Listening to Jesus’ Voice
In our 21st Century culture, we can fill our days with so many activities that we lack space to reflect and listen to our own inner world – let alone the concerns of others …or listening out for God’s voice.
Let me confess: I am addicted to activity, and need to make some regular space to be still in the presence of God… and listen out for his voice.
One of my favourite stories in the Old Testament is when the LORD calls out to a boy named Samuel. Samuel was not used to hearing from the LORD, so he assumed his mentor, Eli the priest, was calling him.
After this happened a few times, Eli gave Samuel this advice:
“Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9-10 NIV).
Throughout the Bible, God speaks to us; and listens to us:
- The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering” (Exodus 3:7 NIV);
- Whenever people cried out to Jesus for mercy, he heard their cries and responded with compassion and healing.
Our God is not interested in our religious performance, but in a personal and intimate relationship with us. In Jesus, God has removed every barrier that separates us from the life he wants for us. Now that Jesus has reconciled us into a right relationship with Father God, we now have the awesome privilege of doing life together with him. For that relationship to flourish, we need to keep listening to his voice – and talking with him.
When Jesus was transfigured on a mountain, his glory was revealed to three of his disciples: Peter, James and John. Then the cloud of God’s holy presence enveloped them, and ‘and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”’ (Mark 9:7 NIV)
I wonder: How might others tell if we have been listening to Jesus?
This weekend we’re hosting a workshop – Listening and Responding to God’s Voice – with Pr Michael Dutschke. He will also be sharing the message with us on Sunday: Listening to Jesus’ Voice.
I invite you to make some space in your everyday life to do this. It’s how He shapes us into the people God wants us to become, so we can keep making Jesus known to others.
Shalom!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: John 10:7-16, 27-28
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.
Faith and Film – with Pr Reid Matthias
Due to the pandemic and the subsequent shift to home entertainment, the appetite for movies has risen sharply. Streaming services such as Disney +, Stan, and Netflix have opened pathways for more home movie entertainment than ever before.
Have you ever stopped to wonder: When do movies move to manipulation? How do movies motivate us? How are we shaped by the stories that we watch on the silver screen? How do film makers shape our worldview?
You may never have noticed how movies use music, cinematography, script and characterisations to get you to believe something that previously you may have never thought about.
In Faith and Film, you may begin to see how subtly and wonderfully movies push us to understand human nature and the ever-present spiritual themes which are in every film – sin and redemption, love and hate, broken relationships, hope and blessing. When our eyes are opened to how movie makers do this, we can never go back to viewing movies just as ‘entertainment.’
Faith and Film is open for 15+. (The topics discussed may include those of sensitive nature, but we will not be viewing specific offensive scenes).
Engaging Bible Studies – Leaders Wanted – with Pr Rolly and Hope Stahl
Think of a time when you shared in a Bible study that was so interesting that you couldn’t wait till next time. What made it so engaging?
What makes a Bible study come to life? How can we help people understand – and get excited about – the relevance of the Bible for everyday faith, life, and relationships?
As followers of Jesus, how does the Word of God shape us? And can we help one another to live out the Scriptures?
If you are interested in leading Bible studies, or helping a friend to get more out of the Bible, then come along. We’ll explore God’s part and our part in preparing and leading a Bible study. We’ll look at some important relational skills to facilitate group discussion. And we’ll even try out a few short Bible studies.
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.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Lent is a six week season in the lead-up to Easter. GFH offers some creative activities (pretzels anyone?) and some questions to ponder with your family or friends. From GFH: What does it mean to pick up your cross? From last week’s church: What are the possibilities of living a surrendered life?
God bless your week!
Georgie
Little Lambs Playgroup Has Returned!
Have you seen our Little Lambs Facebook page yet? We regularly share photos of some of our activities. You can see for yourself what fun we have!
Join us for more adventures in creativity and enjoyment. Grandparents, why not bring a grandchild if they are aged 0-5? We gather Fridays from 9am in the Church Hall. Hope to see you soon!
