Go!!
“Get ready. Get set. Go!!”
During childhood we heard these words at the start of a race, or a treasure hunt, or perhaps some other adventure. With the word: “GO!!” we get moving as quickly as possible – because we don’t want to miss out.
When traffic lights turn green, I like to get moving as quickly as possible. Why? Because I want to help motorists behind me get through the intersection without having to wait for another cycle of traffic light changes.
Just before the risen Jesus ascended into heaven, he urged his followers to stay put in Jerusalem and to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. It was “get ready” and “get set”.
Ten days later, when the promised Holy Spirit came, it was all “GO!!” On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came with signs and wonders that caught the attention of the thousands who were staying in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter points his audience to Jesus. Peter calls them to repent and to be baptised into the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins – so they too would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Around 3000 people responded to the Good News of Jesus by being baptised. People from all nations came to celebrate a Jewish festival; many went home knowing Jesus!
God’s desire to bless all people is still his mission for us. It happens as we share the love and Good News of Jesus with others. Jesus tells us: “Go and make disciples of all nations…”
God doesn’t want anyone to miss out. Our Father wants every person to come into his family through Jesus so they can do life with him and inherit eternal life. Given the heart of God and the eternal benefits for all who are in Christ, I wonder: “Why we slow to GO?”
Pentecost reminds us that we need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes, change our hearts, and infuse our souls with God’s love for others – regardless of their cultural background.
May God infuse us with a fresh anointing of his Spirit that moves us to engage with our community – so that all may know Jesus and worship him.
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Acts 2:1-12,14a, 22-24, 32-39
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
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.
Support for the Family Zone – Sustaining you through the AGM!
Concerned about feeling hungry during the AGM? Worry no longer! The Family Zone Support Team will be cooking a delicious BBQ to keep you sustained! All proceeds will go to support the work of the Family Zone in the local district.
Cost: Sausages $2, steak sandwich $4 (maximum cost per family $15).
The Family Zone is undertaking a major appraisal of their programmes. It would assist them to complete this if we did not have a food collection in May. Hopefully we can recommence our food support in June. Thank you for your support in the past.
Global Worship 2021
I was a part of the planning committee for last year’s global worship which was fascinating to experience different cultures and discuss the topic of being ‘Gifted’ in this current day and age. This year, we have organised another worship service with the theme of ‘Compassion’.
Below is a link to the page where you can sign up, and share music if you would like. The service will be held from 9:30pm until approximately 11:30pm on the 22nd of May. It would be amazing to have some other people representing Australia for this service.
https://www.ejb.de/aktuelles/global-worship-compassion/
If you would like any more information, please contact Josephine through the church office.
Josephine Matthias
Decade Dance
The Decade Dance will be held on the 19th of June from 7pm-midnight in the church hall.
Anyone is welcome. We teach easy dances on the night.
There will be time for freestyle, as well as line dances like the Macarena, Nutbush and Cotton-Eye Joe.
BYO food and drinks. Admission is free.
The Theme is ‘Decades,’ so come dressed in clothes from your favourite decade (20s, 50s, 80s etc.).
There will be practices and ballroom dancing lessons for those who want to learn ahead of time. These will be held in the church hall from 7-8pm on Tuesday the 1st, 8th and 15th of June. You are welcome to come to all or one.
Greta Matthias
News from Maranatha Health
Maranatha Health’s newsletter is out and it’s a bumper edition, including their 2020 Year in Review, information about the upcoming Supporters’ Brunch (pssst: your “save the date” is 29th May!) and much more. To catch up on all the latest, head to https://bit.ly/3o8vG6Y
Jesus “Super Signs” in John – 7+1 Miracles
John records just seven of Jesus’ miracles – or “signs”. Over four weeks we’ll look at each of them. What do these signs tell us about Jesus? How did they impact people who witnessed them? How did they fulfil the Old Testament Scriptures? And how do they point to Jesus’ resurrection…and our life in Christ? Come and share in the joy of life in the Word.
Four Wednesday evening workshops with Pr Rolly, starting June 9th.
Please register via the Church Office: 8263 5087 Or: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Request for Lift to 8:45am Services
Iris is a senior blind lady living independently at Gilles Plains. Over recent years she has been using a walker, and still uses it at home. She can use her walker getting to a car, and then would need some help getting in and out. On arriving at Good Shepherd, she would then use an on-site wheelchair. She is seeking a lift to our 8:45am services. It would not have to be every week, but it would be helpful if she could attend the first service of the month for Holy Communion. If you can help out, please contact the Church Office.
Ladies Fellowship June Me
eting
The June meeting for Ladies Fellowship will be held on 1st June. AS June is the month that we celebrate the Queen’s birthday we will be having a Royalty Quiz. So brush up on your knowledge.
Meeting time : 1pm
Please bring your own biro and Bible
Covid check in required; please don’t come if unwell.
There is no trading table this month
Hostesses: Beth Temme and Jean Hampel.
Apologies to Joy Wandel please.
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith Ministries at Home
Dear Church Family,
Happy Pentecost Sunday everyone! We welcome and celebrate the Holy Spirit’s arrival all those years ago and presence here with us today. The Holy Spirit is here with us to fill, help, comfort and guide us each day.
Symbols of the Holy Spirit include wind, fire and the dove. Many would relate to the image of a fire; the warmth of a campfire, the glow of a candle as it illuminates the darkness…
Here are a few things to ponder with family and friends from this week’s GFH resource. Share about an experience you have had with wind or fire. In what ways has the Holy Spirit been at work in your life? What signs of the Spirit’s work have you seen, heard or experienced for yourself? Encourage each other this week as you share these ponderings… I would love to hear your stories of life with the Holy Spirit!
Also, here are a couple of child friendly links that tells the story of how the Holy Spirit came all those years ago, and the miraculous impact that set the church in motion…
Cartoon Format: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMQKy1Mx49M
Pentecost Explained in Lego
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvy-_Dayaoc
Worship Leading
Calling all people who are interested in Worship Leading at church! Singles, families, small groups, how about you and a friend? Happy to chat with you about this. Please let me know!
Little Lambs Playgroup
We are baack! Exploring, playing and generally having fun on a Friday morning. We would love to see you and your little one(s) from 9am in the Church Hall. Just $2!
The Little Lambs Team were also wondering whether you might have a little time to occasionally help set up for Playgroup after school on a Thursday afternoon, or perhaps assist with cleaning and pack up at 10:30am on a Friday morning? On occasion, some of our team have things that pop up meaning they can’t always make it themselves. It would be wonderful to have a few names we could call upon to help if the need arises. Please let me know if you might be able to help in this way! You can contact me via email Georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au or I’d love to have a chat with you sometime.
We are still on the lookout for large cardboard boxes! Our Little Lambs love to use their imagination, create and even climb inside on occasion! (We would like to make a ‘Wall of Jericho’ as we learn about Joshua next Friday.) If you have some suitable clean, large boxes at home, could you please bring them to church by Wed May 26?
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Blessings,
Georgie
“I baptise you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Matthew 3:11
We are a Covid-Safe Church 
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 restrictions as mandated by the State Government. QR Code check-in is a legal requirement for all who enter the facility. If you do not have the ability to check in using this code you are required to check in with a host or sign the records sheet with your name and telephone number. A physical distance of 1.5 metres is still required when not seated. This includes entering the building, attending Communion and getting served tea & coffee. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current social distancing regulations. White floor markings are placed at 1.5 to assist you.
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
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
