Para Vista Lutheran Church

What is Jesus' heart for people? I'm wondering if words like 'love', 'care' and 'relationship' are popping into your mind right now... But how might he want to deliver these gifts to 'the people'. Through you and me perhaps? But what if the people aren't friendly? What if they don't see things the way you and I do? What if they don't respond in what we deem as an appropriate way? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible reading: Luke 10:25-37 (NLT)

What is Jesus' heart for people? I'm wondering if words like 'love', 'care' and 'relationship' are popping into your mind right now... But how might he want to deliver these gifts to 'the people'. Through you and me perhaps? But what if the people aren't friendly? What if they don't see things the way you and I do? What if they don't respond in what we deem as an appropriate way?  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible reading: Luke 10:25-37 (NLT)

Jesus was a great story teller. As he told stories, he connected with the hearts of those who were listening, and within every story (which we call 'parables'), there were gems of truth and life waiting to be uncovered. Have you ever pondered about the struggles we face when receiving God's word, living in it's freedom and sharing it with others? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Luke 8:5-15 (NLT)

Jesus was a great story teller. As he told stories, he connected with the hearts of those who were listening, and within every story (which we call 'parables'), there were gems of truth and life waiting to be uncovered. Have you ever pondered about the struggles we face when receiving God's word, living in it's freedom and sharing it with others? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Luke 8:5-15 (NLT)

Jesus was a great story teller. As he told stories, he connected with the hearts of those who were listening, sharing words of truth and life. This week’s theme: the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Life gets stormy at times... What is your foundation? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Luke 6:46-49 (NLT)

Jesus was a great story teller. As he told stories, he connected with the hearts of those who were listening, sharing words of truth and life. This week’s theme: the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Life gets stormy at times... What is your foundation? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Luke 6:46-49 (NLT)

A message from Pastor Michael Dutschke Jesus was a great story teller. As he told stories, he connected with the hearts of those who were listening, and within every story (which we call ‘parables’), there were gems of truth and life waiting to be uncovered.  Bible Reading: Luke 5:36-39 (NLT)

A message from Pastor Michael Dutschke Jesus was a great story teller. As he told stories, he connected with the hearts of those who were listening, and within every story (which we call ‘parables’), there were gems of truth and life waiting to be uncovered.  Bible Reading: Luke 5:36-39 (NLT)

A message by Pastor Wayne Kerber. Holy Spirit is the one who applies the great sovereign mighty power of God inside this world and in those who follow Jesus - He gives real world effect to the power of God and to the resources that are in Jesus - and that's a very good overarching description of Holy Spirit's work within the Trinity. Jesus said of Holy Spirit that He will not speak on His own authority but whatever He hears He will speak - so He communicates that which belongs to Jesus - Holy Spirit will take what is mine Jesus says, and declare it to you - so He applies the resources of Jesus to those who submit their lives to Him. Bible Reading: Isaiah 11:1-5 (NLT)

A message by Pastor Wayne Kerber. Holy Spirit is the one who applies the great sovereign mighty power of God inside this world and in those who follow Jesus - He gives real world effect to the power of God and to the resources that are in Jesus - and that's a very good overarching description of Holy Spirit's work within the Trinity. Jesus said of Holy Spirit that He will not speak on His own authority but whatever He hears He will speak - so He communicates that which belongs to Jesus - Holy Spirit will take what is mine Jesus says, and declare it to you - so He applies the resources of Jesus to those who submit their lives to Him. Bible Reading: Isaiah 11:1-5 (NLT)

Pastor Michael is in the final week of a three-week series of sermons, looking at the 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as they are listed in a letter to some of the first the followers of Jesus. These followers of Jesus were learning what these gifts from the Holy Spirit were, and how to use them (and how not to use them). In 2026 we have a lot in common with those first followers of Jesus. We have the same Holy Spirit who is the giver of these 9 Gifts. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible reading:

