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Join the Journey

40 Days of Purpose began February 6, and we believe God has set aside this time for Our Redeemer's to make a significant step forward in fulfilling the mission we hold. Quite simply, 40 Days of Purpose is about changing lives for good. That means ourselves, our families, congregation members and the community.

For active members of Our Redeemer's, this is a time to reach beyond participation and to be an active part of the journey, serving as HOSTs for small groups, as apprentices to them, or in some other support role. Rather than thinking of your friends at church as logical people to invite to be a part of your group, encourage them to be HOSTs too!

For everyone, this is a time to ask, "What on Earth Am I Here For," and to join a small group to explore that big question together.

We are pulling out all the stops to have a positive impact on as many lives as we can. You are part of God’s plan for making that happen! We look forward to hearing how you feel called to be a part of this.

Frequently Asked Questions About 40 Days of Purpose

Q: Why would I join a small group for these 40 days?
A: Faith is personal but it is not private. To discover the fullness of life with God we need to connect with people and share the questions, learning and experiences of faith. This 40 Days is a time to reach deeper within ourselves to explore not just what we believe, but why and what it means for us.
Q: How long will this group meet?
A: This series is six weeks long, beginning the week of February 6.

Q: What will we do?

A: You will meet with a small group of others once a week for about 90 minutes. You’ll watch a short video that will guide you through some great discussions. You’ll also be invited to come to worship services, both on Sunday and Wednesday, and take time daily for devotions (using the book The Purpose Driven Life). They all will aim to help us find the purpose God intends for us in our lives.
Q: How do we handle the childcare needs in our group?
A: This is a sensitive issue in groups. We suggest that you seek creative solutions as a group.

Frequently Asked Questions About HOSTing

Q: WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A HOST*?
A: The qualifications to be a host may seem rather simplistic: A Host has to have a TV and VCR or DVD and be willing to open their home to friends, neighbors and relatives.

People who have never led a group or who have never felt they could minister to others because they lack Bible knowledge don’t need to worry. There will be video-based lessons that will provide Biblical context and teaching.

*HOST = Help others feel comfortable. Open your home. Serve a snack. Turn on a video. That’s it.

Q: CAN I GET A FRIEND TO HELP ME HOST?

A: Absolutely! We encourage you to pair up with another friend. Together you can pray for the people God will be bringing into your home. You can decide how you will share the role of Host. It is our hope that by teaming up with someone else, you can find a way to make this an exciting and challenging experience for both of you.

Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A HOST*?

A: The HOST is the person who opens their home (or arranges the meeting place), welcomes the group members and gives directions to their home. A group can share roles such as taking turns facilitating the discussion each week, bringing refreshments, jotting down prayer requests or organizing a fellowship meal. The HOST encourages everyone to have a role, which builds the spirit of community.

Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE SHOULD I EXPECT TO ACCOMMODATE?

A: Typically with small groups, about half the people who say they are interested in coming will actually come. Don’t take it personally! An optimum number of people in a group is 8-10. We can always add another group.

Q: I DON’T HAVE A VHS OR DVD PLAYER. WHAT CAN I DO?

A: You could partner up with someone who has one and they could provide the place or you can opt to have your small group meet at church and utilize a VHS or DVD player there.  Please let the Kittelsons know where you will be meeting.

Q: I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN DURING ONE OF THE WEEKS OF THE SERIES. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

A: If you have to miss a group meeting, ask someone else in your group to host and facilitate the evening. Point out the hints in the back of the Study Guide and make sure they have the video so they can watch the Leadership Lifter message. This could be the same person or two different people. A great chance to get others involved!

Q: WILL I BE ASKED TO CONTINUE HOSTING AFTER THE CAMPAIGN?

A: We are SO grateful for your gift of six weeks. When your commitment is over, each HOST will have to personally decide what his or her role will be with the group.

After the campaign we will be working with HOSTS who want to continue as well as new HOSTS, providing suggestions for curriculum if you would like to continue.  More information will be coming. We expect that there will be a reshuffling of HOSTS and members depending on interests and experiences. Just a few of the ideas we’ve already heard about include a Couple’s Dinner Group, a Faith & the Movies group, a young couples group, a new mom's group…more to be revealed by you!

Q: HOW WILL A HOST BE SUPPORTED?

A: Discussion Booklet. A point-by-point discussion booklet will be given to each member to guide conversation.
Video Message. There will be a special videotaped message of encouragement, insights and helpful suggestions.

Q: WHO WILL ATTEND MY GROUP AND HOW WILL THE GROUPS COME TOGETHER?

A: Ask God, Ask Others. Our Redeemer's will collect sign up cards or e-mails from those who would like to participate in a group. We will do our best to match each person with a HOST who best fits the day, time and/or type of group they want to participate in (couples, men, women, or combination). We will be in contact with the host to determine who the host would like to have in their group, and we will also check out additional names with the host before adding them to any group. All the HOST needs to do is give them directions to their home. People will also be given the option of contacting the HOST directly. Consider anyone and everyone you know who may desire to go deeper and explore questions of faith with others.

Q: HOW CAN I HELP?

A: Most importantly we ask for your prayers. Please pray for our congregation as it learns more about 40 Days, for those in our church and community that 40 Days can be a catalyst for spiritual growth in their lives and for you, as you consider your role and involvement in the journey.

Contacts 

To be a small group HOST, to join a group, or to ask questions contact: Jan & Paul Kittelson (843-3190), Lee Meyer (843-2816) or the church office (843-3151).

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