Encounters with Jesus 5: Pontius Pilate – Perplexed
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 4 weeks, we’ve heard the stories of Caiaphas, Mary the sister of Lazarus, Andrew, and his brother Peter. This Sunday we’ll hear the story of Pontius Pilate. His encounter with Jesus can be summed up with the word: Perplexed.
As the Roman Governor, Pilate did not have a good track record with the Jews.
Soon after arriving in Palestine, he sent soldiers into Jerusalem to set up Roman military standards – embossed with images of the emperor. There was a reaction! Six days later, Pilate had Jewish leaders protesting in Caesarea. When soldiers threated them with swords, they showed their readiness to die by bearing their necks. Impressed with their resolve, Pilate ordered the images removed.
Another conflict arose when Pilate seized funds from the temple treasury to build a water main. While visiting Jerusalem, Pilate faced an angry protest by the Jews. With the threat of a riot, Pilate ordered his soldiers to mingle among the crowd dressed as civilians – yet armed with hidden clubs. When the protest became more pronounced, on a prearranged signal, soldiers drew their clubs and began beating protestors, killing many.
As a servant of Rome, Pilate is appointed governor to keep Roman law and order. The last thing he wants on his CV is a revolt.
Sometime before Passover, Barabbas was arrested for insurrection and murder. His execution was pending. The morning after Passover, the Jewish leaders want Pilate to authorise Jesus’ execution.
In John’s account we read the dialogue of Pilate with the Jews – and Pilate with Jesus. While Pilate is trying to get to the truth of what Jesus has done wrong, Jesus is also asking questions of Pilate – and making claims that Pilate finds perplexing. It makes the reader wonder: “Who is on trial here?”
What is common in all four Gospel accounts is that Pilate cannot establish a charge under Roman law to warrant the death penalty. The Jewish leaders keep pressuring Pilate until he concedes to their demands.
It’s a travesty of justice! Yet it is also a key part of God’s plan to justify us!
Jesus knew what the outcome would be. Yet for the joy of having you and me with him in eternity, he deliberately marches step by step towards his destiny.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Shalom!
Pr Rolly
Bible Reading: John 18:28-19:16 (NIV) (see also John 19:17-22)
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.
Farewell from Jacob Fabich
Hi Good Shepherd Family,
Just a note to let you know that for my Field Placement with my studies at Australian Lutheran College, I will be moving on from Para Vista to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Mt Barker. My last service at Para Vista will be on the 10th April.
I give thanks and praise to God for the past two- and a-bit years at GSPV and thank God for each of you. Thanks to all who welcomed me and encouraged me in my faith journey, both on Sundays and by invitation to small groups. God bless you all!
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).
Cheers,
Jacob
Lutheran Care Family Zone
Thank you for supporting Lutheran Care Family Zone through the Drakes Community Dollars scheme. If you shop at a Drakes Supermarket, please scan your “Drakes Tag” each time you shop. Tags are available from our Revive Cafe front counter.
The Community Dollars barcode is also now accessible from the myDrakes app which can be downloaded from the Apple or Play store. Simply select the “Lutheran Care Family Zone” group in settings and save. Then scan the barcode when going through the checkout.
For every $2 you spend, Drakes donate 1c to Family Zone. That may seem like a small contribution, but from little things big things grow!
Since joining the program in late 2019, our community has contributed $1312 to the Family Zone! Family Zone have used this money to extend what they do in their programs – beyond what they are funded for. These include:
- A program (including a meal) to assist families whose children have ASD.
- purchasing items to celebrate successes along the way in the Boys/Girls programs in the local primary school which works with students to build their resilience, confidence and improve their wellbeing.
- Home Visits – an integral part of Family Zone work, where the team goes to the homes of the families who are referred to them, to provide support, connection to services and programs offered at Family Zone and elsewhere. The team works with each family for 6 months.
- Being with Baby program – an eight-week program delivered face to face, which supports new Mums with postnatal depression or anxiety related to being a Mum.
