Faithful in the Master’s Service

“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!’” ~Matthew 25:21
I have this sneaking suspicion that when Jesus tells this parable about the master who goes on a journey and leaves a fortune (160 years’ worth of wages) to three servants; he isn’t necessarily just speaking of money.
As we read through Jesus’ parable, knowing that he was speaking to his disciples, I would be negligent not to point out that service to Rabbi Jesus was never going to make them wealthy. Not because they couldn’t be rich (there are various forms of ‘richness’), but because everything that they would invest belonged to the master, not to them. For the disciples listening to the story, they might have heard that this parable was a win-win. The use of their talents would build and amass something greater and they would hear, at the end, these words of the master…
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Can you think of a time in your life where someone in authority, whether parent or boss, was pleased with you and your work? Which was the greater reward: the outcome or the words of joy from the authority?
For the contemporary church, Jesus speaks this parable not so much as a warning (unfortunately, our thoughts and hearts are often drawn to the third servant), but as an encouragement to use his greatest gift to us to multiply and build the kingdom.
What is this gift? Is it money? Is it a talent? Or, is it something far greater?
Come find out. Read Matthew 25:14-30 in preparation for the parable to the 21st century Church.
Pr. Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Matthew 25:13-40

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 pastors.

Prayer Requests

As we adapt to our new way of living 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.

Praise Point: We will be welcoming Imogen into God’s family through Holy Baptism this Sunday. She is the daughter of Adam and Amy.

News & Announcements

AGM Meeting, 22nd November
Our AGM is happening on Sunday 22nd November, after the service. Robyn Oatey has been nominated for a position on the Board, and Lindsay Freund has been nominated for the role of Chair of the Board. Any further nominations for the Board or Synod delegate positions should be forwarded to the church office by Sunday 15th November 2020. Over the last year, God has been revealing new ways to be the church, not just be in church. As the congregation gathers on that Sunday, we hope that there will be opportunities to discuss three main areas of vision for the next years: worship, service and community equipping. A sausage sizzle for lunch will be provided – proceeds to Maranatha Health.

Imagining the Future: Post-COVID Church will resume on 29th November.

Live Christmas Trees Available

Birdwood congregation are again selling live Christmas trees this year. All money raised supports school chaplains in their local schools.
Cost of the trees is $45. Trees are either 6 or 7 foot. There may be some slightly taller if the rain continues to fall before harvest. They will be delivered to a central location in the local area on Saturday 12th of December. Orders need to placed by Sunday November the 29th.
For any queries or to place an order contact John Dolling on 83675296 / 0409819865 / jdolling@bigpond.net.au

Family Zone News

1. In November there will be a special collection and an opportunity to support the Family Zone’s Christmas programme. More details will be provided closer to the date. The food collection will be back on Sunday November 29th.

2. Financial support
Despite Covid-19 limiting our fundraising for this year we have been able to raise $837 for the Family Zone. The two major sources of income have been through the Drakes Shopping Tags ($437) and donations ($400). If you shop at a Drakes supermarket and show a shopping tag a percentage of your purchase is donated to the identified charity. These tags are available through the church office or can be collected from the counter in the cafe area.

3. The plant sale on Saturday and Sunday last week was a great success. $900 was raised to support the work of the Family Zone. Thank you to Joan McCarthy for organising the sale, the Family Zone Team, volunteers who worked on the stall Saturday and/or Sunday and for members support in purchasing plants.

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,
What are your gifts and talents? How do you use them? How have they helped others?
Check out this week’s GFH resources for some ideas to use with those around you… Hmm, you just might be the blessing that is needed, right now!
On the topic of blessings, many thanks to Stuart and Carol, who have been quietly serving behind the scenes for quite a while now. Their weekly cleaning of folders, pencils and a selection of play equipment has been an amazing blessing to me and the children who have enjoyed using them.
Thank you!
Kind regards,
Georgie

Children/Family Christmas Service

And now for some good news…
Only 2 weeks to go!
You’re invited!
While we aren’t able to offer ‘Experience Christmas’ in our usual format this year, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is excited to hold a Children/Family Christmas service!

When: 4pm Sunday November 29 (the start of Advent)
Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Who: Families with children (and when we say families, we mean people of all ages!)
What: A service with lots of opportunities for everyone to be involved… singing, telling the story, bible readings, acting…

Perhaps as never before, we need some good news, and what better news than God meeting us in our need through Jesus’ birth!
*** If anyone is interested in serving/ helping out with the organisation of this wonderful opportunity, I would still love to hear from you ASAP***

Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Blessings,
Georgie

Ladies Fellowship

$10 membership and $11 magazine subscriptions are due now & payable to Dawn Spencer.
Honey Biscuits should be dropped in to the church kitchen by Sunday 22nd November, or given to Ragna or Joy (with thanks.) We need a total of 12 lbs of biscuits to fill our required amount of bags, so get cooking, ladies! They can be iced with long sprinkles (no cachous, 100’s &1000’s, or nuts please.)
If you are not a member of the Ladies’ Fellowship but would like to cook and donate honey biscuits, they will be greatly appreciated and accepted.
The Honey Biscuits go to Minda Home, Albert Park Sewing Group, Shout for Joy, Remand Centre, James Nash House, Women’s Prison, St Paul’s Aboriginal Outreach Ferryden Park, Fullarton Homes, Warradale Outreach, and Strathmont Aged Care.
Our Christmas Luncheon will be held on Tuesday 1st December at midday, at the Clovercrest Hotel. Please let Dorothy or Di know of your intention to attend ASAP. Husbands are most welcome.

