Set Apart to Stand Firm
Jesus was once accused of casting out unclean spirits by the power of the devil. His response?
“How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house” (Mark 3:23-27 NIV).
As the Son of God, Jesus has authority to plunder the kingdom of darkness and set people free from the powers of evil. With a word of command, Jesus delivered many people from unclean spirits and restored their lives.
Like it or not, we are in a spiritual battle. In this battle our enemy is not human beings, or governments, or even a virus – but the devil and his sidekicks.
Jesus calls him a liar and a thief – who comes to steal and kill and destroy (Jn 8:44, 10:10). Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and to share his victory over the powers of evil with us. When we trust and follow Jesus, we have authority in his name and the Word of God to resist the devil.
Paul urges us to put on the full armour of God – so we can stand firm against the activities of the evil one; and play our parts in God’s Good News story for his world.
This Sunday we’re going to examine each part of this armour. As you read through the verses listed below, see if you can work out how each piece protects us against the strategies of the evil one. 
Note that Paul is writing to God’s people in Ephesus – not just an individual. As we put on the full armour of God and stand together in battle, we will prevail. God has set us apart to stand firm and share in the victory Jesus has won for us!
Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Ephesians 6:10-20 (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.
Farewelling Pastor Reid
On October 31st we will be saying goodbye to Pastor Reid and family, as they prepare to fulifl their call to Tallebudgera, QLD. Here are a few ways you can show your appreciation to the Matthias family:
Farewell Service
- 31st October at both services – primarily at the 8:45am service but Pastor Reid will be acknolwedged for his involvement in the Good Shepherd school at the 10:30am service as well – you are invited to be part of the thanks and farewell
- Please note that the 10:30 am service is also the GS School 40th celebration
- We anticipate a large event, so if you are attending the 10:30am service that includes the school celebrations we ask that people register at this link: https://bit.ly/2YOpgBk
- Church members who find it difficult to register, will still be welcome to attend!
Monetary Gift
- The Church is organising a monetary gift. If you would like to contribute to this fund please put cash in an envelope clearly marked “Pastor Reid Farewell” and put it in the offering bowl or deliver it to the church office; or
- Via direct deposit to the Church bank account: BSB 704-942 Account Number 100 713 424 clearly labelled “Pr Reid”.
Good Shepherd Scrapbook
- We are planning a “Memories from Good Shepherd” Scrapbook
- We invite you to think about a greeting/photos from individuals, small groups, ministry groups etc, so start being creative, with something to fit on an A5 sheet
- Pages can be delivered to the church office, or given to Julie Freund or Tina Pfeiffer on Sundays at worship.
Monetary gifts and tribute pages are to be finalised by Wednesday 20th October. For further information, please contact Julie Freund Julie.freund@ljf.com.au or 0429 696 424 or Tina Pfeiffer tpandtmp@bigpond.com or 0409 690 070.
Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations
You are invited – to Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations.
Tickets are available by booking here: https://bit.ly/2YOpgBk
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
A Welcoming and Connected Community
On Saturday we had 13 members of our church attend a faith formation workshop with Grow Ministries. We are excited to see where God will lead us as we focus on encouraging intergenerational relationships within our community to grow faith in Jesus.
How have you been connecting or reconnecting with new people each week? On Sunday the 26th of September a couple of the Grow Team will be sharing their experiences and we’d love to hear how you have been travelling so come along ready to share.
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
Support for Lutheran Care
Last week the Family Zone Support Team spent several hours at Lutheran Care at Blair Athol to find out how the modified system of food collection worked. We were very impressed. Food collected is distributed to families in need in the northern, western and NE areas of Adelaide.
The next collection will be on Sunday September 26th at both services or alternatively donations can be dropped into the church office. Requirements for September are:
Sweet/savoury biscuits
Small boxes of cereal
Rice
Instant coffee
Small washing powder.
We thank you for continuing support.
Tangara 2021 is Now Available
The 2021 edition of ALC’s annual student-produced magazine is now available for purchase. Our theme is 1 Peter 4:10b with a focus on serving God and one another with the unique gifts we each have. In this year’s Tangara you’ll find student profiles, staff and ordination photos, some other feature articles and even a couple of long-lost Refectory recipes!
Tangara 2021 costs $10.00 – to get your copy see Jacob Fabich. If you would like it posted, contact us via email tangara@alc.edu.au – postage doesn’t cost any extra. You can place bulk orders for your congregation, or simply order your own.
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home Resources
Dear Church Family,
How did you go with the ‘Questions to ask you kid to spark an interesting conversation’ resource that I shared last week? What answers did your family have for: ‘If you had to be trapped in a car on a road trip with anyone in the Bible, who would it be?’ My number one answer would be Jesus of course, but I’m also thinking Nicodemus. I’d love to ask him some questions. Actually, there are plenty of bible people I would like to spend time with. Part 2 of this question would be ‘Why him or her?’ I will reattach this resource in case you missed it last week. This resource comes from ‘Parenting for Faith’. https://parentingforfaith.org/post/101-questions The Growing Faith at Home resource offers other ideas to talk about, as well as activities to do as a family. This week’s title is ‘Following Jesus involves serving others.’ I like the service idea that GFH suggests: ‘Make a list of ways you can be servants to one another in your home this week or as a family how could you serve another family who could use your help? Check out the resources for some things to consider and do!
God bless your discussions!
Little Lambs
Little Lambs Playgroup met again today on the school oval for some outdoor fun. Please continue to pray for our Team, our precious Little Lambs and their families.
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
Office News
Notes from the Board
Pastor Reid’s Call
Since Pastor Reid has accepted a call, the Board has met to discuss:
- the options regarding calling a Pastor, and
- the implications of the various options.
The Board invited the Assistant Bishop for Mission Stephen Schultz to their meeting on 14th September to assist in these discussions. The Board will meet with him again in the near future to work through these options in order to bring a recommendation to the congregation.
Our Mission Statement
Thank you to all who participated and provided feedback on the updated Mission Statement. This is being collated so the Board can provide a formal recommendation to the congregation. Please keep the Board and leaders in your prayers as they deliberate on navigating Good Shepherd into the next 20 years.
Convention of General SYNOD
The Book of Reports for the 20th Convention of General Synod has been issued to Delegates. This year is a little different as most of the conversation will be conducted online. A soft copy of the reports can be found at http://www.generalsynod.lca.org.au/business/agenda/ A hard copy is also available to borrow from the church office.
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!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
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
