What I'm discovering is while God has some things in mind that we all should be about, God has a unique and personal purpose for ME. My purpose is uncovered on the trek of the daily journey - - not by reading a book, going to a seminar, or listening to a sermon, but by pursuing a deep and full relationship with the One who has pursued me first.

What is truly amazing about God is that I am created so specially and uniquely that God has ministry in mind for me that no other human being on the face of this earth can do. Until I peel back the onion layers of my individuality and see myself the way God sees me, I can only dream of the ultimate pleasure and fulfillment that could be mine.

What often happens is that I am so deeply entrenched in the ruts of my life habits and daily events that I don't spend the extra effort pursuing God and listening for my definitive calling. Saying "no" to the things that rob me of being my best is just as difficult as saying "yes" to what God wants of me.

While I become increasingly restless with the mundane, routine, and the ordinary, I'm beginning to look for moments of significance each day and to feel the disappointment when they are missing. God created me for so much more.

As I write this early in the morning, I look at the day stretched out in front of me, and I'm praying to live with purpose this day. And I hope that as the day ends I'll be able to say I did.

That was the key "aha" for me when reading "7 Practices of Effective Ministry" by Andy Stanley and staff from North Point Community Church in Atlanta. We don't often look at the "how" we do ministry, and have a clear guideline as to what shapes our decisions. This book helps us look at the inner working of the church system, and offers seven concrete principles for how we do God's work.

From the preface by Andy Stanley

The 7 Practices of Effective Ministry is not so much about what to do as it is about what to ask. This book will not tell you how to implement programs, but it will provide you with a new lens through which to evaluate your current programs and any you may be considering. You will find no new strategy hidden in these pages. But as you embrace each of these seven practices, your ministry cannot help but become more strategic in everything it does.

"7 Practices" begins with a parable (a la popular business books like "Who Moved My Cheese?") then has a chapter on each of the practices. I recommend it as a good study book with a church staff or leadership group.

You and your family are invited to stay at Siden Conference Center for up to one week for the unbelievable price of $25 (per room). It's not $25 per night, but $25 per room for your entire stay. That is our gift to you!

Meals will be served at Smith Dining Hall. We ask that you make a love gift donation based on the meals which you request and enjoy.

Click on the link below to reserve your room via email.
More information is available on the Meta website.

Two specialized retreats are being developed to address the different needs that men and women who are called to ministry face.

Make plans this fall to get away to Redwood Glen for a breath of fresh air.

• Tuesday, November 6th for Clergy Men featuring Russ Ikeda of Emmaus Ministries
• Thursday, November 15th for Clergy Women featuring Patti Pierce of the Well

Redwood Glen is located in the Santa Cruz mountains just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. We are an hour drive from the San Francisco and San Jose airports. For more information on our 2007 summer programs and facilities, check out our website at www.redwoodglen.com.

If you are interested in having someone from Redwood Glen or Metamorphosis staff provide pulpit supply, please email us at meta@redwoodglen.com.
Available dates for Joan Friesen this summer: July 15, 22, 29, August 19, 26.

Previous editions of our Metamorphosis e-newsletters may be found on the Redwood Glen and Metamorphosis websites.