Le Mars Area Cluster offers Lenten book club

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
February 19, 2004

Le MARS - The Le Mars Area Cluster will host a Lenten Book Club to read and discuss the book, "Purpose Driven Life," by Rick Warren.

"I had a number of people come up and ask me if we could use this book for a book club," said Ron Rene, pastoral minister for the Le Mars Area Cluster. "I already have six people registered. It looks like it is going to be a fantastic book."

The first session is slated for March 2 and the first seven chapters will be discussed. The other sessions will be held on March 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Catholic Formation Center, 815 Ply. St. N.E. in Le Mars. People of all Christian faiths are welcome to attend.

"We are all made for a mission and our task is to discover that mission," said Rene about why it would benefit someone to attend the book club.

The book, "Purpose Driven Life," may be purchased at Good Shepherd Bookstore in Le Mars or at Walmart or Target stores. The book has sold over six million copies. Winner of the Gold Medallion Ministry Book of the Year, "The Purpose Driven Life" is used as a textbook in some Christian seminaries, and was selected as one of the 100 Christian Books That Changed the 20th Century.

Rick Warren is the pastor and founder of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif. Warren's previous book, The Purpose-Driven Church, has sold over one million copies in 20 languages. In addition, Warren is the author of "The Power to Change Your Life," "Answers to Life's Difficult Questions" and "Personal Bible Study Methods."

"People are a little more interested in spiritual growth during Lent than at other times of the year," said Rene. "Anyone who wants to discover what on earth they are here for is welcome to attend."

Prior to each session, the participants are asked to read seven short chapters in the book. During the session, there will be questions to answer relating to what was read. For example, they will be asked questions in the fifth session, based on the chapter Seeing life from God's view, such as: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

All interested in attending should register by calling (712) 546-6038. Rene commented that pre-registering would be appreciated so that they know how many people will be attending and so people can start reading ahead of time.