“Less of Me, More of Jesus!”
From Ash Wednesday, this has often been quoted during our worship series “LESS”. It echoes what John the Baptist said about who he was with respect to Jesus: “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30 NIV).
Recapping this series so far, we’ve considered: Ego-LESS, Life-LESS, Point-LESS, Relent-LESS, Sense-LESS, and Clue-LESS. A number of you have commented how meaningful these have been in your journey with Jesus.
Over the next few days, we will focus on Jesus’ passion:
- On Maundy Thursday, our theme will be Self-LESS. We’ll be hearing John’s story from what happened during the Passover meal on the night Jesus was betrayed. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
- On Good Friday, the focus is the cross on which the Prince of Glory died. The theme: Daunt-LESS. Jesus love for us is so great, that nothing could distract or derail him from what he must do for our salvation.
- On Resurrection Sunday, our theme is Death-LESS. We’ll look at: Who Jesus was, Who Jesus is, and: Who is Jesus for you? We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper – which on this day is: “The Feast of Victory!”
This weekend, please come along and join us – as we remember God’s love for us in Jesus, and celebrate the new life that is ours “in Christ”.
The more I appreciate who Jesus is and what he has done for me, the more I want to honour him with my life and point others towards him. “Less of me, more of Jesus!”
Shalom!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings:
Maundy Thursday: Self-LESS John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Good Friday: Daunt-LESS John 19:16-30
Resurrection Sunday: Death-LESS Mark 16:1-8
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
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.
Cleaning Day 13th April
How about a great opportunity for community bonding during the school holidays?!
If you have some time to share on Tuesday, 13th April, Good Shepherd would love some good old-fashioned community togetherness as we’re going to do an autumn clean of the Good Shepherd facilities.
Beginning at 8:00 am, the sanctuary chairs need to be shifted so that the carpet cleaners can do their thing. Then, throughout the day, you and the family could have a great time cleaning chairs, dusting, cleaning the walls, boxing up some items in the ‘Hut’ for transport to the church, and many, many more!
Come and go as you’d like, but we should be done by 4pm. We’ll grab some pizza for those who are able to stay for a good chunk of the day. Have some café coffee, too!
Thanks in advance and we look forward to some time together.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
At Easter we remember and celebrate Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. Why did he do this? To restore our broken relationship with God. These events are central to our faith. What a whirlwind of mixed emotions! Horror and despair turn to amazement and joy! Good news of life and hope!
GFH share discussion points and creative ideas to try out over the long weekend. Have your tried out any activities from the ‘Walking through Holy Week’ resource I shared last week? I will put some more copies in the Café area, or I am happy to send you an electronic copy direct so you can print your own. Just send me an email! The Passover meal instructions look interesting. And there are scavenger hunt ideas and puzzles to enjoy.
Happy Easter everyone!
Blessings,
Georgie
Worship Leading
Calling people who are interested in Worship Leading at church! If this is something you, or you and your family are interested in, I’d love to chat with you. Please let me know!
Blessings,
Georgie
March Food Collection for the Family Zone
Thank you to all those who were involved in our March food collection for the Family Zone.
Members who:
- Once again gave generously so that The Family Zone can continue to support local families in need.
- Helped sort the donations, which saves the volunteers at the Zone a lot of time storing the donations.
- Helped transport the goods to The Zone.
A great team effort. Thank you and well done.
Food Tags
Drakes Supermarkets support local charities through their food tags system. When shopping at a Drakes store, show your Food Tag and a percentage of the bill will be donated to the Family Zone. In 2020 The Zone benefited by $427, and so far this year they have received $293. Food tags are available through the church office and after Easter they will be available in the church cafe area.
Ladies Fellowship
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 6th April, at 1pm. We will be having our annual Easter Quiz, with a prize for the winner.
Hostesses: Dorothy Buscumb and Marg Dohnt – please bring your Bible and a pen. There will be a trading table. Please bring something along to support.
Covid sign-in is required; please don’t attend if you are feeling unwell. Apologies to Di Schlenk: 0409 820 448.
Office News
Daylight Savings
A reminder that our clocks go back on Easter Weekend, the 3rd/4th April.
COVID-Safe update from 1st March.
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 restrictions as mandated by the State Government. We have decided to proceed with the 75% regular capacity and not wear masks. 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.
COVID Seating
To prevent confusion over Easter services, seating will remain as it has been for the past few months. This will be reviewed next week and adjustments made to include the extra numbers.
COVID-Safe Sunday Services
Please remember to maintain 1.5mtr distance when entering the building, attending Communion and getting served tea & coffee. White floor markings are placed at 1.5 to assist you.
Good Shepherd Representative
The next Convention of General Synod for the Lutheran Church of Australia will be held at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, Melbourne Vic from 28 September – 3 October 2021. The theme is Come. Listen. Live: Isaiah 55:3. Please consider representing our congregation at this convention by contacting either Stephen via the church office on 8263 5087, or any one of the board. Alternatively email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au for further information.
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
Hebrews 2:14-15
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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
