Pointless
So the Jews replied to him, ‘What sign will you show us for doing these things (clearing the temple)?’ Jesus answered, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.’ ~John 2:17, 18
We understand (I think) what Jesus means. Two thousand years of resurrection/Easter understanding – cognitively we know that Jesus is talking about his body, but theologically? Are we stuck where the Jewish leadership was? Are we stuck needing a sign and a wonder for the Saviour to really let us know that there really is a God?
When Jesus says, ‘Destroy this temple,’ I wonder if the Jewish leadership thought he was commanding them to do so, to rip down the building that housed their sanctuary – their safety from the world. I wonder if the Jewish leadership were aghast that anyone would dare think that the building that had been a house for God’s name, and a place for sacrifice, would be blasphemed by tearing down the structure.
The Jewish leaders are incredulous. ‘This took forty-six years to build, and you – you! Want to rebuild it in three days.’ Even God can’t do that, right?
And, the freshly scrubbed disciples, only days into the ministry, must have been scratching their heads. Get rid of the temple? Is he serious? Where will we go for the festivals? Where will we worship? Where will we offer our sacrifices? It was only after the resurrection that they fully understood Jesus’ words and their faith in the scripture (John 2:21-25).
For so long the building had been the focus of Israel’s worship, but it had been turned into a marketplace, not used for its original designation as a house of prayer and praise. And so, the temple and its sanctuary had become pointless.
The living temple was in their midst, and they were missing it.
What has changed over two thousand years? Should we look at that this week? Should we dig into our fears of the future of the ‘Church,’ and gaze into what God is doing in these three days?
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: John 2:13-22
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.
Grow Team Sessions
March 13.
The day is almost here. Our gathering with The Ark – Salisbury, and Immanuel – North Adelaide, is imminent. Here is what the day is about and what the goals are:
- An understanding of the future of church and its importance on relationship building
- Partnering with nearby congregations in supporting each other on the journey
- Building a team to lead Good Shepherd in developing opportunities and strategies for intergenerational ministry that focuses on worship, service and learning
Based on over four decades of research and biblical perspective, coaching is an interactive process that helps individuals, ministry teams and congregations to practise vibrant faith in a changing world. Through Grow Coaching, Grow Ministries works intentionally with (Good Shepherd and other congregations) as we re-think child, youth and family ministry in the 21st century (taken from Grow Coaching handbook, page 2.)
Saturday, March 13, from 8:45-3:00 p.m: Grow Coaching Introduction Day.
Team and congregational assessments will be done reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of congregational contexts. The process ‘promotes a positive team environment for working together to bring about (cultural) change’ (pg. 5).
Workshop 2, The Ark, Salisbury, Saturday, March 27: Rethinking Faith Formation for the 21st Century.
We’ll be joining the other congregations in ‘re-thinking faith formation ministry for a new time and a new age.’ Discussing what it means to be a healthy community and create a culture that nurtures faith, will be a primary goal of this day. Secondly, home is church, too. The relationships between connecting faith at worship/congregational life with home life will be thoughtfully presented and discussed.
All are welcome!
Please register with us to experience a new way of ministry!
Faith Gym
Faith Gym continues this Wednesday March 10th 7:30-9pm, here at Good Shepherd:
- Pr Reid Matthias: Faith and Film (for aged 15+). How do movies motivate us and shape our world view?
- Pr Rolly and Hope Stahl: Engaging Bibles Studies – Leaders Wanted. How do we help people engage with God’s Word so we are inspired to live it out?
Please come along!
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Today I’d like to highlight ‘Grow Together’ family newsletters. There are four editions for the year. A copy went home to all school families this week. Additional copies are available for you in the café area (or ask me!)
To quote them: ‘This year Grow Together will speak into the way we nurture faith- in our homes, within our families and as parents, grandparents, teachers and leaders… This edition has ideas to help you create some space, develop some gentle rhythms and connect deeply with your child/ren.’ Very relevant!
Let me know what you think!
You will also find other conversation starters and ideas with the usual GFH resource.
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
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. From 9am in the Church Hall.
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!
Blessings,
Georgie
Support for the Family Zone
We will continue our support for the Family Zone in 2021. The extent of our support will depend on the restrictions imposed by Covid-19.
We will continue our monthly food collections. These will be on the last Sunday of each month commencing on Sunday March 28th. In next week’s Weekly News there will be a list of items that the Family Zone requires to support families in need.
Thank you for your generous support in 2020.
If you are interested in finding out about the work of the Team or in being part of the Team, please contact John Dolling.
Family Zone Support Team
Next meeting March 9th (Second Tuesday of the month except January)
At 6 Von Braun Crescent, Modbury North Time: – 6.30 to 9.00 pm
Enjoy a good meal and drinks (no alcohol please)
$10 donation is appreciated to offset costs (under 16 $5)
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.
Egg News
Over the last nine months, Good Shepherd has partnered with Peter and Carol Vogt, farmers near the Barossa, in purchasing their eggs. In a recent video with the Vogts, Pastor Reid heard the beautiful, faithful tale of how their interaction in camping ministry (SPIN camp and NOVO) helped them to understand the importance of intergenerational ministry and how relationships are the priority for the Church in the future.
During the interview, Peter and Carol expressed their immense gratitude to Good Shepherd for their generosity during COVID, the hundreds of dozens of eggs sold in essence kept them afloat financially. Now that COVID seems to be on the wane, they are able to sell eggs locally in the Barossa as well.
Unfortunately, though, Good Shepherd will no longer be able to receive eggs – not that the quality was bad or the need was absent, but the egg partnership has run at a loss of $600 for Good Shepherd. Eggs and money have gone missing.
It was hard to share with the Vogts that we wouldn’t be able to continue, but they understood. We’ll continue to pray for them and their ministry. Their interview will run next week on Facebook, the Good Shepherd website and snippets at other times.
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.
FOUND
A key, found near the front foyer on Sunday 14th February, before the 8:45am service. Please contact the church office if it is yours.
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.
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.’”
Matthew 28:18
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
