The Awe of Easter

School Snippets

We were certainly blessed last Thursday with a wonderful day of friendly competition for our annual School Sports Day. The weather held, the races run, and the games enjoyed! Kelly (yellow team) made it two years in a row, closely followed by Montague (green team) and Nelson (red team). This week parents and caregivers had the opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher for learning conversations (parent/ teacher interviews) to reflect on their child’s wellbeing and learning development. We give thanks for all the opportunities and blessings we have encountered through the course of Term One. We pray that all school families and staff have an opportunity to rest and relax as they enjoy a break from school routines over the next two weeks. For more of what we’ve been up to, please click on this link https://bit.ly/3myEMO4 or look for a printed copy in the church café!

In Case You Were Wondering…

Some people were curious about the book we shared on Good Friday. It is called ‘The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross’ written by Carl Laferton and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri. It is available at Koorong, but we intend to have a copy available in our Church Library shortly!

Chapel Invitation

This morning (Friday) we came together for our Closing Chapel for the term. The ‘Good Shepherd TV’ News Team ‘interviewed’ some of those who were first on scene (a guard, Mary, Thomas and Cleopas) to hear their perspectives of the greatest story of all time ‘The empty tomb… Jesus is risen!’ For a reflection, please read this week’s devotion! You are most welcome to join us as we gather again for our Opening Chapel for Term Two, Monday 1st May at 8:50am.

Growing Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,

I find myself wondering about Jesus’ friend, Thomas… When he heard that Jesus was alive, he considered it ‘fake news’ and declared that unless he saw Jesus with his own eyes and touched his wounded hands, he wouldn’t believe! But why? He had just endured a very rough week emotionally, his hopes dashed. And now this good news… too good to believe? We also know that when Jesus met with him a little later, Jesus greeted him with love and compassion! Someone being raised from the dead is quite a lot to get your head around. But this was always God’s plan… for Jesus to die and rise again for us! Have a look at this week’s GFH resource for some conversations (and other ideas) to try out with your family or people you connect with God’s Peace…

Devotions

We give thanks for all those who have contributed to our online devotions this year. Now we are looking for more! If you have one or more of your own that you would like to share, please send them through to the church office via churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Office News

Staff Update

Krishna will be on leave from 23^rd April- 11^th June visiting family in India.

While Krishna is away, the office will be staffed as followed:

Helen -Tuesday and Wednesday

Tina – Thursday and Friday

Office Closure

The office will remain closed on Tuesday- Anzac Day, 25^th April 2023.

Morning Tea and Coffee

Unfortunately, the coffee machine is unserviceable. At the moment we are investigating coffee machine options. In the meantime, you are most welcome to come and enjoy the free percolated and instant coffee along with tea.

Connect Cards

Please fill in a connect card as you walk in the church as it is the only way we can connect with you!

Weekly News Items

Weekly News items are to be sent churchenquiries@paravista.org.au / krishna.vasani@paravista.org.au by Wednesday Evening. Out of hours please leave a message on the answering system 8263 5087 or email the office and staff will respond as soon as they are able.

Name Badge Request

The cost for a Name Badge is $12. If you would like to order one, contact the church office on 82635087 or send an email to: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au

Diary Dates 2023

April

16^th April          12pm Call Meeting

25^th April          Anzac Day (Public Holiday)

30^th April         4-7pm KAPS

30^th April          2.30-4pm Hope’s Ministry Afternoon Tea

30^th April          Food Collection Lutheran Care (Both Services)

15^th– 30^th April School Holidays

May

6^th May             9-11am Plant Stall

7^th May             9-2pm Plant Stall

12^th May            7pm Something exciting coming up for Volunteers

21^st May            1-4pm Friendship and Fun (Date changed due to Mother’s Day)

28^th May           12pm AGM

28^th May           4-7pm KAPS

“…Then he said to the crowd, if any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.”

Luke 9:23-24