Para Vista Lutheran Church

“Bringing the majesty of God down to earth” will explore how God can seem distant and out of reach (and how we can contribute to that) but how he is revealed in ‘down to earth' ways. Pastor Stephen Schultz Bible Reading: Psalm 8 (NLT)

“Bringing the majesty of God down to earth” will explore how God can seem distant and out of reach (and how we can contribute to that) but how he is revealed in ‘down to earth' ways. Pastor Stephen Schultz Bible Reading: Psalm 8 (NLT)

There are many misconceptions about what it means to live in this world as a Christian—one of those is what it means to be a truly “Spirit-filled” Christian. This teaching says that if you are really “Spirit-filled,” you will have a faith that never wavers, that your problems will be few, and even when they come, no matter what happens in your life, you will be steadfast and able to overcome it all. For many that's called living a “victorious Christian life.” But if that is what living in this world as a Christian means, I'm afraid I will never achieve it. Are you like me? Are you often weak, tired, struggling, doubting, wondering? If so, today is for you—Pentecost is for you—for Pentecost teaches what “a victorious Christian life” really looks like, and, best of all, to give that life and victory to you. Living a victorious Christian life is not something you can do at all—the victory has already been won! The victory is what we have been celebrating the entire Easter season—that Jesus' death and resurrection is our victory over sin, death, and the devil. Pentecost is about Holy Spirit “taking Jesus' victory and giving it to you”—it's about living “a victorious Christian life” not apart from but in the glory of the cross. Pastor Wayne Kerber Bible Reading: Acts 2: 1-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (NLT)

There are many misconceptions about what it means to live in this world as a Christian—one of those is what it means to be a truly “Spirit-filled” Christian. This teaching says that if you are really “Spirit-filled,” you will have a faith that never wavers, that your problems will be few, and even when they come, no matter what happens in your life, you will be steadfast and able to overcome it all. For many that's called living a “victorious Christian life.” But if that is what living in this world as a Christian means, I'm afraid I will never achieve it. Are you like me? Are you often weak, tired, struggling, doubting, wondering? If so, today is for you—Pentecost is for you—for Pentecost teaches what “a victorious Christian life” really looks like, and, best of all, to give that life and victory to you. Living a victorious Christian life is not something you can do at all—the victory has already been won! The victory is what we have been celebrating the entire Easter season—that Jesus' death and resurrection is our victory over sin, death, and the devil. Pentecost is about Holy Spirit “taking Jesus' victory and giving it to you”—it's about living “a victorious Christian life” not apart from but in the glory of the cross. Pastor Wayne Kerber Bible Reading: Acts 2: 1-21, John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (NLT)

Have you ever been invited for a meal with someone important? I mean, really important. A normal human being would RSVP without question, get very excited, get well dressed and be early with a large appetite and wide eyes. In this message you will receive such an invitation. Listen carefully for the invitation and conditions and be ready to RSVP. Your host is imminently important, and only “RSVP'ers” will be permitted. It's an opportunity not to be missed, with ongoing contact.  

Have you ever been invited for a meal with someone important? I mean, really important. A normal human being would RSVP without question, get very excited, get well dressed and be early with a large appetite and wide eyes. In this message you will receive such an invitation. Listen carefully for the invitation and conditions and be ready to RSVP. Your host is imminently important, and only “RSVP'ers” will be permitted. It's an opportunity not to be missed, with ongoing contact.

The Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us so that we might have life in all its fullness. But as Jesus said, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” Therefore, we are called to join the Good Shepherd in his mission to his world. He sends us out with good news to people in whom he is already at work, so that we may speak with them, and they may hear our Good Shepherd's voice, not just ours. It doesn't depend on us. Jesus is already engaged in his mission to his world. He graciously calls us and invites us to join him. Pastor Steen Olsen Bible Reading: John 10:11-18 (NLT)

The Good Shepherd has laid down his life for us so that we might have life in all its fullness. But as Jesus said, “I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice.” Therefore, we are called to join the Good Shepherd in his mission to his world. He sends us out with good news to people in whom he is already at work, so that we may speak with them, and they may hear our Good Shepherd's voice, not just ours. It doesn't depend on us. Jesus is already engaged in his mission to his world. He graciously calls us and invites us to join him. Pastor Steen Olsen Bible Reading: John 10:11-18 (NLT)

