NIV)
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.
Consultation Sessions
The next Consultation Session is Wednesday 30th March at 7:30pm in Good Shepherd Hall.
This consultation is open to the whole of our community and is a listening exercise to discern God’s will for Good Shepherd at this time.
It is hoped that a renewed sense of shared ownership can be held by all in our community. This will help prioritise future actions and activities.
It is not a constituted meeting where decisions are formally made, but a listening and consultation process.
Please keep this in your prayers.
Lutheran Care Food Collections
Thanks for your generous support of the February food collection. This has been collected by Lutheran Care and is already being distributed to families in need.
Our next collection will be on Sunday March 27th at both services.
Requests for March are:
- tinned tuna, biscuits, 2 minute noodles, cereal (boxes), washing powder
Thanks for your continued support,
Lutheran Care Support Team
Next Grow Ministries Workshop
Apologies for the short notice but our next workshop with Grow Ministries has been postponed. New date to be advised.
As more people need to be isolating due to Covid, keep in touch with one another by phone, text, message, or email. Offer to pray with or for each other so that with God’s help we can get through this challenging time.
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
Ladies’ Fellowship
The next Ladies’ Fellowship meeting on 5th April at 1pm, will begin with Bible study.
Meeting Theme: Friends. Bring a photo or memento of your best friend or friends.
Please QR or sign in upon entry and wear a mask.
Please do not come if unwell.
There will be a trading table but as Josephine will be away, we will need some helpers for this.
Hostesses: Lyn Hancock, Maree Pukallus.
Family Support Coordinator News
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful things we can experience. It releases people from all kinds of hurt and restores relationships.
This week’s GFH resource focuses on a story that Jesus told about the Forgiving Father. Why not share these Caring Conversations with your family this week? Share about a time when someone forgave you. How did you feel? How do you think the son (in the story) felt when his father welcomed him back? In what ways is God like the forgiving father? The Creative Response offers a great way to share this message with younger children as well ask asking questions that explore perspectives from different people in the story.
I’ve also included another Lenten Craft called ‘Road to Calvary’ your children might like to create, in the lead up to Easter. You can find them both on the website: https://paravista.org.au/ministries/children-family-ministry/
God bless your week!
Little Lambs Update
Dear Church Family,
Do you have a heart for little ones? Our community values opportunities to connect with families with little ones. Sharing time together, chatting over a coffee as little ones 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 at georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au or chat with me sometime about this valuable opportunity.
Will keep you posted on Little Lamb’s next chapter. Watch this space!
NOVO Camp
What is NOVO?
NOVO is the SA-NT District camp for young people in Year’s 7-12, held annually in the April school holidays. NOVO aims to grow our young people I the faith and encourage them to talk about that faith with others. There are daily times of praise and worship, teaching opportunities to unpack and discuss teaching in small groups, awesome games and activities, and plenty of time to forge and strengthen friendships with other young people.
It is held at Cornerstone College, Mt Barker April 20-23. A significant sponsorship is available for first time campers. For others ( leaders/ campers) we have a discount code available. See Georgie or the Church Office for details. For more information or to register, head to: https://www.blueprintministires.org.au/camps/novo/
God bless your week!
Georgie
School Snippets
The Great Community Picnic
While we weren’t able to gather for our Welcome Party this year, we have been thinking creatively of ways that we can connect! Picnic gift bags were given to our ELC and school families. We encouraged people to visit one of the suggested picnic locations or host a picnic of their own and connect with others in our Good Shepherd family! Families are beginning to share photos of their celebrations. If you would like to see more about this or find out about other things we are up to, have a look at our newsletter ‘WINGS’: https://bit.ly/3tAM70m
Chapel
This week for School Worship we introduced our new theme, ‘The Long Weekend’. We are exploring some key events that occurred between Thursday night and Sunday morning , namely The Lord’s Supper, Jesus’ death and resurrection. Why not ‘join us’ via this link as we look at the Lord’s Supper? https://bit.ly/3iBWafo
Office News
Media and Administration Officer
(Part Time – 20 hours per week)
An exciting opportunity exists to join Good Shepherd’s staff team as a Media and Administration Officer. This role supports the mission of the congregation by maintaining Good Shepherd communications digital presence, and front office environment.
The successful applicant will be a committed and active Christian with excellent communication skills across various platforms, the ability to work in a team, and experience in a front office environment.
Remuneration and conditions for this position will be discussed with the successful applicant based on Clerks – Private Sector Award 2020. This will be a contracted position with the option of permanency after a three-month trial period.
A position description and further information is available on request from the Office churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 08 8263 5087.
All applications are to be:
- written addressing the Position/Person Description and including the contact details of three referees (two professional and one pastoral),
- marked “confidential”,
- and sent to:
Congregational Manager, PO Box 306, Modbury North, SA 5092
or emailed to stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au
Applications close 3pm, Tuesday 19th April 2022.
Office Hours
The office will continue with its current arrangement of volunteer staff and Rachel working remotely. Please be patient as the office may not be open on some days and will continue to be closed on Fridays. Please leave a message on the answering system or email the office and staff will get back to you as soon as they can.
COVID Update
Masks and QR coding are still required. Our density restrictions have been lifted and we are now back to full seating without distancing. Hospitality is included in the lifted density restrictions so we can enjoy tea & coffee without having to distance I do request to keep the ventilation open as much as possible and cleaning the facility after each use spraying with sanitiser. (DO NOT wipe as this only spreads the bacteria.) Thanks to all members who have respected the requests of our leaders and continued to make our place of worship a safe place.
Courtyard use – Tea and Coffee
The courtyard will still be available to enjoy the outdoors while connecting with others and enjoying a hot beverage.
Holy Communion – Serving
Holy Communion will be celebrated using the pre COVID directions for attending the table. Worship hosts will guide you. Serving will remain the same.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
We are a Covid-Safe Church 
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 arrangements as mandated by the State Government. QR Code check-in is a legal requirement for all who enter the facility, as are masks except where exemptions apply. If you do not have the ability to check in using this code, please check in with a host or sign the records sheet with your name and telephone number. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current distancing regulations.
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
