Remembrance Day
Why is light given to one burdened with grief, and life to those whose existence is bitter… why is life given to a person whose path is hidden, whom God has hedged in? ~Job 3:20,23
It’s been a trying year.
For many, we’ve tried to make it through the struggles and managing fear, doubt, stress and anxiety associated with the global pandemic. We’ve tried to understand what has happened and what is going on. Perhaps all of us have asked the question…
Why?
In the book of Job, the protagonist Job – a righteous man of God – is beset with what seems the fickle hand of fate. Everything is taken from him, all the things that brought joy and comfort, and he is brought down low into the ashes of his dreams. They seem to have been blown away in the swirling wind.
In chapter three, Job asks the ‘why’ question seven times. Why has this happened? Why, O God, are you punishing a righteous person, one who has only sought your will? Why have you taken my security, my family and my future?
On Remembrance Day, or All Saints’ Day, we remember with bittersweet emotion those that have gone before us. At the same time, though, we allow ourselves to ask the ‘why’ question of God. We also lament and rue the bitterness of death and separation.
But all is not loss. God does not leave us in our grief. God sits with us in our losses and reminds us of the hope that we have in his Son, Jesus, who proclaims to all who believe in him that there is a future beyond this one. We will be reunited with our loved ones.
From Grief to Hope. We remember.
This weekend, we’ll be lighting candles as a symbol of remembering loved ones, but also hearing the hope in Jesus which was promised to us in our baptism. Tears of grief and joy are welcome.
Pr. Reid
Bible Reading: Job 3:20-26, John 6:43-50; 60-68
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.
News & Announcements
Our Imagining the Future: Post-COVID Church discussions are going really well and will resume this week.
All Saints Day, Sunday Nov 1st: At both Sunday services, we will be remembering loved ones who have been promoted to glory. As you arrive that day, there will be an opportunity to write down the names of departed loved ones. These will be read out during the service (or you can mention them at that time). You will also have an opportunity to come forward and light a candle in their memory.
Please Note: We will NOT be celebrating Holy Communion at this service, but will offer it a fortnight later on Nov 15th.
AGM Meeting, 22nd November
Our AGM is happening on Sunday 22nd November, after the service. If you are submitting a report, please do so by c.o.b. Monday, 2nd November. There is an opening on the Board if you wish to nominate a suitable person, and we are seeking Synod Delegates as well. Over the last year, God has been revealing new ways to be the church, not just be in church. As the congregation gathers on that Sunday, we hope that there will be opportunities to discuss three main areas of vision for the next years: worship, service and community equipping. A sausage sizzle for lunch will be provided.
Christmas Play Postponed
The Christmas Play in four parts, slated to begin this year in the Advent season, has been postponed until 2021.
The Claridge Residential Care, Valley View has asked for a once/month informal service and short visits to residents to support their faith. Police Check and flu shot are required. Please talk with Chris Jaensch if you are interested; or contact the Church Office.
Live Christmas Trees Available
Birdwood congregation are again selling live Christmas trees this year. All money raised supports school chaplains in their local schools.
Cost of the trees is $45. Trees are either 6 or 7 foot. There may be some slightly taller if the rain continues to fall before harvest. They will be delivered to a central location in the local area on Saturday 12th of December. Orders need to placed by Sunday November the 29th.
For any queries or to place an order contact John Dolling on 83675296 / 0409819865 / jdolling@bigpond.net.au
Family Zone News
1. In November there will be a special collection and an opportunity to support the Family Zone’s Christmas programme. More details will be provided closer to the date. The food collection will be back on Sunday November 29th.
If you have already purchased items bring them to service this Sunday and they will be delivered to the Family Zone next week.
2. Plant Sale
On Saturday November 7th (10 thru 1) and Sunday November 8th (after both services) there will be a giant plant sale at the church. All monies raised will go to support the work of the Family Zone at Ingle Farm. As we didn’t have a sale earlier in the year we have plenty of plants for sale, so we do not require any additional plants.
3. Financial support
Despite Covid-19 limiting our fundraising for this year we have been able to raise $837 for the Family Zone. The two major sources of income have been through the Drakes Shopping Tags ($437) and donations ($400). If you shop at a Drakes supermarket and show a shopping tag a percentage of your purchase is donated to the identified charity. These tags are available through the church office or can be collected from the counter in the cafe area.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Jesus often challenged people’s thinking. We tend to think that important people should the ones being served. Jesus flipped that and challenged those who considered themselves important to do the serving! Hmmm. How do you think that went down?