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
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!
God bless your week!
Georgie
Library News
Books by the author Timothy Keller are on the spinner in the library. Feel free to borrow them following the instructions on the notice board.
The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
In The Prodigal God, Timothy Keller uses the story of the prodigal son to shine a light on the central, beautiful message of Jesus: the gospel of grace, hope and salvation. He invites the reader to come to a new and totally life-changing understanding of the central message of the Christian faith.
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Scepticism
Timothy Keller uses reason, philosophy, and literature to make a compelling case for the rationality of belief in the Christian God. This book has been written for believers and non-believers, sceptics and churchgoers, and charts a brilliantly considered and impassioned path to Christianity.
King’s Cross: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God
Based on Mark’s Gospel, Timothy Keller takes a deep and thought-provoking look at the life of Christ. He describes Christ as ‘Unpredictable yet reliable, gentle yet powerful, authoritative yet humble, human yet divine.’
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
This is a book that will teach you to pray – and in doing so, will change your life.
“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Timothy Keller
Craft Group
Did you know that there’s a craft group which meets on Thursday nights in the church complex?
This is not structured classes, but a ‘bring from home’ project. We work on different projects from knitting and sewing to mosaics and anything in between. Sometimes it’s more of a sit and chat time too.
We meet at 7.30 most weeks. Please feel free to come and check it out!
Ladies Fellowship
The March meeting for Ladies Fellowship will be talking about Mothers. Please bring a photo and/or favourite memory of your mother. There will be a prize for the member who can match the mothers and daughters.
Tuesday 2nd March at 1pm.
Please sign in using QR codes or at the designated sign in sheet. Please don’t come if unwell. Apologies can be sent to Di on 0409 820 448.
Hostesses : Beth Temme and Jean Hampel.
All ladies welcome.
New Units at FLH Good Shepherd Para Vista – Effie Court
Five new retirement living units are nearing completion at Effie Court, FLH Good Shepherd Para Vista! For expressions of interest or to find out more information, go to Vacancies | Fullarton Lutheran Homes (flh.asn.au), or you can call Shannon O’Malley on 8372 3495. There are also plans and expression of interest forms on the noticeboard in the café area.
GSPV Member Awarded with Doctoral Degree
This week the Richardson family, who are members here at Good Shepherd Para Vista, celebrated an achievement some eight years in the making: Amanda’s Covid-delayed PhD graduation. Dr Richardson’s PhD thesis was entitled “Socio-demographic and time-use predictors of first-year university student success: ATAR and beyond”. Amanda’s eight year PhD journey included having two children.
“Over these eight years we’ve had tremendous support from the community, particularly relating to the two boys. We are incredibly grateful for all of the kind support this community has blessed us with over the years. Thank you!” Amanda’s husband Luke stated.
Dr Amanda now works at UniSA’s Teaching Innovation Unit where she is an Academic Developer. She leads a team helping teaching staff develop courses and improve student learning experiences.
Office News
Connect Cards
Have a prayer request, information to share, or need the church to contact you? Connect Cards are available near the front entrance of the church. Please fill one out if needed and place it in the offering bowl during the service.
Lost Property
Missing something? Lost property is accumulating! Take a look and see if any of it is yours: it is located on the shelves near the Parenting Room and women’s toilets.
COVID-Safe Requirements
Anyone attending the premises (for whatever reason) is legally required to check-in using Covid-Safe QR Code or sign the visitor’s book with both name and contact number. Please remember to maintain 1.5m distance when entering the building, attending communion and getting served tea & coffee. White floor markings are placed at 1.5m to assist you.
Mission Support
Electronic Deposits can be made to the bank account details at the bottom of the Weekly News, or Click on the GIVE button on our website.
For LLL REG (regular electronic giving): Download the form here, use the same bank details and email/post back to the address shown on the form.
“I will listen to what God the Lord says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants
— but let them not turn to folly.”
Psalm 85:8
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
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388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 | Phone: 8263 5087 | PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092
