How Acceptance Changes Everything
The good news, the gospel, is all about acceptance. This is the message Jesus brings and it’s the reality he lives out. He embodies the heart of his Father and the security of his identity as a son by accepting those who were deemed unclean, misfits, and outcast.
The good news is that you too are accepted. You’re included. Despite your sin, failings, insecurities, and lack of spiritual disciplines. You’re loved because he is a loving Father who calls you beloved and relates to you as his daughter, his son.
When we don’t know the acceptance of a loving Father and experience a sense of belonging, we start to live and operate out of fear. When we fear, we develop more and more rules and regulations to guard and guide us. Yet we see the opposite with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus’ acceptance of him establishes his identity. This experience of belonging grounds Zacchaeus’ trust, and it creates within him an inner conviction. He now spontaneously erupts into a new way of being. All of a sudden, there are new habits or patterns of life on display, not only for everyone to witness, but to also benefit from.
The good news is, when you live in your identity as an accepted son or daughter of Father God, you become attractive to be around. You accept others, relate to them, include them, and give them a sense of belonging.
The good news is, people are crying out for this, and it’s as simple as you are living loved, living loving.
Pr. Peter Steicke
Bible Reading for this Week: Luke 19:1-10 (NIV)
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.
Para Vista Call Meeting- Delay
The proposed Call Meeting on 30th October 2022, will not be able to proceed as planned for the following reasons.
Bishop David has informed us that Pastor Luke Spilsbury has a call that was issued on the October 10 and issuing two calls to a pastor at once is not ideal. This happened with Pastor Joel; however, he received them both within a week. Here it will be a number of weeks, and this is thought to be unfair to the Pastor. Pastor Luke has until early November to consider his current call. This would leave only one name on the list.
District office normally likes to have a representative present at a call meeting. Both Bishop David, and Assistant Bishop Stephen are unavailable. These two factors together suggest that we should delay the call meeting, and possibly include it in our half yearly meeting on 20th November.
While it is disappointing to convey this information, we trust that these circumstances are part of God’s divine plan. This time will also give the Call Committee additional time to consider new names for calling. Please keep this process in your prayers.
Christa Schwarz (Call Committee Chair)
Call for Nominations to the Board
Church governance (the work of the Church Board) fundamentally relates to:
- the process of setting, guiding and monitoring the Church’s future direction.
- ensuring the Church operates within its relevant legal and other boundaries.
- driving the Strategic Plan – ‘making things happen’ and
- establishing appropriate internal control processes and accountability systems.
As the Board works to succession plan and recruit for future Board effectiveness and stability, we ask that each community member prayerfully consider one’s own skillset, experience and potential ability to value add to our Board. Look also, to consider challenging others, whom you see exciting qualities in, and who might continue the great work of the many members who have faithfully and passionately served the Board to date.
The Board is enhanced through the broad skillset of its members including legal, financial, strategic, spiritual, etc. God has blessed each and every one of us with unique gifts and talents. How might your gifts bless others through service to the Board.
A Nomination form can be accessed here: GSPV Nomination Form 2022 or available from the church office. Please have your response returned by 30th October 2022.
Lindsay Freund
Chairperson
Notice of Half Yearly Annual General Meeting
Please mark your dairies for the upcoming half- yearly AGM to be held on 20th November 2022. Reports to follow.
Lutheran Care Food Collection
This Sunday was designated for the October food collection for Lutheran Care. Unfortunately, we have been unable to get information about the requirements for October and therefore have not been able to give you adequate time to purchase your donations.
Regrettably the decision has been made not to proceed with this month’s collection but to aim for a super collection in November.
I apologize for this situation especially after the presentation from Lutheran Care last Sunday, but it is a situation beyond our control.
If you have purchased goods to be donated and they are not perishables, please keep them to November’s super collection.
With Gratitude,
Lutheran Care
Family Zone
Upcoming “Family Fun Day @ Family Zone” on Saturday October 29 from 11am to 2pm at Ingle Farm Primary school.
It will be a chance for families in the area to visit Family Zone and learn about the services we and other organizations provide, while enjoying lots of free activities and entertainment.
It is our chance to celebrate the community and encourage people to come together after the challenging past few years.
Kerry, Manager at Family Zone, is also coming out on October 23rd to speak to our community too.
Devotion Book
The Devotion Book “Time Out in Christ’s Hand” for 2023 is now available for ordering. The cost will be $30 so if you would like to place an order, please could you let us know at the office 0882635087 or send an email to church enquiries.
Maranatha Health
Thank you for all your support of Maranatha Health and the work we do to improve healthcare in Uganda. We’d love to catch up and celebrate what we’ve achieved together! Please join us for afternoon tea on 12 November 2022 from 2-4pm at Broadview Baptist Church.
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!
Calling For Pastoral Care Team Coordinators
Our church community is seeking for a person or persons to assist in coordinating the Pastoral care for our community,
If you are interested and believe you have gifts to serve our church family in this way, please come and speak to Cess Wesselingh after the service or write it on your connect card so he can get in touch with you and explain this further.
