Open Ears
Has someone ever said to you: “You’re just not listening to me!” What was their tone of voice? What moved them to say that? How did you respond?
To be heard and understood is one of the greatest gifts we can receive; and one of the greatest gifts we can give. It is how we empathise and care for one another. The power of listening helps us know that we are not alone. It brings people closer together. It brings restoration to broken hearts and hurting souls.
The best book I’ve ever read on listening is by Adam S. McHugh: The Listening Life – Embracing Attentiveness in a World of Distraction, (IVP: 2015). Like a treasure chest, this book is full of gems for everyone who seeks to become a better listener and carer to others. Here are a few of them:
‘…how would our relationships change, and how would we change, if we approached every situation with the intention of listening first? What if we approached our relationship with God as listeners? What if we view our relationship with nature as one of listening? What if we approached our relationships using our ears rather than our mouths?’ (p.10)
‘Hearing is an act of the senses, but listening is an act of the will. In listening you centre not only your ears but also your mind, heart and posture on someone or something other than yourself.’ (p.16)
‘The true listeners are those who stay, who crowd around Jesus and ask the interpretation of the parable. This is the kind of listeners God desires: those who pursue and seek and relentlessly question. They sit with Jesus’ words like an old friend that you know yet don’t really know, chewing and digesting, continuing to seek greater clarity and depth of understanding.’ (p.17)
‘The sort of people we become is, in large part, determined by the voices that we choose to listen to. Truly, we do not have a choice of listening versus not listening. We all obey certain voices, and thus the question is not “Will I listen?” but “Which voices will I listen to?” (p.21)
Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14 NIV) And: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV)
Over the last two Sundays, our themes have been Open Door and Open Eyes. This Sunday we will consider: Open Ears. It’s a privilege to come together to listen to the words of Jesus, to discuss what that means for us, and to help each other to live them out!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: John 10:1-4, 11-18
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.
Merry Team brings an Autumn Gleam!
We were absolutely blown away by the amazing turnout to our recent autumn cleaning day! Bands of volunteers came and went all day long, and no chair was left unturned in their efforts to dust, scrub, clean, sweep and shine away the grime!
The faithful crew were rewarded with pizza lunch & our endless gratitude! A huge thank-you to every person who came and helped to make the facilities sparkle – you are a blessing to this community and we thank God for you!
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.
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.
Growing Faith Ministries at Home
Dear Church Family,
What comes to mind when you hear ‘Good Shepherd’? Our church name? Psalm 23? Jesus?
Sunday’s bible reading is John 10:11-18 and describes the depth of the committed relationship between Jesus, our good shepherd, and His sheep. Jesus’ dedication and our role in listening to him. GFH asks a few questions to share with your family and friends. Here are a couple: How do we listen to Jesus’ voice? How can we get to know him better? These questions are not just for young children, they are for all us! Check out this week’s resource.
God bless you and your week!
Georgie
Little Lambs Playgroup
We will be returning Friday April 30, from 9am in the Church Hall. Grandmas and grandpas, have you considered bringing your grandchild along for activities and fun with other Little Lambs? The more the merrier!
Look forward to seeing you soon!
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
Worship Leading
Calling all people who are interested in Worship Leading at church! Singles, families, small groups, how about you and a friend? Happy to chat with you about this. Please let me know!
Blessings,
Georgie
Support for Family Zone
Due to the generosity of our congregation the Family Zone has sufficient food for April to enable them to support the families in need in the area. Space to store the food is a problem.
With Job Keeper ceasing they are predicting there will be a great increase in demand for support so food collection will recommence in May. If you have already purchased food which will not keep until the May collection please deliver to the church office or bring to service on Sunday April 25th and it will be delivered to the Zone.
Office News
COVID-Safe Update
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.
Ladies Fellowship
Have you ever received an email that looked real but you weren’t sure? Then this meeting is for you! SA Police will be presenting on 4th May at the Ladies Fellowship meeting.
The regular meeting will commence at 1pm with the talk at 2pm.
Please bring your fingerless gloves to this meeting, so they can be taken to Convention. Please continue knitting as arrangements are in place for them to be taken to Blair Athol.
For those attending Convention at Mannum, please bring your own cup and lunch – 6th May not 7th as shown in the program.
Those going on the Bus from Hope Valley are to meet by the Flag Pole, which is at the northern end of the Community Hall; plenty of parking available.
Please do not come if unwell. Please sign in on the Covid sheet in addition to QR codes.
A light afternoon tea will be available after the meeting.
Please support the trading table.
Apologies to Di Schlenk on 0409 820 448
“Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’”
John 21:16
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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
