25th November 2018 Last Sunday of Church year

Transcription

1 25th November 2018 Last Sunday of Church year Welcome to this worshipping community this morning. We are glad you have been gathered by the Holy Spirit in the presence of Jesus under the great love of the Father for this hour. Today is the last Sunday of the Church s year. It is about the end of things and what that means for how we live now. I don t like being judged. I don t think anyone likes being judged, especially if the one judging you is misjudging you, or even if they are actually right. Either way, being judged is not much fun! Enter Jesus, the one who is proclaimed to be the final and full judge of all of us and this whole world. " the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son (John 5:22) He is the final judge of our attitudes, behaviours, actions and directions in life. This is not what a lot of people, including church people, want to hear. We tend to want the no judgement on anything kind of life where we can pretty much choose to do whatever we want without any negative or painful consequences. But just when you want this kind of freedom, we are hit with the constant barrage of harsh judgements on social media, painful conflicts at every level, unjust dealings all over the place, corrupt leaders and souldestroying evil at work. Maybe we actually need a final judge of everything after all? And how much the more if this Judge is not some stranger, some aloof unfeeling uninterested unaware judge with limited understanding and blind spots, but one that had placed himself under the full wrath of a holy God in our place and declared us free by faith in his grace. May you ponder the Judge of your life today and run to him for forgiveness and mercy so that you keep living in his hope that he will return and judge everything in just the right way. Pastor Adrian

2 Sunday 25th November Readings: Daniel 7:9, 10,13,14a, Revelation 1:4b-8, John 5: am Worship - Service of the Word am Worship with Holy Communion Kids Connect at both worship times 1.30 pm Annual General Meeting - St Petri Hall 5.00 pm Band Practice - Christmas on the Green Monday 26th November 9.45 am Toolbox Parenting Course Tuesday 27th November 9.30 am Coffee & Friendship Group meet in the Board Room of the office. Study from sermon notes. Next week - Old Testament prophecies to do with Christmas led by Pastor Vernon Kleinig. All Welcome! Wednesday 28th November 1.30 pm Guild Exec Meeting in the Board Room 6.45 pm (for 7pm start) Webinar Safeguarding Children (for those who have booked) Thursday 29th November pm Chat n Chill - Hand in Hand Family Centre 7.30 pm Shalom Singers Friday 30th November am Prayer for Messy Church, Hall 4.00 pm Messy Church - St Petri Hall This week at St Petri Saturday 1st December 8.30 am AV/IT Computer operator breakfast - Hall Sunday 2nd December - Jonathan Krause (Australian Lutheran World Service) Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 21: am Worship with Holy Communion am Worship - service of the Word GRACE CARDS: Australian Lutheran World Service The Grace Card has a photo of the gift and explains how it helps people, PLUS new this year is a quote from someone helped through ALWS. You simply give the Grace Card as your Christmas gift to family and friends. (Gifts of Grace are also tax deductible) 1) Choose as many Gifts of Grace as you like 2) Mail the Order Form or go to alws.org.au/grace or call ) Receive your fold-out Grace cards to give as gifts.

3 Diary Dates: Sunday 25th November - St Petri Lutheran Church Annual General Meeting 1.30 pm Petri Friday 30th November Wed 5th December Friday 7th December Sunday 9th December - Messy Church, St Petri Hall 4pm (prayer 11am) - Mid Week Holy Communion, St Petri Hall - HoOt Playgroup, St Petri Hall - Christmas on the Green nativity practice at St Petri Hall 3pm Sunday 16th December - Christmas on the Green (next to Bank SA) Monday 24th December - Christmas Eve worship 5.30 pm & 7.30 pm Tuesday 25th December - Christmas Day worship 9.30 am combined Saturday 9th February - St Petri Usher Training - 9am (Date On Christmas Day we will be offering coffee after worship for anyone who does not need to rush off (over in the hall). If you are planning on being there and would be able to assist us in organizing this, we would love to hear from you. Phone or admin@stpetri.org.au. Messy Church Friday 30 th November 4-6pm at St Petri Hall. Theme: Christmas. Many thanks for your donations of fritz, cheese, cupcakes etc. - we have enough offers for this now and request that you can bring these in to the hall by Friday lunchtime. 30th November. Thank you Sunday 16th December