Give a Gift of Life this Christmas

For Christmas in 2020, Maranatha Health is sharing Gifts of Life with our Ugandan community. We invite you to donate and receive Christmas Gift Cards to share with friends and family – and give a Gift of Life that lasts long into the future.
At this time more than ever, access to high quality compassionate health care and community health literacy is so important!
Your gift of a donation to Maranatha Health can provide life-saving medical care, increase community understanding to prevent ill-health, and help build a more accessible and just health care system that will bring lasting change to people’s lives.
To give a Gift of Life and order your cards, simply follow these simple steps:
1. Choose and order your cards via the simple online order form on the MH website at www.maranathahealth.org/christmas. Or have a look at the display in the hall to make your selection. Then fill out an order form, which is pinned to the display. Give the order form to Wendy Hampel or Julie Freund so that your order can be processed.
2. Make your donation to MH via Give Now: https://givenow.com.au/mhchristmas
3. Receive your cards within 2 weeks!

Maranatha Health is also doing a Sausage Sizzle on Sunday 22 November, with a market stall and opportunity to buy the cards then.
May your festive season be filled with delight as you share Hope, Justice, Love and Light with those around you!

Now available:
Calendars 2021, The Australian Christian Diary 2021; small daily planners; Christmas stock including nativities, gifts, tree ornaments, music, DVDs, Bibles & covers; books for all ages.
The 2021 “Time Out for Travellers” devotion book ($25) should be pre-ordered by 16th November.
Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, Gawler; ph. 85221677; E opendoorbook@gmail.com;
fb: opendoorcommunitybookshop
Trading: M-F 10-4, Sat 10-1. Late Night Shopping Special event: Thurs 17 Dec.

Tangara is Back!

Tangara 2020 is the student-produced magazine of Australian Lutheran College (ALC). It includes profiles of students, photos and feature articles about ALC – and its connection with the Lutheran Church of Australia. $10 per copy. Please see Jacob Fabich to purchase. Cash payments are preferred, but card payments and electronic transfers are also possible.

News from LLL Australia

We thanks and praise God as he continues to bless the mission of the LLL in assisting the Lutheran Church of Australia in its mission. Our depositors and supporters have again enabled us to provide significant benefits to assist the mission and ministry of the Church.
Highlights of the last year include:
• Benefits and Services to the LCA estimated over $8.4m.
• Legacies and Donations of over $2.9m.
• Depositor balances exceeding $1.2b.
• Loans to church projects over $298m.
• Grants from LLL Permanent Funds totalled over $2.3m.
LLL Calendars are available from your church office.
The 2019/2020 LLL Annual Report will be available online later this year; no hard copies will be distributed. If you would like us to send you one or more copies, please contact LLL via email at: promotions@lll.org.au or phone 1800 556 457.
God has again richly blessed the mission of the LLL over the last year, thanks to our supporters.
Andrew Waldhutter
Promotions Manager, LLL Australia

Office News

Visionaries Needed:
Those with the gift of hospitality to welcome; or serve coffee and tea.
Those with the gift of administration for tellering.
Those with the gift of serving to set up & pack up for Holy Communion.
No experience needed for these positions – training is provided!

Mission Support
Please continue supporting our congregation’s mission and ministry through regular offerings as our facility and staff continues to operate in a different way.
Electronic Deposits can be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704942
Account No. 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG; or
Click on the GIVE button on our website.
LLL REG: Download the form here and use the same bank details as above in the “account to be credited” section, and email back to address shown on the form. Alternatively contact the LLL on 83607200 or 1800 556457.
Offering Envelopes can still be dropped in at the church office during office hours.

Eggssssss
The folks with the yolks are back! Come and get your free range eggs – $4 per dozen. Please bring your spare cartons.

Furniture
Futon bed with 2 mattresses, lounge suite (2&3 seater), two single beds (no mattresses), all to give away. Please enquire at the church office if you are interested.

Does God still communicate with us today? If so, what are the different ways? How can we be sure it is Him communicating, and not just our own thoughts or imaginations? What is the difference between “wisdom” and “revelation” when it comes to knowing the will of God? In this practical one day workshop you will learn about and practise listening to the different ways that God communicates to His people, both individually and in a group setting.
Details & Bookings: www.trybooking.com/blxpr or michael.dutschke@lca.org.au

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:13

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