Wild Life
They went into Capernaum and right away Jesus entered the synagogue and began to preach.
Mark 1:21
For the modern Lutheran, this seems really interesting. That anyone could wander in from the outside, walk to the front of the synagogue and take over is outside of the boundaries of tradition. Like most denominations, Lutherans have a set form and routine of what worship generally looks like: a few songs, some prayers, scripture verse and the sermon given by an ordained pastor/priest. But in this vivid scene, one of Mark’s first paintings of Jesus’s ministry in Galilee, Jesus enters synagogues, preaches and casts out demons. (1:23, 1:39)
This always struck me as odd, especially in verse 39: He went into all of Galilee preaching their synagogues and casting out demons. If I’m reading it correctly, it seems as if it was common for demons to be attracted to the synagogal gathering. What is it about this traditional place of worship that the evil one needs to be present? What does the evil one desire? (1:24)
(The people) were astonished because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes. (1:22)
I wonder what Jesus’s sermon was when he stepped to the front of the synagogue. What did he say that had people astonished? Was it anything like Luke’s relating of Jesus’s entry into the synagogue (Luke 4) where Jesus said, ‘Today, as you listened, the scripture has been fulfilled.’?
The people were happy. The scribes were offended. The demons were afraid.
What does that mean for us today?
Pr. Reid Matthias
Bible Reading: Mark 1:21-28
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.
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Families,
This week Growing Faith at Home talks about ‘Jesus the Teacher’. Jesus taught so many helpful things that positively impact our lives and relationships. Can you think of one message that is especially meaningful to you?
God bless,
Georgie
Transform Youth
Here is an opportunity to invest in the faith lives of our young people! We’d love the opportunity to connect with you and see how we might be able to collectively use our gifts and talents to mentor, nurture and serve this year’s Transform Youth group. When? Sunday 7th February after the service. Lunch provided. (Just let us know beforehand for catering purposes.) georgie.schuster@paravista.org.au or mardidk@gmail.com
Blessings,
Georgie
Little Lambs
Little Lambs will be returning soon! If you would like to join our team, I would love to have a chat with you. Investing in the lives of families with young children, and watching Little Lambs enjoy playtime together in a Christian environment is a wonderful opportunity to be involved in.
A few ladies will be meeting next Friday morning (Feb 5) to talk about Little Lambs for the year. You are most welcome to attend. Little Lambs will begin the following week, Feb 12.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Blessings,
Georgie
Having Your Child Baptised
Having Your Child Baptised is a short course to help parents and families prepare for their first baptism at Good Shepherd.
Our next course commences Tuesday February 9th at 7:30pm at Good Shepherd, continuing the next two Tuesday evenings (Feb 16, 23).
For more info and how to register: https://paravista.org.au/contact-us/baptism/
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/boctn or michael.dutschke@lca.org.au
Ladies’ Fellowship is Back!
We welcome all ladies from the congregation to come to the first meeting for the year. It will be at 12 Noon, in the hall on Tuesday 2nd February.
Please bring your own lunch and pen (we are updating our records). You will need to sign in and sanitise upon arrival. Please do not come if unwell. Apologies can be sent to Di on 0409 820 448.
Renew Young Adults Camp
RENEW Young Adults Camp is a Christian camp for young adults in the SA-NT District. Special discounts are available for year 12 school leaders in 2020. It aims to provide a welcoming, safe and fun Christian environment for the young people of our communities to gather in Christian fellowship, refresh after a busy Christmas and New Year season and prepare for a year of study or work, and network with Christian friends their own age. Young people of all backgrounds are welcome, from people who have been regularly worshipping members of a church community for many years to those who have never set foot in a church before.
RENEW is administered by the Lutheran Church of Australia, SA-NT District. Members of all denominational backgrounds are very welcome and encouraged to attend and participate.
For more information head to https://www.blueprintministries.org.au/camps/renew-2/ Here you can register for camp, and find promotional material for camp to invite your friends!
New Units at FLH Good Shepherd Para Vista – Effie Court
Five new retirement living units are nearing completion at Effie Court, FLH Good Shepherd Para Vista! For expressions of interest or to find out more information, go to Vacancies | Fullarton Lutheran Homes (flh.asn.au), or you can call Shannon O’Malley on 8372 3495. There are also plans and expression of interest forms on the noticeboard in the café area.
Lost Property
Missing something? Lost property is accumulating! Take a look and see if any of it is yours: it is located on the shelves near the Parenting Room and women’s toilets.
Time Out Devotionals
There is one Time Out Devotional left. If you would like it, it can be paid for ($25) and collected from the Church Office.
Office News
Financial Assistance Update – Arsha
Your financial assistance for Arsha Noroozi in his quest for permanent residency in Australia has been outstanding. The first of three payments to his legal team has been made thanks to your willingness to support him. Donations of support can still be made in the following ways:
Electronic Funds Transfer
BSB: 704 942
Acct: 100713424
Acct Name: Para Vista Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Operating
Reference: ARSHA
Cash donation: Place in an envelope marked with ARSHA (we have Mission Vision Ministry Support envelopes available in the office or the ushers’ desks), either handed into the office or placed in a collection bowl after service.
Restrictions for fruit fly affected areas.
To help South Australia fight fruit fly becoming an established pest, movement restrictions apply until at least Thursday 15 April 2021. Members are requested not to bring fresh fruit into the church for distribution as we are located in a suspension area. Please check the PIRSA website before moving any fruit.
COVID-Safe Requirements.
The church is required to comply with current Covid-19 restrictions as mandated by the State Government. From 1st December the updated plan requires us to display a location-unique QR Code. Anyone attending the premises (for whatever reason) is legally required to check-in using this QR Code. If you do not have the ability to check in using this code you are required to sign the visitors’ book with your name and telephone number. Please note the telephone number must be written on the sheet if you are registering your attendance in this manner. Please respect the safety of staff and others by complying with current social distancing regulations.
COVID-Safe Sunday Services
Please remember to maintain 1.5m distance when entering the building, attending communion and getting served tea & coffee. White floor markings are placed at 1.5m to assist you.
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.
“So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him.”
John 5:16
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