Pastor Michael is in the final week of a three-week series of sermons, looking at the 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as they are listed in a letter to some of the first the followers of Jesus. These followers of Jesus were learning what these gifts from the Holy Spirit were, and how to use them (and how not to use them). In 2026 we have a lot in common with those first followers of Jesus. We have the same Holy Spirit who is the giver of these 9 Gifts. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible reading:

Pastor Michael is in the second week of a three week series of sermons, looking at the 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as they are listed in a letter to some of the first the followers of Jesus. These followers of Jesus were learning what these gifts from the Holy Spirit were, and how to use them (and how not to use them). In 2026 we have a lot in common with those first followers of Jesus. We have the same Holy Spirit who is the giver of these 9 Gifts. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:1-6, 12 (NLT)

Pastor Michael is in the second week of a three week series of sermons, looking at the 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as they are listed in a letter to some of the first the followers of Jesus. These followers of Jesus were learning what these gifts from the Holy Spirit were, and how to use them (and how not to use them). In 2026 we have a lot in common with those first followers of Jesus. We have the same Holy Spirit who is the giver of these 9 Gifts. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:1-6, 12 (NLT)

Over the next 3 weeks, Pastor Michael will be talking about the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit, as they are listed in a letter to some of the first followers of Jesus. Have you ever wondered what they are? In 2026 we have a lot in common with those first followers of Jesus. We have the same Holy Spirit who is the giver of these 9 Gifts. Let's unpack them together!  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 (NLT)

Over the next 3 weeks, Pastor Michael will be talking about the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit, as they are listed in a letter to some of the first followers of Jesus. Have you ever wondered what they are? In 2026 we have a lot in common with those first followers of Jesus. We have the same Holy Spirit who is the giver of these 9 Gifts. Let's unpack them together!  Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11 (NLT)

Jesus started his earthly ministry by quoting Isaiah 61, declaring that he had come "...to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord's favour has come." This morning we will be hearing about how the team at "Teen Challenge SA" are partnering with Jesus to continue this mission in men's lives today.  Pastor Michael Dutschke and Pastor Gordon Ross CEO Teen Challenge SA. Bible Reading: Luke 4:14-21 (NLT)

Jesus started his earthly ministry by quoting Isaiah 61, declaring that he had come "...to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord's favour has come." This morning we will be hearing about how the team at "Teen Challenge SA" are partnering with Jesus to continue this mission in men's lives today.  Pastor Michael Dutschke and Pastor Gordon Ross CEO Teen Challenge SA. Bible Reading: Luke 4:14-21 (NLT)

Pastor Michael is currently preaching a series of sermons, focusing on the Holy Spirit – who he is, what he does, how we can relate to him...When the Holy Spirit first came, he made a powerful impression – so powerful that his arrival is considered the birthday of “the church”. Happy Birthday, church! Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible reading: Acts 2:1-22 (NLT)

Pastor Michael is currently preaching a series of sermons, focusing on the Holy Spirit – who he is, what he does, how we can relate to him...When the Holy Spirit first came, he made a powerful impression – so powerful that his arrival is considered the birthday of “the church”. Happy Birthday, church! Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible reading: Acts 2:1-22 (NLT)

Pastor Michael is currently preaching a series of sermons, focusing on the Holy Spirit – who he is, what he does, how we can relate to him, etc. On the day that Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his disciples to “wait for the Holy Spirit” to come. They waited in anticipation, and when he did come – wow! Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Acts 1:1-14 (NLT)

Pastor Michael is currently preaching a series of sermons, focusing on the Holy Spirit – who he is, what he does, how we can relate to him, etc. On the day that Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his disciples to “wait for the Holy Spirit” to come. They waited in anticipation, and when he did come – wow! Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Acts 1:1-14 (NLT)

Over the next few Sundays, Pastor Michael will talking about the Holy Spirit – who he is, what he does and how we can relate to him. This week we will look at when Jesus told his disciples what would happen when the Holy Spirit came. It was a promise! Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: John 15:26-16:15 (NLT)