Community Carols Planning Team
Due to the unavailability of staging, PA and Lighting, and an already very busy end of year school schedule, it has been decided to cancel our 2022 Para Vista Community Carols. We are planning to hold this event in 2023 and planning will start in the new school year.
Good Shepherd Country Drive
Come along for a family outing, drive along a beautiful green country road. Have lunch and join in and play some games, but most of all have some great fellowship. Also bring afternoon tea for mystery location.
Venue: Federation Park Gumeracha
Date: Sunday 13th November
Time: 12.15pm (at the park)
BYO Lunch, drinks & games + tables
Young Adults
The young adults met on the Saturday of the long weekend at Joel and Christa Schwarz’s residence in Two Wells for the Bonfire & BBQ event. We had a great turnout of about 20 young adults.
Following to lighting of the bonfire, we had great conversations late into the night accompanied with some Feuerzangenbowle (similar to Mulled Wine & Glühwein).
Please continue praying for us as we continue this growing ministry. 🙂
Christa Schwarz
Ladies Fellowship
Christmas Lunch Invitation
Advance Notice- Ladies Fellowship Christmas lunch 6th December at 12 noon.
Husbands welcome!
$25 per head payable to Margaret by the end of October.
Special Guest Speaker: Greg Pattinson, CEO Foodbank SA
Please bring some non-perishable food which will be donated to Foodbank SA.
Calling for Church Volunteers
As from November we are hoping to offer Holy Communion twice a month for each service. However, to be able to do this successfully we will need more volunteers. The areas we need help include setting up, serving, and clearing up. None of these are big tasks and full training will be given.
We are also looking for volunteers at both services to serve as Worship Hosts and Welcomers, and to help serve morning tea.
Please prayerfully consider this request and notify the office if you feel called to serve.
Family Support Coordinator News, from Georgie
School Snippets
Today, Friday 28th October is World Teacher’s Day. Throughout the day we recognized and reflected on the love, care, passion and dedication that our teachers invest, day in, day out as they serve students and families at Good Shepherd. To say that the last couple of years have been challenging is somewhat of an understatement. The staff have continued to work steadfastly to provide a safe, nurturing environment as they inspire their students to embrace learning opportunities and prepare them to make a difference in the world, full of Love, Optimism and Creativity. For more information about what we have been up to, please check out our School Newsletter via this link: https://bit.ly/3Ulm1ZV
Chapel Invitation
This week we began our Christmas theme ‘Journey to Bethlehem’. We began with the prophet Isaiah and the role he played in sharing clues about Jesus’ arrival. Have a look at this week’s devotion for a reflection of what was shared. Next week Eve, Youth worker from Endeavor will be talking about Mary and Joseph. We would love for you to join us! (Face masks will be required for parents and visitors. To enter, please come in via the courtyard (not the Montague Road main entrance). Seating for non-school staff adults will be in the church hall (as the church auditorium will be full of children!) Tea and coffee will be available before and after the service. See you next Wednesday at 8:50am for Worship, a coffee and a chat!
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
The title for this week’s GFH resource is ‘Jesus changes lives.’ It explores the profound effect that Jesus had on Zacchaeus’ life. Jesus noticed and had time for Zacchaeus when others overlooked him… literally! His life was never the same again. We will be hearing about Zacchaeus this Sunday as Pastor Peter Steicke shares the message ‘How acceptance changes everything’. Look forward to seeing you there!
God bless your week!
KAPS Youth Event- Only two sleeps to go!
The next KAPS (Kids and Parents Socializing) event is just around the corner! It has been great to gather together for some fun activities, Chapel style worship and get to know each other while chatting over a meal afterwards. This time we are hoping to enjoy some outside water activities (but we do have an indoor back up plan if it is raining!) While the first part of the afternoon is for students/ parents in Years 4-7, the Worship and dinner is open to all family members. When? October 30th, 4-6:30pm. Where? Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (enter via the main door facing Montague Road.) For more details you can check out the fliers in the café, or on the screen on Sunday or contact Rachel on 0475 582 289 or chat with Georgie. The weather forecast is looking ‘interesting’ for Sunday. Please pray for the event and the relationships that are forming. Why not bring your child/ grandchild and be part of this opportunity to connect with others in and around our community. See you Sunday! Rachel and Georgie
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
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.
Congregational Contacts
Due to the turnover of office staff and running from an older version of outlook in recent years we have discovered a few discrepancies in the email contact lists. We are working to resolve this and ask for patience as we do so. As a result, you may discover that you are not receiving the weekly news reminder or emails you require for your rostered positions. Please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or contact the office if you find you are not receiving information you require. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Morning Tea and Coffee
Yay, our percolator is back!! Please come and enjoy the coffee. You may purchase a $2 coffee from the coffee machine if you wish. For health and welfare of our members and guests we still request hosts to serve the milk and sugar. This should assist in preventing the spread of COVID or influenza. We will monitor this and return to self-serve as soon as we believe it to be safe.
“…Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”
1 Timothy 1:15
We are a COVID-Safe Church 
Please consider the health and safety of others and do not attend the church if you are feeling unwell. We continue to practice good hygiene and respect the discretion of individuals to wear/not wear a mask. Thank you!
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
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388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 | Phone: 8263 5087 | PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092
