Jesus: Come, Follow Me!
During his ministry, Jesus invites people to join him on a Kingdom adventure where he transforms messing to blessing at every turn. He heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, cleanses lepers, delivers people from unclean spirits, forgives the guilty, feeds the hungry, calms storms, and even raises the dead to life again. In all these actions, Jesus gives us a foretaste of how things will one day be in the kingdom of God.
Some people said “Yes” to Jesus’ invitation. Like Simon and his brother Andrew, James and his brother John, and Matthew the tax collector.
Others followed Jesus for a while, but later decided it was getting too hard. After Jesus talks of eating his flesh and drinking his blood, ‘many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.’ (John 6:56,66 NIV)
Jesus makes it clear that there is a cost to following him; yet the benefit is greater than gaining the whole world!
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Mark 8:34-37 NIV)
Dying to self is really hard. We want to be lord over our lives and masters of our destiny. Culture keeps feeding us the lie: “It’s all about you!”
Living for self is a dead end. We need to live from something much greater than self and dumb stuff. We need someone to save us from death and eternal despair.
Jesus invites us to follow him: to find ourselves in God’s story where we can play our parts in something that will last forever!
In our reading, a rich young ruler comes to Jesus with a burning question: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk 10:17 NIV)
Jesus tells this man the truth in love. His wealth is more important to him than God. Jesus has something better for him: “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mk 10:21 NIV)
In order to have life forever with Jesus, this man needed to let go of his treasures.
I wonder, what might be some of our “treasures” or obsessions that prevent us from following Jesus? What do we need to let go of in order to have life in its fullness?
Jesus loves you! He invites you: “Come, Follow Me!”
What will you do with his invitation?
Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Mark 10:17-31 (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 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.
Farewelling Pastor Reid
On October 31st we will be saying goodbye to Pastor Reid and family, as they prepare to fulfil their call to Tallebudgera, QLD. Here are a few ways you can show your appreciation to the Matthias family:
Farewell Service
- 31st October at both services – primarily at the 8:45am service but Pastor Reid will be acknowledged for his involvement in the Good Shepherd school at the 10:30am service as well – you are invited to be part of the thanks and farewell
- Please note that the 10:30 am service is also the GS School 40th celebration
- We anticipate a large event, so if you are attending the 10:30am service that includes the school celebrations we ask that people register at this link: https://bit.ly/2YOpgBk
- Church members who find it difficult to register, will still be welcome to attend!
Monetary Gift
- The Church is organising a monetary gift. If you would like to contribute to this fund please put cash in an envelope clearly marked “Pastor Reid Farewell” and put it in the offering bowl or deliver it to the church office; or
- Via direct deposit to the Church bank account: BSB 704-942 Account Number 100 713 424 clearly labelled “Pr Reid”.
Good Shepherd Scrapbook
- We are planning a “Memories from Good Shepherd” Scrapbook
- We invite you to think about a greeting/photos from individuals, small groups, ministry groups etc, so start being creative, with something to fit on an A5 sheet
- Pages can be delivered to the church office, or given to Julie Freund or Tina Pfeiffer on Sundays at worship.
Monetary gifts and tribute pages are to be finalised by Wednesday 20th October. For further information, please contact Julie Freund Julie.freund@ljf.com.au or 0429 696 424 or Tina Pfeiffer tpandtmp@bigpond.com or 0409 690 070.
Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations
You are invited – to Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations.
Tickets are available by booking here: https://bit.ly/2YOpgBk
The Good Shepherd Lutheran School welcomes anyone who has been involved with our great School, and its amazing development over the past 40 years (former students, staff, Council/PFA members, parents, volunteers & friends). There is some exciting planning, and we welcome your involvement in the planned activities. We also welcome your assistance to promote, share any photos (with written permission) or memorabilia as we celebrate. Please click here: https://bit.ly/3sHfjAR for the Invitation. We are looking forward to a great celebration!
Matt Schmidt
Chair, Good Shepherd Lutheran School
Grow Team Update
The Grow Team will be meeting again shortly to tackle our next project. Please keep the team – Lindsay, Cees, Peter, Tina, Mardi and Rachel – in your prayers as we seek and wait on God’s leading. “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 Resources
Dear Church Family,
The title for this week’s GFH resource is ‘God’s Word is our Greatest Treasure’. Here are some Caring Conversation starters: What is your favourite Bible verse or Bible story? What do you like about it? How is the Bible different from other books? Ask your family, phone a friend, find out why this story/ verse is significant. God’s Word is a treasure that shouldn’t be locked away in a safe somewhere. It is there to be shared! Check out the resource for some other great ideas to try out!
God guide and bless you!
Georgie
Office News
Found
A Christmas card with money in it has been found in the church. Please contact the office if it is yours.
Sew Good Masks
“Sew Good” face masks help disadvantaged families in Cambodia survive the pandemic. Local Adelaide woman (Joy Marshall) has been selling face masks to raise funds for the past 18 months. The proceeds have funded many months of food relief, medicine and school uniforms for a vulnerable community of families in Phnom Penh. The pandemic has been extremely tough for them. Without welfare, the income from mask orders has thankfully helped families survive until better days return.
The face masks are $6 each and made to recommended specifications., The inside layer is a water-resistant fabric and the two outside layers cotton. They are expertly made by the women in the community and come in many stylish patterns plus black.
If you would like to support this cause , Di Ollino will be selling masks in the foyer next to the cafe after both services on Sunday 10th and 17th October.
CASH only please.
A South Australian Lutheran Bible translator (Anna) will be speaking on the night
ASK IAN HUTCHINSON FOR MORE INFORMATION
(0455 467 898/ saro@wycliffe.org.au)
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.”
1 John 5:21
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!
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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
