Showing posts with label Alpha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alpha. Show all posts

Monday, 16 November 2009

My Alpha Story

"I had a wonderful time on the Alpha course. It's a great opportunity to meet new people, ask questions and learn about the Christian faith. Although the alpha course is designed primarily for non-churchgoers, it is open to everyone; whatever your background, belief or denomination may be, you will be made more than welcome!
“
Alpha makes Christianity relevant to modern life and gives people the chance to explore and discover the faith in an informal, friendly environment. No pressure is applied by anyone to become Christian or to join the Church, though many people do find it to be a transforming experience - discovering the true meaning & purpose of life in the person of Jesus.
I was already a church-goer when I joined Alpha but I found that it was still a transforming experience for me. It helped my faith to come alive and gave me Christian companionship.
All of these quotes are from guests who have taken the Alpha Course.

"When I first heard about the Alpha course I was at a stage when I was searching for something 'out there'. I really needed to ask questions and not feel like I was getting a hard-sell pitched at me. Now I perceive things differently and just feel so at peace. I have also met a wonderful bunch of new friends on the course."

"The first evening surprised me completely. During the first evening, there were no prayers or heavy preaching. We were just given the opportunity to listen to the talk and then discuss anything we wanted. I chose to ask some challenging and confrontational questions, but they were welcomed, and I was made to feel valued and appreciated. I enjoyed the evening so much that I couldn't wait to go back the following week..." “Before I had always thought you had to do good to be a Christian, and I knew I was not good enough…But the people in Alpha…helped smash that idea…no one is better than the next.”

"I didn’t expect the warm welcome I received, the interesting discussions or the lack of pressure to speak in the small groups that followed. I found that I could express any doubts about Christianity, and that my opinions would be respected. If I had an issue with something, I had a forum to voice it with no need to apologize."

"Over the years, church became more of a social club… I’m still figuring it out. I was nervous the first week but was placed at a table with other young people, many of whom were going through the same stuff I was. But now God is a daily part of my life. The friends from Alpha have become some of the closest friends I’ve ever had."

“For the first time in my 30+ years I realized that God wasn’t something far away.” “I feel a true peace about my life. Life is still difficult as a single mother, yet I know that Jesus is right there with me. I always felt that there was something missing and now that Jesus is in my life I know that it was knowing Him.”

“I realized that even though I had a limited religious background I was very naïve about Christianity. I was challenged by the thought of where my life was headed…why is it so empty? Even though I had a great wife and good kids something was missing.”

“I have come to the realization that one cannot depend on other people in life – I can only depend on the Lord. I have been released of the dependence of so much depression medicine. Alpha helped me find focus and centre in life.”

If you would like to register on the Alpha Course which starts on Monday 11th January 2010 at 7.00pm Christ Church Bridlington, please contact us on
01262 404100

Saturday, 14 November 2009

Alpha Starting Again

Alpha Starts again on Monday 11th January at 7pm in the Church Hall
Over 2 million people in the UK including and 11 million worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations across the world.
Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with an additional "Away day".
Revd Jonathan Couper says:
"We are now offering two Alpha courses a year and would like to invite you to come along and enjoy this exploration of the basics of the Christian faith!
There’s good company and an evening meal provided, so you can meet and get to know other course members.
The Alpha Course gives you an opportunity to ask those questions that you have always wanted to ask in a non-threatening environment
So many of the people who have been on the course have said ,"I wish I had done the course earlier in my life, it has given me a new understanding of why I am here on earth"."

Course Content
The talks each week cover the following topics, which people are then free to discuss in the small groups afterwards:
Week 1 Who is Jesus?
Week 2 Why did Jesus Die?
Week 3 How can we have Faith?
Week 4 Why and how do I Pray?
Week 5 Why and how should I read the Bible?
Week 6 How does God Guide us?
Week 7 How can I Resist Evil?
Week 8 Why and how should I tell Others?
Week 9 Does God Heal Today?
Week 10 What about the Church?

There's also a Day Away which covers:
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What does the Holy Spirit do?
How can I be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
How can I Make the Most of the Rest of my Life?


To register

01262 404100

Or pick up a registration form at Key Centre Reception or back of church, complete and return to the Key Centre Reception