Jesus is the Life of the Party
While the Bible condemns drunkenness, wine is a gift of God for times of celebration and joy. Wine was regarded as one of the Lord’s covenant blessings on his faithful people:
So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today — to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul — then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil (Deuteronomy 11:13-14 NIV).
I love the story of Jesus turning 6 large jars of water into a LOT of wine. And it’s not just because I enjoy a cracking good red!
Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana. Given that it’s not far from Nazareth, they may have been friends of his family.
Things start off well, people enjoying themselves and giving thanks to God. The Kiddush, the Jewish prayer over the wine: “Praise to You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.”
But with the wine running out, the family hosting the wedding banquet was facing total embarrassment and decades of shame. Jesus’ mum tells him: “They have no more wine.”
Following Jesus’ instructions, the servants fill up 6 stone jars with water; and then draw some out and take it to the master of ceremonies. He declares that this is the best wine at the banquet.
Jesus saves a family from shame; and enables a wedding feast to continue for the enjoyment of all. Yet at first, most were oblivious to the source of the best wine.
One of the Messianic signs:
‘In that day the mountains will drip new wine…’ (Joel 3:18 NIV).
‘New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills…’ (Amos 9:13 NIV).
This sign points to Jesus’ identity as the promised Messiah. And it points toward the heavenly banquet at God’s place – where all God’s people will celebrate life to the full!
Jesus is the life of the party because he is the Lord of Life.
Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
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.
Congregational Meeting
The Board is calling a congregational meeting on Sunday 30th January 2022, after the 10:30am service, at approx. 11.30am.
Meeting topic: Elect members for (1) Call Committee and (2) Ministry Coordination Group.
This meeting will be held in the church and will also be available on Zoom. It is expected to run for approx. 5 minutes.
Details of how to join the Zoom Meeting have been sent out to congregants.
Grow Team News
This year will be our final year together as a team. We are looking forward to continuing to encourage our community to connect and explore ways in which we can intentionally develop intergenerational relationships.
If there are some people you know that you haven’t seen for a while why not text, call, message or email them. Let’s keep connecting with one another especially during these challenging times.
“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
Thanks from Family Zone
I would like to thank your congregation for your support of the Family Zone during 2021.
Your support means that the children and families that access our services are provided with a positive experience that can make a real difference to their lives. Financial assistance provided was used to purchase a new fish tank. The children find watching the fish swim has a very calming effect. We will also use some of the money to upgrade our toys and play equipment.
One again thank you for your support.
Nicole Feetham
Manager Family Zone
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Dear Church family,
Celebrations are usually a time where friends and loved ones come together and share in a joyous occasion. A special moment in time is acknowledged and memories are made. The wedding at Cana was more than just the ‘talk of the town’… we are still talking about it today! The scene of Jesus’ first recorded miracle… Turning water into wine! (Chris Tomlin’s ‘Our God’ is playing in my mind right now.) Consider this week’s GFH resource with friends and family and share stories of celebrations you have enjoyed with others. Weddings, birthdays and other milestones.
Or you might like to go a little deeper with this Caring Conversation starter: Jesus turned water into wine. What changes has he brought about in your life?
Here is a short child friendly video on the Wedding at Cana:
For something a little ‘meatier’ you might consider ‘The Chosen’ Season 1 Episode 5 available on The Chosen app or on DVD. This might be suitable for families with children aged 12+, youth, young adults, small groups etc. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.
God bless you and your week!
Georgie
Office News
Car Park Repairs
There are planned car park repairs for Wednesday 19th January 2022.
If you are attending the school site on that day, you can expect the exit to Hilary Crescent to be closed. Please enter and exit via Montague Road for that day.
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
AED Device
A Defibrillator (AED) is located rear school alcove next to the Café playground. A key is on an orange tag next to security keypad in the café (small entry exit door). All members holding keys to the complex are to add to their security procedure the visibility of this key and if it not hanging on the hook to advise either the church or school office as soon as possible of its absence. First Aiders Please note where the unit and key are located, in case of emergency.
Found
A security fob on a keychain has been found in the courtyard, that does not belong to the church or school. Please contact the office if you think it is yours.
National Church Life Survey (NCLS)
Our church is participating in the 2021 National Church Life Survey, and you are invited to complete the Attender Survey.
The survey will ask you about your experiences of our church, your thoughts about our ministries and activities, as well as your personal spiritual beliefs or religious practices. The results of the survey will help our local church to assess our church health, understand our strengths and build directions for the future.
We invite you to take part in this survey. It will take around 15-20 minutes to complete. It is anonymous and confidential.
TO TAKE PART ONLINE:
For attenders over 15 years of age: https://attendersurvey.ncls.org.au/
For attenders aged 8 to 14 years: https://childsurvey.ncls.org.au/
Our Church Code: will have been supplied to you in the cover email alerting you to the news. We ask you to complete the Survey by 11 February 2022.
Paper surveys and assistance will be available after both services on 23rd and 30th January.
The Survey is designed by NCLS Research, as part of the 2021 National Church Life Survey and has ethics approval from Charles Sturt University. More information about the survey can be found at www.2021ncls.org.au/attender-survey
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:11
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
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
