Wildly Unpopular

Then a man with leprosy came to Jesus and on his knees begged him: ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ ~Mark 1:40

The man with leprosy displays an incredible faith. He doesn’t say, ‘If you want to, I hope you can make me clean,’ or ‘As a last resort, I’ll see what you can do.’ No, his statement is of profound trust that he has encountered one who can truly bring restoration to his life.

Restoration, because he is wildly unpopular.

In the ancient world, nothing was known about mycobacterium leprae. The only remedy to keep the population safe was to isolate lepers from the rest of the community, casting them out and away, so that the majority could remain distanced from the sickness. If, perchance, someone were healed, they had to go to the priest and test negative for the disease before they were allowed back into society.

And it was most assuredly longer than fourteen days.

As we journey with the Mark’s account of Jesus journey with the man who had leprosy, think of the ways that the 1st century disease of leprosy crosses paths with the Coronavirus. What are the similarities? How does Jesus treat him? How does he deal with us and what is our response in this world of spiritual leprosy?

Enjoy reading the wildly popular account in Mark 1:40-45.

Pr Reid Matthias

Bible Reading: Mark 1:40-45

Grow Team Sessions

What is the priority for Good Shepherd for the next ten years? It’s a question we all need to be asking ourselves, but we must wrestle with our own mission statement:

Reaching into the community with the Gospel so that all may know Jesus and worship him.

The question ensues – how is this best accomplished? One of the best ways is to go ‘old school,’ if you will.

Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, Lord, while I proclaim your power to another generation and your strength to all who are to come (Psalm 71:19).

The mission is accomplished through creating and sustaining loving, Christ-like intergenerational relationships. One of the tools that the Lutheran Church of Australia has at its disposal to share with congregations and communities, is Grow Coaching. This program is led by the Grow Ministries team and it gathers together churches to learn and share together how Psalm 71 works in the 21st century. In understanding the research of the 21st century church, Grow will pass on some tools for Good Shepherd to use as we connect with The Ark Lutheran Church in Salisbury and Immanuel Lutheran Church, North Adelaide. As we begin in this ‘cluster,’ our first connection points are Saturday, March 13, at Good Shepherd, 9:00-3:00 and Saturday, March 27 at The Ark in Salisbury.

March 13th is an exploratory option for anyone interested in learning more and to find passionate and willing people to be part of the Grow Team. Kathy Liebig will use her experience in ministry to lead Good Shepherd’s Grow Team. These are exciting times for Good Shepherd!

There is no cost to attending these sessions, but we want to have as many people as possible, to hear and be excited about the future.

Faith and Film – with Pr Reid Matthias

Due to the pandemic and the subsequent shift to home entertainment, the appetite for movies has risen sharply. Streaming services such as Disney +, Stan, and Netflix have opened pathways for more home movie entertainment than ever before.

Have you ever stopped to wonder: When do movies move to manipulation? How do movies motivate us? How are we shaped by the stories that we watch on the silver screen? How do film makers shape our worldview?

You may never have noticed how movies use music, cinematography, script and characterisations to get you to believe something that previously you may have never thought about.

In Faith and Film, you may begin to see how subtly and wonderfully movies push us to understand human nature and the ever-present spiritual themes which are in every film – sin and redemption, love and hate, broken relationships, hope and blessing. When our eyes are opened to how movie makers do this, we can never go back to viewing movies just as ‘entertainment.’

Faith and Film is open for 15+. (The topics discussed may include those of sensitive nature, but we will not be viewing specific offensive scenes).

Engaging Bible Studies – Leaders Wanted – with Pr Rolly and Hope Stahl

Think of a time when you shared in a Bible study that was so interesting that you couldn’t wait till next time.  What made it so engaging?

What makes a Bible study come to life?  How can we help people understand – and get excited about – the relevance of the Bible for everyday faith, life, and relationships?

As followers of Jesus, how does the Word of God shape us? And can we help one another to live out the Scriptures?

If you are interested in leading Bible studies, or helping a friend to get more out of the Bible, then come along.  We’ll explore God’s part and our part in preparing and leading a Bible study.  We’ll look at some important relational skills to facilitate group discussion.  And we’ll even try out a few short Bible studies.

