Return of the King
In the last Sundays of the Church year, we consider the end-times and the return of Jesus. This Sunday will be part 2 of a 3-week series: Infused with Hope. Our theme this Sunday: The Return of the King.
If life is a journey, then our destiny will determine the direction of our lives. As followers of Jesus, we join in his restoration story for his world in the security of knowing that he has brought us into eternal life.
This is not arrogance, nor wishful thinking. Our hope is NOT based on our performance, nor our life circumstances; but the promise of Jesus: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” (John 5:24 NIV)
Note the tense: “has eternal life”. For all believers in Jesus this is a present possession. Jesus has got you covered from here to eternity! His resurrection from the dead is God’s guarantee that we will inherit eternal life through faith in Christ.
Between now and then, we will share in the struggles and trials of living in a broken world. And at times we may face ridicule, hostilities and persecution on account of being followers of Jesus.
Jesus was killed for his faithfulness to God. He makes it clear that there is a cost – and a reward – for following him: “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.” (Luke 6:22-23 NIV)
According to tradition, most of his disciples were martyred. The Apostle John may have been the exception. Yet he spent time in exile – cut off from his community. While stuck on the Island of Patmos, John received a revelation from God to encourage the Church through times of persecution. We can still read it today in the last book of the Bible.
This Sunday, we’ll unpack a little of what God revealed to John in the opening verses of Revelation. Our attention will turn to the Lord who loves us, and to the return of our victorious King.
Come along and join us as we celebrate who and whose we are in Christ – and the hope that is ours in Him!
Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: John 5:24-29; Revelation 1:4-8
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
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.
Christmas Treats for Lutheran Care
Our final collection for 2021 for Lutheran Care will be on Sunday November 28th. Collections will resume in February 2022.
This month’s collection request is different to other months. They are seeking items that can be included in Christmas Hampers to bring joy to families in need this Christmas. Items requested include Christmas treats such as:
- Chocolates
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Lollies or sweets
Lutheran Care will add other substantial food items to their hampers. Due to health and safety reasons all donations must be sealed and in their original packaging.
You may wish to donate a gift. They are seeking gifts particularly for teenagers, adults, or care givers. Younger children are more easily catered for, but the older groups often miss out on the joy of receiving at Christmas.
October Food Donations
Thank you again for your very generous support of the food collection for Lutheran Care. With all donations packed into grocery bags there was a grand total of 31 bags donated. A great effort!
With gratitude,
The Family Zone Team
Honey Biscuits
For those women in the congregation who are baking honey biscuits for Lutheran Care, please give to Ragna Gaard by 21 November.
Grow Team Update
We had our final Grow Workshop a couple of weeks ago with the topic being Lifelong Faith Formation. We looked at the Five Elements of Congregational Life – caring, celebration, learning, praying and serving. We discussed the three phases of life – 0-30 yrs, 31-60 yrs and 61+ yrs and focussed on how are we building connections between these groups to create a sense of belonging. And the holistic approach of faith formation – head (informing), heart (forming) and hands (transforming). Over the next couple of weeks we will be praying about what we have discovered and where we can work at improving what we are already doing so that all ages can feel like they belong. Please chat to any of the team to find out more about what we discussed – Rachel, Tina, Lindsay, Cees, Peter or Mardi.
The Village area on Sunday mornings is a wonderful place where connections like these can be made. You are welcome to sit close to this area and assist the younger ones with the activity that Georgie has provided. After worship is a wonderful opportunity to then connect with children and their families.
Let’s continue to encourage one another to make new connections and share stories to grow our faith in Jesus.
“A community which intentionally develops intergenerational relationships to grow faith in Jesus so that He can build His Kingdom here and now”.
Kathy Liebig
Grow Team Leader
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
News from Maranatha Health
As always, we appreciate the support for Maranatha Health from your community, and the ways your gifts continue to create incredible impacts for the Ugandan families we work with! Here is the link to the latest MH Update, which includes an interesting story about Covid-19 experiences of our staff in Uganda as well as some general news from Uganda and Australia. https://mailchi.mp/b7419afc3593/the-latest-from-mh-5378540
Blessings,
Kim Findlay
Maranatha Health
Tidings Newsletter
If you would like an emailed copy of Tidings Newsletter, from Lutheran Women SA/NT, please contact Di Schlenk pdschlenk@internode.on.net or the church office.
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
We have 2 exciting opportunities coming up for you to use your gifts and talents!
