The first event of the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign actually takes place the day before the Campaign starts. The Premiere Engagement will consist of a video message by Rick Warren, the author of the book on which the Campaign is based called The Purpose Driven Life. During the Premiere Engagement, which will be held on April 9th at William Jewell College from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, you will hear an inspirational overview of the 5 purposes that will be explored during the Campaign. This is a great way to jump-start the Campaign, and it will be exciting to get a glimpse of what is in store for us for over the following six weeks. This is such an important event that Grace is providing child-care, popcorn and soft drinks for a movie like atmosphere, after all this is a premiere! When you come to the Premiere Engagement you will receive a copy of The Purpose Driven Life, if you have indicated on your Commitment Card that you do not have one for the Campaign. (So don’t forget to fill out and hand in your Commitment Card on any Sunday before the Campaign starts.) The Purpose Driven Life is broken up into 40 daily readings that coincide with the messages of the Campaign. I cannot overemphasize how important it is that all of us attend the Premiere Engagement, so that we begin the 40 Days of Purpose Campaign in unity and mutual excitement regarding what God is about to do in our midst.

     The second important event of our Campaign is the Connection Event on Wednesday evening April 13th from 6:30-7:30pm. The Connection Event is where we will initiate our small group gatherings that will be meeting at varied times throughout the remainder of the Campaign. Through this special evening, our small groups will form around a convenient weekly meeting time and then will walk through the first week’s small group curriculum. Our small groups will be an integral part of the 40 Days of Purpose because they will serve as the practical laboratory of living our God’s second purpose for our lives—fellowship. If you are unsure or uneasy about committing to a small group experience, the Connection Event will allow you to experience the possibilities before making a decision,

     Please plan to attend these events yourself as we begin our 40 Days of Purpose, and ask God if there is a friend that you should invite to be a part of our journey.

     P.S. -- Thank you, thank you, thank you! The people of Grace have been so gracious in making our new house feel like a home. Thank you to all of the men who helped with our move on Tuesday, you made a difficult job much easier. Thank you to all those who surprised us with gifts and prayer on Wednesday night, my family truly feels overwhelmed with your love.

     For His Glory,

  Pastor Dave

     To view past issues of the Grace Notes, click HERE.