Why are you so Sad?
Jesus has crossed back from the ‘unclean’ side of the lake where he has tended to the needs of what the Jews would consider (perhaps) the most despicable person around the Sea of Galilee. The disciples, conceivably thankful that they were back on home territory, are met by one of the synagogue leaders who seems to come to Jesus as his last option. His daughter is sick. The rumours of Jesus power have spread both in the synagogue and beyond.
Imagine the humility and desperation it must have taken for the man to make those steps. Imagine his fear to approach someone who was already making waves in the synagogue.
And yet his desire for life to change pushes him squarely into the path of Jesus.
Most things about this narrative are confusing from that point onwards. As Rolly described a few weeks ago about Mark sandwiches, there are two involved here, but as we read it with our eyes, it feels like Jesus has been unnecessarily slow in coming to the ruler’s request. ‘Why, Jesus, does it take you so long to respond?’ ‘Jesus, don’t you understand the necessity for haste? My daughter’s life hangs in the balance.’
As do most of us, in the midst of trials and pain, we come to Jesus as a first resort (or last) and push him to hurry. When things turn sour for us, Jesus asks the question, ‘Why are you so sad?’
How is it that you, Lord of the universe, don’t know?
His question, as Philip Yancey writes in his book Vanishing Grace, is one of the healer. A doctor cannot plan appropriate treatment for a patient that brings forward no complaint.
For both the father (and the woman who interrupts the procession with a complaint of bleeding), Jesus helps the sufferer, and the carers understand what is at stake.
This week, have a read of Mark 5:21-43. How do you connect with the figures in the story? What things are making you sad right now? How can Jesus help?
Pr Reid Matthias
Bible Readings: Mark 5:21-43
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.
Encouragement Note
This Sunday we will be handing out encouragement notes at both services to assist you in seeking out someone new to connect with after worship. This week try finding someone to talk to not of your generation. Thank you for your participation as we look out for others and focus on our vision of being “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
Coffee and Conversation
There will be no Coffee and Conversation this coming Monday because I will be attending a personal development day at the school.
I look forward to seeing many of you on the following Monday 5th July.
Pr Reid Matthias
Family Support Coordinator News from Georgie
Growing Faith at Home
Dear Church Family,
Sometimes life is just plain tough! There are many stories in the bible that allow us to glimpse into peoples’ lives and see their challenges. It is heartening to witness the effect of God’s love and care in those same circumstances. While not mentioned in the GFH resource, one of my favourite bible verses is John 16:33. Jesus encourages his friends with these words: ‘I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world” (NLT). Sharing stories with friends and family can shed light on pathways through difficult times. Here are a couple of GFH ideas to try out. How has Jesus helped you when you have felt worried, sad, or afraid? Have you ever felt “stuck”? Have you ever thought “I don’t know how I’m going to do this, or get through this”? Share about those times.
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 from July 14 to 18. Check out the poster on the pin up board in Café area or see Mary-Jo Zwar for details!
CLW 2021
It’s not too late! Are you in Years 7-12 and looking for something to do in the school holidays? Metro CLW is an awesome time of fun, fellowship and amazing food and the team can’t wait to explore the theme of GLOW with you this year. If you would like to register, please head to this link: https://bit.ly/3gTQaOZ
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the LLL, Blueprint Ministries is offering all new CLW Life campers this year the opportunity to attend free of charge (apart from a $20 admin fee). For more information contact admin@blueprintministries.org.au or check out the Blueprint Ministries website www.blueprintministries.org.au
For return campers there is a discount code available for Good Shepherd Church Members… (This is available for camp leaders too!) Just ask at the church office (82635087 or via email at churchenquiries@paravista.org.au) or ask Georgie georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au
Please note: Registrations close on Monday June 28th at 5pm.
Ladies’ Fellowship
The next meeting of the Ladies Fellowship will be held on Tuesday 6th July.
Time: 1pm
Please bring your own Bible and pen.
There will be a trading table.
THEME: Pink…wear pink, bring something pink, a special memory of something pink.
