The Keys to Fashion
The third parable in a series directed to the religious elite of Israel is one so outrageous that it seems as if it could be summarily dismissed. It’s one thing to resist working in the vineyards, but to reject an invitation to the king’s wedding banquet? Unbelievable. In a moving allegory, Jesus connects with the religious leaders through the wedding story, but then at the end of his story, perhaps two parables put into one, even those who were invited later must wear the appropriate clothing for the feast.
As fashion has changed throughout history, we have recognised that certain clothing is appropriate for different occasions. In our contemporary culture, we notice distinctly how much ‘dressing down’ is the new ‘dressing up.’ In the parable though, we are left to wonder what, exactly, is the correct wedding outfit? What does God want us to wear in order to experience the Kingdom of heaven?
Read Matthew 22:1-14 in preparation for our Sunday thoughts on The Keys to Fashion.
Pr Reid
Bible Readings: Matt 22:1-14
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.
Reid’s News
Our Imagining the Future: Post-COVID Church discussions are going really well. Roughly thirty people are attending on Sunday mornings with others taking in the recorded video later on. This last week, we discussed the priorities of church planting (as in planting the seeds for the Post-COVID Church). Lively discussion ensued to look at whether prayer would be first on the list, or perhaps pastoral care. If you haven’t had a chance to attend, feel free to stop by the office for the notes and watch the videos. They can be found on the Good Shepherd website or Facebook page under Imagining the Future.
After the 8:45 and 10:30 services, we are gathering in the library to discuss the Marks of the Post-COVID Church: Imagining the Ancient Church of the Future. These forty-five minute discussions will be helpful as we look into the years ahead.
Across these discussions, we’ll dig into the scriptures that give us vision and hope for the future and how we can understand and see the importance of our changing church Culture.
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Roughly three weeks ago I received a call from St. Martin’s College in Mt. Gambier to be their school pastor. After prayer and dialogue, Christine and I feel that our family is still called to be in the midst of the Good Shepherd community. Thank you for your prayers and your thoughts during this time.
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It is hard to believe that Christmas is only ten weeks away. Even though the year has been tumultuous and trying, how quickly has it gone? Everything about 2020 has been different and caused us to be pulled in strange and growth-inducing directions. Thank you for your continued partnership in ministry as we move forward into the future. Speaking of Christmas, the ministry team wants to perform a stage play in conjunction with Christmas. This play, called Beyond Belief, is the first of four dramas that take place across the church calendar year. The threads begun at Christmas will continue through Easter, Pentecost and Christ the King Sunday 2021. We are excited to offer parts to people who would be willing to portray the depiction of the story of building faith. Please contact me, Pastor Reid, for details.
Here is a brief synopsis:
The gospel writer Luke and some of the disciples have gathered to share the story of Jesus with the ‘most honourable Theophilus,’ to whom the books of Luke and Acts were dedicated. Following the Christmas narrative through the eyes of early witnesses, we’ll find the struggle, joy, humour and pain of life so that others can know Jesus and worship him.
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The Reformation services will be held on October 25. The 8:45am service will be a reflection and recollection of the hymns that have shaped us over the last five hundred years. The 10:30am service will be Good Shepherd’s Confirmation service. At least 12 young people will affirm their baptism. We will celebrate them and their families’ continued commitment to living lives of faith.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Your invitation has been sent! Probably in your mailbox now. Pop it on your fridge when you open it and get ready to celebrate. Make room in your calendar… The King wants to share his feast with you! Have a look at this week’s GFH resources for ideas to explore with those close to you. And perhaps even with those who aren’t as close!
Little Lambs Playgroup returns next Friday, October 16. Please note new starting time 9am! Join us for activities, conversation and fun!
This month we will be offering ‘Step Up- Preparing for First Communion’ course. This program is designed to prepare children aged around 10 years for Holy Communion. Starting date will be Sunday October 18, followed by four consecutive Friday nights. If you would like to join us, please register your interest with the Church Office (8263 5087) or email me (Georgie) georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au
Have a wonderful week!
