Freedom From Bitterness
This Sunday we will be looking at forgiving others. There is no way you can live life meaningfully connected to others and not have to deal with the challenge of forgiving someone who has hurt you.
Forgiving someone is not easy. It doesn’t feel fair, and it doesn’t seem right. And yet if we hang on to unforgiveness it will grow into bitterness. Bitterness is an insidious thing that can negatively affect every area of our lives. It will impact our relationships with others and with God. Living in a constant state of bitterness can also cause health problems in some people.
In Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus calls his followers to forgive others, not just once but continually. Forgiveness is not so much a transaction we keep count of but rather a way of life as our response to the forgiveness we receive from God. But forgiving someone who has hurt us is one of the hardest things Jesus calls us to do. However, if Jesus calls us to do it, then there must be a way with his help that we can forgive others.
Join us this Sunday as we look at how with God’s grace, we can begin to forgive others and live in the freedom it brings.
Pr. Noel Kluge
Bible Readings: Matthew 18: 21-35 and Ephesians 4: 25-27, Ephesians 4: 31-32 (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.
Update From The Call Committee
The Call Committee has met with Assistant Bishop Stephen Schultz and from this we developed a list of 13 names. We received profiles for all these and combed through the information. A short list of six names was compiled and these pastors were contacted. Conversations between three of the pastors and members of the call team are set for the coming week as three are not available for us to call. Our hope is that this will lead to a call meeting in the near future. Please keep this team and calling process in all your prayers.
March Food Collection
After a fantastic start last month of supporting Lutheran Care through our food collections our next collection is on Sunday March the 26th at both services. Donations can be left in the church office up to Friday March 24th.
Requirements for March are:
- Tea/coffee
- Sugar
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Cereals
- Dishwashing detergent
Advance Notice for Easter Services
Maundy Thursday Service– 7.30pm with Holy Communion.
Good Friday Service– 8.45am and 10.30am
Easter Sunday service– 8.45am and 10.30am with holy Communion at both services.
Maundy Thursday- Helpers needed!!
Two to three helpers are needed for Maundy Thursday during the service to bless people. For more details contact Merv or Georgie.
Ladies Fellowship
The April meeting for Ladies Fellowship will be an EASTER QUIZ, so brush up on your Easter knowledge.
Date: 4th April
Time: 1pm
Hostesses: Ragna Gaard – Milla Nitschke
We will continue our Strong Women of the Bible Studies so please bring your Bible.
There will be a trading table.
Apologies to Di Schlenk 0409 820 448
Musicians Wanted
Seeking people interested in being involved in the church’s music ministry i.e., playing in the bands. We are particularly looking for drummers, guitarists, and keyboard players. Interested people can contact Merv Thiele, Michael Gower, or the church office on 82635087.
Young Adults
Come prepared to our next Young Adults Social Event held on 1st April 2023. Wine and Cheese will be consumed, and a little Easter Surprise is also being organised. Contact Ben (0411 311 381) for additional information and dietary requirements.
Christa Schwarz
Karaoke is Back!
In 2020, we held a very successful Karaoke Night at Para Vista which raised over $2500 for the Family Hub at Ingle Farm.
Karaoke is back in 2023. It will be held on Saturday August 5th. Cost of tickets is $10.
This could become an activity for your Fellowship Group or a group of your friends.
Include it in your calendar!!
Join us at the Fair!
Endeavour College is hosting a Community Fair and you’re invited!
Sunday, 26 March
12:00pm until 8:00pm on college grounds
This year we’re turning 25 as a college and choosing to celebrate this milestone birthday in style.
We will have entertainment, rides, food and much, much more.
College Tours will also be provided during the event. Please register your interest through our College Website
Come, make a day of it and bring the whole family! We’ll see you at the Fair.
Meet and Eat Fundraising
Meet and Eat Fundraiser
On Sunday, 19th March at 2.00pm at the Good Shepherd church, the Meet and Eat Ministry invites you all to a concert.
Entry for children will be free!!
Come and be entertained by the Metropolitan Male Choir of South Australia and support us raise money for our Meet and Eat Ministry.
$20 a ticket includes afternoon tea. Tickets will still be available at the door of the concert. Contact Peter Weckert for more info on 0404313892
Family Support Coordinator News, From Georgie
Kids And Parents Socializing (KAPS)
We are celebrating Easter at KAPS. We will be having an interactive worship where the participants, that’s you guys, will be acting out certain parts of the Easter story in little groups you’ve practiced in. It will be an awesome afternoon with some other Easter activities available. Just a reminder, we are opening up our youth event for year 2-7 with parents/caregivers/grandparents needing to be there too. If you have any questions, feel free to contact myself (Rachel 0475582289) or Georgie. I look forward to seeing you all there.
School Snippets
Foundation students enjoyed their first full week of school this week. (Wednesday has been an optional rest day until now.) Not only did they experience their first Chapel, but they also enjoyed a ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’. Parents/ caregivers were invited to join in the fun. We were blessed with beautiful weather. We have much to celebrate! For more of what we’ve been up to have a look at this week’s GSPV School Newsletter via this link: https://bit.ly/42hkJUl
Chapel Invitation
Pastor Stephen Abraham shared a message for Chapel on Wednesday entitled ‘What is the best day ever?’ He closes out our theme of ‘Come as you are’. Have a look at this week’s devotion for his reflection. (He also shares a link for one of his online resources.)
Next week will be another cause for celebration for our Foundation students when they receive their bibles at Chapel, a gift from our Good Shepherd community (church and school).
You are welcome to attend. Why not join us for a coffee or tea afterwards. Love to see you there!
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘Jesus is the Light of the World’? What does it actually mean? This week’s GFH resource offers some ideas to help you unpack this with those you connect with.
For this week’s Lenten activity, you can create a road to calvary scene and use it to retell the story of Easter! (See attachment provided.)
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Connect Cards
Please fill in a connect card as you walk in the church as it is the only way we can connect with you!
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
Office Closure
The office will remain closed on Good Friday, the 7th of April 2023.
Morning Tea and Coffee
Unfortunately, the coffee machine is unserviceable. At the moment we are investigating coffee machine options. In the meantime, you are most welcome to come and enjoy the free percolated and instant coffee along with tea.
Name Badge Request
The cost for a Name Badge is $12. If you would like to order one then, contact the church office on 0882635087 or send an email to: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Weekly News Items
Weekly news items are to be sent to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or krishna.vasani@paravista.org.au by Wednesday Evening. Out of hours please leave a message on the answering system 08 8263 5087 or email the office and staff will respond as soon as they are able.
“…Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
Luke 17:4
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