1) Chris Jaensch is looking for children who might like to join him at the upcoming Community Carols on Saturday December 11. If you would like to sing with him, or would like more information, please contact him direct on 0406 971553 or chrishelane@hotmail.com
2) If anyone (young, old and/or in between) is interested in helping out and/or participating in our Christmas Eve Family Service, Friday 24th December, I would love to hear from you. Please let me know or send me an email on georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au We are still unsure whether you might need to book for this event (it will be free). Keep an eye on our Weekly News for updates!
Growing Faith at Home Resources
Dear Church Family,
This week’s GFH title is ‘Jesus is the King of Kings’. What thoughts come to mind when you hear the title king or queen? The Caring Conversation key offers some ideas to talk over with your family. ‘What would you do if you were a king of queen for a day? What sort of a king is Jesus? When and how does he reign? We focus a lot on how Jesus is our Saviour, which is very important, but he is more than just that. It is also the last Sunday of the Church year. The Creative Response offers some suggestions. Endings and Beginnings: Take time this week to discuss your experience of church life over the past year. What were some highlights? What were some challenges, disappointments of difficulties? In what ways did you learn or grow? Pray together for God’s blessing upon your church and your involvement with it over the next year.
God be your strength, comfort and guide this week and give you, his peace.
Georgie
Little Lambs
Little Lambs Playgroup met today for another morning of nature-based play. Check out what we got up to on our Little Lambs Facebook page. Parents/ Grandparents, bring your Little Lambs along for some fellowship and a frolic. Fridays from 9am. Please bring your own rug, weather appropriate clothes, snacks, and a cuppa. Next week will be our last gathering for 2021. We would love to see you there!
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
SPIN Camp
Miraculous things are coming to Camp Kedron in Barmera this January…
SPIN kids camp is an opportunity for children in Year 4-6 in 2021 to gather as God’s people and grow their relationship with God in Christian community. This year our theme for camp is “Miraculous.’ There is a discount code available for Good Shepherd members. Please see Georgie or contact the church office! For more information and to register head to: https://www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/spin/
Book Launch: “Candlestickmaker”
The launch of Reid Matthias’ Candlestickmaker, the third in The Amicable Circle series, will take place on Sunday, 21st November, in the Ark (Good Shepherd Lutheran School), at 7pm.
Entry is $10, with drinks and nibbles provided. There are also copies of Reid’s new book in the church office. RSVP to 0407 881 636.
Open Door – Christian Books & Gifts
Now available – Calendars 2022, The Australian Christian Diary 2022 and other Daily planners.
Christmas stock including Advent candles for home or church, Advent calendars, nativities, gifts, Christmas cards, books, music, DVDs.
Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, Gawler. Ph 85221677; E opendoorbook@gmail.com
Fb: www.OpenDoorGawler.com.au
Trading: M-F 10-4, Sat 10-1
Office News
Church Candles
Candles have been replaced with oil burning wicks. If you have the privilege to extinguish them, please use the candle snuffers located under the altar to do so.
Handy Man Maintenance – Help Wanted
Good Shepherd care team are looking to build a group of volunteers that can assist other members in small home tasks such as changing light bulbs, tap washers or other small jobs. If you are able to assist please let Stephen or the office know at stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087.
Church Facilities – Resources
A reminder to all members and users of the facility, that many members and the public use our facility daily. If you use an item or a room, please return it to the condition or storage space you found it. If you find something empty or not working, please attempt to replace, repair or refill and notify the office staff. Please do not put empty or unworking items back for next person to find.
Mission Vision Support
Electronic deposits can be made to the following bank account details; BSB 704942. Account number 10354939 Account Name GSPV REG
REG is a way to regularly support the mission of our church. Details of transactions are kept confidential. Please visit www.lll.org.au/REG and use BSB 704942 and Account number 100354939. Cash may be dropped off at the office during office hours. This will be treated in the same way as Sunday offerings.
Library News
Waiting on a library card? The front office has many here awaiting collection. Please come and grab yours.
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…”
John 11:25
We are a Covid-Safe Church 
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 arrangements as mandated by the State Government. QR Code check-in is a legal requirement for all who enter the facility, as are masks except where exemptions apply. If you do not have the ability to check in using this code, please check in with a host or sign the records sheet with your name and telephone number. Physical distancing of 1.5 metres is required when not seated. This includes entering the building, attending Communion and while served tea & coffee. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current distancing regulations. White floor markings are placed at 1.5m to assist you. Thank you!
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
