Stay With Me
I am the vine and you are the branches.
I think I’ve repeated that mantra thousands of times throughout my life. Jesus is the vine, we are the branches and we’re supposed to produce fruit – and lots of it. Yet, when I prepared for this week, I realised that I had been incorrectly repeating the verse by forgetting some very important words, starting with this one:
True.
I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.
That word ‘true’ changes everything, because it implies that their are false vines, or vines that speak lies to us.
Certainly, we can see by the fruit that’s produced what we are connected to, or even more importantly, WHO we’re connected to. Whether the influence of our perpetual connectedness to the vine of the internet, digital communications, entertainment, you name it, we see the fruit of fear, of distance, of hatred. It could be the circle of friends in which we connect. The fruit of our actions and words are a reflection of who we listen to.
Thus, we need the second half of the sentence – and my Father is the gardener.
A gardener’s job is to not only make sure that the vine is healthy and the branches are connected, but to prune in its season so that more fruit is produced.
But what does this look like in real life? How does Jesus’s parable of the true vine and branches look like in busy lives, (over)active lives that struggle with creating space to remain in him and allow his words to remain in us?
As you ponder the scripture reading this week – John 15:1-8 – reflect on what it means in your own life to have the gardener prune things from your life so that you can bear much fruit. What kind of fruit is your life producing? In what quantities? Then, apply the same scripture as if Jesus is talking about Good Shepherd as a community. Corporately, how is God pruning us? What fruit is being produced and what fruit can we expect in the upcoming growing season?
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: John 15:1-8
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.
Growing Faith Ministries at Home
Dear Church Family,
The image of the vine and the branches speaks of deep connection. Fruit doesn’t grow in isolation. It is fully dependent on the vine for its source of nourishment. Jesus uses this image to illustrate our relationship with him. Have a look at this week’s GFH resource for some activities and discussion points to share with others that you connect with.
God bless your week!
Georgie
Little Lambs Playgroup
And we’re back! Little Lambs returned this Friday 30th April. This term we are looking at people in the Bible. We began with Noah. If you have children, or grandchildren aged 0-5 years you are most welcome to join us. Or perhaps this ministry area is an area in which you would like to serve? We would love to see you Friday mornings during the school term from 9am in the church hall.
The Little Lambs Team
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
Office News
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.
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 student desk
- small round card table
- pin board
- small coffee table
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.
Ladies Fellowship
Have you ever received an email that looked real but you weren’t sure? Then this meeting is for you! SA Police will be presenting on 4th May at the Ladies Fellowship meeting.
The regular meeting will commence at 1pm with the talk at 2pm.
Please bring your fingerless gloves to this meeting, so they can be taken to Convention. Please continue knitting as arrangements are in place for them to be taken to Blair Athol.
For those attending Convention at Mannum, please bring your own cup and lunch – 6th May not 7th as shown in the program.
Those going on the Bus from Hope Valley are to meet by the Flag Pole, which is at the northern end of the Community Hall; plenty of parking available.
Please do not come if unwell. Please sign in on the Covid sheet in addition to QR codes.
A light afternoon tea will be available after the meeting.
Please support the trading table.
Apologies to Di Schlenk on 0409 820 448
“But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”
1 John 2:5-6
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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
