Transformation (Reformation Sunday)

Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. ~Romans 12:1

We live in a world that is allergic to sacrifice. Saving for a rainy day is an Olympic sport. Taking the smaller portion is anathema to us. In the book of Romans, though, Paul writes to a group of people who need to be introduced to a strange pattern not of the world: living sacrifice.

This is ridiculous. All sacrifices are intended as the death of one thing for the life and betterment of another. For the Romans and many religions, animals were ritualistically sacrificed on altars – their lives offered up for the atonement of sins to appease the ‘gods.’ Now, Paul pulls the rug out from the substitutional model of sacrifice to a living model of service.

And not just as individuals.

Notice: I urge you to present your bodies (plural) as a (singular) sacrifice. If you read this verse very carefully, which I have done multiple times in leading to our Reformation Day service, it’s incredibly obvious to me that in view of God’s mercy, he is asking us to be living sacrifices together.

As the Church.

Not just as individuals. Our heavenly Father desires that we walk the path to the altar together, as one, and offer ourselves – and all of our gifts (whether prophecy, service, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading and mercy – vs. 7,8) – as our spiritual act of worship.

Thus, the temple is ultimately transformed and reformed from a building to a people.

The altar is transformed and reformed from a place of blood and death to place of witness.

Our gifts are transformed and reformed from substitutionary sacrifice (I give so that my sins can be taken from me) to a sacrifice which finds the will of God (vs. 2) and the very life that God has promised us already.

Before worship on Sunday, read Romans 12:1-8 and pray for God’s transformation in your life so that you recognise your walking, sacrificial living.

Pr. Reid

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-8

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

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.

News and Announcements

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.

Our Imagining the Future: Post-COVID Church discussions are going really well. They will be postponed this week due to our Reformation and Confirmation service this week, and resumed next week, November 1st.

News from Reid: 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.

Christmas Play: 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.

All Saints Day, Sunday Nov 1st: At both Sunday services, we will be remembering loved one who have been promoted to glory. As you arrive that day, there will be an opportunity to write down the names of departed loved one. These will be read out during the service (or you can mention them at that time). You will also have an opportunity to come forward and light a candle in their memory.

Please Note: We will NOT be celebrating Holy Communion at this service, but will offer it a fortnight later on Nov 15th.

The Claridge Residential Care, Valley View has asked for a once/month informal service and short visits to residents to support their faith. Police Check and flu shot are required. Please talk with Chris Jaensch if you are interested; or contact the Church Office.

Live Christmas Trees Available

Birdwood congregation are again selling live Christmas trees this year. All money raised supports school chaplains in their local schools.
Cost of the trees is $45. Trees are either 6 or 7 foot. There may be some slightly taller if the rain continues to fall before harvest. They will be delivered to a central location in the local area on Saturday 12th of December. Orders need to placed by Sunday November the 29th.
For any queries or to place an order contact John Dolling on 83675296 / 0409819865 / jdolling@bigpond.net.au

Grow Ministries Faith at Home

Dear Church Family,
Here’s a question to ponder… What do you believe?
This week GFH offers reflections and thoughts to consider as a family.
Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Georgie

Family Zone News

1. October Food Collection
To ensure the safety of those receiving food parcels the Family Zone are undertaking a major stock take to ensure all products in their storeroom are within the use by dates. In consultation with Kathleen, it was decided to enable the stock take to be completed successfully, it would be best not to have a collection in October. This will also enable them to identify what produce they require to adequately support those requesting help. They are predicting requests for assistance will increase dramatically as government support is reduced.

In November there will be a special collection and an opportunity to support the Family Zone’s Christmas programme. More details will be provided closer to the date. The food collection will be definitely back on Sunday November 29th.
If you have already purchased items bring them to service this Sunday and they will be delivered to the Family Zone next week.

2. Plant Sale
On Saturday November 7th (10 thru 1) and Sunday November 8th (after both services) there will be a giant plant sale at the church. All monies raised will go to support the work of the Family Zone at Ingle Farm. As we didn’t have a sale earlier in the year we have plenty of plants for sale, so we do not require any additional plants.

3. Financial support
Despite Covid-19 limiting our fundraising for this year we have been able to raise $837 for the Family Zone. The two major sources of income have been through the Drakes Shopping Tags ($437) and donations ($400). If you shop at a Drakes supermarket and show a shopping tag a percentage of your purchase is donated to the identified charity. These tags are available through the church office or can be collected from the counter in the cafe area.

Ladies’ Fellowship

We’re back! The Ladies Fellowship warmly invites all ladies of the congregation to the Annual General Meeting of the Ladies Fellowship. This will be the last formal meeting of the year.

Date: 27th October
Time: 1pm
BYO: Coffee/tea cup (Covid-19 requirements) and afternoon tea.
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.

Position Vacant

RENEW camp is a weekend camping ministry program for young adults across the LCA SA-NT District, held annually in February.
Applications for the role of camp director in 2021 are currently open. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, please contact one of our Blueprint Ministries team at admin@blueprintministries.org.au or for more information head to https://www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/renew-2/ Applications close 8 November.

Office News

Visionaries Needed:
Those with the gift of hospitality to welcome; or serve coffee and tea.
Those with the gift of administration for tellering.
Those with the gift of serving to set up & pack up for Holy Communion; or to trim the candles.
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.
• Offerings will be received via a retiring offering on the way out of the sanctuary.
• 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-19 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.

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.

Open Door – Christian Books & Gifts

Calendars for 2021 are now available; price range $4 – $29.
Coming soon: The Australian Christian Diary 2021; and small Daily Planners.
Please pre-order (ASAP) the Devotion book for 2021, “Time Out for Travelers”: $25, due end November.
Reminder to order Advent Candles by Friday 30 October, by email, phone or in-store.
We are at Gawler Arcade, Gawler
Ph. 85221677; E opendoorbook@gmail.com
Now open on Mondays! M-F 10-4, Sat 10-1.

Does God still communicate with us today? If so, what are the different ways?

How can we be sure it is Him communicating, and not just our own thoughts or imaginations?

What is the difference between “wisdom” and “revelation” when it comes to knowing the will of God?

In this practical one day workshop you will learn about and practise listening to the different ways that God communicates to His people, both individually and in a group setting.
Details & Bookings: www.trybooking.com/blxpr or michael.dutschke@lca.org.au

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Romans 12:2

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

Look for us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!

388 Montague Road Phone: 8263 5087 PO Box 306
Para Vista SA 5093 Modbury North SA 5092