No Room for Prejudice or Walls

“There is no room for prejudice or walls” Acts 11: 1-17
Have we put up walls around the church?
Or do we offer the water of life?
Is our life one that shares the source of living water, or
Do we put up fences to protect our faith?
Do we trust that God is still active?
Pastor Fin Klein unpacks the apostle Peters first interaction with the Gentiles.
In a powerful sermon that challenges us to examine how we share the gospel with the world around us.
Pastor Fin Klein
Bible Readings: Acts 11:1-17 (NLT)
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.
Call Update
As you know we have extended a call to Pastor Richard Fox, after our call, he also was called by Glynde. He has attended the Ministry Coordination Group and the Board and had some good conversations. He has since asked for an extension of time to discern our call. We expect to hear by Sunday 28th May. Please keep Pastor Richard in your prayers.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
Please mark your dairies for the upcoming Annual General Meeting to be held on 28th May 2023 at 12pm. Reports to follow.
Friendship and Fun
On Sunday 21st May from 1pm in the church hall. Come along and enjoy sharing time over some friendly games. All welcome!
BYO drinks, nibbles, afternoon tea.
A gold coin donation on arrival would be appreciated, and tea/coffee is available.
Activities for the afternoon will include cards, board games and carpet bowls – if you can’t play, then come and learn!
Contact Peter Schlenk for more details on 0419 217 767.
We aim to provide a welcoming, enjoyable afternoon of conversation and fun and look forward to seeing you there.
May Food Collection for Lutheran Care
Our food collection for May will be on Sunday May 28th at both services. Donations can also be left in the church office.
Requests for this month are:
Sugar
Long life milk
Pasta
Pasta sauce
Tinned soup
Tinned vegetables
Noodles
Cereals
Thank you again for your wonderful support in April. It was amazing!
KAPS (Kids and Parents) Event
What are you up to Sunday May 28th? Feel like going on a treasure hunt? We would love for you to join us for some fun, worship, and a meal afterwards from 4pm. Students from Years 2 to 7 are welcome. (A parent/ grandparent/ caregiver must be present.) Hope to see you soon!
Rachel and Georgie
Young Adults
On Saturday, 3rd June join us at 5.00pm for an Escape room adventure at Escaplex. For more details follow the Young Adults Facebook page.
Ladies Fellowship
Congregation members are invited to the next meeting of the Ladies Fellowship on 6th June.
Special Guest speakers
Triss and Paul Roberts from the Queen Adelaide Society.
Regular meeting commences at 1pm.
Please note there will NOT be a Bible Study at this meeting.
Hostesses: Sue Renfrey She will need some help!
Trading Table will be offered. Please bring something.
Beth Stringer coordinating the trading table.
Apologies to Di Schlenk 0409 820 448
Successful Plant Sale
Despite the inclement weather the plant sale held on the weekend of May 6th & 7th was very successful. This raised $660 for the Family Hub at Ingle Farm. They were very excited and grateful to receive the money. This will enable them to upgrade their outside play area and make it much more attractive and exciting for the children and families that use the centre. This sort of activity does not happen without the support of many volunteers. Thank you to Joan McCarthy for organising the event, the Support Team for all their work, volunteers who assisted setting up and, on the Saturday, and Sunday and those who helped return plants after a trailer suddenly became unavailable.
Community Family Support News
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Why do we worry? It’s an age-old challenge that I’m pretty sure everyone is familiar with. We like to be in control, don’t we? But often life presents us with opportunities and (let’s face it) trials that take us out of our comfort zone… Sometimes our response is to worry… Peter (one of Jesus’ disciples) encourages us to give our worries to God. (1 Peter 5:7) God never intended for us to bear burdens alone, but to share them with him. Have a look at this week’s GFH resource for some questions to ponder, some encouragement to share and some ideas to try out. There is also a different GFH resource that talks about how Jesus ascended into heaven. Check out the resources and enjoy the opportunity to grow faith in your home or with your friends this week!
School Snippets
We recently shared that Evie Stevens and Brett Humphrys will be soon serving together as Acting Co- Principals in our school. This week we learned that Claudia Deanshaw (currently Creative Arts teacher) and Therese Abraham (currently Stage 3 teacher) will be taking up the positions of Director of Junior Primary and Acting Director of Senior Primary respectively. These appointments will take effect as of Monday 29th May 2023. Exciting news for our school community! If you would like to read more about what is happening at school, you can click on this link: https://bit.ly/3IJUkGP or pick up a printed copy in the Church Café area. (Georgie is happy to organise a printed school newsletter for you if you would like.)
Chapel Invitation
In Chapel this week we continued looking at some of the intriguing people and events that happened in the bible. Elijah certainly had his share of ups and downs! For a reflection of what was shared, please check out this week’s devotion. It was a lovely surprise to see Pastor Richard Fox that morning! If you have a little time Wednesday from 8:50am we would love to see you. Join us for Chapel, connection, and coffee… (or tea if that is your preference!) 😊
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 via 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 along with 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
Diary Dates 2023
May
19th – 21st May School Men & Minors camp
20th – 21st May Synod
21st May 1-4pm Friendship and Fun (Date changed due to Mother’s Day)
28th May 12pm AGM
28th May 4-7pm KAPS
June
3rd June Young Adults Event
6th June Ladies Fellowship Meeting
“…Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (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