Wild Possibilities
What comes to mind when I mention “the fab four”?
For me, it’s The Beatles. Most of my life I have known, played, and sang their songs. Whether or not you know their music, these four chaps from Liverpool England changed pop music culture forever. Yes, there was rock n’ roll before The Beatles. Afterwards the pop music genre was much broader, and the influence more global.
I know one member of Good Shepherd who welcomed and waved to The Beatles when they arrived here in Adelaide on June 12th 1964. Apparently about 300,000 fans lined the roads from the airport to the city hall.
I wonder: Who is your favourite Beatle? For me, it’s Paul McCartney. It’s not just because of his musical genius. I appreciated how he continued his musical creativity and career ever since The Beatles split up. And having watched Paul in numerous interviews, he comes across as likeable, intelligent and grounded.
Jesus called a bunch of 12 blokes to become his disciples.1 In Sunday’s Bible reading, we discover the first four of them: brothers Peter and Andrew; and brothers James and John. They could also be called “the fab four” – because in all the listings of the 12, they are mentioned first.2
Peter, James and John were present with Jesus when he raised the daughter of Jairus back to life again; at Jesus’ transfiguration; and nearby when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. These three were Jesus’ “inner circle” – who later became pillars of the early Christian community.
Andrew was also present at significant times,3 but there is much less written about him. After Jesus’ resurrection, the last mention of Andrew in the Bible is in Acts 1:13 – as one of the 11 remaining apostles.
I wonder: What stories did Andrew have about his experiences with Jesus?
And: What were the wild possibilities of “the fab four” during their time with Jesus – and afterwards?
This Sunday I invite you to come along to explore Andrew’s story with me!
Shalom!
Pr Rolly Stahl
1 Yes, at times women were also part of the group! (Lk 8:1-3). 2 In Matthew 10:2 and Luke 6:14, the order is Peter, Andrew, James, John...In Mark 3:16-18 and Acts 1:13, the order is Peter, James, John, Andrew… 3 See John 1:35-42, 6:8-9, 12:22, Mark 13:3 – as well as whenever The Twelve are mentioned, e.g. 20:24.
Bible Reading: Mark 1:14-20 (see also John 1:35-42)
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.
Come and See Opportunities
Some exciting things to ‘Come and See!’
- Over the last months, Good Shepherd Primary School has opened up the doors to the gym for young adults and high school youth alike to do various activities, whether playing basketball, volleyball or even dancing. These happen on Tuesday nights, beginning at 7:00 pm (unless the school is using the gym). If you would like more information, contact Greta Matthias.
- Transform Youth are going to begin again starting in February! Transform, due to many different reasons, is shortening to two years and three or four sessions per term which allows flexibility in schedule and more opportunities for parents to engage with faith discussions at home. If you, or someone you know, have youth ages 9-13 (we can be flexible, too) who would like to come and see what Transform is about, there will be a parent meeting on February 28. See Georgie for details.
- To underpin how ministry is done across the board at Good Shepherd, we’ll be looking at how the Christian faith is experienced and passed on (come and see!) across generations. All of us would have had at least one person who stuck with us on the faith journey and it’s good to recognise how this works in practicality in churches. We’ve been invited by Grow Ministries to connect with two other churches (Immanuel Lutheran, North Adelaide and The Ark, Salisbury) to explore how this looks. All are invited for our first Introduction to intergenerational faith-building on March 13, here at Good Shepherd.
- The Social Club continues to meet on Thursday afternoons for fellowship and conversation. There are two carpet bowls rolled out and various tables of cards, RummyO or bring your own game. Coffee and tea are available. 1:00 – 3:00 in the Good Shepherd Hall.
- As we explore new ways to communicate the Christian faith, we’d love to hear some of your stories about people who have instrumental on your journey. If you feel comfortable being interviewed or even writing down your stories, we’d love to hear them. Please contact Reid for details.
- Our devotionals through Good Shepherd will begin in February. Looking forward to hearing how faith is expressed through these. We’ll keep you updated.
Having Your Child Baptised
Having Your Child Bap
tised 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/
Grow Ministries Faith at Home
Dear Church Families,
Imagine meeting Jesus face to face and talking with him. Then he looks you right in the eye and deep into your soul and says the words “Follow me”. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. We know so much of Jesus through the Bible. His conversations with people, His love, His miracles, His death and resurrection… Andrew, Simon Peter, James and John knew comparatively little when they left their fishing nets and began a brand new chapter in their lives as they followed Him. Have a look at this week’s GFH resource for ideas to share with your loved ones as you unpack this adventurous topic.
By the way, I’m placing a printed copy of this week’s GFH resource in the black activity folders on Sunday. Take them home, check it out and let me know what you think!
Blessings, 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.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Blessings,
Georgie
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
Calling all Netballers!
Our church netball team needs more players and also people who may be able to fill in on odd weeks. You would not be required to play every game. The games vary from a 6:30-10:15pm start at Golden Grove Recreation Centre and it is open to anyone who is 15 years old and over. If you are interested, contact Jane Jericho, on 0414 634 719.
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
The response to the request on Sunday to assist Arsha Noroozi in his quest for permanent residency in Australia has been encouraging. Donations received to 31 December 2020 have reached the $8,640 figure. This will go a long way towards helping him to present his case to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. Donations of support can still be done in the following ways:
Electronic Funds Transfer
BSB: 704 942
Acct: 100713424
Acct Name: Para Vista Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Operating
Reference: ARSHA
Cash Donations
Place in an envelope marked 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 the service.
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.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”
Matt 28:19
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