This week we hear from Ben Rowe, founder of Streetlight Community. Explore how God calls us to meet people where they are at and the blessings which flow - both to those being ministered to and those sharing God's love as we have been called to do. Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 16:7 and Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

This week we hear from Ben Rowe, founder of Streetlight Community. Explore how God calls us to meet people where they are at and the blessings which flow - both to those being ministered to and those sharing God's love as we have been called to do. Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 16:7 and Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

The central message of the miracle of Jesus walking on the water is to show that Jesus is truly God. Jesus is further revealing his divinity to the disciples and instead of calming their fears it increases them. Together we will explore: • How Jesus sees us in our struggles even when we may not be aware of it. • How we can miss who Jesus is and what he is up to in lives, especially when we are struggling to make headway. • How Jesus doesn't rescue us from our struggles but promises to be with us to get us through them. Pastor Noel Kluge Bible Readings: Exodus 33:12-20; 34:5-8 and Mark 6:45-56 (NIV)

The central message of the miracle of Jesus walking on the water is to show that Jesus is truly God. Jesus is further revealing his divinity to the disciples and instead of calming their fears it increases them. Together we will explore: • How Jesus sees us in our struggles even when we may not be aware of it. • How we can miss who Jesus is and what he is up to in lives, especially when we are struggling to make headway. • How Jesus doesn't rescue us from our struggles but promises to be with us to get us through them. Pastor Noel Kluge Bible Readings: Exodus 33:12-20; 34:5-8 and Mark 6:45-56 (NIV)

Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another as I have loved you”. How do you think people see Christians? As judgemental, opinionated, old fashioned, and hypocritical; or as caring, loving, kind, honest, and faithful. Now that's a good question for us to consider! Pastor Paul Fielke Bible Readings: John 13:34-35 (NLT)

Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another as I have loved you”. How do you think people see Christians? As judgemental, opinionated, old fashioned, and hypocritical; or as caring, loving, kind, honest, and faithful. Now that's a good question for us to consider! Pastor Paul Fielke Bible Readings: John 13:34-35 (NLT)

We all love or dream of going to that flash restaurant and being waited on hand and foot or to perhaps a resort where you just have to relax and enjoy the spa and massage. That's a service we can buy. But what about when we have to give that service? How do we react when we have to give service for no compensation even when it may cost us. This week's theme is blessed to serve. Wikipedia describes blessing as ‘a religious pronouncement that imparts grace, holiness, or divine will. I get to share how service gets turned into blessing in two ways. Stephen Zanker Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:4-6 (NLT) and 2 Corinthians 1 3-7 (Message)

We all love or dream of going to that flash restaurant and being waited on hand and foot or to perhaps a resort where you just have to relax and enjoy the spa and massage. That's a service we can buy. But what about when we have to give that service? How do we react when we have to give service for no compensation even when it may cost us. This week's theme is blessed to serve. Wikipedia describes blessing as ‘a religious pronouncement that imparts grace, holiness, or divine will. I get to share how service gets turned into blessing in two ways. Stephen Zanker Bible Readings: 1 Corinthians 1:4-6 (NLT) and 2 Corinthians 1 3-7 (Message)

An Easter message from Bishop Andrew Brook. The God of second chances was at work at the first Easter, and he still is today, in our lives... For God so loves the world.

An Easter message from Bishop Andrew Brook. The God of second chances was at work at the first Easter, and he still is today, in our lives... For God so loves the world. Cover Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash.  

