Whose Voice Do We Listen To?
In the last Sundays of the Church year, we often consider the end-times and the return of Jesus. This Sunday we will commence a 3-week series: Infused with Hope.
In the Apostles’ Creed we say of Jesus: “He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from thence he will come to judge the living and the dead.”
And in the Nicene Creed: “He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom will have no end.”
I wonder how often you and I reflected on these things? How about asking friends and/or family members what they think and feel about this? You might be surprised where the conversation leads.
History is not coming to a dead end, but with the return of Jesus as Lord and judge of all. For all believers, this is Good News indeed. At the return of Jesus, chaos and evil be vanquished, justice will be administered, and all believers will inherit eternal life in the glorious kingdom of God. I wonder: How do you picture that reality?
Between now and then, there is still much kingdom work to be done: listening to people’s stories, sharing the kindness of Jesus, praying for opportunities to share the difference Jesus has made in our lives, passing on the faith to the next generations, and bringing the presence of Jesus into each encounter.
Yes, at times we will carry burdens, reminding us that we are still caught up in the brokenness of this fallen world. Jesus knows how that feels from first-hand experience. He has entered the depths of our suffering so he can ultimately free us from it.
Where this is life there is hope. And where there is hope there is life. No matter what trials or suffering we experience, hope of “better things to come” enables us to endure.
I suspect that many loud voices in our culture rob us of hope and fill us with despair. If we keep listening to bad news stories in the world, along with the doomsday preppers and conspiracy theorists, we will end up paralysed with fear… and in dread of the future.
Whose voice do we listen to? Who can we trust to tell us the truth?
Whenever we are feeling hopeless or helpless, it’s helpful to ask: “What does Jesus say about this? What does he tell us about the end times?”
Believers keep listening to the words and promises of Jesus. Secure in his love and truth, we can avoid being deceived by human speculations; or by temptations of strategies of the evil one. Through God’s Spirit, Word, and Church, we can be infused with hope in Jesus.
Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Mark 13:1-11
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.
Christmas Treats for Lutheran Care
Our final collection for 2021 for Lutheran Care will be on Sunday November 28th. Collections will resume in February 2022.
This month’s collection request is different to other months. They are seeking items that can be included in Christmas Hampers to bring joy to families in need this Christmas. Items requested include Christmas treats such as:
- Chocolates
- Nuts
- Pretzels
- Lollies or sweets
Lutheran Care will add other substantial food items to their hampers. Due to health and safety reasons all donations must be sealed and in their original packaging.
You may wish to donate a gift. They are seeking gifts particularly for teenagers, adults, or care givers. Younger children are more easily catered for, but the older groups often miss out on the joy of receiving at Christmas.
October Food Donations
Thank you again for your very generous support of the food collection for Lutheran Care. With all donations packed into grocery bags there was a grand total of 31 bags donated. A great effort!
With gratitude,
The Family Zone Team
Honey Biscuits
For those women in the congregation who are baking honey biscuits for Lutheran Care, please give to Ragna Gaard by 21 November.
Grow Team Update
We had our final Grow Workshop on Saturday with the topic being Lifelong Faith Formation. We looked at the Five Elements of Congregational Life: caring, celebration, learning, praying and serving. We discussed the three phases of life: 0-30 yrs, 31-60 yrs and 61+ yrs and focussed on how are we building connections between these groups to create a sense of belonging.
And the holistic approach of faith formation: head (informing), heart (forming) and hands (transforming). Over the next couple of weeks we will be praying about what we have discovered and where we can work at improving what we are already doing so that all ages can feel like they belong. Please chat to any of the team to find out more about what we discussed: Rachel, Tina, Lindsay, Cees, Peter or Mardi.
The Village area on Sunday mornings is a wonderful place where connections like these can be made. You are welcome to sit close to this area and assist the younger ones with the activity that Georgie has provided. After worship is a wonderful opportunity to then connect with children and their families.
Let’s continue to encourage one another to make new connections and share stories to grow our faith in Jesus.
“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
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
News from Maranatha Health
As always, we appreciate the support for Maranatha Health from your community, and the ways your gifts continue to create incredible impacts for the Ugandan families we work with! Here is the link to the latest MH Update, which includes an interesting story about Covid-19 experiences of our staff in Uganda as well as some general news from Uganda and Australia. https://mailchi.mp/b7419afc3593/the-latest-from-mh-5378540
Blessings,
Kim Findlay
Maranatha Health
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
We have 2 exciting opportunities coming up for you to use your gifts and talents!
- Chris Jaensch is looking for children who might like to join him at the upcoming Community Carols on Saturday December 11. If you would like to sing with him, or would like more information, please contact him on 0406 971553 or chrishelane@hotmail.com
- If anyone (young, old and/or in between) is interested in helping and/or participating in our Christmas Eve Family Service, Friday 24th December, I would love to hear from you. Please let me know or send me an email on georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au
Growing Faith at Home Resources
Dear School Family,
This week’s GFH title is ‘Hold tight to your faith’. Sometimes that isn’t easy. The Service key picks this up. Encouraging others is important to our daily health and our Christian faith. We all experience discouragement. The Christian faith allows us to be honest with the challenges and difficulties around us and at the same time know that current trials and tribulations do not get the last word. Find ways to support someone going through a difficult time. Pray for them and with them. God encourage and strengthen you through the coming week.
