Knowing Our Father’s Love
This Fathers’ Day, I’m going to talk to you about God being our heavenly Father, specifically unpacking on what basis it is, that we can call him “Father.”
What is often missed in the discussion of the fatherhood of God is the way it is grounded biblically in Christ the Son. The point is that we don’t independently call God “Father” and Jesus didn’t come simply to say that God is our Father. Rather, Jesus came to reconcile us to God the Father, and this only happens through Jesus himself. Jesus is the embodiment of the Father’s love, and we are reconciled to God our Father in him – in Jesus.
John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” It is by faith in Jesus that we become the children of God and can call him “Father” and it is by faith in Jesus that we know God’s great love for us as our heavenly Father.
God’s an amazing, loving, caring heavenly Father and we fathers are called to be loving, kind, caring, compassionate, protective, patient, accepting, forgiving, and understanding fathers to our children, just like our heavenly Father is to us. That’s a big ask, isn’t it?!
Please note that our union with Christ is crucial here. On our own, we will fail at being the kind of fathers that we ought to be (and hopefully the kind of fathers that we want to be). It is only through our faith in Jesus and the renewal that he brings – one that is grounded in Jesus’ love, grace, and forgiveness – that we can begin to become the kind of fathers that God calls us to be.
And it is only through daily relying on Jesus’ love and forgiveness – by the power of the Holy Spirit – that we can persevere with this. For we constantly fall short and fail in our parenting of our children and grandchildren. And I don’t think that’s just me!!
But in Jesus there is hope! Always! In Jesus there is indeed forgiveness for all our failings – including forgiveness for how poorly we do at being fathers. In Jesus there is power to change. And in Jesus, we belong to a community of faith (his Body the Church) that can support us and cheer us on as we take up the vitally important task of parenting our children (and grandchildren).
In all this, as always, we look to Jesus for his help and comfort, knowing that in him we ourselves have the love, acceptance, and forgiveness of our loving heavenly Father.
Pastor Richard Haar
Bible Reading for this Week: Galatians 4:4-7(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.auor 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.
Good Shepherd Call to Pastor Joel Cramer
Pastor Joel Cramer has informed us that: after prayerful consideration he has declined the call to Good Shepherd.
Joel was encouraging in that he said he can see the Spirit moving in people at Good Shepherd. He was able to sit down with the Ministry Coordination Group and he sensed our willingness to try different things and our care and support of the younger people in our midst. He could also sense that there is much hidden talent still to be tapped.
He also conveyed that the information we provided during the call process was excellent and well put together and appreciated his visit as this gives a lot of information not able to be communicated in writing.
If you would like to read a copy of Pastor Joel’s email is here: Pastor Joel Cramer – declined call
Christa Schwarz (Call Committee Chairperson) has asked the Call Committee to reconvene to assess an updated list from the LCA district office. After this work, further information will be made available and a new call meeting date set.
Please continue to always pray for our community and Call Committee and especially as we seek the leading of the Holy Spirit in this area.
Lindsay Freund (Chairperson)
Hi Good Shepherd!
I am excited to be appointed as your new Media and Administration Officer, in the role formerly held by Rachel Koopmans. Now I’m available Wednesday to Friday, 9am-3pm. A big thank you for the lovely warm welcome I have received so far… looking forward to working for you!
Blessings,
Krishna Vasani
Ladies’ Fellowship
Next Ladies’ Fellowship meeting is on 6th September at 1pm. The topic for the day is: Fathers – Bring a favorite photo or memory of your father.
Hostesses: Beth Stringer, Janice Viant. Please bring something for the trading table. Seminary student Jacob will be leading a study. BYO Bible.
Please do not come if unwell. Mask optional but preferable.
Apologies to Di Schlenk 0409 820 448.
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
Grow Ministries Team 
The final Grow Workshop with Grow Ministries is scheduled for Saturday 10th September at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 139 Archer Street North Adelaide from 8.45-1pm. We will be focussing on Intergenerational Leadership and reflecting on our journey to date. Parking is available in the LLL car park at 175 Archer Street or behind the LCA Churchwide Office (access from Ward Court). All are welcome. Please register with the front office via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au if you would like to join us.
