UTICA, Mich. -- Epic Church in suburban Detroit, saw a need within the community -- a need to help people dissatisfied with religion but hungry for a spiritual journey full of danger, mystery and untamed faith. So they are launching "Join the Rebellion," a series of services and events to correspond with the opening of the third Star Wars movie, May 22, entitled "Revenge of the Sith."
"The Star Wars movies reach across generations and reveal remarkable biblical truths," said Aaron Kazmierczak, director of creative arts at Epic. "Luke Skywalker was pulled from an average, insignificant life into one of risk, mystery and destiny. A rebellion was underway and there was a hero inside of him waiting to be unleashed. Luke's life was transformed when he discovered his place in the story. Our mission at Epic Church is to challenge people to discover their role in God's epic story."
The church began ministry about a year ago. The Join the Rebellion series will highlight the book of Acts and how a band of rebels changed the world.
The series includes:
* Unleash the Rebel Within, May 8: Why is it that we often live a life of mediocrity when deep inside God has wired us to live a courageous life of adventure? Discover how to unleash the rebel within by examining how to experience the wild life that Jesus intended us to live.
* Awaken the Mystery, May 15: Why do we all have an intrinsic desire for meaning and destiny? Could it be that our soul cravings were meant to connect us to our creator? Awaken the mystery and discover how to pursue the dreams the creator has for your life.
* Choose the Dangerous Road, May 22: Why do we often choose a life that is safe, ordinary and boring, when Jesus offers a quest full of faith, risk and intrigue? The Bible has stuff to say about how we can choose the dangerous road and break free to pursue a life of uncharted adventure.
"Jesus' last words to his disciples were 'Follow me' not 'Come and listen,'" said Tim Kade, Epic's lead pastor. "We need to get back to this kind of movement. At Epic Church, we've made every effort to eliminate all of the nonessentials that take away from God. Our desire is for people to come just as they are and leave with their faith burning white hot for Jesus."
These topics will be discussed during Epic's weekend services. Then on Sunday, May 22, they will finish the series with a special 10:30 a.m. service at a local movie theater. Immediately following, people can stay to see the 12 p.m. showing of Star Wars III. Tickets can be purchased during their services on May 8 and 15.
