Enjoying God Forever
Being ‘ourselves’ – being ‘real’ – is valued in society today. But what do you do when who you are is not enough? When what you do is not enough? This is a major issue for so many people today. Am I who I know myself to be, or the person that other people think I am? The apostle Paul claims that our identity can only be truly found in Jesus. And when I believe that it is Jesus who gives me my identity & worth, then I can do what the Westminster Catechism says is the chief purpose of all people: “To glorify God and enjoy him forever.”
Pastor Robert Voigt
Bible Readings: Galatians 2:16-21 (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.
AGM Round Up
The Annual General Meeting for Good Shepherd Para Vista was held on Sunday 28th May.
The following were discussed during the meeting:
- Both Robyn Oatey and Christa Schwarz presented reports on the National Synod and District Synods (respectfully) and what was discussed at each.
- The Review for Corporate worship was submitted to the congregations and accepted that we will continue with two Sunday morning services.
- It was noted that due to the recent decline of call from Richard Fox that Greg Fowler has now been called, as per the motion passed from the last call meeting.
- A special thanks was given to David Wilksch and his contribution to the GSPV community over the last decade. We wish David well and pray every blessing in his new district role.
- An update was provided on the progress that the community has made towards our goals outlined in our church safe plan after the review and action plan was recently implemented. Thank you to everyone that has participated in training thus far and embraced the inclusive culture that we are striving to create.
Gods Blessings,
GSPV Board
GSPV Finance Update
The following is an update on our finances for GSPV.
In the budget approved at our Half Yearly meeting in November 2022 we provided for annual offerings and donations of $450,000. By 30th April, we planned to have received $150,000.
As of 30th April 2023, our donations were $95,000, a shortfall of $55,000.
Our overspend to 30th April 2023 is $55,000.
Our expenditure to this date is as expected with the shortfall equal to our fall in income.
I ask congregational members to prayerfully review their giving and consider increasing their weekly commitment.
Dean Bartley (Treasurer)
Thank you for continued support!
Once again, your support for the food collection for Lutheran Care has been fantastic. Food donated in our May collection has already been distributed to families in need.
Request for this month is:
Pasta
Pasta Sauce
Coffee
Cereal
Rice
Soap
Dishwashing liquid
Family Support Team
KAPS (Kids and Parents) Event
Our next KAPS event is approaching quickly. We will be having a ‘Service’ theme. We are looking forward to hearing from guests representing ALWS, Maranatha Health and Stamps for Missions. An afternoon of interactive activities, worship, and dinner. Bring your children and your grandchildren… Get to know new friends. Pop it in your diary now.
Rachel and Georgie
Community Family Support News
Growing Faith at Home
This week I’d like to share something a little different… It is actually a Master Foods ad from a while ago called ‘Dinnertime Matters’. I encourage you to click on the link and hear what the adults and children have to say regarding people they would like to invite to dinner. Here is the link: https://rb.gy/zs6dt
Growing Faith at Home resources encourage you to talk with family members and people you care for (whether they are at the table, that is up to you) at a time and place that suits your context. While they offer conversation starters that encourage faith, there is always the ‘share your highs and lows’ option.
This is a wonderful way to build your relationships, to hear what is impacting your child or people in your care group, as well as providing an opportunity for them to hear about your highs and lows… Learning about each other is a wonderful step towards discovering how to support each other!
School Snippets
It’s cold outside! It is easy to take things for granted… warm clothes and a school with heating… but keeping warm can be a challenge for many! The school’s Winter Warmer Appeal is in full swing with students collecting donations from classrooms three days a week. Students have been encouraged to bring items to South Australians in need by supporting the Uniting SA Winger Appeal. A section of the school front office is being laden with donations of unused sleeping bags, tents, tarps, socks, beanies, and non-perishable goods. (If you would like to contribute, Georgie is happy to help.) For more of what we’ve been up to, please check out our school newsletter via this link: https://inewsletter.co/J1WDLx/latest
Printed copies, for both this week and last week, are available in the café area and Georgie is happy to arrange a copy for you if you would like.
Chapel Invitation
Pastor Chris Mann shared the story of ‘Mouldy Manna’ on Wednesday at Chapel. Have a look at this week’s devotion for his reflection on trusting God. As always, you are warmly invited to join us for worship at 8:50am on Wednesday mornings. You are also welcome to stay around for a coffee and chat with people in our Good Shepherd Community.
JC Life Kids Camp
Do you like camping and sharing time with other people who like to have fun? Here’s an idea for the school holidays! Junior Christian Life (JC Life) is a four-day, three-night, camp for young people in years 4-6 to meet others and grow in their relationship with God. Significant sponsorship is offered to first time campers by the LLL. Only $20 admin fee! (If this is not your first camp, talk to Georgie as there is a smaller sponsorship available.) The camp will be at Camp Kedron, Barmera. There will be a bus heading out from Adelaide. Pick up a postcard from the front office! For more information either chat with or contact Georgie here, or check out the camp section on the blueprint ministries website at: www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/jc-life
Alternately, you might like to head straight to JC Life for registration. Please note, registrations close on 26th June.