“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
KAPS Youth Event- Save the date – September 25th
We had a lot of fun Sunday afternoon, playing team games, singing (and doing actions) with a live band during Worship and enjoying some mini hamburgers for tea.
Our next youth event is on Sunday 25th September (last Sunday of the month) from 4pm, so pop it in your diaries now. Look forward to seeing you then!
Family Support Coordinator News, from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Following Jesus isn’t all fun and games. Sharing his love and care with others can put you in uncomfortable situations. Making peace with someone you may not get along with very well or being friendly to someone who is ‘unfriendly’ for example. Jesus didn’t say it was going to be easy. I’m reminded of his words in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.” NIrV Have a look at this week’s GFH resource for some discussion points and ideas to try out with people you connect with.
School Snippets
This week we celebrated Math’s week. Amongst other activities, students honed their problem-solving skills with a ‘number treasure hunt’. Classes decorated their doors with a mathematical concept and problem to solve, then visited each other to test their skills. We were blessed with a wonderful mum and her team who created a wonderful Father’s Day shopping experience for our students. It was also lovely to be able to chat over tea and coffee (before and after Chapel) on Wednesday. We were blessed to have a couple of school volunteers serving behind the counter. Why not join us for Chapel and a coffee! If this is an area you might like to help with, please see Georgie. She is keen to hear from people who like sharing coffees and conversations! For more of what we have been up to, please check out our Week Six Newsletter by following this link: https://bit.ly/3RpUvJ0 If you would like a paper copy of the school newsletter pick one up from the stand in the Café area. Alternatively, just ask Georgie and she is happy to organize one for you!
Chapel Invitation
What are you up to at 10 to 9 (8:50am) on a Wednesday morning? We would love for you to join us for Chapel… ELC children, school students and staff, parents and caregivers all coming together. This week we even had preschoolers (who came with their parents) dancing with streamers to the Worship songs! We continued our theme of ‘God @ the movies’. The movie ‘Frozen’ was featured. We even had a visit from ‘Elsa’ herself! Eve from Endeavour College talked about true love, Jesus laying down his life for us, so we can have eternal life with him. … Have a look at this week’s devotion in the Weekly News for a reflection from Eve. You are most welcome to attend! (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!)
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
Office Hours/Staffing
Please accept my apology for not introducing our new office staff via the news a few weeks ago. I am pleased to welcome Krishna Vasani as our new Media and Administration Officer and Tina Pfeiffer as an Administration Assistant. Krishna comes from the school community and has worked a variety of positions with gifts she is willing to share with our community. Tina has been volunteering for some time.
Office opening hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Open 9am-3pm. Closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm. Stephen & Helen on site.
Wednesday: Open 9am to 3pm. Closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm. Stephen, Krishna & Tina on site.
Thursday Open 9am-3pm. Closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm. Stephen & Krishna on site.
Friday Open 9am-3pm. Closed for lunch 12.30-1.30pm. Krishna on site.
Georgie is onsite at the school Tuesday to Friday.
Staff have a meeting Thursday from 9.30-10.30am.
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.
Stephen Zanker, Congregational Administrator
Replacement of Carpet in Main Auditorium
Due to water ingression into the building earlier this year the carpet in the main auditorium needs to be replaced as water has affected the tiles causing them to lift. A carpet selections team was engaged to look at replacement and have selected three colours that are suitable for the current décor but also lend to future changes by not being tied to a dominant colour.
We are now seeking input from the members of Para Vista to provide feedback on the selected colours and an opportunity to vote for a preference. Samples will be available for the next two Sundays after both services and one of the selections team will be available to answer questions. If you are unable to attend on Sunday please see Stephen during the week (Tue to Thur).
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 apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Morning Tea and Coffee
For health and welfare of our members and guests we have decided to revert to the COVID-safe serving of morning tea. If you are rostered for serving, please serve the milk and sugar to guests. 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.
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
Acts 3:16
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 honouring 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
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
