Set Apart for a New Life
Imagine sitting around a table with your extended family, or a group of friends, trying to work out a list of guidelines that will keep your relationships with one another healthy.
What would you put first? What other things would you want on the list?
What would you put on that list for when a person ignores the guidelines – resulting in hurt for the rest of the family/group?
From ancient times, wise people have compiled proverbs to help us think through our attitudes, words and behaviours – and the consequences. E.g.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25 NIV)
Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. (Proverbs 13:3 NIV)
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NIV)
In his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus gives an outline of how we – loved and treasured children of the Father – are to live in this world. He starts with the beatitudes (or “BE attitudes”), and then identifies his followers: “You are the salt of the earth!” “You are the light of the world!” (Mt 5:1-16).
Both salt and light are to be different from what’s around them. Our Father in heaven has set us apart from a decaying and dark world to make a positive difference in the lives of others – that brings glory to Him! Jesus then gives a bunch of examples of what that looks like. It all starts in the heart – in our new relationship with God and his people!
Paul expresses the same ideas in our Bible reading for Sunday. He tells his Christian friends at Ephesus to no longer live like the Gentiles/pagans of their surrounding culture, but to live out a new life:
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy. (Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT)
Paul then lists a series of vices to throw off; and virtues to put on. He even provides reasons why this is good for the “family” of God’s chosen and set apart people.
I hope we can unpack these together this coming Sunday!
When Jesus lives in our hearts by faith, the Holy Spirit will lead us on a journey of transformation – where we delight in knowing and living out God’s good and pleasing will for our lives. The consequences of living these out will be healthy families and unity in the body of Christ, his Church!
Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Ephesians 4:17-5:2 (NIV)
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.
Ladies Fellowship
Reduce! Reuse! Recycle!
These are the catch phrases of the moment.
At the September meeting we will have Penelope Morrison, Education and Community Projects Officer from Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority come and talk to us about all things recycling.
Next Meeting date 7th September
Time 1pm (husbands welcome!)
Masks may or may not be mandatory
Bible Study with Pastor Reid
Hostesses: Rae Hofmanis and Jan Odman.
There will be a trading table.
Please do not come if unwell – apologies to Di Schlenk 0409 820 448.
Having Your Child Baptised
Having Your Child Baptised is a short course to help parents and families prepare for their first baptism at Good Shepherd.
Our next course commences Tuesday September 7th at 7:30pm at Good Shepherd, continuing the next two Tuesday evenings (Sept 14, 21.)
For more info and how to register: https://paravista.org.au/contact-us/baptism/
A Welcoming and Connected Community
We hope you are finding the Grow Team resource helpful as you seek to speak with new people on Sundays: https://bit.ly/3AC6wTv A couple of helps are:-
– Go two by two. Grab a friend and find someone new to chat with.
– Question to ask: “What do you like to do with your time during the week?”
Heidi is on the move! May she remind us all to connect with someone new each week we come to worship.
How have you been connecting or reconnecting with new people each week? Be ready to share one of your experiences.
Let’s continue to encourage one another to be a welcoming and connected community. “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
Grow Coaching Workshop
The postponed Grow Coaching workshop has been rescheduled to Saturday 11th September 8.45am-1pm and it will be at Para Vista! Our topic of discussion will be Family (or Household) Faith Formation. We will look at the changing nature of families, parenting, and the role of grandparenting and key faith practices to help shepherd faith in families, households, and small groups. Please bring your own morning tea – no lunch required.
All are welcome! Please let the church office know if you will be attending on churchenquiries@paravista.org.au We would love to see you there.
Support for the Family Zone
The food collection again was very generous. Thank you to all involved:
- those who gave very generously. This will enable Lutheran Care to continue to support families in need
- all who helped sort the food after the second service
- the helpers who transported the food to LC Blair Athol centre
The money raised from the BBQ before the AGM was used by the Family Zone to:
- To support the fortnightly ASD meeting of families with an Autistic child. Through various activities the families gain connection with each other. A meal is provided to close each meeting.
- To provide Journals for the “Girls in school” program. This confidence building exercise happens as the girls record their emotions and thoughts in the journals and look back on how their lives are being enriched.
Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations
You are invited – to Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations.
The Good Shepherd Lutheran School welcomes anyone who has been involved with our great School, and its amazing development over the past 40 years (former students, staff, Council/PFA members, parents, volunteers & friends). There is some exciting planning, and we welcome your involvement in the planned activities. We also welcome your assistance to promote, share any photos (with written permission) or memorabilia as we celebrate. Please click here: https://bit.ly/3sHfjAR for the Invitation. We are looking forward to a great celebration!
Matt Schmidt
Chair, Good Shepherd Lutheran School
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church family,
I’ve been enjoying hearing from some of God’s Masterpieces in the school’s Chapel this term. People sharing ‘chapters’ in their story as they reflect on their walk with Jesus. Have a look at our church Facebook page for an example. You might see someone familiar! Sometimes it is tricky to think about where to start when talking about God with your family. Here is an extra idea from ‘The Kitchen Table Project’, available at https://kitchentable.org.uk/feast/free-resources/ Why not chat about these ideas over a shared meal? The Growing Faith at Home resource offers other ideas to talk about, as well as activities to do as a family. This week’s topic is ‘God cares for the needy’. Share about a time when you were in need. Who helped you? Conversations help to strengthen relationships!
God bless you and your week!
Little Lambs
Little Lambs Playgroup are planning to meet again 9am-10:30am this Friday. We enjoyed a lovely morning last week in the creative/nature play area on the school oval and thought we would have some more outside fun. (Have a look at our Little Lambs Facebook page to see what we got up to.) There is a mud kitchen, a cubby and the ‘Tiny Towns’ area to explore. The playground and the sand area under the Pines will not be available on the day. Please bring your own rug, snacks, and a warm cuppa. Don’t forget your gum boots! Access will be through the oval entrance gates at the end of the car park. Hope you can join us to play and connect!
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
Office News
Security Key Holders
To try to keep the office entry a little more attractive the security tags for the church alarm system are now located in the small hall desk drawer under the new white board. Please remember to place a tag up if you are in the complex after hours and remove it upon vacating.
Remember to secure all doors and windows in the complex before securing the complex and then please check that the light on the exterior indicator has changed from green/blue to red before departing the area.
Lost & Found
Lost: A black purse. Please drop it in to the office if you have found it.
Found: A piece of jewellery has been found in the church. Please contact the church office if you think it is yours.
Holy Communion
In consultation with the COVID hotline, we may serve Holy Communion once more as an “essential service”. As before, those who wish to receive communion may approach the two stations at the front, using the centre aisle and maintaining 1.5m distancing from each other. We normally celebrate the Lord’s Supper at the 8:45am service on the first Sunday of the month; and at the 10:30 am service on the second Sunday of the month.
Covid-19 Update
At Good Shepherd we want to ensure everyone feels safe and welcome. The current Covid-19 guidelines require people to wear a mask while gathering for worship, unless they have a medical exemption or are less than 12 years of age.
Singing while wearing your mask is permitted, although you might need to bring a spare in case of dampness (please take your old mask with you when you leave).
Capacity is currently 75%, with 1.5m distancing, but the group you arrive with may be seated together. Please check in upon entry via the front door and exit via the rear door. We feel so blessed to be able to gather in this space, we thank you, and we look forward to the time when we can share Communion and a cuppa with you again!
“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand.”
Colossians 3:1
We are a Covid-Safe Church 
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 restrictions as mandated by the State Government. 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.
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
