Coming February 2010
All Church Lenten Series
"Fearless"
Series Description: They're talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. Fear, it seems, has taken a lease next door and set up shop. But what if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to the difficulties in life? Envision a day when you could trust more and fear less. Based on Max Lucado’s book, Fearless, this series will explore the secret to a fearless life.
February 7 Introduction
February 14 Why are we afraid?
February 21 Fear of Not Mattering
February 28 Fear of Disappointing God
March 7 Fear of Life’s Final Moments
March 14 Fear of Global Calamity
March 21 Fear of God Getting Out of My Box
Fearless Series for Kids!
Our kids programs will also be following along with FEARLESS. You can find a list of how the topics above correspond to the Children's lessons by going here.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. When will this sermon series begin?
The sermon series will begin on Sunday morning, February 7 and continue each Sunday for 7 weeks, ending March 21 (the week before Palm Sunday).
2. Why are we doing this?
We feel it is important to get the entire church focused on the same message for the Lenten season. The message is one that provides hope and encouragement for both the church and our community. It is an excellent discussion series that will help people connect in community with others and build participation in Ward's small groups.
3. What do you mean when you say it is a "sermon-based small group series"?
Small groups are the most effective way to connect with others, discuss the message, and to grow spiritually. We are asking all current home-based small groups to join with us for this seven week study following the weekly sermon.
4. What if I am not in a home-based small group?
If you are not currently in a small group you can join a short-term seven week group. We will have new groups on campus on Tuesday mornings for women, on Wednesday nights for everyone and in homes throughout the week. A small group brochure with a registration form to sign up will be available in early January.
5. What will we be doing in the small groups?
We will read and discuss the book Fearless by author and pastor Max Lucado and utilize the small group discussion guide. Both the book and the study guide will be available to purchase on Sunday mornings beginning Sunday, January 10th and in the Adult Ministries Office Monday through Thursday. You can register NOW, online, to join a small group!
6. What about the Wednesday evening classes during that time?
In order to give busy people, and especially those who are not currently participating in a home-based small group, time to join a group, Ward will not resume Wednesday night classes until April 14. That means there will be no Wednesday evening classes in January.
7. What about the Wednesday night dinners?
Wednesday night group participants are invited to have dinner in Knox Hall from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday night starting February 10. The cost of dinner is $6 and reservations are most appreciated. Please call the Wednesday Dinner Hotline at 248 374-5988 or sign up on the registration form that will come out with the small group brochure in January.
8. What about choir, children, and student ministries on Wednesday nights?
The choir will continue their normal Wednesday night practice schedule. Children’s Ministries will have childcare and classes at all ages up through 6th grade resuming February 10th (no classes in January). The upper elementary students will follow the sermon messages in their lessons. All other children will resume their normal lessons and activities. The Children’s Ministries Department is asking that any families with children of preschool age and under who will be attending one of the new small groups on campus to register ahead of time. Forms to register will be available in January. Junior high and teen choir will resume their normal ministries in January. The junior high will follow the study on Wednesday nights beginning February 10th. The senior high will follow the study on Sunday nights during their discipleship time.
9. How can I help or be a part of this series?
We need at least 30 people who are willing to open their home to host the seven week study, and we also need 30 people to facilitate the study. You many host and well as facilitate if you like. We also need existing home-based small groups to be open to adding a few new people. If you are willing to host or facilitate a study or open your current study, please contact the Adult Ministries Office. A small group facilitator/host orientation meeting will be held on Wednesday night, January 20th in Knox Hall at 7:00pm (A DVD kit will be given to group hosts/facilitators who attend.)
If you have further questions on this all-church Lenten series, contact Pam Dodge, Director of Spiritual Formation and Adult Ministries, at pam.dodge@wardchurch.org or call the Adult Ministries Office at 248-374-5943.