Why the Shack?
“The Shack” is the New York Times best-selling novel that was released March 5th into theaters as a full feature movie about a father’s uplifting spiritual journey. After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep depression causing him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever.
More than a movie, The Shack serves as a modern day parable that brings to life deep spiritual truths and illuminates the path for healing out of impossible tragedy. For all those in your church and community who have wondered where God is in their pain, and for those who have questioned if God is there at all, The Shack presents an unforgettable encounter with a divine love that promises to never leave us. The principles of The Shack apply to us all whether we have endured terrible tragedy and pain, or the more common struggles of everyday life. The message series is for people whether they are looking for faith, have lost faith along the way, or are strong in faith but desire to trust God more deeply. This series on The Shack, is a way to experience the life-changing goodness, grace and presence of God.
On a Journey into Faith; Learning, Loving, Leading
Lake Side Church believes God is at work in everyone’s life guiding us on a journey into faith. We believe that the journey is assisted by questions – all kinds of questions. The Shack raises timeless questions about God and humanity through a story of tragic loss, grief, pain and healing. The author’s imaginative portrayal of the triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) pushes the boundaries of traditional images of God. Lake Side is neither condoning nor condemning the real or perceived perspectives about God in the movie. Instead, Lake Side invites the community to gather for reflection, questions and discussion. In our time together, we believe God will be present and with God comes the hope of new beginnings, movement on our faith journey, even new life.
The vision and hope for this Message Series:
1. To reach new people in our community who are not connected with a church and
2. To grow in our faith together through this shared experience, dialogue and theological reflection.
What if everyone at Lake Side Church invited one or more people to come? What if one or more people found hope and healing not only from the messages, but through discovering a church where they are welcomed and loved; where they can safely be vulnerable, ask questions and not be judged? Will you pray for God to show you who to invite? Will you be part of this experience?
The five-week Message Series will use Scriptures and video clips from the film “The Shack” to help you trust God more completely, connect with Him in a deeper way and experience life-changing love and forgiveness even in the midst of pain.
The Shack Message Series
April 23rd: Week 1
(“Trusting God’s Goodness”)
Where is God when I need him most?
April 30th: Week 2
(“Trusting God’s Purpose”)
How does God see me?
May 7th: Week 3
(“Trusting God’s Promise”)
Why are You doing this to me?
May 14th
Mother’s Day Celebration (No Message on the Shack this week)
May 21st: Week 4
(“Trusting God’s Grace”)
How can I know the heart of the Father?
May 28th: Week 5
(“Trusting God’s Presence”)
So You just let him get away with it?
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