This Sunday is called Palm Sunday in the life of the church—how Jesus came to be king, but by Good Friday, five days later, the crowd discovered that Jesus was not going to be the king they wanted: a political king, a bread king, a miracle king—and so they started to chant softly at first but then building to a crescendo crying out: “Crucify him, Crucify him, Crucify him”. This Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday. It's the beginning of Passion Week that is 8 days long, lasting to Easter Sunday. When you hear the word or think of the word “passion”, what word, picture, or memory comes to mind? Now the examples you have in mind may not reflect what the Bible says about this word—the Latin word comes from “passion” or “passum” and it means to endure suffering and pain—now does that put a whole new meaning on the word for you? I look forward to sharing more about this when we dwell on the word with the theme: “Jesus' Suffering = Second Chances”. Pastor Wayne Kerber Bible Reading: Luke 23:1-26, Luke 23:32-47 (NIV)

This Sunday is called Palm Sunday in the life of the church—how Jesus came to be king, but by Good Friday, five days later, the crowd discovered that Jesus was not going to be the king they wanted: a political king, a bread king, a miracle king—and so they started to chant softly at first but then building to a crescendo crying out: “Crucify him, Crucify him, Crucify him”. This Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday. It's the beginning of Passion Week that is 8 days long, lasting to Easter Sunday. When you hear the word or think of the word “passion”, what word, picture, or memory comes to mind? Now the examples you have in mind may not reflect what the Bible says about this word—the Latin word comes from “passion” or “passum” and it means to endure suffering and pain—now does that put a whole new meaning on the word for you? I look forward to sharing more about this when we dwell on the word with the theme: “Jesus' Suffering = Second Chances”. Pastor Wayne Kerber Bible Reading: Luke 23:1-26, Luke 23:32-47 (NIV)

In the anointing at the house of Lazarus, Mary's and Judas' actions contrast two forms of love. One was extravagantly generous while the other echoed the world of social obligation. But Mary did not only anoint Jesus once. The first time had perfume filling a room during a celebration for the return of Lazarus. The second time, Mary helped anoint Jesus' body as it lay in a tomb. The two separate events were separated by just 5 days, not enough time for the apostles to fully assimilate what Jesus said about - being lifted up on a cross so that He might attract people to Himself (John 12:32). This passage causes us to reflect on the contrast of extravagantly devotion with a critical and selfish response. For Jesus has given us permission to honour Him in extravagant ways. Pastor Chris McAleer Bible Reading: John 12:1-8 (NIV)

In the anointing at the house of Lazarus, Mary's and Judas' actions contrast two forms of love. One was extravagantly generous while the other echoed the world of social obligation. But Mary did not only anoint Jesus once. The first time had perfume filling a room during a celebration for the return of Lazarus. The second time, Mary helped anoint Jesus' body as it lay in a tomb. The two separate events were separated by just 5 days, not enough time for the apostles to fully assimilate what Jesus said about - being lifted up on a cross so that He might attract people to Himself (John 12:32). This passage causes us to reflect on the contrast of extravagantly devotion with a critical and selfish response. For Jesus has given us permission to honour Him in extravagant ways. Pastor Chris McAleer Bible Reading: John 12:1-8 (NIV)

God's desire was for the world to be inhabited by people created in His image. Today's Bible verse in Genesis 3:15 sets up the ongoing conflict between good and evil. The "offspring" of the woman is interpreted by many Christians as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat Satan (symbolized by crushing his head), though Satan would cause suffering (striking the heel). This passage points toward God's promise of salvation through Christ. Pastor Paul Newsham Bible Reading: Luke 24: 25 –28 (NLT)

God's desire was for the world to be inhabited by people created in His image. Today's Bible verse in Genesis 3:15 sets up the ongoing conflict between good and evil. The "offspring" of the woman is interpreted by many Christians as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat Satan (symbolized by crushing his head), though Satan would cause suffering (striking the heel). This passage points toward God's promise of salvation through Christ. Pastor Paul Newsham Bible Reading: Luke 24: 25 –28 (NLT)

Music, it's a part of our day to day lives. We sing songs each Sunday in worship, but how much attention do we actually pay to them? How often do we break down what a song is telling us? How often do we let music guide our lives? This Sunday we explore how music affects, feeds, and sustains our lives. James Przibilla Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 16:16, 1 Chronicles 13:8, Psalm 33:3, Psalm 98: 4-6, Psalm 100:1-2 (NLT)

Music, it's a part of our day to day lives. We sing songs each Sunday in worship, but how much attention do we actually pay to them? How often do we break down what a song is telling us? How often do we let music guide our lives? This Sunday we explore how music affects, feeds, and sustains our lives. James Przibilla Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 16:16, 1 Chronicles 13:8, Psalm 33:3, Psalm 98: 4-6, Psalm 100:1-2 (NLT)