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,

Insight, greater awareness, a ‘wow’ moment. Ever spent time with someone and think you know them? Then something happens and suddenly you have a greater appreciation than you had ever had before?

I’m sure that three of Jesus’ friends could relate. After spending so much time with Jesus, they had known him as their friend, teacher, mentor and healer among other things. In a moment their eyes were opened and their minds stretched to see him in a new, life changing way. God’s voice was heard: ‘This is my Son whom I love, listen to him.’ We call this story, ‘the Transfiguration of Jesus’. This week the GFH resource asks some questions for you, your family, your friends and neighbours to discuss.

Transform Youth (formerly known as Confirmation)

Here is an opportunity for young people aged 9 to 13 to meet together and learn about God and grow in their faith in community. Through games, activities and discussion, youth and leaders alike are encouraged and equipped to use their gifts and share their faith everywhere. We are having a Leaders and Parents meeting to dialogue about the purpose and function of Transform, and how we can partner together as a community to make this happen. We’ll connect in the school library on Sunday 28th February after the second service. All welcome!

Little Lambs

Little Lambs has returned! Parents and Grandparents with little ones aged 0-5 years are welcome to come along for activities, fun and fellowship. Just $2, from 9am Fridays in the Church Hall. Why not check us out? Tell your friends! We would love to see you!

Worship Leading

Calling people who are interested in Worship Leading at church! If this is something you, or you and your family are interested in, I’d love to chat with you. Please let me know!

God bless your week!
Georgie

Good Shepherd Social Club

Our 2021 year has commenced, and we gather together each Thursday 1pm-3.30pm in the Church Hall.

We welcome anyone that would be interested in coming to a free one-off introduction on any Thursday afternoon.

Activities include meeting other members, playing different card games or carpet bowls and enjoying coffee and a chat.

If you wish to join after your free one-off visit then the weekly fee is $3.00 per person.

Please contact Tom Curnow, President on 72254593 or 0400 258 410; or Mike Hancock, Vice President on 0403 375 474 with any inquiries.

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.

Craft Group

Did you know that there’s a craft group which meets on Thursday nights in the church complex?

This is not structured classes, but a ‘bring from home’ project. We work on different projects from knitting and sewing to mosaics and anything in between. Sometimes it’s more of a sit and chat time too.

We meet at 7.30 most weeks. Please feel free to come and check it out!

Library News

Books by the author Timothy Keller are on the spinner in the library. Feel free to borrow them following the instructions on the notice board.

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
In The Prodigal God, Timothy Keller uses the story of the prodigal son to shine a light on the central, beautiful message of Jesus: the gospel of grace, hope and salvation. He invites the reader to come to a new and totally life-changing understanding of the central message of the Christian faith.

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Scepticism
Timothy Keller uses reason, philosophy, and literature to make a compelling case for the rationality of belief in the Christian God. This book has been written for believers and non-believers, sceptics and churchgoers, and charts a brilliantly considered and impassioned path to Christianity.

King’s Cross: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God
Based on Mark’s Gospel, Timothy Keller takes a deep and thought-provoking look at the life of Christ. He describes Christ as ‘Unpredictable yet reliable, gentle yet powerful, authoritative yet humble, human yet divine.’

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
This is a book that will teach you to pray – and in doing so, will change your life.

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” Timothy Keller

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

Office News

Connect Cards

Have a prayer request, information to share, or need the church to contact you? Connect Cards are available near the front entrance of the church. Please fill one out if needed and place it in the offering bowl during the service.

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.

COVID-Safe Requirements

Anyone attending the premises (for whatever reason) is legally required to check-in using Covid-Safe QR Code or sign the visitor’s book with both name and contact number.  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

Electronic Deposits can be made to the bank account details at the bottom of the Weekly News, or Click on the GIVE button on our website.

For LLL REG (regular electronic giving): Download the form here, use the same bank details and email/post back to the address shown on the form.

Weekly News Submissions should be made by the Wednesday prior to Friday publication. 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.

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

Matthew 10:42

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