Over the next few Sundays, Pastor Michael will talking about the Holy Spirit – who he is, what he does and how we can relate to him. This week we will look at when Jesus told his disciples what would happen when the Holy Spirit came. It was a promise! Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: John 15:26-16:15 (NLT)

Peter, Jesus’ close friend, was well aware of how he abandoned Jesus in his hour of need (on the night before he was crucified on a cross). Three times he had the opportunity to stand up for Jesus, but instead denied that he even knew Jesus. Because of that, Peter believed that it was “three strikes and you’re out”! Jesus didn’t think that way, but instead re-affirmed his love and trust of Peter. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: John 21: 1-17 (NLT)

Peter, Jesus’ close friend, was well aware of how he abandoned Jesus in his hour of need (on the night before he was crucified on a cross). Three times he had the opportunity to stand up for Jesus, but instead denied that he even knew Jesus. Because of that, Peter believed that it was “three strikes and you’re out”! Jesus didn’t think that way, but instead re-affirmed his love and trust of Peter. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: John 21: 1-17 (NLT)

Where in my life am I afraid to admit doubt, and how might God be inviting me to bring those questions honestly to Him? “Believing Thomas!” One of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas, didn’t believe the testimonies of the other disciples when they told him, “We have seen the Lord”. And for doubting their testimonies, he has ever since been remembered as “Doubting Thomas.” Doubt, however, is not necessarily a lack of faith, but a step on the journey to faith!   Bible Reading: John 20:19-31 (NLT)

Where in my life am I afraid to admit doubt, and how might God be inviting me to bring those questions honestly to Him? “Believing Thomas!” One of Jesus’ disciples, Thomas, didn’t believe the testimonies of the other disciples when they told him, “We have seen the Lord”. And for doubting their testimonies, he has ever since been remembered as “Doubting Thomas.” Doubt, however, is not necessarily a lack of faith, but a step on the journey to faith!   Bible Reading: John 20:19-31 (NLT)

How can I be more attentive to God’s presence in ordinary moments this week? Our purpose in life is to help grow and advance God’s Kingdom wherever we are placed.  Though God is unseen, He is never absent.  The small moments and quiet circumstances in our lives may well be His hand gently guiding us toward His greater purpose. Pastor Paul Newsham leads us in the third message of his series on Esther, and we encourage you to read the Book of Esther from beginning to end before hearing the next part of this remarkable account.

How can I be more attentive to God’s presence in ordinary moments this week? Our purpose in life is to help grow and advance God’s Kingdom wherever we are placed.  Though God is unseen, He is never absent.  The small moments and quiet circumstances in our lives may well be His hand gently guiding us toward His greater purpose. Pastor Paul Newsham leads us in the third message of his series on Esther, and we encourage you to read the Book of Esther from beginning to end before hearing the next part of this remarkable account.

We continue our Easter reflection with a dramatic presentation of people who experienced their new life following the crucifixion.  

Have you asked yourself what it looks like to trust God when you don’t know what’s next? We often read Bible stories with the advantage of hindsight. Because we already know how events turn out, the struggles of people in Scripture can seem less intense or easier than they really were. But for them, those moments were not stories—they were real life. They faced fear, uncertainty, risk, and hardship without knowing what would happen next. We also don’t know how our own circumstances will unfold. So just as they trusted God through uncertainty, we’re encouraged to rely on our faith to carry us through the unknown parts of our lives. Pastor Paul Newsham will lead us in the second message of this three-part series, as we explore how this ancient story continues to speak powerfully into our lives today. In preparation, we encourage you to read the Book of Esther from beginning to end before hearing the next part of this remarkable account.   Bible Readings: Romans 8: 22-28 (The Message) and the book of Esther

Have you asked yourself what it looks like to trust God when you don’t know what’s next? We often read Bible stories with the advantage of hindsight. Because we already know how events turn out, the struggles of people in Scripture can seem less intense or easier than they really were. But for them, those moments were not stories—they were real life. They faced fear, uncertainty, risk, and hardship without knowing what would happen next. We also don’t know how our own circumstances will unfold. So just as they trusted God through uncertainty, we’re encouraged to rely on our faith to carry us through the unknown parts of our lives. Pastor Paul Newsham will lead us in the second message of this three-part series, as we explore how this ancient story continues to speak powerfully into our lives today. In preparation, we encourage you to read the Book of Esther from beginning to end before hearing the next part of this remarkable account.   Bible Readings: Romans 8: 22-28 (The Message) and the book of Esther

A celebration of the new Life we all can have in Jesus.  