The most recent “reward” of $314 enabled a catered-for celebration at the end of the “Being with Baby” program. Also, gifts of chocolates were part of the introductory session as the Mums got settled and got to know each other.
Great Support for Food Collection
Thanks again for the great support for food collection last Sunday. There was some confusion as to when the food was to be picked up. It will be collected this coming Tuesday.
With humble thanks from Family Zone.
Men’s and Women’s Retreats – May 2022
Made for More – 4 Day Men’s Retreat, is based on John Eldredge’s book and “Boot Camp”: Wild at Heart. The material has been re-worked for an Australian audience.
Awaken Your Heart – Captivating Woman’s Retreat. Is based on John and Stasi Eldredge’s book and retreat: Captivating.
To register: www.thegoalislife.com
Then click on RETREATS from the top menu.
Retired Lutheran Pastor from Murray Bridge, Tim Koch, is part of a team who are organising these retreats in Australia. Having read several of Eldredge’s books and participating in a Wild at Heart weekend over a decade ago, I believe that many men and women will find greater freedom in Christ through these retreats.
Pr Rolly
Ladies’ Fellowship
The next Ladies’ Fellowship meeting on 5th April at 1pm, will begin with Bible study. Pastor Rolly will lead his final Bible Study for us.
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.
Apologies to Di Schlenk please: 0409820448.
The March edition of Tidings from Lutheran Women is now available. If you are not a member of Ladies Fellowship and would like a copy emailed to you, please contact Di Schlenk: pdschlenk@internode.on.net
Next Grow Ministries Workshop
Our workshop with Grow Ministries was postponed. Stay tuned for rescheduled date.
Faith Practice – Rituals and Traditions. What are some of your Easter rituals and traditions? What are some of the things you did as a child to remember Jesus dying on the cross for us? In your caring conversations in the lead up to Easter, why not share together how you celebrate Easter? Georgie has placed some great Grow Ministries’ activities at https://paravista.org.au/ministries/children-family-ministry/ under ‘Home Resources’ that you could make with your children or grandchildren at home.
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
Family Support Coordinator News
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
This week’s GFH resource is titled ‘The Greatest Gift’. Mary of Bethany (sister to Martha and Lazarus) offered Jesus a most unusual gift, expensive perfume which she poured on his feet! Why do you think she did this? What is the best gift you have ever received? What gift would you like to give to Jesus today?
As you know, we are presenting a range of dramas at church at the moment that offer reflections of people who encountered Jesus in the lead up to his death and resurrection. Mary of Bethany was featured mid-March. If you would like another look, check out the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church website. Click on the ‘Listen’ icon where the video archives are stored. Scroll down to the Mary (sister of Lazarus) video on March 13.
For more Easter crafts at home, you might like to make a Holy Week Diorama. See the resource sheet that Kathy mentioned above for instructions!
God bless your week!
Georgie
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. Please prayerfully consider this. 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.
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 in 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/
School Snippets
Have you seen our school newsletter yet? We would love for you to see what we are up to. Click on this link for the latest edition: https://bit.ly/3DtpIoY There are also hardcopies available in the café area or see Georgie and she can arrange for you to have your own.
Parent Support 2022
Each year the school offers courses to support parents and caregivers with their journey of raising children. Next term we are hosting the ‘Circle of Security’ course. In Term 3 the ‘Toolbox Parenting Program’ (Primary Years) is on offer. Please check out the attachment on the Children & Families Page of the website, or the posters/fliers in the Café area for more details on the courses and how to join them.
Chapel
This week for School Worship we continued 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 Good Friday with Pastor Chris Mann? https://bit.ly/3IR1XIF
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
Rachel is in Adelaide at the moment and will be around to help in the office for the next three weeks. Please be patient as the office still may not be open at times. Call 8263 5087 to see if it is open, 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.
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.”
Isaiah 53:4
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
