Safe Zone or Faith Zone?

This Sunday we look at Moses who was possibly the greatest person in the Old Testament. Moses led the people of Israel out slavery from Egypt to the promised land. It was an incredible fete. Moses spoke directly with God. God gave us the 10 commandments through Moses. Yet none of us would have known Moses if he hadn’t taken an enormous risk and stepped out of his safe zone and into faith zone when he responded to God’s call at the burning bush.
As we look at Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush, we see that it was not easy for Moses to step out of his safe zone into God’s faith zone. In fact, he put up quite an argument against it. Yet in the end he went and was used by God to do amazing things.
The same is true for you and me. Our natural tendency is to play it safe. God may never call us to lead a nation out of slavery, but as people of faith we are called to live by faith every day. To live by faith is to step out of our safe zones into God’s faith zone. Join us this Sunday as we learn from Moses how to can live in the faith zone.
Pr. Noel Kluge
Bible Readings: Exodus 3: 1-8, 11-14, 4: 1-9 and Matthew 14: 22-32 (NLT)
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 ministry team.
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.
An exciting Opportunity to Join Good Shepherd Church Staff
Administration Team Leader
- Part time- 25 hours/ per week
- Position description, Contact Congregational Administrator Stephen Zanker at stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au
- Applications close: Monday 13th January 2023
- For more information: Click here
RENEW Young Adults Camp
RENEW is a camp for young adults and those who have just finished high school to gather together for a weekend to connect with God and others. Join us to be “renewed” through worship, electives, activities, fellowship, and late-night chats.
Due to the flood currently impacting the river Murray communities,
RENEW 2023 camp will be held at Dzintari Campsite at Normanville from 3rd-5th February 2023
Two Nights $185 | One Night $155
50% discount – Year 12 school leavers 2021/2022
Click here to register by 23rd January 2023 by 12.00pm: https://bit.ly/3FCq8ME
Connect Cards
Please fill in a connect card as you walk in the church as it is the only way we can connect with you!
Family Support Coordinator News, From Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
This Sunday Pastor Noel will be sharing a message called ‘Safe Zone or Faith Zone’. In some ways it links in with this week’s GFH resource. How do you go with sharing your faith with others?
Here are a couple conversation starters to consider sharing with your family and friends… ‘Who has introduced you to Jesus?’ ‘How can we talk to other people about who Jesus is?’
The resource picks up Andrew’s response after listening to Jesus in John 1:40-42. The story of the Samaritan women at the well in John 4 also comes to mind… What are your stories?
God bless your conversations!
Little Lambs
Dear Church Family,
Our Little Lambs Playgroup has been on hiatus throughout 2022. We have certainly been blessed in previous years with wonderful volunteers who have served in this area. Is it time to revisit this opportunity to share God’s love with little people and their families/ carers? Do you have a heart for little ones? Or do you know someone who does? Our community values opportunities to connect with others. Sharing time together, chatting over a coffee as little one’s play is its own reward. Creating an environment where relationships can be formed and nurtured is a wonderful area of ministry! If this is something you feel led to be a part of, I would love to hear from you. There are plenty of resources ready to go thanks to the creativity, generosity and love of previous Little Lambs team leaders. Please contact me via email here or chat with me sometime about this valuable opportunity.
Will keep you posted on Little Lamb’s next chapter. Watch this space!
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
Office News
Replacement Of Main Auditorium Carpet
When? 16 to 28 January 2023
How? This is your opportunity to move chairs, remove old carpet squares and replace chairs.
We are seeking a team to be available throughout this time to assist in saving the church up to $5,000.00. Please advise Stephen Zanker, Ross Pukallus, or the front office of your availability so this can happen in a smooth and organized manner without too much disruption of our activities.
Part of History Available for Sale!
For a donation you can purchase surplus carpet tiles. Let the history life on by lining your garage floor, man cave or other area for a small cost to assist in funding the full replacement of carpeting our facility. Be quick as they won’t last long. Contact Stephen or the front office for further information.
Empty Space?
A reminder that unwanted items are not to be bought to the Good Shepherd facility and left in hope that we may be able to use them. Permission from the Congregational Administrator or church office is required before leaving items in any area. A reminder to please take all your belongings with you when you leave the facility. Surplus items will be removed from the area after 2 weeks and placed in the community care bin. Remember a lost property box is located on the cupboard in the corridor leading from the parenting room to the rest rooms.
Facility Bookings
To alleviate the potential of double booking and embarrassment for users of our facility the following has been implemented. If you wish to use any room within the church facility for any reason a booking request will need to made and confirmed with the church office. If you are planning to use the church facility for any reason a booking will be required prior to commencement of the use. Please include any rehearsal or practice times. Please do not just assume that because an area is vacant when you arrive it is not being used. All pre-booked users will have preference.
Name Badge Request
The cost for a Name Badge is $12. If you would like to order one then, contact the church office on 0882635087 or send an email to: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Weekly News Items
Weekly news items are to be sent to churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or krishna.vasani@paravista.org.au by Wednesday Evening. Out of hours please leave a message on the answering system 08 8263 5087 or email the office and staff will respond as soon as they are able.
“…But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.”
Genesis 19:29
Safe Church
Please consider the health and safety of others and do not attend the church if you are feeling unwell.
In observing Christ’s command to love one another, we are to treat each other with respect and dignity. In honoring people, we are also fulfilling our responsibility under the law of the land. The LCA and Good Shepherd Para Vista is committed to implementing processes to ensure the church is a safe place. If anyone feels they have been subjected to sexual abuse or harassment in any form by anyone who holds a position of trust in the church, please contact:
P: 1800 644 628 E: report.abuse@safeplace.lca.org.au
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 (closed 12:30pm-1:30pm for lunch)
Church Website: www.paravista.org.au Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Look for us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!
388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 | Phone: 8263 5087 | PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092