Heads Held High!
Last Sunday Pastor Rolly encouraged us to have hope in the midst of the troubles and difficulties of life as we wait for the return of Jesus. Our follow-up message this Sunday is based on Luke 21:25-36 with the theme: “Heads held high.”
This week we begin the season of Advent, with its important emphasis on preparing our hearts to celebrate the coming of our Saviour Jesus at Christmas. Verse 28 of our text speaks directly to that when it says: “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
What are some of the practical ways that we can prepare spiritually for Christmas? Our answer to that will centre around the following three key words of Waiting, Praying, and Hoping.
(1) Waiting is about being alert. To wait effectively, we need to slow down. We need to be quiet enough to listen. At this time of year, everything is rush, rush, rush. But that’s precisely why we need to intentionally step away from all that and find a place to slow down, catch our breath, and quietly reflect.
(2) This waiting leads us into praying. In verse 36 we read: “Be always on the watch, and pray …” The bottom line is that we prepare best for Christmas by spending time reading the Bible and in prayer. Listening to God’s promises and trusting in them is a core part of us preparing spiritually to celebrate Christmas.
(3) Such waiting and praying, lays the foundation for us approaching Christmas with great hope. We can face the many troubles and challenges that life throws up at us, with confidence and hope because we know that Jesus is with us every step of the way. As his name “Immanuel” reminds us, Jesus is “God with us.”
Knowing all that, we can joyfully raise our heads high, absolutely confident in the goodness of God: knowing that God loves us, that he forgives us, that he accepts us and embraces us with his grace and mercy.
Come along and join us in confessing and celebrating that truth, as we embark on our journey together in celebrating the coming of Jesus to save us at Christmas.
God bring you joy!
Pastor Richard Haar
Bible Readings: Luke 21:25-36
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.
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
Christmas Treats for Lutheran Care
Our final collection for 2021 for Lutheran Care will be this Sunday November 28th. Collections will resume in February 2022.
This month’s collection request is different to other months. They are seeking items that can be included in Christmas Hampers to bring joy to families in need this Christmas. Items requested include Christmas treats such as:
- Chocolates
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Lollies or sweets
Lutheran Care will add other substantial food items to their hampers. Due to health and safety reasons all donations must be sealed and in their original packaging.
You may wish to donate a gift. They are seeking gifts particularly for teenagers, adults, or care givers. Request gifts are not wrapped so recipients can choose a suitable gift for their family. Younger children are more easily catered for. but the older groups often miss out on the joy of receiving at Christmas.
Christmas Orders
This Sunday is the last day to order a live Christmas tree. These trees are supplied by Birdwood Lutheran Church and money raised supports the school chaplain programme in the local area. For orders contact John Dolling 0409819864 or jdolling@bigpond.net.au
With gratitude,
The Family Zone Team
Grow Team Update
The Grow Team will be meeting this Sunday to continue planning for the future. Please pray for Holy Spirit to continue to lead and guide us.
Last Sunday after both services we were blessed to hear of a connection that has blossomed into a beautiful relationship. You can view this video here https://paravista.podbean.com/e/growing-together-in-jesus/
The Village area on Sunday mornings is a wonderful place where connections like these can continue to be made. Anyone is welcome to sit close to this area and assist the younger ones with the activity that Georgie has provided. After worship is a wonderful opportunity to then connect with children and their families.
Let’s continue to encourage one another to make new connections and share stories to grow our faith in Jesus.
“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
Ladies Fellowship
Ladies Fellowship Christmas Lunch: 7th December 12 noon (for ladies who have registered and paid.) Executive please come at 11am for set up.
Tidings Newsletter
If you would like an emailed copy of Tidings Newsletter, from Lutheran Women SA/NT, please contact Di Schlenk pdschlenk@internode.on.net or the church office.
Community Carols, Saturday 11 December, 7:00pm
We need ushers and carpark attendants. They will be needed from 6.30pm.
