The Three Gardens
In the Garden of Eden our first parents disobeyed God and were ashamed. They broke the close relationship with God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples couldn’t stay awake to support Jesus in his suffering. And, in the cemetery on Easter morning his followers came looking only for a corpse.
What will you see this, Easter? An innocent but dead man? A great teacher & an inspiration for a good life? Or the risen, living Saviour and Lord of the whole world? Your Saviour? What you “see” will make a world of difference to your present and your future.
Bible Readings: Romans 5:6-11 (NLT) and Luke 24:5-7 (NLT)
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 ministry team.
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.
Call Meeting Update
This is to inform you all, a call meeting to be held on 16th April 2022 at 12pm.
This meeting is to call our new Pastor and will be held with Bishop David Altus or representative assisting. I encourage you to attend and be part of this very important decision.
Please find attached information about the two Pastors we are recommending as suitable for Good Shepherd here:
If you have any questions, please either ask a call committee member or send an email to church churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Praying that God will give us direction as we discern His will for us,
Christa Schwarz | Good Shepherd Call Committee Chair
Notice for Easter Services
Maundy Thursday Service– 7.30pm with Holy Communion.
Good Friday Service– 8.45am and 10.30am
Easter Sunday service– 8.45am and 10.30am with holy Communion at both services.
Hot Cross Buns!
In keeping with tradition here at Good Shepherd, we would like to enjoy hot cross buns after Good Friday service. Please bring some to share:
buttered, unbuttered, fruitless or choc chip- any way you enjoy them!
Friendship and Fun
On Easter Sunday 9th April from 1pm in the church hall. Come along and enjoy sharing time over some friendly games. All welcome!
BYO drinks, nibbles, afternoon tea.
A gold coin donation on arrival would be appreciated, and tea/coffee is available.
Activities for the afternoon will include cards, board games and carpet bowls – if you can’t play, then come and learn!
Contact Peter Schlenk for more details on 0419 217 767.
We aim to provide a welcoming, enjoyable afternoon of conversation and fun and look forward to seeing you there.
Hope Stahl’s Ministry Afternoon Tea
When: 30th April, 2:30pm- 4pm
Where: St Bart’s Church Norwood
Great support for Lutheran Care
March continued our great support for the work of Lutheran Care through our food collection. Over 30 shopping bags crammed full of goodies was collected on Tuesday. These will bring joy to many and help ease the pressure in these challenging times.
Thanks for your continued support.
Family Hub Support Team
Use of Facility Reminder
It is wonderful that our church is more than just a building! It is filled with people using their gifts and talents, serving God and each other as we seek to connect with those in our community and outside it too… not just on a Sunday, but every day!
Just a friendly reminder that after your group has used the facility, to please return things (furniture etc.) to the place where you found them. We have had a few situations where this hasn’t happened and, when the next group arrives, things aren’t where they are supposed to be. We would really appreciate your help with this! Thank you and God bless your ministry!
KAPS (Kid’s and Parents) Event
We enjoyed getting together for our first KAPS for the year last Sunday. There was drama (the good kind) where people used their acting skills to share part of the Easter story, later shared in Worship. We made palm leaf crosses and decorated flowers before enjoying a meal together (Yiros were on the menu!) Our next gathering will be on 30th April (last afternoon before school returns for Term Two.) Save the date! More information to follow.
Rachel and Georgie
Family Support Coordinator News, From Georgie
School Snippets
Students went home on Wednesday with a special ‘Happy Easter bag tag’. The bag tag had two QR codes on it, linking families to an Easter song playlist and the story of Easter shared by a number of school staff members.
A special thanks from ELC and school staff members for the card and Easter treats gifted from the Good Shepherd family. May God bless each one of you with his peace, hope and joy this Easter as we reflect and celebrate the amazing love of our God, through Jesus.
Chapel Invitation
This week we continued our ‘Breaking News’ in Chapel. A ‘team’ of students continued reporting on the biggest story in history. There was a peculiar weather report shared and Mr. Wain followed up with a message about God’s unfathomable love shown by allowing Jesus to suffer and die for our sin. Have a look at this week’s devotion for a reflection of his message.
Please note, our final Chapel for the term will be held next Friday 14th April as we hear the exciting conclusion of the story… or maybe it is just the beginning! Services begin at 8:50am. Please enter via the courtyard.
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
This weekend (Easter) is arguably the most significant weekend in the Christian calendar as we reflect on and celebrate God’s great love for each of us, through Jesus’ death and resurrection. This week’s GFH resource offers some thought-provoking questions and ideas to explore as a family. You might like to create your own ‘Resurrection Eggs’ at home to help retell the story of Easter with those you love! If you would like some other Easter ideas, please see Georgie. We have printed copies of the ‘Easter Family Faith Trail’ and ‘Walking through Holy Week’ booklets in the café area. I especially like the Seder meal idea to experience with friends or family. Help yourself to a copy of the booklet or see Georgie!
God bless you with His love and peace this Easter.
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
Office Closure
The office will remain closed on Good Friday, the 7th of 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
7th April Office Closed (Good Friday)
9th April 1pm Friendship and Fun (Easter Sunday)
16th April 12pm Call Meeting
30th April 4-7pm KAPS
30th April 2.30-4pm Hope’s Ministry Afternoon Tea
“…For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
Safe Church
Please consider the health and safety of others and do not attend the church if you are feeling unwell.
In observing Christ’s command to love one another, we are to treat each other with respect and dignity. In honoring people, we are also fulfilling our responsibility under the law of the land. The LCA and Good Shepherd Para Vista is committed to implementing processes to ensure the church is a safe place. If anyone feels they have been subjected to sexual abuse or harassment in any form by anyone who holds a position of trust in the church, please contact:
P: 1800 644 628 E: report.abuse@safeplace.lca.org.au
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 (closed 12:30pm-1:30pm for lunch)
Church Website: www.paravista.org.au Email: churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Look for us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!
388 Montague Road Para Vista SA 5093 | Phone: 8263 5087 | PO Box 306 Modbury North SA 5092