4 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women This year the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women falls on Sunday 25th November. I encourage LCA congregations and members to recognise this day as a contribution to reducing the incidence of violence in all its forms. Acts of violence are widespread across society and they take many forms. It affects both women and men, and statistics show that women are four times more likely than men to be hospitalised as a result of intimate partner violence. In Australia, on average one woman is murdered each week by a present or former partner. In October this year, nine women were murdered, seven by intimate partners and the other two by men unknown to them. Such shocking statistics come despite years of awareness campaigns to expose domestic violence for the evil that it is. The incidence of domestic violence in New Zealand appears to be similar to that in Australia, possibly even higher (i). It s clear that the old Adam (ii) is still powerful, preventing such messages from having their desired effect (iii). Sadly, despite our faith in Christ, Christians are not exempt from domestic and family violence or abusive behaviour between couples. Worse, when victims of violence do find the courage to reveal their suffering, their cries can be ignored. Well-meaning counsellors can sometimes tell people to put up with it and stay in an abusive relationship, even telling them that it is somehow their fault. Pray God we should know better than to do that. Domestic violence is not just a curse for those within such relationships and families. It affects us all, right across our church and wider society. It doesn t fall into neat categories. Firstly, domestic violence isn t limited to people of a certain age, ethnicity, economic status or social class. Secondly, the whole of society pays the cost, for example by increased demand on emergency health services, the need for women s shelters, police call outs, court services and so on. Thirdly, each of us, by our personal behaviour, has the opportunity to play a part in stemming such violence and its false justifications by how we speak and relate to one another. The Bible contains many passages to help us understand what that means for daily life. The letter of James, for example reminds us of the power of words. A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse. A small rudder on a huge ship in the hands of a skilled captain sets a course in the face of the strongest winds. A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that. By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell. (James 3:3-6 The Message) Our speech can heal or harm, raise people up or condemn them. The words we choose are our contributions to harmony and health or chaos and evil. These days our speech also includes our written (or typed) communication what we say in text

5 messages, social media posts, s and blogs. Derogatory or violent talk among mates and work colleagues, or blogs and chatrooms, encourages people to excuse or tolerate violent talk. Such talk contributes directly to the spiral of violence, often perpetrated in private where people think no one will ever know. On the other hand, James continues, Real wisdom, God s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not twofaced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honour. (James 3:17-18 The Message) If, as Christians, we are serious about eliminating all forms of violence against women and men, we can, very simply, start with the way we talk to one another and about each other. Speech that comes from the love of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, will build up our intimate relationships, our families, our congregations, our church and our community. Prayers God of love, compassion and healing, on this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women we offer the following prayers: for women and girls who have experienced violent relationships, that they can find safety and healing from their trauma, and rebuild their lives; for the healing of children who have witnessed violence in their homes against their mothers and sisters and other family members; for individuals and organisations working to prevent violence against women and girls and which help survivors of violence, including the LCA s Hidden Hurts, Healing Hearts Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Campaign; for courage for men in particular to speak out against forms of expression that demean women or condone violence against them; that men and boys who have behaved violently towards women and girls will confess their sins, repent in meaningful ways, and seek whatever help they need to lead changed lives. Pastor John Henderson, Bishop, Lutheran Church of Australia Adelaide, 20th November 2018 I express my thanks for large parts of this message to Ian Rentsch, Coordinator of the LCA s Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Campaign. Domestic and family violence is all around us. Maybe it is happening within our own church. I AM A VICTIM-SURVIVOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (OR I KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS) It is not your fault. You do not have to stay with your partner. It is okay to leave. Find the courage to seek help. Call 1800 RESPECT ( , the 24 hour national counselling line), Lifeline Counselling (24 hours) or Kids helpline In an emergency call 000

6 Dave Anderson Final Aussie Concert With Roger Walck Join us for Praise and Worship Dave and Roger s music is a blend of contemporary, gospel, hymns, and lots of old-time Sunday school songs. The audience will be invited to sing along, but, as Dave says, So long as it s the same song! Sunday 10th February, pm Concert St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa Special opportunity to re-connect with Dave Anderson and for some of us to be privileged to hear him for the first time. Roger Walck will accompany Dave with singing and guitar. It is his first time touring with Dave in Australia. A group of USA friends will be with them and will require hosting here in the Barossa for two nights Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th February. For More Info or if you can help please phone Helen Thiele

