When the Good Shepherd Returns
What images come to mind when you think of Jesus as your Good Shepherd?
Where are you in the picture? What is happening? Are there others in your picture? What are they doing?
Perhaps you recall the 23rd Psalm – where the writer reflects on the presence and favour of the Lord.
Or maybe you think of John 10 where Jesus says, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” You know his voice and delight in following him.
Then there’s Jesus story of the lost sheep in Luke 15. Maybe you find comfort knowing that Jesus found you, saved you, and made you his.
As a young child I remember singing the song, I am Jesus’ Little Lamb. I found comfort being loved by Jesus and safe in his care. Sadly, as an adult I do not always remember that Jesus he has got me covered, and that I am his forever!
It’s important for us to remember – especially in times such as these. The resurgence of that virus in our community has turned things upside down, inducing panic buying and overwhelming hearts with fear, anxiety or dread.
Jesus is with us. Nothing in all creation can separate us from his love – not isolation, a virus, or even death! Our Good Shepherd is bringing us into his destiny for us.
As in the song mentioned earlier:
When my days on earth are ended,
By my loving shepherd tended,
In His arms I then shall rest.
There to be for ever blest. (Lutheran Hymnal 602, verse 3b)
When our Good Shepherd returns, it will be good for us to be ready and waiting with expectation; to be using the gifts and resources he has entrusted to us for his kingdom’s cause; and to be reflecting our Good Shepherd’s compassion and care to those who need it. That’s the essence of his three parables in Matthew 25.
During these days, we have many opportunities to share the kindness of Jesus with others: a caring phone call or an encouraging email; supporting relief agencies such as the Ingle Farm Family Hub, Maranatha health, or Australian Lutheran World Service; praying for/with those who are struggling; random acts of kindness; getting to know someone from a different culture; blessing your neighbours.
Faith expressed in love. Love active in service. It is participating in the good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do. It is Jesus reaching out to others through you and me!
Shalom!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: John 10:14-16, Matthew 25:31-46
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 & Announcements
GSPV Half Yearly AGM: POSTPONED. Depending on restrictions, it may occur next Sunday 29th November via Zoom. We will provide further updates over the coming week.
Listening & Responding to God’s Voice: this conference has also been postponed, until February 2021.
Ingle Farm Family Zone: If restrictions have been lifted, please bring groceries/items for collection next Thursday 26th or Friday 27th November during office hours (9am-3pm).
Step Up to First Communion: planned for 29th November but POSTPONED
Children/Family Christmas Service planned for 29th November but POSTPONED.
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,
Emotions are swirling given Wednesday’s announcement. People are trying to process disappointment, frustration; concerns. It can be pretty overwhelming! Please remember that God is with us through this. He is big and strong enough to handle our thoughts and feelings. His love, faithfulness and care are all constantly available to sustain and support us in these very days.
I’m including an extra GFH resource – “In a Time of Crisis”– that you might consider looking at with your family. While it was written earlier this year, it is still relevant to what we are experiencing today. If you are on our Weekly News email list you can find it there; otherwise head to https://paravista.org.au/resources/
Please also find resources to share your faith at home. Especially pertinent, given that we will be home this Sunday!
Also, here is a child friendly YouTube link that links with Pastor Rolly’s message this Sunday. Have a look at it and a follow it up with a chat with your family.
Peace,
Georgie
In light of recent Covid-19 news, we will unfortunately need to postpone our Family Christmas service that was scheduled for November 29. We are still hoping to go ahead with this celebration and will advise you when we know more ourselves. God’s Love, Peace and Blessings be with you all!
Georgie
Sadly, Little Lambs Playgroup has been suspended for two weeks.
Our wonderful team wanted to supply Christmas activities for families to enjoy with their Little Lambs at home. Bags were quickly assembled at 1pm on Wednesday and we were able to get some to older siblings at school. We did our best with the time we had! Special thanks to Beth and Candita for all your behind the scenes organisation! If you would like one (suitable for children 1-5 years), please email Georgie at Georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au and I will reserve one for you and think of ways to get it to you. If restrictions are lifted next week, bags will be available for collection from the front door of the church on Friday 27th November, from 8:45am to 9:30am.