Little Lambs
Little Lambs Playgroup returned today for another morning of nature-based play. Check out what we got up to on our Little Lambs Facebook page. Parents/ Grandparents, bring your Little Lambs along for some fellowship and a frolic. Fridays from 9am. Please bring your own rug, weather appropriate clothes, snacks and a cuppa. We only have a few sessions to go for this year. Look forward to seeing you soon!
Blessings,
The Little Lambs Team
General Synod News
The report of the 20th Convention of General Synod has been released and is available for viewing here: https://bit.ly/3bY5vLf
Book Launch: “Candlestickmaker”
The launch of Reid Matthias’ Candlestickmaker, the third in The Amicable Circle series, will take place on Sunday, 21st November, in the Ark (Good Shepherd Lutheran School), at 7pm.
Entry is $10, with drinks and nibbles provided. There are also copies of Reid’s new book in the church office.
Open Door – Christian Books & Gifts
Now available – Calendars 2022, The Australian Christian Diary 2022 and other Daily planners.
Christmas stock including Advent candles for home or church, Advent calendars, nativities, gifts, Christmas cards, books, music, DVDs.
Shop 5, Gawler Arcade, Gawler. Ph 85221677; E opendoorbook@gmail.com
Fb: www.OpenDoorGawler.com.au
Trading: M-F 10-4, Sat 10-1
Office News
Front Office Closure
Please note the church office will be closed on Thursday morning 18th December and open after lunch while I attend my son’s year 12 graduation. Please email churchenquires@paravista.org.au or leave a message on the answering service if needed, and I will get back to you as soon as I can (Rachel).
Notice of Half Yearly AGM
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Para Vista Inc. will be holding the Half Year AGM on Sunday 14 November 2021 beginning at 12.00pm. Reports and agenda will be available from November 7, 2021.
Church Candles
Candles have been replaced with oil burning wicks. If you have the privilege to extinguish them, please use the candle snuffers located under the altar to do so.
Ice Cream Containers Needed
Meet ‘n’ Eat are looking for ice cream containers with lids. If you have some to spare, please bring them to the church during office hours.
Handy Man Maintenance – Help Wanted
Good Shepherd care team are looking to build a group of volunteers that can assist other members in small home tasks such as changing light bulbs, tap washers or other small jobs. If you are able to assist please let Stephen or the office know at stephen.zanker@paravista.org.au or churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or phone 8263 5087.
Church Facilities – Resources
A reminder to all members and users of the facility, that many members and the public use our facility daily. If you use an item or a room, please return it to the condition or storage space you found it. If you find something empty or not working, please attempt to replace, repair or refill and notify the office staff. Please do not put empty or unworking items back for next person to find.
Mission Vision Support
Electronic deposits can be made to the following bank account details; BSB 704942. Account number 10354939 Account Name GSPV REG
REG is a way to regularly support the mission of our church. Details of transactions are kept confidential. Please visit www.lll.org.au/REG and use BSB 704942 and Account number 100354939. Cash may be dropped off at the office during office hours. This will be treated in the same way as Sunday offerings.
Air Conditioners
The evaporative coolers in the church have been opened for the summer months. Overview instructions for use are situated on the wall next to the controllers. For units in the hall rear foyer and Cafe PLEASE turn the units on only and of only using the on/off button. 
The units have been pre-set for the most economical use and effectiveness and adjusting the settings may render the unit ineffective. If you experience any problem using the units please email the congregational manager, speak with office staff during office hours or leave a note in the communications book in the Cafe.
Time Out Devotion Books.
If you require a daily devotional book for 2022 let the front office know via email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au or 08 8263 5087as soon as possible. Up-front payment of $25 should be made to the front office prior to the end of November 2022.
Library News
Waiting on a library card? The front office has many here awaiting collection. Please come and grab yours.
Found
-A Christmas card with money in it has been found in the church. Please contact the office if it is yours.
-A single key with nail clippers attached was found outside the church door on Monday night. It is here in the front office if it is yours.
-A silver piece of jewellery, also currently residing in the office!
“And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.”
1 Kings 19:11-13 (KJ21)
We are a Covid-Safe Church 
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 arrangements as mandated by the State Government. QR Code check-in is a legal requirement for all who enter the facility, as are masks except where exemptions apply. If you do not have the ability to check in using this code, please check in with a host or sign the records sheet with your name and telephone number. Physical distancing of 1.5 metres is required when not seated. This includes entering the building, attending Communion and while served tea & coffee. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current distancing regulations. White floor markings are placed at 1.5m to assist you. Thank 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
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