7 Notice Board Blue Print Ministry Events SPIN Kids Camp for young people in years 4-6 (in 2018) Tuesday 8th - Friday 11th January, Camp Kedron, Barmera Registrations close 14/12/2018 (this camp fills up quickly) Renew young Adult Camp for young adults post high school Fri 8th Mon 11th February, Ankara, Walkers Flat Registrations close 28/01/ % off the registration cost is offered for those who have just completed year 12. Subsidies available through Blueprint Ministries. Growing Young Conference for congregations interested in helping young people discover and love church. Saturday 16th February, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista Based on the 6 essential strategies to help young people discover and love your church outlined in the book Growing young, co-authored by Jake Mulder who is the guest speaker. Churches are encouraged to attend as a group and develop the strategies that work for them following the conference. Don t miss it! Lutheran Women SA-NT Retreat Friday 18th - Sunday 20th January, 2019 Pass It On at Australian Lutheran College, North Adelaide Cost for weekend $150 inclusive of all meals Retreat Chaplain - Pastor Nigel Rosenzweig. Registration forms available from the office or at Ladies Guild. If you require transport, phone Ian Rosenzweig Friday 7th December Shed Happens Last gathering until Friday 1st February, At Wayne & Kaylene Rohrlach s 110 Belvedere 47 Murray Road, Street Nuriootpa Interviewing: Nuriootpa Nicolaas 5353 Voorendt 6.30 pm pm BBQ Cost $10 - BYO drinks & chairs info@thecottage.nuriparish.org Bring your mates for a great night out! More info: Wayne Rohrlach Greg Schubert or Viv Fiebiger Ministry of St Petri Lutheran Church, Nuriootpa Men s night out Pig on spit

8 Not ice Board Angaston Carols 2018 ANGASTON TOWN HALL Sunday 9th December 7.00 pm Featuring Valley Voices Choir, Marnanga Band and supporting artists. Offering to supporting local charities The Metropolitan Male Choir of SA presents Tidings of Comfort and Joy A Celebration of Christmas Saturday 1st December 2 pm St Pauls Lutheran Church, Tanunda Tickets only $20 Children under 12 free More information from mmcsa.org online tickets at Trybooking.com Available also from the Good Seed and at the door. You are invited to Open Garden Tropical Barossa Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December 10am 4pm both days Tea/coffee and cake: $ gold coin donation 5 Third Avenue, Tanunda (home of Mayann & Steve Angel) $5 Entry; all proceeds to Leukaemia Foundation Drive My Future - Friday 7th December Are you a learner driver and wish to join the Drive My Future Program to assist with you getting your 75 driving hours? Come along to our FREE information Session and Road Safety Presentation 11am - 1pm Vine Inn Barossa Community Hotel Murray Street, Nuriootpa To reserve your place hello@youthbarossa.com.au Phone or register via Youth Barossa faceboook page Food and drinks provided. Interviews to join the program will be conducted. Thursday, 6 December, 7.30pm. Organ-ic Flavours of Christmas St Nicholas Day Concert Barossa Regional Gallery, 3 Basedow Road, Tanunda Experience the organ-ic flavours of Christmas at the Town Hall with the Hill & Son Grand Organ. Featuring Christopher Trikilis - organ, the Tanunda Liedertafel, and some community carol singing, as we celebrate St Nicholas Day with a feast of beautiful music. Tickets: Adult $20, Children Free For information phone Steve Kaesler,

9 Open Hours Monday Friday Open 9:30am Closed 5.00 pm Saturday Open 9:30am Closed 12:00 The Cottage Christian Book & Gifts Shop 47 Murray Street Nuriootpa SA 5355 PH: Jewellery Sale Up to 20% off Jewellery Starts 9.30am : Saturday 24/11/18 Ends 12noon : Saturday 1/12/18 During November, the Family Centre will host Chat & Chill sessions after Thursday playgroup, from 12:30-1:30pm. The sessions will include a brief God time during a light lunch, followed by a chance to relax and chat while the kids play. Chat & Chill dates this term: November 15th and 29th. Thank You to all of our skilled honey biscuit makers who responded to the request to make these, your labour of love will bring joy!

10 Lutheran Women Subscriptions due now for 2019 Cost $10 for the year (6 publications) Keep up to date with what women are doing in their communities all around Australia Payment to Marlene Schubert or leave in an envelope at the office (by 31/12/18). LLL Calendars The 2019 calendars for LLL Account holders have arrived and you can pop into the office and pick up a copy. Gifts for Children for Christmas St Petri members have the opportunity to donate a gift to needy children this Christmas. You may purchase a NEW gift and place it in the trolley in the church foyer for this purpose. Collected gifts will be given to Hand in Hand and Lutheran Community Care. Share His love! Hand in Hand and HoOt going Potty If you happen to have any un-needed small to medium sized terracotta pots, they would be put to good use for a Hand in Hand and HoOt Christmas craft activity. Any condition except broken. Please drop them in to the office by Monday 26th November. St Petri Housing Association Unit Vacancy Third Street Nuriootpa. One of St Petri s low income affordable units will be available for rent shortly. If you are interested or know someone who is looking for accommodation, please contact Cornerstone Housing or Peter Lange Thank you To Rose Dadds for much help with typing and proof-reading of the book of reports for our AGM. I think Ken even helped a bit with this too! Vintage Festival Parade Registrations have opened for groups wishing to enter a float in the Vintage Festival Parade day on Saturday At this stage we are not calling for volunteers or ideas but for a small team of people who would like to take on the organization of this. If this is something that floats your boat please let us know, we would love to hear from you! Help St Petri Meet the Target - Tinned Ham LUTHERAN COMMUNITY CARE Christmas Hampers If you are able to donate, just pop them in the trolley in the church foyer or bring into the office please! Well over 300 hampers were packed by LCC - we don t expect we can donate that many, but let s see how many we can! Donations in by Friday 7th December please TOTAL 90