But seriously… What does serving others look like? What impact does it have? Check out this week’s GFH resources for some ideas.
Blessings, Georgie
Little Lambs
Just a reminder that Little Lambs Playgroup is on this Friday. Just $2 for a fun morning of activities and conversation. Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
Children/Family Christmas Service
While we aren’t able to offer “Experience Christmas” in our usual format this year, we are excited to hold a Children/ Family Christmas service!
When: Sunday afternoon Nov29 (the start of Advent)
Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Who: Families with children (and when we say families, we mean people of all ages!)
What: A service with lots of opportunities for everyone to be involved… singing, telling the story, bible readings, acting…
I’m looking for some people to help coordinate this exciting event. If this is something that interests you, please chat with me!
Perhaps as never before, we need some good news, and what better news than God meeting us in our need through Jesus’ birth!
Blessings,
Georgie
Position Vacant
RENEW camp is a weekend camping ministry program for young adults across the LCA SA-NT District, held annually in February.
Applications for the role of camp director in 2021 are currently open. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, please contact one of our Blueprint Ministries team at admin@blueprintministries.org.au or for more information head to https://www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/renew-2/ Applications close 8 November.
Open Door – Christian Books & Gifts
Calendars for 2021 are now available; price range $4 – $29.
Coming soon: The Australian Christian Diary 2021; and small Daily Planners.
Please pre-order (ASAP) the Devotion book for 2021, “Time Out for Travellers”: $25, due end November.Reminder to order Advent Candles by Friday 30 October, by email, phone or in-store.
We are at Gawler Arcade, Gawler
Ph. 85221677; E opendoorbook@gmail.com
Now open on Mondays! M-F 10-4, Sat 10-1.
Lutheran Media Short Movie Competition Results
Watch the short movies that were entered into the Lutheran Media Short Movie Competition at www.lutheranmedia.org.au/competition or at www.youtube.com/messagesofhope (Short Movie Competition playlist.) There are creative and engaging stories of hope and Bible story adaptations.
Thank you to all of the entrants of the videos that were submitted into the Lutheran Media Short Movie Competition! We enjoyed watching them and it was tough deciding the winners.
The winners were:
General Category
1. “Good Friday in Isolation” Tyson, QLD
2. “The Widow’s Mite” Mikayla, VIC
3. “The Great Exchange” Jonah, SA
School Category
1. “Farm Boy” by Sophie, Year 9 Holy Trinity Lutheran College, Horsham, VIC
2. “Footsteps” by Bethany, Year 8 Victory Lutheran College, Wodonga, VIC
3. “Hope Through Media”, Paul and year 11 students Concordia College, Highgate SA
We are planning to run this competition again next year so feel free to start working on your short movie.
Thank you for supporting this Short Movie Competition.
The peace and hope of Jesus Christ be with you!
Richard Fox, Director
Office News
Visionaries Needed:
Those with the gift of hospitality to welcome; or serve coffee and tea.
Those with the gift of administration for tellering.
Those with the gift of serving to set up & pack up for Holy Communion.
No experience needed for these positions – training is provided!
Mission Support
Please continue supporting our congregation’s mission and ministry through regular offerings as our facility and staff continues to operate in a different way.
Electronic Deposits can be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704942
Account No. 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG; or
Click on the GIVE button on our website.
LLL REG: Download the form here and use the same bank details as above in the “account to be credited” section, and email back to address shown on the form. Alternatively contact the LLL on 83607200 or 1800 556457.
Offering Envelopes can still be dropped in at the church office during office hours.
Eggssssss
The folks with the yolks are back! Come and get your free range eggs – $4 per dozen. Please bring your spare cartons. Get ‘em while they’re (not) hot! Ed.
Does God still communicate with us today? If so, what are the different ways? How can we be sure it is Him communicating, and not just our own thoughts or imaginations? What is the difference between “wisdom” and “revelation” when it comes to knowing the will of God? In this practical one day workshop you will learn about and practise listening to the different ways that God communicates to His people, both individually and in a group setting.
Details & Bookings: www.trybooking.com/blxpr or michael.dutschke@lca.org.au
“In this world you will have sorrow, but take heart, for I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
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
Look for us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!
388 Montague Road Modbury North SA 5092 Phone: 8263 5087
PO Box 306 Para Vista SA 5093
