Maintaining A Unified Outward Focus
Over the past years, I’ve seen large worshipping bodies diminish and I’ve experienced house-churches shutting down. Some of this reflects the societal cynicism toward Christianity. Some of it is due to changing patterns resulting from covid restrictions. Largely, however, the decline begins the minute a body—small or large—begins to look inward instead of outward.
A community is a group of people with a common unity. Unity is not preserved by gritting your teeth, trying harder, and stating, “We must stay united.” Unity is the byproduct of an outward focus—given by the Holy Spirit—where people are called to band together in order to move forward. Unity is the last thing on their minds. Achieving their purpose is. The unity transpires when preferences are left behind for the sake of living in Jesus’ love and giving it away.
Pastor Peter Steicke
Bible Readings: Philippians 2: 1-11 (NRSVA)
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™
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.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.
Notice of Half-Yearly General Meeting
Please mark your dairies for the upcoming half-yearly GM to be held on 19th November 2023. Reports to follow.
Good Shepherd Country Drive
Come along for a family outing, anyone with a classic car bring it along.
Have lunch and join in and play some games, but most of all have some great fellowship.
Venue: Lyndoch Park
Date: Sunday 12th November
Time: 12.15pm (at the park)
BYO Lunch, drinks & games + tables & chairs
Final food collection for 2023
The final food collection for 2023 to support the work of Lutheran Care will be held on Sunday 26th November. Donations can be brought to either service on that day or left in the church office during office hours. Thank you for your continuing very generous support throughout 2023.
This month’s requests are different from the normal requests. At Christmas time Lutheran Care aims to bring some joy to families in need by supplying Christmas hampers. The bigger more expensive items are either donated or purchased. The request this month is for items that will add joy especially for the children.
This month’s requests are:
- Chocolates
- Nuts
- Crackers
- Chips/pretzels
- Lollies
- Mince pies
Our collections will recommence in February 2024.
Honey Biscuits
For those who are baking honey biscuits for Lutheran Care, please can they be brought to the Church by 27th November.
Carols Night Play Participation
We have an exciting opportunity coming up here at Good Shepherd! Chris Jaensch is looking for children who might like to join him up the front for some singing/acting at the Community Carols evening being held on Saturday 9th December, starting at 7pm. If this interests you, or would like more information, please contact Chris or via email here or the Church office on 8263 5087.
Para Vista Community Carols
Saturday 9th December at 7pm
Gather with family, friends and neighbours for a musical evening celebrating Christmas at the Para Vista Community Carols.
Performances from a live band and talented local artists, as well as children’s participation and community singing.
Bookings are open now. Electronic bookings can be made HERE or use the QR code provided.
Limited seats are available.
Attendees do not need their tickets to check in at this event. Our staff will be ready to check you in, based on your name.
Whether you’re young or young at heart, everyone is welcome to this FREE event which is sponsored by the City of Salisbury.
Onsite monitored parking is available.
So, save the date, spread the word, and join us for an evening filled with joy and community spirit at the Para Vista Community Carols!
BBQ Before Half Yearly meeting
To alleviate the hunger pangs there will be a BBQ held between the second service and the Half Yearly meeting. All monies raised will go to support the Family Hub
Menu – Sausages $2, Steak sandwich $5. Maximum charge per family is $15.
Live Christmas Trees
Birdwood Lutheran Church is once again offering live Christmas trees for $50. Trees are either 6 or 7 feet. All money raised goes to supporting school chaplains in Adelaide Hills schools.
Any questions or to place an order contact John Dolling 0409819864 or via email dollingjohn47@gmail.com. Orders are to be placed no later than Sunday 26th November. Trees will be available on Saturday 9th December.
Time Out Devotion Book
If you require a daily devotional book for 2024 let the front office know via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or 08 8263 5087 as soon as possible. Price of $30.00 pickup from the front office will need to be paid for in advance to be received for the beginning of January 2024. The theme for 2024 is ‘In God’s Promises’ and is compiled of a selection of short meditations for each day of the year, from Australian writers, including pastors, pastors’ wives, lay-workers and other faith-filled servants of the church.
The writer’s thoughts are life-related, and then connect you back to the promises of Jesus. Included is the bible reading for the day, their featured verse, a faith-talk question, and a prayer. Perfect for individuals, families, or groups.
May you be blessed as you live each day in Gods promises.
Mission and Ministry Leader – Gawler Lutheran Church
Gawler Lutheran Church (GLC) is in the process of establishing a school-based church within Immanuel Lutheran School, Gawler called “New Life Church”. We are seeking a leader for this new and renewing church venture. This is a new and exciting position, working in conjunction with Gawler Lutheran Schools (inclusive of Zion preschool and Immanuel School) and New Life Church under Gawler Lutheran Church. The leader will work in a supportive team with the various volunteers of different teams in the congregation as well as a supportive staff environment at school and GLC.