God’s Peace and Blessings be with you all!
The Little Lambs Team
Support for Family Zone
Thank you for continued support of the Family Zone. They have completed their inventory and below is a list of items that they require. In addition you may wish to add something special to go into a Christmas hamper or make a cash donation to go towards
a small present for the children they support. Donations can be placed in an envelope, marked Family Zone, and dropped into the church office (once restrictions are lifted.). Due to the present situation donations may be given up to Sunday December 13th
- Hair conditioner (we seem to have lots of shampoo
- Glen 20
- Hand wash
- Noodles
- Muesli bars – nut free if possible please
- Large cans tuna
- Long life milk
- Jam
- Tins spaghetti
- Jellies
- Biscuits – sweet and savoury
- Cheese
- Margarine
Sincere thanks for the on-going support,
Kathlene
Give a Gift of Life this Christmas
For Christmas in 2020, Maranatha Health is sharing Gifts of Life with our Ugandan community. We invite you to donate and receive Christmas Gift Cards to share with friends and family – and give a Gift of Life that lasts long into the future.
At this time more than ever, access to high quality compassionate health care and community health literacy is so important!
Your gift of a donation to Maranatha Health can provide life-saving medical care, increase community understanding to prevent ill-health, and help build a more accessible and just health care system that will bring lasting change to people’s lives.
To give a Gift of Life and order your cards, simply follow these simple steps:
- Choose and order your cards via the simple online order form on the MH website at maranathahealth.org/christmas. Or have a look at the display in the hall to make your selection. Then fill out an order form, which is pinned to the display. Give the order form to Wendy Hampel or Julie Freund so that your order can be processed.
- Make your donation to MH via Give Now: https://givenow.com.au/mhchristmas
- Receive your cards within 2 weeks!
News from Maranatha
The world is still dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic and Maranatha Health in Uganda has been impacted to. In fact, with lock down easing, the Clinic is quite busy again, seeing patients and their families who have been waiting for come to the Clinic. Programs like the nutrition classes and community health workers are gearing up again to inform local communities of ways to increase health in the local communities.
Since we can’t have a sausage sizzle this Sunday, I would like to invite you to consider other ways to support Maranatha Health instead. Go to the website for more information on giving, or purchasing Christmas Gift Cards of Life (per above): https://maranathahealth.org/give/
Thanks for your ongoing partnership with Maranatha Health!
Now available:
Calendars 2021, The Australian Christian Diary 2021; small daily planners; Christmas stock including nativities, gifts, tree ornaments, music, DVDs, Bibles & covers; books for all ages.
Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, Gawler; ph. 85221677; E opendoorbook@gmail.com;
fb: opendoorcommunitybookshop
Trading: M-F 10-4, Sat 10-1. Late Night Shopping Special event: Thurs 17 Dec.
Tangara is Back!
Tangara 2020 is the student-produced magazine of Australian Lutheran College (ALC). It includes profiles of students, photos and feature articles about ALC – and its connection with the Lutheran Church of Australia. $10 per copy. Please see Jacob Fabich to purchase. Cash payments are preferred, but card payments and electronic transfers are also possible.
Lutheran Nurses Association
From the Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia to all Healthcare workers, members and visitors, the meeting scheduled for Monday 30th November has been CANCELLED due to Covid-19.
With apologies,
Rose Howard
Secretary LNAA
Social Club News
G’day Members,
Due to the current Covid-19 outbreak, our social club WILL NOT BE MEETING FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT TWO THURSDAYS. This means that our next possible meeting would be our Christmas lunch at The Clovercrest Hotel on Thursday 3rd December.
However, for a least the next two weeks, hotels are limited to a maximum of 10 persons per group booking. Therefore, unless this restriction is eased prior to 3rd December, our Christmas Lunch cannot happen either.
Your committee will closely monitor any changes to these restrictions and will advise you if our Christmas lunch can proceed and when our normal Thursday meetings can resume.
Meanwhile stay safe and well,
Good Shepherd Social Club Committee
Office News
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.
Furniture
Futon bed with 2 mattresses, lounge suite (2&3 seater), two single beds (no mattresses), all to give away. Please enquire at the church office if you are interested.
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”
Isaiah 40:11
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
