Encounters with Jesus 6: Joanna, wife of Chuza – Expectations
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 5 weeks, we’ve heard the stories of Caiaphas, Mary the sister of Lazarus, Andrew, his brother Peter, and Pontius Pilate.
This Sunday we’ll hear the story of Joanna, the wife of Chuza. After being healed by Jesus, she and some other women followed him and financially supported his ministry. It is likely that they accompanied Jesus and the disciples to Jerusalem for Passover – and were in the crowd on Palm Sunday.
“Palm Sunday” – we think of Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem. It was a provocative act. In riding a donkey, Jesus was presenting himself as the promised Messiah-King of Israel.
The crowds gave him a welcome fit for a king. But the acclaim and celebration of the crowds filled the Pharisees with despair: “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” (Jn 12:19 NIV)
I wonder about the expectations of those who sang Jesus’ praises that day. If I was in the crowd, what would I be wanting Jesus to do as Messiah?
Yes, many would have hoped for Jesus to liberate them from Roman rule, taxes, and brutality – and to establish political independence for their nation. All Jews would have welcomed the end of paying tribute to Rome!
But what about the women who followed Jesus during his ministry in Galilee… and then to Jerusalem for the Passover festival? And the children who came along as well? I wonder what their expectations may have been of Jesus as Messiah-King?
Jesus is indeed the King who ushers in the kingdom of God. He not only teaches about the kingdom of God. He demonstrates what it looks like when God rules as King on earth – just as he does in heaven.
Jesus never promised to overthrow the Romans – but to bring forgiveness, healing, deliverance from the evil one, reconciliation with God, restoration, and the hope of eternal life. All who receive and believe in Jesus are part of that kingdom – and are called to participate in God’s good news story for his world.
I reckon the women who followed Jesus got this a lot better than the men who were his disciples. What do you think?
This weekend I invite you to celebrate Palm Sunday with us and to share the joy of having Jesus as our Messiah-King.
Shalom!
Pr Rolly
Bible Reading: Luke 8:1-3, John 12:12-19 (see also Luke 23:27,49,55-56; Luke 24:1-12)
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.
Easter Services
April 14 – Maundy Thursday 7:30pm with Holy Communion.
Theme: Judas Iscariot: Betrayal
April 15 – Good Friday 8:45am and 10:30am.
Theme: Mary (mother of Jesus): Traumatised; Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea: Emboldened.
April 17 – Resurrection Sunday 8:45am and 10:30am with Holy Communion.
Theme: Mary Magdalene: Devotion.
One A Penny Two A Penny!
In keeping with tradition here at Good Shepherd, we would like to enjoy hot cross buns after the Good Friday service. Please bring some to share: buttered, unbuttered, fruitless or choc chip – any way you enjoy them!
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
Professional Standards/Safe Church Training – Save the Date!
Good Shepherd will be conducting Safe Church training (full day course) on Saturday 2nd July 2022 – more details to come.
If you haven’t completed Safe Church Training, please make use of this opportunity to participate in keeping Good Shepherd a place of safety.
If you are a part of any ministry including a small group who engages with children or vulnerable persons, you are required to participate in level 1 training. Any person in a leadership or governance roll is required to complete level 2 training. Further information can be found at https://www.sant.lca.org.au/departments/psd/
Birthday Fun at Good Shepherd
Staff and volunteers gathered this week to celebrate the birthdays of Rolly Stahl and Stephen Zanker. What a blessing to be able to celebrate together – happy birthday to you both!
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.
Faith Practice – 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
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
Family Support Coordinator News
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
I can’t quite imagine what it might have been like in the crowd the day Jesus arrived in Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Bubbling excitement, loud cheering and high expectations surged through the people as they waved palm branches and welcomed Jesus into the city. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and this week’s GFH resource shares ideas and activities to explore. The Creative Response is a great way to reflect on this important time of the year through bible readings, prayer, symbols and blessings. For another Easter activity, you might like to make a cross out of a palm leaf! See the resource sheet for pictures and a link to instructions.
God bless your week!
Little Lambs Update
Dear Church Family,
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. As shared last Sunday during the Spotlight, creating an environment where relationships can be formed and nurtured is a wonderful area of connection and care! This ministry is one way we can ‘Reach into the community with the gospel, that all may know Jesus and come to worship Him’. 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. Hope to hear from you soon.
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
Last Friday we celebrated Sports Day, a day of fun and challenge. We were blessed with beautiful weather and enjoyed friendly competition. The scores were pretty close in the end with Kelly coming out on top and Montague and Nelson tying in second place. For more information, please have a look at our school newsletter. We would love for you to see what we are up to. Click on this link for the latest edition: https://bit.ly/3DUao5a
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 the link 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 Eve (Youth Worker from Endeavour College) shared the Easter message called ‘Washed Clean’. We would love for you to hear and see her message too! Why not ‘join us’ via this link: https://bit.ly/3JlH3kQ
Church Library
Did you know that there is a treasure trove of resources just waiting to be discovered by you, in the church library next to the hall?
There are books, study guides, DVDs, music CDs, Bible activity kits, children’s stories and games. Make some time to browse in the library. If the room is dark, step inside and the lights will come on! Once you’ve found your treasure, borrowing is easy. Just fill in one of the borrowing slips next to the computer, remembering to include the barcode number from the front of the resource.
Immersing yourself in Christian literature is a fantastic way to learn more about our amazing God and His wonderful work in our world!
Carol Gallasch
Librarian
Office News
Office Hours
Rachel is in Adelaide at the moment and will be around to help in the office for the next two 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.
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.
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.”
Revelation 7:9
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