The word, "Maundy" is Latin for "commandment", and is a title the church has given to describe the Thursday of Holy Week - Maundy Thursday Pastor Michael.

Jesus was the one who people hoped would bring peace to their lives and their nation. Like the heroes of old, the people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as a victorious warrior king. Jesus is a warrior and a king, but not like any other warrior king. Jesus was, and still is, a peaceful warrior. Have you ever paused to notice how the peace Jesus brings quietly reshapes your heart, your hopes, and the way you see others? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)

Jesus was the one who people hoped would bring peace to their lives and their nation. Like the heroes of old, the people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as a victorious warrior king. Jesus is a warrior and a king, but not like any other warrior king. Jesus was, and still is, a peaceful warrior. Have you ever paused to notice how the peace Jesus brings quietly reshapes your heart, your hopes, and the way you see others? Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 21:1-11 (NLT)

Have you ever felt heaven come near through Jesus, changing how you see and treat the people around you? "The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And with Jesus came a “wisdom from heaven” to see and treat others the way that Jesus sees and treats them. And with Jesus came the transformation of people who no longer were operating out of fear but operated out of faith. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1-12 (NLT)

Have you ever felt heaven come near through Jesus, changing how you see and treat the people around you? The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And with Jesus came a “wisdom from heaven” to see and treat others the way that Jesus sees and treats them. And with Jesus came the transformation of people who no longer were operating out of fear but operated out of faith. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 7:1-12 (NLT)

Have you ever experienced a moment where fear gave way to faith and changed how you see your life? “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And with Jesus came the transformation of people who no longer were operating out of fear but operated out of faith. By Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19-34 (NLT)

Have you ever experienced a moment where fear gave way to faith and changed how you see your life? “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And with Jesus came the transformation of people who no longer were operating out of fear but operated out of faith. By Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 6:19-34 (NLT)

The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And with him came a transformation in the hearts of people – a transformation that enabled people to be part of the ongoing transformation of the world. By Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 6:1-14 (NLT)

The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And with him came a transformation in the hearts of people – a transformation that enabled people to be part of the ongoing transformation of the world. By Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 6:1-14 (NLT)

An audio message by Pastor Michael Dutschke. “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And when that happens, relationships are transformed – in particular, relationships between people who have a history (short or long) of being treated badly by each other. Bible Reading: Matthew 5: 38-48 (NLT)

A video message by Pastor Michael Dutschke. “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. And when that happens, relationships are transformed – in particular, relationships between people who have a history (short or long) of being treated badly by each other. Bible Reading: Matthew 5: 38-48 (NLT)

The kingdom of heaven has come near. That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. On earth the reality is that not everyone is treated with honour and respect. When the kingdom of heaven comes near, Jesus paints a picture of what that is like – when we see and treat each other at fellow “image bearers” of God. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 5:21-26 (NLT)

The kingdom of heaven has come near. That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. On earth the reality is that not everyone is treated with honour and respect. When the kingdom of heaven comes near, Jesus paints a picture of what that is like – when we see and treat each other at fellow “image bearers” of God. Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Matthew 5:21-26 (NLT)

Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-17.

Pastor Michael Dutschke Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-17.

The kingdom of heaven has come near. That’s how Jesus himself describes his coming from heaven to earth. The first followers of Jesus got a “taste of heaven” and a “taste of earth” – two realities. A taste of heaven on the mountain, and a taste of earth in the valley. Bible Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 (NLT) Pastor Michael Dutschke