Objective of Position
Under the guidance of the Pastor of GLC, this position seeks to
- Develop the New Life Church at Immanuel School Gawler within the multi-site location of the Gawler Lutheran Church
Under the guidance of the Principal of Immanuel School, this position seeks to
- Co-ordinate and grow the worship and spiritual life at the school • Create intentional links with GLC/New Life Church
The successful applicant will:
- Have relevant experience and qualifications in lay ministry (or willingness to work towards qualifications) • Have experience in leading worship and developing Christian resources • Have a mindset and heart for church planting and missional communities • Be experienced in leading others • Be skilled in developing vision and equipping teams • Have a heart for relationships and bringing people to Christ
An initial 12-month contract, working 1.0FTE (includes 10 hours for school, flexible hours with weekend and evenings as required.
Applications addressing the selection criteria and including curriculum vitae, should be sent to: Pastor Anthony Price, Gawler Lutheran Church at anthony.price@lca.org.au
For enquiries and full position description, contact Anthony Price on 0410 983 269, (email above) or Daryl Trigg, Principal, Immanuel Lutheran School, Gawler on 0422 572 992; darylt@ilsg.sa.edu.au
Applications close at 5.30pm on Friday 24th November 2023.
Community Family Support News
Grow Ministries
Sometimes it can be hard to talk about God. You may wonder where to begin! You might think it can be easier to leave it to the ‘experts’ and let them handle it. Grow Ministries offer some conversation starters to ponder. How about trying some of these with your family?
KAPS – Years 2- 7
Younger siblings welcome!
Our last KAPS event for this year is coming up on Sunday 26th November, from 4 to 7pm. Bring your children and your grandchildren! (Please note extended time.) We will be celebrating Christmas in November with activities, worship and a meal, so pop this event in your diaries now!
Rachel and Georgie
School Snippets
Sometimes when you ask a child, ‘What did you enjoy best about your day?’, you hear the answer ‘lunch time’. Perhaps we can shed some light on that ‘subject’. Children, of course, are free to eat, chat and play with each other… but we also offer a range of activities on different days of the week for junior and senior primary children. Students can choose from a range of clubs including: Skipping, Netball, Drawing, Chess, Lego, Dance, Woolly Wednesday, Choir, Comic, Coding, Art, Wednesday Worship (Chapel) Drama to name just some of the options. There really is something for everyone! For more of what we’ve been up to, please click on this link for the school newsletter: https://inewsletter.co/J1WDLx/latest Of course, a printed copy is available in the café area and I am happy to arrange your own copy if you would like!
Wednesday Worship
This week Mrs Abraham had a special guest with her… Mrs King! Together, they shared the story of when Elizabeth met Mary and baby John ‘leaped’ inside Elizabeth’s womb! Another amazing chapter of the Christmas story. Have a look at this week’s devotion for a reflection of what was shared. There is also a display forming in the café area of our current Christmas theme. We would love for you to join us next week as the Wednesday Worship Drama group share the story of the wise men. Same time: 8:50am. There is always the opportunity to get to know others over a beverage afterwards!
God bless your week!
Georgie
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: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Office News
Morning Tea and Coffee
Tea and coffee are available after Sunday services, and you are most welcome to come and enjoy the free percolated and instant coffee and tea.
Connect Cards
Connect Cards are available as you enter worship. Please complete the card using pencils which are available from holders on the side of chairs in the worship centre. They may be placed in bowls provided at exits as you leave. Connect Cards may be used for comments, small group or prayer requests, or to communicate with office or Pastoral Care staff.
Weekly News Items
Weekly News items are to be sent churchenquiries@paravista.org.au / krishna.vasani@paravista.org.au by Wednesday Evening. Out of hours please leave a message on the answering system 8263 5087 or email the office and staff will respond as soon as they are able.
Name Badge Request
The cost for a replacement name badge is $12. If you would like to order one, contact the church office on 8263 5087 or send an email to: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Spill Kits
Reminder two spill kits are available for use in emergency cases where someone has vomited or perhaps become incontinent resulting in involuntary soiling of an area. The kits are in a black bucket with ‘Spill Kit” clearly marked in white on the bucket and lid. Buckets are located in the ladies’ air locker first cupboard to the right on entry and in the very rear store wooden shelving on the left behind the kitchen. Please notify the office if you have used one of the kits so they can be replenished and returned to use.
Diary Dates 2023
November
12th November Country Drive
16th November 7.30-9pm Craft group (1st and 3rd Thursday of every month)
19th November Half-yearly AGM
26th November 4-7pm KAPS and Ignite
26th November Last Food Collection for 2023 (both services)
“…This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:13 (NLT)
Safe Church
Please consider the health and safety of others and do not attend the church if you are feeling unwell.
In observing Christ’s command to love one another, we are to treat each other with respect and dignity. In honoring 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