Life constantly requires choices. Some of these are insignificant, while others are important and may actually shape our future. God understands human beings, he understands us, and so in critical moments he encourages us to CHOOSE LIFE. And as we go through our Christian lives God reminds us that we are his people and that he will always look after us. And he constantly challenges us to follow him and to always Choose Life. Pastor Paul Fielke Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (NLT)

Life constantly requires choices. Some of these are insignificant, while others are important and may actually shape our future. God understands human beings, he understands us, and so in critical moments he encourages us to CHOOSE LIFE. And as we go through our Christian lives God reminds us that we are his people and that he will always look after us. And he constantly challenges us to follow him and to always Choose Life. Pastor Paul Fielke Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (NLT)

Just as Jesus resisted the devil's temptations by relying on God's Word, we are called to stand firm by grounding ourselves in Scripture. We should trust Him to provide for our needs. Ultimately, today's Bible reading encourages us to rely on God, stay connected to His Word, and resist the temptations that seek to draw us away from Him. Pastor David Christian Bible Reading: Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)

Just as Jesus resisted the devil's temptations by relying on God's Word, we are called to stand firm by grounding ourselves in Scripture. We should trust Him to provide for our needs. Ultimately, today's Bible reading encourages us to rely on God, stay connected to His Word, and resist the temptations that seek to draw us away from Him. Pastor David Christian Bible Reading: Luke 4:1-13 (NLT)

After His transfiguration, Jesus knew that His return to heaven was near. It was entirely human for Him to express frustration with those who failed to listen and follow Him, including His closest followers. Jesus had a message for a church in Revelation 3:1-2. "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” God wants our faith to be alive, growing and thriving, not dormant or shrinking! Chris McAleer Bible Reading: Luke 9:28-43a (NLT)

After His transfiguration, Jesus knew that His return to heaven was near. It was entirely human for Him to express frustration with those who failed to listen and follow Him, including His closest followers. Jesus had a message for a church in Revelation 3:1-2. "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” God wants our faith to be alive, growing and thriving, not dormant or shrinking! Chris McAleer Bible Reading: Luke 9:28-43a (NLT)

A video message by Pastor Noel Kluge. “The parable of the Sower” in Mark 4 is one of Jesus' most well-known parables. The parable and explanation are so well known that we can be tempted to pass over it with very little thought.  Interestingly, Jesus warns us to do the exact opposite.  “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (4:9) “Consider carefully what you hear.” (4:24) This week we will take a fresh look at this parable and consider carefully what Jesus is saying here.  What did this parable mean for those who heard it for the first time?  Why did Jesus only explain the parable to the disciples and a few around him and not the whole crowd?  What did Jesus mean when he quoted Isaiah 6 saying, “they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding”?  Who are the outsiders?  Who are the insiders?  What does this parable mean for us  today?  All these questions and more will be tackled as we dig into this well-known parable.

A message by Pastor Noel Kluge. “The parable of the Sower” in Mark 4 is one of Jesus' most well-known parables. The parable and explanation are so well known that we can be tempted to pass over it with very little thought.  Interestingly, Jesus warns us to do the exact opposite.  “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (4:9) “Consider carefully what you hear.” (4:24) This week we will take a fresh look at this parable and consider carefully what Jesus is saying here.  What did this parable mean for those who heard it for the first time?  Why did Jesus only explain the parable to the disciples and a few around him and not the whole crowd?  What did Jesus mean when he quoted Isaiah 6 saying, “they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding”?  Who are the outsiders?  Who are the insiders?  What does this parable mean for us  today?  All these questions and more will be tackled as we dig into this well-known parable.