11 We Pray May God bless our AGM today. We thank him for our Governance leaders, for those who are new to this role, those continuing and those who have served our St Petri family faithfully in this way. May decisions be made which are part of your preferred and promised future for St Petri. We ask God to keep our young ones safe coming home from schoolies this weekend. We thank you God for The Green Team, other young folk who give up their time to help encourage positive ways of celebrating and staying safe. We pray for God s healing and peace for those of our church family who are ill, facing medical treatment or recovering from surgery - and those who care for them: Helen Walker, Lorna Vogt, Anna Hahn, Ruth Prescott, Glenda Schultz, Janet Harris, Barb Doecke, Roma Bray, Stella Schulz, Rosemary Angel, Val McCabe and Hehuni-Geri Tau We pray for our Church Family: John & Elizabeth RANGER, Stuart, Anne, Alison, Daniel & Ben ROENNFELDT, David & Louanne OBST, Judith ROSENZWEIG, Graeme & Chris RUWOLDT and Tracy SCHACHE. Recently Hehuni Geri Tau underwent an operation in the RAH. Hehuni is the brother of Rae and Michael Nietschke, members here at St Petri. Hehuni is a resident of PNG and therefore doesn t enjoy the health benefits we do via Medicare & health insurance. His medical and ongoing rehabilitation costs are out of pocket. Should any members be interested in assisting Hehuni please contact Michael Nietschke on The family do appreciate the prayer support that Hehuni has received over this difficult time Change to Phone Number Joyce Jenke no longer has a landline, please contact her on Contact Us... Office Rosie Edwards admin@stpetri.org.au 21 Second Street, Nuriootpa Open Mon-Fri 9AM 5PM Closed for lunch pm Phone Pastor Adrian Kitson Greg Schubert Peter Lange Rannane Zanker Sharon Green The Cottage f Website pastor@stpetri.org.au chair@stpetri.org.au businessmanager@stpetri.org.au familycentre@stpetri.org.au childyouthfamily@stpetri.org.au cottage@stpetri.org.au St Petri Lutheran Church stpetri.org.au

12 In Touch The Hand in Hand Family Centre offers a variety of programs and support services. Free to Write is a therapeutic writing group offering women a space to focus on themselves and explore their inner self and lives. Free to Write concludes for 2018 on Wednesday 5 th of December and resumes on 13 th of Feb Thankyou to Kerry Norman for her dedication to facilitate Free to Write and our creche volunteers. A participant recently commented that they felt the group had made them a better person than when I started. It s lovely to see people grow in confidence in their own self belief and personal strengths. We have a group called Happy Crafters that runs on a Wednesday when Free to Write isn t on. The dates for this group is: 12 th December 19 th December 16 th January 23 rd January 30 th January 6 th February This group goes from and doesn t provide a creche however children may come along under their parent s supervision. Chat & Chill is a new group providing a relaxed place to develop knowledge and a relationship with God whilst their children play. This group runs fortnightly on a Thursday during school term from pm. The last day for our family friendly group Connect and Play is 13 th Dec. We will be meeting back on the 31 st January. We have identified the need for Café Blinds for our undercover area outside. This would greatly improve this area offering shelter from the wind and cold thus the centre can be used year round. If you can contribute by making a donation for the café blinds it would be greatly appreciated. We are always looking for more volunteers especially for the creche. Being able to offer families the creche service allows parents to attend a parenting course or Free to Write. We have rostered volunteer positions as well as casual backup positions. Please make use of the suggestion box for the centre which is located at the back of the church it s a great way to get Rannane to contact you, register your interest for volunteering in the centre or anonymously raise a concern or make a suggestion. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the centre provides a way for families to connect with their children, other families and our volunteers. Building these relationships creates a foundation of respect and trust between the wider community and our church community and it is through this that we may continue our mission to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ. - Rannane Zanker, Hand in Hand Family Centre