Text Box: According to John . . . This Sunday we begin the “40 Days of Purpose” with sermons, many Sunday School classes and various small groups exploring the question: “What is the purpose of my life?” The materials we are using are written and published by Rick Warren, a Southern Baptist, mega-church pastor in southern California. His model is good and his approach is credible, with an excellent track record of “success”. That being said, I will be the first to affirm that we in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are in a different place along the theological spectrum than the author. Even so, his material has been used by Baptists (Enid First Baptist is currently doing the identical program), Methodists, Episcopalians, and other Disciples congregation (Willow Road Christian is also in the midst of this program) and they have or are benefiting from the study. I have done some editing in the participant’s books, both for Sunday School and small group members. My sermons will also express a distinct Disicples’ perspective. All of this is to say that we are using his model and his approach as it works into our understanding of the Gospel Good News of Jesus Christ. I hope and pray that you will be involved in this process. I believe that it is one of many ways that God is currently inviting this faith community into deeper commitment and faithfulness. ********************************************************************* This Sunday we are going to do something new in worship. We are going to sing the Lord’s Prayer. Initially we will use the standard tune that most of us have heard at weddings and other occasions. In a few weeks we will sing some of the other versions found in the Chalice Hymnal. Eventually we will hold hands as we sing, which is a powerful occurrence. I have experienced this manner of the Lord’s Prayer in Roman Catholic and UCC churches as well as within the Emmaus Community. Be prepared for something special. ******************************************************************** We congratulate and celebrate with Iglesia Cristiana el Shaddai as they celebrate their 3rd birthday! This Sunday they will gather in our sanctuary in the afternoon for an anniversary celebration and then in the Fellowship Hall for food and fellowship. This has been a venture of faith and courage for this fledgling congregation. We celebrate their faithfulness, their hope and their joy. Congratulations go also to Francisco and Rosaura Hernendez, the pastors, for their personal sacrifice and commitment to make this new Disciples congregation a success. Grace and peace, Text Box: In case of an emergency please call Rev. McLemore any time at the office at 233-1214. If you are unable to reach him at the office, his cell phone number is (580)402-2522, or you can reach him by calling his home 233-4214.