HOSTESSES: Joy Wandel and Ragna Gaard
Please don’t come if unwell.
Remember to sign in upon arrival.
Apologies to Di Schlenk: 0409 820 448
Supporting the Family Zone
As the Family Zone continues to restructure there are ways that we can support them.
- On Thursday July 8th at 10am a team will help sort out their storeroom containing many items that are included in hampers distributed. You are more than welcome to join this team for the morning. Many hands make quick and light work.
- To help welcome visitors and free staff to work with clients a volunteer receptionist would be invaluable. This could be a few hours a week on a regular basis or up to half a day.
- A person to assist with reorganising their archival system.
- Volunteers to prepare and cook a meal for the ASD Support group. It will re-commence July 29th, fortnightly on a Thursday – starting at 4pm, the families eat dinner together at 5pm and finishing at 6pm.
- A person prepared to work in the creche (can be once a week/fortnight). This frees staff to run the many courses offered at the Zone.
If interested in assisting with any of the above or you want more details, contact John Dolling (8367 5296) or Danny Lucarelli at the Zone (0456 995 121/8349 6099).
Library News
Grandparents
Looking for some Christian resources to share with your grandchildren?
The church library has more than twenty Bible Activity Kits as well as a variety of Bible story books, DVDs and CDs. The kits are hanging on a stand in the library and the other resources are on the shelves with the green labels.
Feel free to go into the library at any time that it is not being used and borrow the resources, following the instructions on the notice board and the borrowing slip.
Good Shepherd Lutheran School’s 40th Birthday Celebrations
Exciting times in 2021, as we celebrate the school’s 40th Birthday.
Friday 29th October – celebration worship with the school community, school tours and morning tea. All welcome.
Saturday 30th October – celebration evening dinner (adults only)
Sunday 31st October – Praise and Thanksgiving community worship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista. Followed by a community picnic on the school grounds and tours. All welcome.
All events will be advertised in more detail at a later date through the school and church newsletter, email and Facebook.
All events will require a booking though an Eventbrite link for catering and COVID safe procedure purposes.
Please share widely with current/past students/families and staff. We do not have contact details of past students/families and staff and rely on your connections to spread the word.
Any specific queries, please email School Chair- m.schmidt@achpersa.com.au or 0412 357 558.
Maranatha Health End of Financial Year Appeal
“I no longer spend money in hospital since no one gets sick in my household all the time!” Lauben, 68, father and grandfather
The above statement sums up our ultimate dream at Maranatha Health. We want to see communities healthy and thriving.
We do this partly by providing high quality health care, counselling, and health education that families can turn to when things are tough. Thousands of children come through the doors of our hospital each year.
Where we are seeing long-term, transformational, sustainable change however, is through our Village Health Leaders. We partner with a community to elect a team of locals. This team is equipped to identify barriers to well-being, shift household behaviour, advocate for better services, and assist their communities to become healthier.
Lauben’s local community is supported by Village Health Leader, Fiona.
“Previously, at least every month a member from my household would get sick, something that took a lot of money for treatment,’ says Lauben. “Practices in my family have changed with the help of Fiona – every month she comes to my home to advise us on different health issues and checks our home hygiene.”
This End of Financial Year, we are inviting you to invest in this transforming work led by Village Health Leaders like Fiona. Help us roll out this program in more communities:
$50 Provides a month of support for a Village Health Leader
$100 Provides start up capital to begin a Village Health Program in a new area
$500 Funds MH staff to travel to remote locations to equip Village Health Leaders
$3000 Covers the full 12-month costs of a community-wide Village Health Program
To give a tax-deductible donation, <click here > or head to https://maranathahealth.org/give/eofy-appeal and support Maranatha Health this End of Financial Year!
Office News
Give Away: desk, in good condition, 121x121cm. Please contact Dorothy Buscumb to arrange collection, on 0401 665 003.
Correction: In last week’s Weekly News we announced that Kathlene Wilson had retired. This is incorrect; she has been reassigned. The News apologies for this error. Ed.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,
my Saviour and my God.”
Psalm 42:5,11
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.
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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
