The Greatest
…whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be slave to all. ~Mark 10:43,44
When I first read this passage for our worship this week, I thought to myself, ‘Wow! This is really appropriate in the 21st century.’
Throughout the history of Christianity and the Church’s infatuation with power and prestige, we are reminded time and time again how important it is for the body of Christ to serve, not to be served. (Mark 10:45) In the book of Mark, time and time again, Jesus points out that egoism and self-absorption restricts both the Christian and the future Christian.
First, the disciples argue about who is the greatest. (Mark 9:34) Then, they are frustrated because others are not doing things the way that the disciples would have. (Mark 9:38) After that, they rebuke some adults who bring children to Jesus for a blessing. (Mark 10:13) Finally, James and John want to elevate themselves to a place of honour when Jesus comes into his kingdom. (Mark 10:37) Every time the disciples do this, Jesus brings them back down to earth and reminds them that those who want to be the greatest have the opportunity to do even more with humility – as servants.
There is another way to understand Mark 10:44. In our world that is inebriated by power, prestige, and pontificating, it is abundantly clear that the moment one wants to be great, they become a slave to popular opinion and social media. Some politicians constantly check their approval ratings. Some entertainers perpetually push the edge of what is good and correct so that they can continue to be in the public eye. Some churches and pastors are slaves to the approval of the congregation.
And yet, Jesus pushes that all out of the way. That slavery to public honour and opinion leads to nowhere. One private or public mistake and you are erased – cancelled, as is the contemporary terminology.
But rarely, if ever, do we hear of servants, or servant-hearted people, being cancelled. Why is this? Because power and prestige and popularity has not enticed them to do and say things that bring glory to themselves. They serve to bring glory to God the Father.
Thus, Jesus points to this way of life as one for which we strive.
In the next instalment of ‘How Then Shall We Live,’ we will dive into being a GOAT (the Greatest of All Time) as opposed to being a servant of the living king dedicated to help people shed their blankets of fear.
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Mark 10:35-45 (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 fulfil 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 acknowledged 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
Family Zone October Food Collection
Thank you for your very generous support of the collection in September. This will enable Lutheran Care to continue to support families in need in the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Our job has been made much simpler as Lutheran Care now collect our donations from the church on Tuesdays.
The next food collection in support of Lutheran Care will be on Sunday October 31st at both services. Goods can be brought to the services on Sunday or delivered to the church office Tuesdays through Fridays, 9-3pm.
Support required this month is:
Pasta Sauce
Small packets of cereal
Tins spaghetti and baked beans
Tinned fruit
2 minute noodles
With gratitude,
The Family Zone Team
Grow Team Update
The final Grow Workshop with Grow Ministries for this year is scheduled for Saturday 6th November at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 139 Archer Street North Adelaide from 9am-12.30pm. Parking is available in the LLL car park at 175 Archer Street or behind the LCA Churchwide Office (access from Ward Court). Our topic will be Lifelong Faith Formation. All are welcome. Please register with the front office via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au if you would like to join us.
Thank you for your prayers for the Grow Team. We want to continue to encourage our community to make new connections. For those of us who are in a small group, a simple way of doing this is to arrange to meet together with another small group. Our group met with the prayer group on Monday evening and we had a wonderful time of getting to know one another and then praying for each other and our community. You can always meet at church if your current place of meeting together isn’t large enough.
“A community which intentionally develops intergenerational relationships to grow faith in Jesus so that He can build His Kingdom here and now”.
God bless you as you continue to look out for others, make new connections and reconnect.
Kathy Liebig
Grow Team Leader
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home Resources
Dear Church Family,
I regularly share resources to nurture faith formation in the home. But you might be wondering why? On Sunday, after both services, the Grow Team will be sharing a video that shares current research that explains why we need to continue to equip households to nurture faith at home. Often the resource links to the message that the Pastor shares on a Sunday! While some may view this resource as just something for families with young children, there are many elements that are relevant for people of all ages. For example, one of this week’s ‘Caring Conversations’ is ‘What makes someone great/ important in God’s Kingdom?’ The bible verse (Mark 10:43) is part of Sunday’s reading! A question to ponder and ask each other no matter how old you are!
