Set Apart for a Purpose
The Apostle Paul had been on the road along time.
On his third missionary journey, beginning in Antioch, taking him all the way into Greece, and back again, he was on his way back to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. As he approached the coast of present-day Turkey, he drew close to some of his favourite people in the world: the people of Ephesus. Knowing that they’d want him to stay with them (he lived in their midst for three years, toiling with the people in setting up the Ephesian church), he had to make a decision: stay or keep moving.
Paul, knowing his giftings, was an evangelist, but he still desired to see the people of the church. So, he sent for them to meet him on the beach near Miletus where they reconnected. It would be like one of your best friends flying from another country and staying at Victor Harbor. You would do everything in your power to meet up with them, right?
So, the leaders of Ephesus came to meet with Paul, and as they connected, Paul reminded them that they were set apart by Jesus for a purpose. To be living witnesses in the community, in the church, in their houses and neighbourhoods.
Has anything really changed in two thousand years? Has the mission changed at all? Was Ephesus any different than Para Vista?
This week we begin a journey as a community poring through the book of Ephesians learning about how Paul came to love this community which had been transformed from a pagan place to one which sought out the Holy Spirit’s will in their lives.
This week, as preparation for our Zoom worship, read Acts 20:17-38 and talk through this question:
What is God’s purpose in my life?
Pr. Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Acts 20:17-38
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.
A Message from Pastor Reid
It’s great to be back in South Australia. The Matthias family had a marvelous time in Queensland connecting with family and enjoying the sunshine. Unfortunately, we are required to quarantine at home for two weeks. I, Pastor Reid, will be available by phone or email and I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Thank you for all that you do in taking care of people in the community. Keep up the good work!
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.
A Welcoming Community
Thank you to those who have suggested a name for our mannequin. We have selected a name – a name that reminds us to look out for someone new to speak with each Sunday. Wearing masks and social distancing can deter us from connecting with others. Next week we will show you how we can continue to connect despite being in a pandemic and introduce the newly named mannequin.
When we return to physical worship, encouragement notes will continue to be available for your use on Sundays. Let’s all look out for others and welcome them as we strive to be “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
2021 Australian Census
As many of you will know, the Australian Census will be taken again on 10th August.
Years ago, when the census had been taken, you had the option of ticking a box to indicate your religion was ‘Lutheran’. This year there does not appear to be a box to tick for this, so we encourage you to please enter ‘Lutheran’ as your religion in the spaces provided. This will help us gather important information which can assist the church with identifying and planning future mission and ministry opportunities.
Further information about the census can be found at www.census.abs.gov.au
Michelle Storie
Executive Administration Assistant and Assistant to the Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
How are you going? The last week has had its share of challenges and blessings. Times like these can cause us to really think about things. Last week we had the miracle of Jesus feeding a crowd of over 5000 people. This week Jesus challenged the crowd to think more deeply. He said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” I’m sure that more than a few people were scratching their heads that day! But Jesus wanted them to know that he was more than enough to meet their every need. Have a look at this week’s GFH resource of ideas and conversation starters to share with your family. Oh, by the way, did anyone back some bread or biscuits for their neighbours last week? I like the GFH service idea for this week too… Gather some grocery items to donate to the Family Zone. They can distribute them to people in need. * Items can be dropped off to the church office during the week in office hours. A perfect idea for the days we find ourselves in!
God bless you with His love and provision!
Step Up
In a few weeks, we will be offering ‘Step Up – Preparing for First Communion’. This is to prepare children aged around 10 years for Holy Communion. At this stage our starting date will be Sunday August 22nd, followed by four consecutive Friday nights. If you would like to join us, please register your interest with the Church Office (8263 5087) or email me georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au
Little Lambs
Unfortunately the return of Little Lambs is still on hold for the time being. We eagerly look forward to the time when we can all be together again. I will keep you posted via this newsletter and our Little Lambs Facebook page as to when that might be. Please keep praying for out Little Lambs, their families, and the team!
Blessings,
Georgie
Ladies’ Fellowship
The next Ladies’ Fellowship meeting is on 3rd August at 1pm.
Joy Wandel will give a presentation on her trip to Russia.
We will move into the church for the viewing as it will look better on the BIG SCREEN!
Many of us had travel plans that have been blown away by Covid and so this would be a wonderful chance to experience travel from the safety of home.
Please use QR codes upon entry, and do not attend if unwell.
– Masks are mandatory (unless you have an exemption) but may be removed for eating and drinking
– Bible Study TBA
A light afternoon tea will be served after the meeting.
Apologies to Di Schlenk please, on 0409 820 448.
Office News
Support for the Family Zone
The following may be brought to the church office during office hours (Tues-Fri, 9am-3pm) for collection and distribution. Please maintain 4m2 distancing and note that the wearing of masks is currently mandatory when entering the GSPV site and buildings:
Pasta sauce
Tinned vegetables/soup
Packet soup
Cereal
Shampoo/Conditioner
Pillows
Men’s Underwear
Due to health and safety reasons, all donations must be sealed and in its original packaging. Thank you for your understanding.
AED Device
A Defibrillator (AED) is located rear school alcove next to the Café playground. A key is on an orange tag next to security keypad in the café (small entry exit door). All members holding keys to the complex are to add to their security procedure the visibility of this key and if it not hanging on the hook to advise either the church or school office as soon as possible of its absence.
First Aiders Please note where the unit and key are located, in case of emergency.
SALA Exhibition at Good Shepherd Para Vista, 1st Aug – 29th Aug 2021
27th July 2021 *Update*
SALA exhibitions across SA are likely to be affected by concerns about Covid and associated restrictions.
Our Exhibition will be open this Sunday afternoon, observing all the current guidelines.
The exhibition is free and for your enjoyment. Please wear a mask when you visit and observe the social distancing directions.
Our exhibiting artists and their helpers have been working hard to prepare for this. Please encourage them by coming along to view their work. Should you see something you would like to own, prices of those items that are for sale are included in the catalogue that will be available.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is the venue for another SALA (South Australian Living Artists Festival) exhibition in the hall and café area. Celebrating the creativity of 15 artists from our Good Shepherd community, the exhibition features a variety of mediums. Styles include traditional, contemporary, and indigenous. Our artists’ ages span the decades from teens to 80’s. Additionally there are artworks featuring the ‘Living Water’ theme as part of the Australia/NZ-wide exhibition promoted by the Visual Arts Group of the Lutheran Church of Australia.
You are invited to come with family and friends and enjoy!
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)
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
