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To be a servant in the ancient world was taxing and often frustrating. At the whim of the master, the servant must drop everything in order to serve the master’s desires. Whether preparing food, cleaning up, taking care of guests, the servant was commanded to do this without question.
To be a disciple of a teacher was in the same vein. To serve under the tutelage meant that the servant’s immediate response was necessary. To argue was a punishable offense. Certainly slaves, servants and students would never consider their masters ‘friends.’ Kind and generous, perhaps, but a friend? Not a chance.
The only way a servant and a master could become friends is if the master freed the servant. To be set free from the bondage of ‘must’ (‘you will do what I say’) to the glory of ‘would you,’ the servant-turned-friend would have the choice of when and how to serve.
But true friends are always freed to make the choice to help.
Interesting how Jesus puts this new framework in place for his disciples.
This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down their life for their friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants anymore because a servant doesn’t know what a master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. This is my command: Love one another. ~John 15:12-16
Jesus has freed his disciples from their role as his ‘servant’ to a new paradigm of friendship. What does this mean? How did they react? What does it mean for us to have (and be in) friendships in the 21st century of vague, temporary and disposable friendships?
God’s peace and you ponder what a friend we have in Jesus!
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: John 15:9-17
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.
Request for Lift to 8:45am Services
Iris is a senior blind lady living independently at Gilles Plains. Over recent years she has been using a walker, and still uses it at home. She can use her walker getting to a car, and then would need some help getting in and out. On arriving at Good Shepherd, she would then use an on-site wheelchair. She is seeking a lift to our 8:45am services. It would not have to be every week, but it would be helpful if she could attend the first service of the month for Holy Communion. If you can help out, please contact the Church Office.
Growing Faith Ministries at Home
Dear Church Family,
Happy Mother’s Day, Mums!
Today’s GFH resource talks about Jesus’ command to love one another. Jesus modelled it daily and he charges us to do the same!
Given that it is Mother’s Day, how can we show our love and appreciation to our mums and grandmas (and other significant women in our lives) through our words and actions?
Thank you mums, for who you are and for all that you do. God refresh and bless you abundantly!
Worship Leading
Calling all people who are interested in Worship Leading at church! Singles, families, small groups, how about you and a friend? Happy to chat with you about this. Please let me know!
Blessings,
Georgie
Little Lambs Playgroup
We are baack! Exploring, playing and generally having fun on a Friday morning. We would love to see you and your little one(s) from 9am in the Church Hall. Just $2! Last week we splashed out and heard the story of Noah. Today our activities focused on Mother’s Day and people we love. (It links in with Sunday’s Bible reading to love one another!)
The Little Lambs Team were also wondering whether you might have a little time to occasionally help set up for Playgroup after school on a Thursday afternoon, or perhaps assist with cleaning and pack up at 10:30am on a Friday morning? On occasion, some of our team have things that pop up meaning they can’t always make it themselves. It would be wonderful to have a few names we could call upon to help if the need arises. Please let me know if you might be able to help in this way!
Georgie and the Little Lambs Team
Sustaining you through the AGM
Concerned about feeling hungry during the AGM? Worry no longer! The Family Zone Support Team will be cooking a delicious BBQ to keep you sustained! All proceeds will go to support the work of the Family Zone in the local district.
Cost: Sausages $2, steak sandwich $4 (maximum cost per family $15).
Extra support for the Zone:
Drakes Supermarkets have a scheme which donates a percentage of any purchase to nominated charities. One such charity is the Family Zone. To activate this scheme you need to produce a tag before paying for your groceries. These tags will be available at the BBQ on the 23rd May, in the cafe area or from the church office.
Office News
Surplus to Requirements
First in, best dressed! They may be collected from just inside the church hall on the left-hand side, or inquire at the church office.
- small round card table
- pin board
- small coffee table
Found
A ladies’ jacket, left behind at Ladies’ Fellowship. If it is yours you can collect it from the church office.
COVID-Safe Update
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 restrictions as mandated by the State Government. We have decided to proceed with the 75% regular capacity and not wear masks. 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.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
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