Georgie
Good Shepherd Lutheran Ladies Fellowship Lunch
Ladies Fellowship invites you to mid-year Fundraising Lunch- A tasty two course meal including introductory mocktails. This year we are supporting Hope Stahl, daughter of Pastor Rolly and Mrs. Leanne Stahl. Hope is undertaking a two-year apprenticeship with Evangelical Students at the University of Adelaide and TAFE SA City campus.
Date: 4th July
Venue: 388 Montague Rd Para Vista
Time: 12 noon for 12:30pm
Cost: $30
As this is a catered event, payment will be required by RSVP.
Special Guest speaker: Alan Starks- “A Tasty History of Chocolate” Sampling included!
RSVP to Di Schlenk by 27th June Ph 0409 820448 or pdschlenk@internode.on.net
Maranatha Health
It’s been another incredible year for Maranatha Health. Thanks to financial support from so many of you, there is positive, lasting change happening in Uganda. As we look ahead to a new financial year, we invite the Good Shepherd Church community to help us further the encouraging growth in outcomes we are seeing in Uganda.
Please visit www.maranathahealth.org/eofy to give today.
Maranatha Health is an organisation our church community supports, which brings sustainable development, community empowerment and healthcare to poor communities in Uganda. Over the past year they have seen some incredible growth in impact, such as an increase in patient numbers, and an absolute flourishing of a ‘Village Health Leader ‘program where locals educate their own communities on important messages around health issues like sanitation and food hygiene. They’re inviting us to support them through an end of financial year donation, so that they can continue this encouraging growth in outcomes. Donations are tax deductible and can be made either through the Maranatha Health website, or by bank transfer. Scan the QR code or visit the website on the screen to donate.
Safe Church Training Level 1 – Adelaide (Unley)
St John’s Lutheran Church, 15 Marlborough Street, Malvern SA 5061
on 24th June 2023
9:00 am – 4:00 pm (sign-in from 8:45 am)
To register click on this link: https://cvent.me/yz7geo?RefId=Unley20230624
Registrations close 19th June 2023
Morning Tea & Lunch will be provided.
Leanne Stahl’s Solo Art Exhibition
From 10th- 25th June, I am having a solo art exhibition of around 20 paintings at a community gallery in Tranmere, (Brookside Cellars Community Arts Centre, 17 Moore Street, Tranmere) to which you are all welcome.
The gallery is open Thursday 10am – 3pm, and Weekends 12-4pm.
It is on the theme of ‘Flourishing’ in this season and in my art style.
I will also be there each Sat and Sun afternoon “sitting the exhibition” and happy to share about my artwork.
I would love to see you there.
Leanne Stahl
New and Renewing Leader -Full time position, Gawler Lutheran Church
Gawler Lutheran Church (GLC) is in the process of establishing a school-based church within Immanuel Lutheran School, Gawler called “New Life Church”. They are seeking a leader for this new and renewing church venture. This is a new and exciting position, working in conjunction with Gawler Lutheran Schools (inclusive of Zion preschool and Immanuel School) and New Life Church under Gawler Lutheran Church. The leader will work in a supportive team with the various volunteers of different teams in the congregation as well as a supportive staff environment at school and GLC.
For more information, a position description and application details head to the following website: https://www.sant.lca.org.au/about-us/job-opportunities/ or contact Pastor Anthony Price at: anthony.price@lca.org.au; Ph: 0410983269.
Applications close Friday 23rd June.
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
Morning Tea and Coffee
Tea and coffee are available after Sunday services, and you are most welcome to come and enjoy the free percolated and instant coffee and tea.
Connect Cards
Connect Cards are available as you enter worship. Please complete the card using pencils which are available from holders on the side of chairs in the worship centre. They may be placed in bowls provided at exits as you leave. Connect Cards may be used for comments, small group or prayer requests, or to communicate with office or Pastoral Care staff.
Weekly News Items
Weekly News items are to be sent churchenquiries@paravista.org.au / krishna.vasani@paravista.org.au by Wednesday Evening. Out of hours please leave a message on the answering system 8263 5087 or email the office and staff will respond as soon as they are able.
Name Badge Request
The cost for a replacement name badge is $12. If you would like to order one, contact the church office on 8263 5087 or send an email to: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Diary Dates 2023
June
10th-25th June Leanne Stahl’s Solo Art Exhibition
24th June 9-4pm Safe Church Training Level 1
25th June 4-7pm KAPS
25th June Lutheran Care food collection
July
1st July Young Adults
4th July 12pm Ladies Fellowship lunch
9th July 1-4pm Friendship and fun afternoon (in the church hall)
10th – 13th July JC Life camp at Barmera for Years 4-7
10th – 14th July Metro CLW camp at Pt Hughes for years 7-12
“…With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
I will give glory to your name forever.”
Psalm 86:12 (NLT)
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
