Keys to the Kingdom
‘What do you think?’
It would have been quite easy to understand if Jesus would have been frustrated with the Jewish authorities. After entering Jerusalem triumphantly, Jesus goes to the temple and finds it rife with money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, preying off the people for their own gain. The authorities – who had overlooked this culture – were indignant (Matthew 21:15,16) “…and said to him, ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’”
It would have been easy to understand, when Jesus returned to the temple the very next day, that they have continued to hang onto their indignation, demanding to know about Jesus’ authority, ‘Who gives you the right to do these things?’
In other words, ‘Who do you think you are, interrupting centuries of tradition?’
But Jesus doesn’t rebuke them – they are his people, even though they are blind to the greater reality of what is going on in the Kingdom of God. Instead of seeking first the kingdom, the religious leaders had been holding onto tradition as the thing that saves them (Matthew 15:1-9).
Jesus asks them a question about their thinking, and he uses a parable to demonstrate.
This weekend, we’re invited into the story to think about the parable of the two sons who are asked to go work in the vineyard. The first responds that he ‘doesn’t want to go’ and then changes his mind, while the second says, ‘he will go,’ and then he also changes his mind.
Which one did the will of the father?
Read Matthew 21:23-32 (if you have time, include the first 22 verses – they are important for the discussion) as we prepare for worship.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Matthew 21:23-32
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.
Imagining Theology
Over the last months, we’ve recognised a dramatic shift in culture. In some ways, we didn’t see it coming, but in others, we always knew that the world would shift. After decades of digital revolution, the contemporary church has encountered a divergence of mindsets on how pastoral care, evangelism, worship and ministry will look in the future.
Now, at the precipice of a new era of the Church, it is imperative that we imagine through the Spirit’s vision what change means for Good Shepherd Community.
Beginning Sunday, 20 September, after the 8:45 and 10:30 services, we’ll be gathering in the library to discuss the Marks of the Post-COVID Church: Imagining the Ancient Church of the Future. These forty-five minute discussions will be helpful as we look into the years ahead.
Across these discussions, we’ll dig into the scriptures that give us vision and hope for the future and how we can understand and see the importance of our changing church Culture. We’ll be meeting in the church library to start with, but if there is large interest, we’ll move over to the school.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
We usually love being invited to things. It means that someone thinks enough of us to include us.
But we still need to accept the invitation and attend to reap the benefits.
God extends his invitation to everyone. That includes you and me! This is one invitation that we don’t want to pass on…
Have a look at this week’s GFH resource to dig deeper into what this means.
Little Lambs: Just a note that Little Lambs will be having a break during the school holidays. We will be returning Friday October 16. Please note we will be trialling a new time 9:00am to 10:30am in Term 4. Love to see families with Little Lambs there!
Next month we will be offering ‘Step Up- Preparing for First Communion’ course. This program is designed to prepare
children aged around 10 years for Holy Communion. Starting date will be Sunday October 18, followed by four consecutive Friday nights. If you would like to join us, please register your interest with the Church Office (8263 5087) or email me (Georgie) georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au
God bless you and your week!
Georgie
Prayer Requests
As we adapt to our new way of living 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.
Family Hub News
Your continued support for the Family Hub has been amazing. Last month’s donation of cleaning materials was exceptional.
The donations of beds and fantastic quilts have already found new homes and were really appreciated by those who received them. Tears were shed!
As our support has been so generous Kathlene says at present their limited storage means that they would struggle to store our September donations. However with government support being reduced at the end of this month they are predicting there will be a big increase in request for assistance. Therefore our October food collection will be back in operation.
If you have already purchased items for the September collection they can be delivered to the church office or brought in on Sundays. They will be delivered to the Family Hub.
Family Hub Support Team
Eggssssss
The folks with the yolks are back! Come and get your free range eggs – $4 per dozen. Please bring your spare cartons. Get ‘em while they’re (not) hot! Ed.
Office News
Help Wanted:
Those with the gift of hospitality to reinstate the mission of tea and coffee service each Sunday! Please contact the church office to let us know if you would like to be a part of this exciting new development!
A volunteer to assist in replenishing all the Covid-19 cleaning supplies and ensure signage is still correctly positioned. Up to two hours per week is required.
A ‘chandler’, to service the candles in the church, on a weekly basis. This can be done at church or from home, to keep the candles trimmed and burning bright.
No experience needed for these positions – training is provided.
Mission Support
Please continue supporting our congregation’s mission and ministry through regular offerings as our facility and staff continues to operate in a different way.
Electronic Deposits can be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704942
Account No. 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG; or
Click on the GIVE button on our website.
LLL REG: Download the form here and use the same bank details as above in the “account to be credited” section, and email back to address shown on the form. Alternatively contact the LLL on 83607200 or 1800 556457.
Offering Envelopes can still be dropped in at the church office during office hours.
Mission Vision Report
Notes:
Offerings are still down on budgeted amount for the year by $-33,807.00 to end of August
All ministry areas are resourcing only what is necessary.
Together Magazine is Here!
The latest edition of Together Magazine is out – copies are available in the church and office.
COVID-Safe Requirements for Worship – please observe these guidelines:
- Entry through front foyer and exit via rear courtyard – exceptions for people with mobility issues. If you’re an able walker, consider parking away from front entrance.
- Register names and contact details.
- Please maintain physical distance 1.5m.
- People from the same household can sit next to one another. Otherwise we need to keep 2 chair spaces between people
- Follow the directional arrows for entry, exit, and Holy Communion.
- Freewill offerings will be received via a retiring offering on the way out of the sanctuary.
- No tea and coffee afterwards at this stage. Social distancing still required while on site.
- Please follow directions of worship hosts
- Early service attendees will need to vacate the building to allow a clean before second service attendees can enter the building.
- Worship hosts and welcomers are now nominated Covid Marshalls.
Regarding children:
• Children will sit with their families. Please feel free to bring activities.
• Playground next to Revive Café is open after the service. Children need to be supervised at all times.
• Parenting Change Room is open again.
“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
Matthew 12:50
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
388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 Phone: 8263 5087
PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092
Church Website: www.paravista.org.au Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
