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WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS "40 DAYS
OF PURPOSE"
It is a spiritual growth campaign whose
goal, obviously, is to help each of us grow in our relationship with God.
It directs us to the Bible for God’s answer
to the question in the back of nearly everyone’s mind: "What on earth am I
here for?"
It’s a national campaign we will
participate in along with 1800 other churches. You may know of churches that
have already held a "40 Days of Purpose."
WHO IS THE CAMPAIGN FOR ?
Every person in our congregation - and as many people outside
the congregation as we can invite. During your lifetime you’ll spend 21 years
sleeping, 5 years waiting in line and 3 years in meetings. Why not spend 40 days
discovering your life’s purpose?
HOW DOES IT WORK ?
We’ll participate at three levels:
Individual level: Daily Devotional Readings.
Everyone participating in the program will receive a free copy of the book
The Purpose Driven Life to use for 40 days of devotional readings.
Small Group Level: Once-a-Week Small Group Study
Everyone participating in the program will also receive a free Study Guide.
Once a week you’ll meet in a host home or at the church for a video-based,
small-group study and discussion based on the readings for that week. Check out
the host sites for all
the opportunities.
Congregation Level: A Seven-Week Sermon Series &
Special Events
We’ll hear a series of seven sermons on the purposes as well as participate
in three church-wide events designed to help people celebrate and put into
practice the purposes God has for us.
WHY DURING LENT ?
Lent is the perfect time for a 40-day spiritual growth campaign, because
Lent is a 40-day season in the church year, and the traditional emphasis during
Lent is one of sacrifice that brings you closer to God (spiritual growth).
WHAT SPECIAL EVENTS ARE PLANNED ?
A Kickoff event - "Dinner and a Movie" on February
12 @ 6 p.m.
We "jump-start" the campaign and get an exciting glimpse of what’s in store for
us. This is such an important event that we are providing a special Italian
dinner (with violin serenade by Jerry Saetveit). followed by a life-changing
challenge via video from Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life.
A Mission and Ministry Fair - Sunday, March 13.
Like a church "job fair" that showcases the ministries and outreach
opportunities in our church and gives you a chance to find out where you can use
your talents.
A Celebration Event - to close of the campaign on
Saturday, April 2.
This is a party to celebrate all God has done in our midst over the 40 Days.
This special event will include a concert by the Carpenters Tools
International.
WHY 40 DAYS ?
The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days to be a spiritually significant
period of time. God frequently used periods of 40 days when he prepared someone
for His purposes.
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+ Noah’s life was transformed by 40 days of rain
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+ Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai
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+ The spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land
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+ David was transformed by Goliath’s 40-day challenge
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+ Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength
on one meal
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+ The city of Ninevah was transformed when God gave them 40
days to repent
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+ Jesus was empowered for His ministry by 40 days in the
wilderness
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+ The disciples were transformed by 40 days with Jesus after
His resurrection
God wants to transform you through these "40 Days of
Purpose" as we discover God’s five eternal purposes for your life:
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WORSHIP - You were planned for God’s pleasure
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FELLOWSHIP - You were formed for God’s family
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DISCIPLESHIP - You were created to become like Christ
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MINISTRY - You were shaped for serving God
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EVANGELISM - You were made for a mission
WHAT’S IT GOING TO COST ME ?
We are offering the materials, meals
and events free of charge to participants. A grant from the District and our
Apple Sales Fundraiser will cover most of the costs. If anyone wants to help out
by covering the cost of their book, study guide or meal, a free-will donation
may be made at the Kickoff Event.
Thanks for Asking!
Pastor David
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