Who is Jesus?
King Herod heard about (the work of Jesus) because Jesus’s name had become well known. Some said, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that’s why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘He’s Elijah.’ Still others said, ‘He’s a prophet, lone of the prophets from long ago’ (Mark 6:14,15).
It’s easy for our contemporary culture to look back two thousand years ago and label the ancients as superstitious, or ignorant, or any number of derogatory things. How could they think Jesus was a beheaded wilderness preacher? Or someone that had been dead hundreds of years? Just plain silly, weren’t they?
Yet the words of the people reflected a desire to understand who Jesus was and what he was on about. If they could label him, then they could control him. If he was just a prophet, they could treat him as such – with awe and reverence, yes – but not as the Son of God.
This questioning of Jesus’s identity has never stopped. On the night he was betrayed, Pilate asks the same identifying question: Are you a king? We ask questions of him today, If you are God, can you heal me today?
Certainly, Jesus is a puzzle. This week, we look at the question, “Who is Jesus?” And not only will we seek some clarification, we’ll talk about what it means for us as the Body of Christ moving forward.
Read Mark 6:14-29 and come prepared with questions…
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Mark 6:14-29
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.
Office News
Café News
The cafe coffee machine is back and running again. The coin operation of the machine has been disabled at this stage as we are waiting spare parts for it. Until the parts arrive, please use the honour system for payment. Please remember this machine is in operation at any time the facility is open, and we are encouraging you to use it so that it doesn’t seize up.
Covid-19 Update
The South Australian Government has eased restrictions this week, but we encourage all to remain aware that we still need to do our part in keeping our community safe.
Celebration services will be back to the 75% mandated capacity.
1.5m distancing is to be adhered to while waiting in lines or queuing.
Families may be seated together. We have seating capacity for 480.
We can join the band in worship so let’s raise the roof.
For communion at the 10.30am service please maintain 1.5m distance down the centre aisle and only one line please. Families can move in one group.
Tea and coffee will be served so please enjoy with a newfound friend.
Please enter via the front doors and exit via the rear courtyard.
QR check-in is mandatory. Hosts will take contact details for those who do not have smart devices.
Masks are a personal choice that you may consider.
Please remember to respect the freedom we do have and follow the guidelines and any directions given in relation to these regulations.
Looking forward to joining you in song at worship on Sunday.
Stephen Zanker
A Welcoming Community
For those of you who came along last Sunday, did you see the new person as you entered the building? We would like to give her a name – a name that reminds us to look out for someone new to speak with each Sunday. If you would like to nominate a name, email the church office on churchenquiries@paravista.org.au
Encouragement notes will be available again this Sunday for your use. Let’s all look out for others and welcome them as we strive to be “A community which intentionally develops intergenerational relationships to grow faith in Jesus so that He can build His Kingdom here and now”.
Kathy Liebig
Grow Team Leader
Grow Team Sessions
Our next Grow Coaching workshop with Grow Ministries will be on Saturday 7th August at Immanuel Lutheran Church, North Adelaide. We will be joining with other churches to discuss Family (or Household) Faith Formation. We will look at the changing nature of families, parenting and the role of grandparenting and key faith practices to help shepherd faith in families, households and small groups. We will begin at 8.45am for tea/coffee with the first session starting at 9am. We plan to be finished by 1pm. Please bring your own morning tea – no lunch required.
All are welcome! Please let the church office know if you will be attending. We would love to see you there.
Kathy Liebig
Grow Team Leader
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
The title of this week’s GFH resource is ‘Chosen’. It is based on Tuesday’s Bible reading from Ephesians 1:3-14, specifically verse 4: “God chose us to belong to Christ before the world was created. He chose us to be holy and without blame in his eyes. He loved us” (NIV). To be chosen for something makes us feel special. Why not ask your friends or family some of these questions from GFH? Share a time when you were especially chosen for something. How did you respond? The apostle Paul tells us that God had decided to make you his child even before the world was made. How does that make you feel? Why?
Froggy Days
Grandparents, are you looking for ways to spend time with your grandchildren in the school holidays? Here is an opportunity! The Tea Tree Gully Heritage Museum is hosting a Froggy Days event this coming week from July 14 to 18. Check out the poster on the pin up board in Café area or see Mary-Jo Zwar for details!
Support for the Family Zone
As notified earlier the Family Zone is operating differently this year. Donations go to the centre at Blair Athol and the Zone then can access goods required through the central storage area. Our donations still support the Zone as well as the wider community in need.
Under this system the requests are more specific. This month they require:
Pasta sauce
Tinned soup
Cereal
Pillows
Our collections will recommence on Sunday July 25th at both services.
Storeroom sorted – an enthusiastic team of seven spent a morning at the Hub cleaning out a storeroom and sorting the contents in boxes. This area will now be able to be used for meetings and counselling.
Job Notice
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide, is seeking expressions of interest in a .2 Youth & Young Adults Worker role. Please contact the Bethlehem office 9:15am – 4:00pm Mon to Fri on 8223 6662, or anytime by email: bethlca@adam.com.au A position description is available from the office.
With Appreciation
Image 1: Volunteers get down (in the trench) and dirty as they prepare to relight the LED sign.
Image 2: Getting close to the home straight – a mammoth effort by the teams over the past few days!
“There is another who testifies of Me, and I know that the testimony which He gives about Me is true.”
John 5:32 (NASB)
We are a Covid-Safe Church 
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 restrictions as mandated by the State Government. QR Code check-in is a legal requirement for all who enter the facility. If you do not have the ability to check in using this code you are required to check in with a host or sign the records sheet with your name and telephone number. A physical distance of 1.5 metres is still required when not seated. This includes entering the building, attending Communion and getting served tea & coffee. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current social distancing regulations. White floor markings are placed at 1.5 to assist 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