The GFH title for this week is ‘Jesus teaches about serving’. He didn’t just teach about it, he demonstrated it through his actions. The Service Key offers some great advice: ‘The very best way to learn the value of service is to do it!’ It goes on to provide some great pointers to get you and your family started. Why not give them a go and then talk about the experience as a family? Question for people of all ages: In what ways do you follow Jesus’ example through acts of service?
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Blessings,
Georgie
Little Lambs Playgroup
We’re baaack! The team are offering a term of nature-based play. The Bible theme for the term is: ‘Encountering God in Creation’. Today we heard the story of Moses encountering God on the mountain… We had a mountain of fun! We are meeting on the school oval over in the Nature Play area. Grandparents and parents, if you are free on a Friday morning, why not bring your little lamb and join us for some fellowship and fun! Fridays from 9am. Please bring your own rug, weather appropriate clothes, snacks, and a warm cuppa. Access is through the oval entrance gates at the end of the car park. Hope to see you there!
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
Sew Good Masks
“Sew Good” face masks help disadvantaged families in Cambodia survive the pandemic. Local Adelaide woman (Joy Marshall) has been selling face masks to raise funds for the past 18 months. The proceeds have funded many months of food relief, medicine and school uniforms for a vulnerable community of families in Phnom Penh. The pandemic has been extremely tough for them. Without welfare, the income from mask orders has thankfully helped families survive until better days return.
The face masks are $6 each and made to recommended specifications., The inside layer is a water-resistant fabric and the two outside layers cotton. They are expertly made by the women in the community and come in many stylish patterns plus black.
If you would like to support this cause , Di Ollino will be selling masks in the foyer next to the cafe after both services on Sunday 10th and 17th October.
CASH only please.
Office News
National Church Life Survey Delayed until November
The National Church Life Survey (NCLS) Initially planned for October will commence from November 2021 onward. This is due to the many challenges faced in the preparation phases including COVID-19 restrictions on churches, it has been decided that the start date will be delayed until November. All churches will be given access to both paper and online versions of the survey. We will keep you updated.
Found
A Christmas card with money in it has been found in the church. Please contact the office if it is yours.
Notice of Intent to Live-Stream Worship Service
Notice is given that the school will live stream the 40th anniversary celebration on the 31st of October 2021 (10:30am service.) If you have any concerns or wish to discuss further, please contact the church office or the Congregational Administrator.
Notice of Half Yearly AGM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista Inc. will be holding the Half Year AGM on Sunday 14 November 2021 beginning at 12.00pm. Reports and agenda will be available from November 7, 2021.
Call for Nominations, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista Inc.
The Board of GSPV are seeking members to submit nominations for the following positions as Office Holders on the Board:
Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
Secretary
Finance Team Leader
Board Member
Office holders are elected for a term of one year and must be at least 18 years of age and a voting member of the congregation.
If nominating someone else, please ensure that the nominee is willing to stand.
Board member nominations will require some skills to fill portfolio positions and have some management acumen as required by the ACNC ‘Governance for Good’ guide. Skills required include finance, administration, planning, secretarial skills etc.
In the event of more than one nominee being nominated for a position an election will be held at the forthcoming half-yearly meeting.
All nominations to be forwarded to the Congregational Administrator via email stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or a written nomination can be provided to the front office marked for the Congregational Administrator. Nominations are required no later than Wednesday November 10, 2021.
Time Out Devotion Books.
If you require a daily devotional book for 2022 let the front office know via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or 08 8263 5087as soon as possible. Up-front payment of $25 should be made to the front office prior to January 2022.
Library News
Waiting on a library card? The front office has many here awaiting collection. Please come and grab yours.
From the LLL Blog
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, now, more than ever it is important to stay vigilant against online scammers to protect your identity and personal information. Scammers look to take advantage of people’s heightened levels of anxiety during these uncertain times.
Read more about ways to avoid being scammed at lll.org.au/blog
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’
Matt 11:25
We are a Covid-Safe Church 
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 arrangements as mandated by the State Government. QR Code check-in is a legal requirement for all who enter the facility, as are masks except where exemptions apply. If you do not have the ability to check in using this code, please check in with a host or sign the records sheet with your name and telephone number. Physical distancing of 1.5 metres is required when not seated. This includes entering the building, attending Communion and while served tea & coffee. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current distancing regulations. White floor markings are placed at 1.5m to assist you. Thank 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
