Dear Friends,
Greetings to you in the powerful name of Jesus the Christ!
Why am I alive? Why was I born? As Christians, we believe wholeheartedly that we are here for a reason, and that our existence is not a random act of biology or circumstance. But where do we turn to really and truly discover the answer to such questions? The only satisfying answers are found in God. Jesus said, “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly.” We were created: to be loved by God and to find my purpose by getting to know God, who created me. “It’s not about me…it’s all about God.”
The Bible is clear that God considers 40 days a spiritually significant time period. Whenever God wanted to prepare someone for his purposes, he took 40 days:
*Noah’s life was transformed by 40 days of rain.
*Moses was transformed by 40 days on Mount Sinai.
*The spies were transformed by 40 days in the Promised Land.
*David was transformed by Goliath’s 40-day challenge.
*Elijah was transformed when God gave him 40 days of strength from a single meal.
*The entire city of Nineveh was transformed when God gave the people 40 days to change.
*Jesus was empowered by 40 days in the wilderness.
THE NEXT 40 DAYS WILL TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE.
During September & October the Sunday Celebration will guide you into that week’s conversation and study in one of the many small groups.
Week One “What On Earth Am I Here For?” Colossians 1: 16
Week Two PURPOSE #1 “You Were Planned For God’s Pleasure” Isaiah 61: 3
Week Three PURPOSE #2 “You Were Formed For God’s Family” John !5: 5
Week Four PURPOSE #3 “You Were Created To Become Like Christ” Colossians 2: 7
Week Five PURPOSE #4 “You Were Shaped For Serving God I Corinthians 3: 5 – 6
Week Six PURPOSE #5 “You Were Made For A Mission Proverbs 11:30
Be sure to join us on Sunday – October 24th for the MISSION & MINISTRY FAIR at Atonement. This will be held in the fellowship hall during the Sunday School hour. Come and see what is going on at Atonement and the ELCA as the Good News of Jesus Christ is proclaimed! Come and see how you can be a part of what is going on in ministry and how you can be a part of these many ministries. COME & SEE!!
CELEBRATION SUNDAY will be on November 7th. You are asked to bring to worship your completed Time & Talent Sheets and your financial pledges for 2011. We will place them on the altar as our gift to God in response to what God has done for us.
Please contact me by phone 920-468-0713 or by e-mail james.gerth@yahoo.com so I know how you would like to help!
Join us as we explore the question: What on earth am I here for?
In Christ,
Pastor Jim (P.J.)