Ushers will help check people in and guide them to seats,
Carpark attendants will direct traffic – especially to the Curiosity Carpark – and ensure the one-way traffic flow occurs. To participate, please contact Merv Thiele 0429 009 847 or email: mervrost@optusnet.com.au or Lindsay Freund 0429 696 424 lindsay.freund@ljf.com.au
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Advent Resources
Dear Church Family,
Happy New Year! This Sunday marks the beginning of the church year, starting with the season of Advent. A time to look forward to the birth of Jesus and to the time when Jesus will return. This week’s GFH resource goes into more detail. The Service key suggests making some Christmas decorations to perhaps give to friends or neighbours.
For more Advent ideas we have some ‘Christmas Family Faith Trail’ booklets available on the stand in the café area or in the church office. There are activities for pre-school and primary children as well as people of all ages! Why not pick one up for your children or grandchildren to explore in the lead up to Christmas?
God’s Love, Joy, Hope and Peace by yours this Advent season!
Georgie
Little Lambs
Little Lambs gathered this morning for our last catch up for the year. We celebrated Part Two of Encountering Jesus at Christmas. We enjoyed activities, fun and some Christmas action songs led by some school children. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the dedicated ladies on the team; Beth, Andrea, Candita, Lucy and Nell. They have worked together to make beautiful, creative, and fun experiences for our little ones come to life. They have been a blessing to the Little Lambs families. God bless you ladies!
Georgie
Carols and Christmas Eve
We have two exciting events coming up over in the church at Good Shepherd. Community Carols on Saturday December 11 starting at 7pm and our 5pm Christmas Eve Family Service. There are opportunities to be involved!
- Chris Jaensch is looking for children who might like to join him up the front for some singing at the Community Carols evening! If this interests you, or would like more information, please contact him direct on 0406 971553 or chrishelane@hotmail.com
- If you would like to participate in our Christmas Eve Family Service, I would love to hear from you. Please let me know or send me an email: georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au
We are still unsure whether you might need to book for this event (it will be free). Keep an eye on WINGS for further updates.
SPIN Camp
Miraculous things are coming to Camp Kedron in Barmera this January…
SPIN kids camp is an opportunity for children in Year 4-6 in 2021 to gather as God’s people and grow their relationship with God in Christian community. This year our theme for camp is “Miraculous.’ There is a discount code available for Good Shepherd members. Please see Georgie or contact the church office! For more information and to register head to: https://www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/spin/
Open Door – Christian Books & Gifts
Now available – Calendars 2022, The Australian Christian Diary 2022 and other Daily planners.
Christmas stock including Advent candles for home or church, Advent calendars, nativities, gifts, Christmas cards, books, music, DVDs.
Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, Gawler. Ph 85221677; E opendoorbook@gmail.com
Fb: www.OpenDoorGawler.com.au
Trading: M-F 10-4, Sat 10-1
Office News
Christmas Whirlwind Competition
The competition is open again this year on Friday 24th December at 8.30am to find the best dust blowing machine on the block. The competition heats up this year to see if the electric machines can outdo the petrol ones and will greatly assist in giving the church grounds a bit of a dust off and the facility a bit of a spruce up?
For free entry, please bring along your best blow vac machine with safety equip and join the group to create an inviting appearance to our church facility for Christmas. If you don’t have a blow vac and have the time, still come along as I have a few spare.
Cobwebbing and small garden maintenance will also be completed so if you don’t have a competitive machine maybe you can compete for the longest broom handle.
Church Candles
Candles have been replaced with oil burning wicks. If you have the privilege to extinguish them, please use the candle snuffers located under the altar to do so.
Handy Man Maintenance – Help Wanted
Good Shepherd care team are looking to build a group of volunteers that can assist other members in small home tasks such as changing light bulbs, tap washers or other small jobs. If you are able to assist please let Stephen or the office know at stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087.
Mission Vision Support
Electronic deposits can be made to the following bank account details; BSB 704942. Account number 10354939 Account Name GSPV REG
REG is a way to regularly support the mission of our church. Details of transactions are kept confidential. Please visit www.lll.org.au/REG and use BSB 704942 and Account number 100354939. Cash may be dropped off at the office during office hours. This will be treated in the same way as Sunday offerings.
“…for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”
1 Thessalonians 5:2
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. Physical distancing of 1.5 metres is required when not seated. This includes entering the building, attending Communion and while served tea & coffee. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current distancing regulations. White floor markings are placed at 1.5m to assist you. Thank 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
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388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 | Phone: 8263 5087 | PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092
