Set Apart for Connection
Before I built a wall, I’d ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out
And to whom I was like to give offence.
Robert Frost, Mending Wall, 1914
Here is a deep truth, that walls are built to keep some things in and some things out, but how does one tell the difference? And who are we offending by building walls between us and them?
A professor in university once told me that the best way to look at Old Testament law was like this: “The law provides a wall, one which you can see over. But on the inside there is freedom. Freedom within a fence.” For the people of Israel, the law was a boundary marker. Across this you are not to go, but this law actually was a line over which no Gentile could cross. Circumcision was for Jews a testament and promise for them as people set apart for God’s holiness.
Amazingly, though, when Paul writes to the Ephesians, as Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians were often in hostility towards each other he says, ‘For he is our peace who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility in the flesh, he made of no effect the law… so that he might create in himself one new body from the two.’
When the dividing wall of hostility, those who followed the law for reasons of righteousness and those who did not, was torn down, peace was created. And the new body of people, Christ’s body as the Church, can now do what it was designed to do: to be ambassadors for Christ’s peace.
We are set apart for a purpose, every member of Christianity, to make connections in the community and beyond. How do you see yourself as part of this?
As you approach worship this week, whether in person or online, read Ephesians 2:11-22.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Ephesians 2:11-22 (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 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.
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
I like this week’s GFH Creative response. It is based on Ephesians 5:19: ‘Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts.’ They suggest spending time together with family and/or friends and make a list of your favourite Christian hymns or songs… and sing them! Or you could make a playlist!
Speaking of which, have you checked out Good Shepherd Lutheran School Chapel playlist? The link is available through the school’s WINGS newsletter, otherwise I’d be happy to point you in the right direction. Why not give it a go? Listening to and singing these songs is a great way to nourish your soul, and be reminded that even in these times, we have a loving and dependable God who is with us and watching over us. Oh, and we can praise him too! Have a look at this week’s GFH resource for other ideas to share.
Step Up
Young people aged around 10 and over, and their parents, are invited to take part in our Step Up program to prepare for Holy Communion. Taking the approach that parents are the primary faith developers in their children, Step Up is designed to support parents in preparing their child for Holy Communion. Our starting date is approaching, Sunday August 22nd. This will be followed by four consecutive Friday nights. To register please contact Georgie on Georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au or with the Church Office (8263 5087).
Little Lambs
Hope that you are all warm and well. While Little Lambs Playgroup did not return today, an invitation was extended to families who wanted to catch up in a nearby playground.
Please keep praying for the Team, the Little Lambs and their families as we plan for the future. Please check out or Little Lambs Facebook page for updates.
God’s Peace and Love to you all!
Georgie
A Welcoming Community
The Grow Team have created this resource for our community to help us to connect with new people. It includes ideas on how to approach someone new. We hope you find it helpful: https://bit.ly/3AC6wTv
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 how you have been connecting too. Come along prepared to share so we can continue to encourage one another to be a “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
*Note: the “person” on the left is not actually real, and no distancing rules have been breached. GSPV is a Covid-safe church.*
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/
Lutheran Care Food Collection
As Covid-19 restrictions have made it difficult to collect donations it has been decided to combine the July and August collections into one.
Our next food collection for Lutheran Care will be on Sunday August 15th at both services or donations can be dropped into the church office
Items requested:
- pasta sauce
- tinned/packet soups
- cereals
- pillows
- tinned vegetables
- shampoo
- men’s underwear
These items must be new and/or unopened.
Hopefully we can continue our support for Lutheran Care as in previous years.
If you have any questions or want to discuss the new process please speak to one of the Family Zone Support Team: Lorraine Johns, Joan McCarthy, Peter Nitschke, Trevor Bridge, or John Dolling.
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.
Office News
Mission Support
Please continue supporting our congregation’s mission and ministry through regular offerings as our facility and staff continue to operate in an “exciting” way.
Electronic deposits can be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704942
Account number 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG
Or click on the GIVE button here on our website.
LLL REG Download the form here using the same bank details as above and email to the address shown on the form. Alternatively contact the LLL on 83607200 or 1800 556457.
Offering Envelopes can still be dropped in at the church office during office hours.
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.
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!
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
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!
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
1 Corinthians 1:10
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
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
