Members of three local churches hope to after a 40-day journey to find meaning in the daily grind.
By EBONY WINDOM
Published April 24, 2004
It's an age-old question: Why are we here?
Folks at First United Methodist Church in Hudson are on a quest to find an answer.
They're gearing up to begin "40 Days of Purpose," the six-week campaign that promotes spiritual growth and explores the reasons for being. The idea for the campaign came about in 2002 with the publication of The Purpose Driven Life, a book written by California pastor Rick Warren.
More than 6,000 churches and organizations nationwide are set to begin the spring "40 Days of Purpose" campaign today, says Marty Cutrone, the campaign's national director.
"The Purpose Driven Life is a phenomenon," Cutrone said. "It's been recognized and communicated on a grass-roots level. The book is the cornerstone to the journey."
The book helps people find answers, he says.
"It was not written with 9/11 in mind," Cutrone said. "(But) it was perfect timing. God in his infinite wisdom tapped Rick on the shoulder to make it happen."
Participants learn Warren's five biblically based principles of purpose. They also meet for group discussions once a week. Some church members host group meetings in their homes. During the "40 Days of Purpose," Sunday sermons are tailored to fit each of the book's principles.
The Purpose Driven Life has international appeal, too. The bestseller is available in 20 languages and in 52 countries, Cutrone says.
Cutrone, a member of Saddleback Church, where Warren is pastor, insists that Warren practices what he preaches and keep things in perspective, despite the book's success.
"He's still the same guy who wears the same Hawaiian shirt, loafers and no socks," Cutrone said. "(He) lives in the same house in a very modest area. He still drives the same basic SUV. Not only does he not take a salary from the church, but he donates back to the church."
First United Methodist is ready to begin the journey. Today, a Saddleback worship service with music and a message will be simulcast on enormous projection screens in the church sanctuary. Plans are to give away 1,200 copies of the book today at First United Methodist. It's all an effort to change lives, says Kerry Foote, who organizes the "40 Days" at First United.
"We basically want to encourage people to get off the sidelines and get involved in life," Foote said.
Folks at First Christian Church of Bayonet Point are ready to get involved, too. The Rev. Henry Puckett is impressed with The Purpose Driven Life. It's an easy read with universal appeal, he says. Puckett's goal is to help others discover their purpose.
On Sunday, he'll preach the sermon "Why Am I Here?" Puckett is encouraging members to take part in the 40 Days campaign.
"If you get a bunch of people to do the same thing at the same time, it's bound to make a difference," Puckett said. Members of First Christian got a head start on the campaign. They opted to begin Wednesday.
At Asbury United Methodist Church, the Rev. Lin Osborne seeks to rekindle excitement among his members with the campaign.
"Church became inwardly focused over the years," he said. "There was excitement when the church first started."
Most members at Asbury United Methodist are seniors. During the 40 days, Osborne will work to increase participation in the church's many ministries.
"One of the purposes of God is for us to get involved in ministering and serving him," Osborne said. "We hope that people will engage in ministry."
Gilbert Kuehn, who leads Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Land O'Lakes, is already beginning to see results. Folks here wrapped up the winter 40 Days campaign a few weeks ago.
"We've seen an upsurge in enthusiasm, worship attendance, offerings and volunteerism," said Kuehn. "I see it as a reflection of the people putting into practice the five points made in the book. They're using their time and talents for the purpose that God has for them."
