Set Apart for Building
And (God) himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, equipping the saints for the work of ministry to build up the body of Christ.
I’m not great at construction work.
Many years ago, when I was embarking on my new life into adulthood, I took on a second job as a bricklayer – or to be more exact – a brick carter. The process of building houses was tedious and arduous and often, as I dumped the same bricks in front of the brick layers, I wondered if it was all worth it. Even after numerous loads, it seemed like nothing was happening. It seemed as if the house would perpetually be built, and I was wasting my time.
Yet, what carried me through, was a word from the foreman who said, ‘What you do allows the building to actually go faster. Without you, the bricklayers would have to do all the work, and the one who bought the house would be without a home for significantly longer.’
Changing my perspective, I now recognised the task, but even more importantly the end product: to be part of building a house for people who as of yet had no home.
So it is with building God’s kingdom. At times, we don’t recognise the importance of what we do, the continual sharing of time and small stories with people who want to move into the house someday. We despair because it seems like our menial, arduous tasks don’t add much, and yet the Spirit speaks these words into our ears, ‘What you do allows the building to go faster.’
Paul writes to the united church of Ephesus reminding them, and encouraging them, that their calling and task, worthy of the gospel, is to build up the body of Christ with humility and gentleness and patience and love.
The task is still the same twenty centuries later. Even though it feels as if the kingdom will never be built, God has called specific people to equip the saints for their own ministry. Each adding brick upon brick to those who want to call Christianity their home.
This week, read Ephesians 4:1-16 and reflect on what role you play as you are set apart for building.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Ephesians 4:1-16 (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.
A Message from Pastor Reid about His Call to Tallebudgera
Timing.
Whether staying or going, buying or waiting, speaking or remaining silent, timing is one of the most important things for God’s people to learn in life.
As Jesus walked the dusty roads of Palestine, there were endless moments where timing was crucial. When Lazarus was dying, his sisters sent a message to Jesus to hurry. Their faith in him was high. They knew if he came quickly, Lazarus would be fine. But Jesus, knowing his Father’s timing in everything, remained two more long days. For Mary and Martha, this might have been both frustrating and worrying: each second could mean the difference between life and death, yet Jesus could see the full picture. For him, Lazarus’s sickness would not end in death.
For me, I would prefer that Jesus made things quite clear, especially the future. Often, I wish God would roll out the blueprints of the kingdom, point out the areas of priority, and place each one of us exactly where we are needed most and at the perfect time.
Unsurprisingly, we wait impatiently like Mary and Martha worried that God’s speed might be a little too slow (or fast) at this time. But Kingdom building is all about seeing the broad scope of what God has for us.
Already, some have asked me why I’m leaving after just five years at Good Shepherd. For me, I would say, God’s timing is right. Notice, I didn’t say Reid’s timing. The things we have begun, the way the ship is turning, the inroads into the community – these are good things. But I feel as if God is passing on the baton to the laity of the congregation, to share, serve and celebrate God’s love, so that all people may encounter Jesus. Pastors can only take a congregation so far, but they always leave. It’s inevitable, but the community has the opportunity and the necessity to carry the baton on the next leg of Good Shepherd’s journey.
As I said last Sunday, Christine, Greta and I will be moving to Tallebudgera, Queensland, where I will be installed as the school pastor at St. Andrews Lutheran School. Working with great people, 1,600 students, hundreds of staff and a thousand families, I will have another opportunity to be placed where God needs me, and us. This is the part of obeying God that is hard.
So, the Matthias family will finish at Good Shepherd on Sunday, October 31st and will begin the process of moving in December/January.
As always, thank you for your prayers, your support and your love over these years and we will continue to connect in many ways over the next years.
God bless.
Pastor Reid
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 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 Heidi is on the move! May she remind us all to connect with someone new each week we come to worship.
In a couple of weeks time the Grow Team will be sharing their experiences of connecting with someone new. But we would like to hear about your experiences too. Come along prepared to share so we can continue to encourage one another to be a welcoming and connected community.
A question for you to ponder – “When was the last time (on a Sunday morning after worship) that you spoke to a younger person for more than 10 minutes?”
Let’s prayerfully 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
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/
Event Updates
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.
Decade Dance: It has been decided to delay this event until mask requirements are lifted. We’ll keep you posted on a new date.
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church family,
The latest Grow Together newsletter is now available. There are copies on the stand in the Café area. If they run out, I can arrange for some more, just ask! Nurturing faith at home can feel a little daunting at times. These newsletters (there are 4 per year) offer ways to help you in this important part of life. To quote them: ‘Research highlights four things that can help positively shape our children’s faith, values and character: Caring Conversations, Serving Others, Family Rituals and Traditions, Family Devotions.’ They refer to these areas as keys. This edition focuses on Family Devotions, choosing and reading the bible, reflecting on its message, meditating on God’s Word and prayer among other things. I like to think about how things we read in the bible connect to our every-day life. The GFH resource that comes out regularly in our Weekly News uses the keys to keep ideas and conversations going. I like this week’s Creative Response. ‘Our tongues are powerful instruments. They can do great good, but they can also do great harm… Discuss and list as a family or household the ways you can use your tongue for good.’ They are talking about blessing others here! These ideas are not just for families with young children, they work for all age groups.
God bless each one of you richly as we walk through this week together!
Little Lambs
Little Lambs met today for some outdoor fun on the school oval for some creative play! Please continue to pray for our Team and our precious Little Lambs and their families.
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
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.
SALA Exhibition at Good Shepherd Para Vista – Final Sunday! 29th Aug 2021
Celebrating the creativity of 16 artists from our Good Shepherd community, the exhibition features a variety of mediums. 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!
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
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.
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!
Job Opportunity
Torrens Valley Christian School currently has two job openings. For more information please go to www.tvcs.sa.edu.au/employment
Wheelchair Available
Matt Dutschke’s dad was recently “promoted to glory”. Our condolences are with the Dutschke family. Matt has offered his dad’s portable lightweight wheelchair to anyone from our Good Shepherd community who can use it. Otherwise he will donate it to LCC. If you are interested, please talk to Matt; or contact the Church Office so we can pass on your details.
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.
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
1 Corinthians 8:9
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
