How Can Jesus Do This?

When Jesus returned to his hometown with his disciples – and attended synagogue on the Sabbath – things did not turn out so well.

At first, the people of Nazareth were bowled over by Jesus’ teaching and miracles.  But then things went pear shaped:

“How can Jesus do this?”

“Where did this man get these things?”

“Where did he receive the formal training and authorisation to do this?”

After recounting their past history of knowing Jesus and his family, they took offense at him. Have you ever wondered why?

Whenever we take offense, we close our hearts to the other person and refuse to receive anything from them.  In this instance, the people of Nazareth rejected their Messiah and his invitation into the kingdom of God.

Jesus healed a few people, and was amazed at their unbelief.  I wonder how many more people could have received Jesus’ gifts of faith, healing or deliverance that day in Nazareth?

Faith and healing are often tied together in Mark’s account:

• When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5 NIV)
• He (Jesus) said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:34 NIV)
• While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” (Mark 5:35-36 NIV)
• “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24 NIV)
• “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. (Mark 10:51-52 NIV)

Our faith does not compel Jesus to make a miracle happen, but simply asks and receives whatever Jesus is prepared to give.

I wonder what amazing things Jesus still wants to do in us – and through us here at Good Shepherd?  How can we be more open to this?

When we pray: “Your kingdom come. You will be done on earth as in heaven,” are we open to how Jesus might want to do this in our midst?

Chances are it may be different from how we’ve done things in the past!  Yet if Jesus is in the middle of it, people’s lives will be touched and transformed.

Joy in Jesus!

Pr Rolly Stahl

Bible Readings: Mark 6:1-13

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.

Encouragement Note

This Sunday we will have encouragement notes available for you to use as you come into worship.  Please take one to assist you in seeking out someone new to connect with after worship.  This week, look out for someone you don’t know as you take your seat so you can chat to them straight after worship. Thank you for your participation as we look out for others and focus on our vision of being “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

Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie

Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
When Jesus went back home to Nazareth, he was not made to feel very welcome… Have you ever been there? (The ‘not welcome’ part; not Nazareth!) It’s not comfortable and it doesn’t make you feel like returning in a hurry… But when you are welcomed and made to feel at home… that’s a warm and inviting story of deep and rich possibilities! How might you make others ‘feel at home’ this week? Be creative… a conversation, a phone call… This week’s GFH resource reminds us that we can easily take family, friends and acquaintances for granted. Consider how you might show them your appreciation?

Froggy Days
Grandparents, are you looking for ways to spend time with your grandchildren in the school holidays? Here is an opportunity! The Tea Tree Gully Heritage Museum is hosting a Froggy Days event from July 14 to 18. Check out the poster on the pin up board in Café area or see Mary-Jo Zwar for details!

CLW
Unfortunately, we received word yesterday that the upcoming Christian Life Week camp has now been cancelled. This is very disheartening for campers and leaders alike. Please pray for these precious young (and young at heart) people. Here is what the Blueprint Ministries Team shared:
CAMPS CANCELLED: Due to the current public health situation we have made the very difficult decision to cancel our July school holiday camps. This includes the Christian Life Week camps for the Adelaide Hills, Metro and Barossa zones, as well as Junior Christian Life Camp. While very disappointing, this decision was made to protect the health and safety of all participants, and was not one we took lightly.
We’ve reached out to all those registered to let them and their families know personally, and we ask that you please pray for them, especially those who were set to attend their first CLW camps this year, and offer them your encouragement and support at this time.
Our leadership teams wish to assure all of the campers affected that the exciting activities and thought-provoking faith conversations we have planned will still happen, just sometime in the future. We look forward to the day we can gather again as God’s Kingdom.
If you have any queries you can reach out to our team at admin@blueprintministries.org.au.
Blessings,
The Blueprint Ministries Team

Ladies’ Fellowship

The next meeting of the Ladies Fellowship will be held on Tuesday 6th July.
Time: 1pm
Please bring your own Bible and pen.
There will be a trading table.
THEME: Pink…wear pink, bring something pink, a special memory of something pink.
HOSTESSES: Joy Wandel and Ragna Gaard
Please don’t come if unwell.
Remember to sign in upon arrival.
Apologies to Di Schlenk: 0409 820 448

Supporting the Family Zone

As the Family Zone continues to restructure there are ways that we can support them.

• On Thursday July 8th at 10am a team will help sort out their storeroom containing many items that are included in hampers distributed. You are more than welcome to join this team for the morning. Many hands make quick and light work.
• To help welcome visitors and free staff to work with clients a volunteer receptionist would be invaluable. This could be a few hours a week on a regular basis or up to half a day.
• A person to assist with reorganising their archival system.
• Volunteers to prepare and cook a meal for the ASD Support group. It will re-commence July 29th, fortnightly on a Thursday – starting at 4pm, the families eat dinner together at 5pm and finishing at 6pm.
• A person prepared to work in the creche (can be once a week/fortnight). This frees staff to run the many courses offered at the Zone.

If interested in assisting with any of the above or you want more details, contact John Dolling (8367 5296) or Danny Lucarelli at the Zone (0456 995 121/8349 6099).

Library News

Grandparents
Looking for some Christian resources to share with your grandchildren?

The church library has more than twenty Bible Activity Kits as well as a variety of Bible story books, DVDs and CDs. The kits are hanging on a stand in the library and the other resources are on the shelves with the green labels.

Feel free to go into the library at any time that it is not being used and borrow the resources, following the instructions on the notice board and the borrowing slip.

Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations

Exciting times in 2021, as we celebrate the school’s 40th Birthday.
Friday 29th October – celebration worship with the school community, school tours and morning tea. All welcome.
Saturday 30th October – celebration evening dinner (adults only)
Sunday 31st October – Praise and Thanksgiving community worship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista. Followed by a community picnic on the school grounds and tours. All welcome.
All events will be advertised in more detail at a later date through the school and church newsletter, email and Facebook.
All events will require a booking though an Eventbrite link for catering and COVID safe procedure purposes.
Please share widely with current/past students/families and staff. We do not have contact details of past students/families and staff and rely on your connections to spread the word.
Any specific queries, please email School Chair- m.schmidt@achpersa.com.au or 0412 357 558.

Office News

Covid-19 Update

The South Australian Government announced changes to regulations for COVID earlier in the week which will impact our worship services on Sunday.

Celebration service will still be provided on Sunday with the following implemented:

• 1.5m distance is to be adhered to. Seating has been set to accommodate this. Families may be seated together. We have seating capacity for 300.
• The band will still be leading us in worship however the congregation are requested to remain mute for songs (perhaps consider singing with actions.)
• For communion at the 8.45am service please maintain 1.5m distancing down the centre isle and only one line please. Families can move in one group.
• No tea and coffee will be served as food and beverage can only be consumed whilst seated.
• Please enter via the front doors and exit via the rear courtyard.
• QR check in is mandatory. Hosts will take contact details for those who do not have smart devices.
• Masks are a personal choice that you may consider.

Please remember to respect the freedom we do have and follow the guidelines and any directions given in relation to these regulations. See you at worship on Sunday.

Give Away: desk, in good condition, 121x121cm. Please contact Dorothy Buscumb to arrange collection, on 0401 665 003.

“As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven.”

1 Cor 15:48

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