Luke has Jesus delivering a message about “principles of eternity,” which are not beyond the capacity of human beings to put into practice—practical principles—not just ideals—when Jesus speaks like this, He can be dismissed as a mere spiritual guru. Yet, Jesus is more than a spiritual guru—for He did not withdraw from the world, except to go on “retreat” occasionally—but He entered into this world and embraced human life in all aspects of it—and speaking from His own experience, He spoke from a vision of eternity and a vision of reality. Having the perspective and the experience of both worlds, we can trust Jesus' vision and version of reality a whole lot more than we trust our own or anybody else's version of reality. Jesus has given us the story of life—a story of opposites—a story of eternity principles—a story of freedom. Pastor Wayne Kerber Bible Reading: Luke 6:17-26 (NLT)

Luke has Jesus delivering a message about “principles of eternity,” which are not beyond the capacity of human beings to put into practice—practical principles—not just ideals—when Jesus speaks like this, He can be dismissed as a mere spiritual guru. Yet, Jesus is more than a spiritual guru—for He did not withdraw from the world, except to go on “retreat” occasionally—but He entered into this world and embraced human life in all aspects of it—and speaking from His own experience, He spoke from a vision of eternity and a vision of reality. Having the perspective and the experience of both worlds, we can trust Jesus' vision and version of reality a whole lot more than we trust our own or anybody else's version of reality. Jesus has given us the story of life—a story of opposites—a story of eternity principles—a story of freedom. Pastor Wayne Kerber Bible Reading: Luke 6:17-26 (NLT)

Does God love the unlovable - and if so, in what ways are we loving them too? Pastor Montaz Ali (Prison Fellowship Mission) Bible Reading: Jonah 4 (NIV)

Does God love the unlovable - and if so, in what ways are we loving them too? Pastor Montaz Ali (Prison Fellowship Mission) Bible Reading: Jonah 4 (NIV)

Change is all around us; changing cultural and societal expectations, social cues and language that is now deemed offensive, technological changes that leave us baffled. What does God's Word tell us in the 21st Century as we deal with all these changes. Pastor Stephen Abraham Bible Readings: Isaiah 43:18-19 and Ecclesiastes 3.1-7 (NLT)

Change is all around us; changing cultural and societal expectations, social cues and language that is now deemed offensive, technological changes that leave us baffled. What does God's Word tell us in the 21st Century as we deal with all these changes. Pastor Stephen Abraham Bible Readings: Isaiah 43:18-19 and Ecclesiastes 3.1-7 (NLT)

The theme is how we see each other through the eyes of baptism when we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit – life and salvation. Bishop Paul Smith Bible Readings: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a (NLT)

The theme is how we see each other through the eyes of baptism when we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit – life and salvation. Bishop Paul Smith Bible Readings: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a (NLT)

A pre-recorded audio message from Pastor Rob Schubert. A disciple is like a student who dedicates their life to learning from their teacher, striving to emulate their wisdom and actions. In the story of Peter, we see this devotion in action as he faces a storm and chooses to step out of the boat, trusting that Jesus can make the impossible possible. Although his faith wavers and he begins to sink, Jesus immediately reaches out to lift him up. Are you ready to take the risk and step out of your comfort zone, trusting that with faith, the impossible becomes possible?  

A pre-recorded video message from Pastor Rob Schubert. A disciple is like a student who dedicates their life to learning from their teacher, striving to emulate their wisdom and actions. In the story of Peter, we see this devotion in action as he faces a storm and chooses to step out of the boat, trusting that Jesus can make the impossible possible. Although his faith wavers and he begins to sink, Jesus immediately reaches out to lift him up. Are you ready to take the risk and step out of your comfort zone, trusting that with faith, the impossible becomes possible?  

Have you ever heard of a guy called Melchizedek? Who is he, and why is he important? What is his connection to Jesus? How does that apply to our lives? Pastor Paul Newsham Bible Readings: Luke 24:25-28, Genesis 14:17-20 (NLT)

Have you ever heard of a guy called Melchizedek? Who is he, and why is he important? What is his connection to Jesus? How does that apply to our lives? Pastor Paul Newsham Bible Readings: Luke 24:25-28, Genesis 14:17-20 (NLT)

An audio message from Pastor Steen Olsen. Title photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash.

A message from Pastor Steen Olsen. Title photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash.

A message from Pastor Wayne Kerber. See how we can experience the hope we have in Jesus' birth. Title photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.  

An audio message from Pastor Wayne Kerber. Hear how we can experience the hope we have in Jesus' birth. Title photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.  

Come and hear Jim Patterson's encouraging and inspiring story of faith. Bible Reading: Romans 12:2 (NLT)