God bless you!
Georgie
Prayer Requests
As we adapt to our new way of living 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.
Eggssssss
The folks with the yolks are back! Come and get your free range eggs – $4 per dozen. Please bring your spare cartons. Get ‘em while they’re (not) hot! Ed.
Ladies’ Fellowship
We’re back! The Ladies Fellowship warmly invite all ladies of the congregation to the Annual General Meeting of the Ladies Fellowship. This will be the last formal meeting of th
e year.
Date : 27th October
Time : 1pm
BYO: Coffee mug or tea cup (Covid requirements) and afternoon tea.
There will be a trading table.
Please note Social Distancing will be applied. You will need to sign in and sanitise your hands upon entrance into the hall.
Please do not come if you are unwell.
We look forward to catching up with you all again and warmly welcome all ladies.
Office News
Help Wanted:
Those with the gift of hospitality to reinstate the mission of tea and coffee service each Sunday! Please contact the church office to let us know if you would like to be a part of this exciting new development!
A volunteer to assist in replenishing all the Covid-19 cleaning supplies and ensure signage is still correctly positioned. Up to two hours per week is required.
A ‘chandler’, to service the candles in the church, on a weekly basis. This can be done at church or from home, to keep the candles trimmed and burning bright.
No experience needed for these positions – training is provided.
Mission Support
Please continue supporting our congregation’s mission and ministry through regular offerings as our facility and staff continues to operate in a different way.
Electronic Deposits can be made to the following bank account details:
BSB 704942
Account No. 100354939
Account Name GSPV REG; or
Click on the GIVE button on our website.
LLL REG: Download the form here and use the same bank details as above in the “account to be credited” section, and email back to address shown on the form. Alternatively contact the LLL on 83607200 or 1800 556457.
Offering Envelopes can still be dropped in at the church office during office hours.
Together Magazine is Here!
The latest edition of Together Magazine is out – copies are available in the church and office.
COVID-Safe Requirements for Worship – please observe these guidelines:
- Entry through front foyer and exit via rear courtyard – exceptions for people with mobility issues. If you’re an able walker, consider parking away from front entrance.
- Register names and contact details.
- Please maintain physical distance 1.5m.
- People from the same household can sit next to one another. Otherwise we need to keep 2 chair spaces between people
- Follow the directional arrows for entry, exit, and Holy Communion.
- Freewill offerings will be received via a retiring offering on the way out of the sanctuary.
- No tea and coffee afterwards at this stage. Social distancing still required while on site.
- Please follow directions of worship hosts
- Early service attendees will need to vacate the building to allow a clean before second service attendees can enter the building.
- Worship hosts and welcomers are now nominated Covid Marshalls.
Regarding children:
• Children will sit with their families. Please feel free to bring activities.
• Playground next to Revive Café is open after the service. Children need to be supervised at all times.
• Parenting Change Room is open again.
Wantok Place – the Museum Unmasked at The Friends of Lutheran Archives Meeting!
Wantok Place is the LCA’s museum of Papua New Guinea artefacts. Timothy Pietsch, the manager of Wantok Place, will talk about the origins of the museum, in Papua New Guinea and in Australia. He will also take us on a PowerPoint tour of the museum artefacts (some of which are culturally and financially significant), including some of the rarities and oddities.
When: Monday 19th October 2020
Where: Bethlehem House, Sudholz Place in the City
Time: 7.00 pm for the AGM, followed by the general meeting.
All welcome, gold coin donation. Because of COVID-19 requirements, if you plan on attending, please register by Friday 16th October with Helen Schubert on – 8364 4350, 0447 740 711 or email hschubert@internode.on.net. Please don’t leave a voice-mail.
ALC October Issue
Please find the latest edition of their newsletter here.
“The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come.
So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.”
Matthew 22:8b-9
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
388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 Phone: 8263 5087
PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092
Church Website: www.paravista.org.au Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
