Set Apart to Pray for Loved Ones
There are two verses in Ephesians which remind us of the privilege we have in coming to God in prayer:
Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. (Ephesians 2:18 NLT)
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (Ephesians 3:12 NLT)
Just spend a minute or two chewing over these verses.
- What jumps out at you?
- What questions do you have?
- What might God be saying to us through these verses?
- What changes might we make if we are to live out these verses as God’s truth for our lives?
Because of what Jesus has done, the Creator of the universe – and everything in it (including you and me) – has now become our Father. That means we are his chosen and dearly loved children. We have access to the throne of God’s grace, and the opportunity to share with our heavenly Father everything that is on our hearts: the good, the bad, and even the ugly!
In his ministry, Jesus was often withdrawing from others to spend time with his Father, and resting in his love. Now we get to do the same.
But do we?
In my own spiritual journey, prayer is often a last desperate plea when troubles cut across my path, rather than my first port of call in the ebb and flow of daily life.
We often pray for people in their trials and struggles – especially those we love and care about… or people who are dear to them: “Can you please pray for ….?”
I wonder: What’s the best blessing you might pray for your loved ones? This might be a question worth discussing at home, or with Christian friends, or in your small group.
This Sunday we’ll be getting a few tips from Paul, who not only tells the believers in Ephesus that he is praying for them, but also what he is asking God to give them. We will unpack Paul’s prayer (as listed below); and try to fathom what this could mean when praying for those we love.
Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Ephesians 3:14-21 (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.
Found
A piece of jewellery has been found in the church. Please contact the church office if you think it is yours.
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
And that Heidi reminds you to look out to others.
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
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
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
Life is hard sometimes. It was hard in Jesus’ day too. Some drew near and experienced Jesus’ love and compassion and heard and accepted his words of truth. Others found them too confronting and walked away… or actively opposed him.
I often wonder what conversations he and the disciples shared over the campfire at night… GFH asks “What is something in life you find difficult or struggle with?” Check out this week’s GFH resource for some ideas to share with friends and family.
God’s peace be with you, Georgie
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
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!
Office News
Office Closure August 23-25 for Staff Retreat
The church office will be closed 23-25 August for our staff retreat. For emergencies, please contact either Stephen on 0403 180 814 or Reid on 0407 881 636. Please pray for the staff during this time as they make decisions and plan forward.
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!
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.
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.
“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16
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
