Open Door
An open door means we have access at any time. At the death of Jesus, the curtain temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Our guilt, shame, fear and dread have been taken away. The forgiveness we have received through Jesus means we can now come into the holy presence of God without fear. His door is open! His heart is open! His heaven is open!
This coming Sunday, we continue celebrating the hope and life we have in Jesus. On resurrection Sunday, an angel rolled away the stone – leaving the tomb open. It wasn’t to let Jesus out of the tomb, but to let his followers in. On entering the tomb, they all discovered that Jesus was not there!
At evening of that same day, the disciples are in hiding – for fear of the Jews. In the raw shock of grief, and perhaps ashamed for abandoning Jesus in his time of need, they are in isolation. Having the wind knocked out of their sails, they don’t know what to do, or where to turn.
And then Jesus drops in!
Just as the tomb could not keep Jesus in, the locked doors could not keep Jesus out! There is no barrier or door that can keep Jesus from his people.
He has opened the way for us to heaven; and his heart remains open to us!
For the remaining Sundays of April, our worship series is Open. This Sunday’s theme: Open Door. Come along. Taste and see that the Lord is good!
Shalom!
Pr. Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: John 20:19-31
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.
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
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.
Next meeting April 13th (second Tuesday of the month except January)
At 6 Von Braun Crescent, Modbury North
Enjoy a good meal and drinks (no alcohol please)
$10 donation is appreciated to offset costs (under 16 $5)
Time:- 6.30 to 9.00 pm For further information Contact: – Jim 0438 899 629
A place where men and boys can be supported in their journey by other men and boys.
A place where the total wellbeing of men and boys is of primary concern.
Request for Lift to 8:45am Services
Iris is a senior blind lady living independently at Gilles Plains. Over recent years she has been using a walker, and still uses it at home. She can use her walker getting to a car, and then would need some help getting in and out. On arriving at Good Shepherd, she would then use an on-site wheelchair. She is seeking a lift to our 8:45am services. It would not have to be every week, but it would be helpful if she could attend the first service of the month for Holy Communion. If you can help out, please contact the Church Office.
Little Lambs Update
What a glorious morning we had today at Little Lambs! Check out Facebook to see what we got up to. We’re now on a break for school holidays – see you Friday 30th April!
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
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.
Office News
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-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.
“Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”
Ezekiel 37:4-6
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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
