An opportunity to explore the meaning of lifeGood Shepherd's Alpha course begins on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.
Who is Alpha for?
People attend from many different backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints. They attend for a variety of reasons. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still others may have attended church all their life, but feel they never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. Alpha is the course for everyone who thinks there may be more to life than meets the eye. You can invite anyone who wishes to ask questions they may have about faith.
What is Alpha?
Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in an informal, fun, and friendly environment. The Alpha course consists of a series of talks looking at topics including 'Who is Jesus?' and 'Why and how do I pray?'. We meet for supper and each talk is followed by discussion in small groups. Alpha runs every Wednesday for ten weeks. You don't have to come to the whole course – just stop in for the first night and see what you think. No pressure.
Specifics of Alpha at Good Shepherd:
Alpha starts at Good Shepherd on Wednesday, September 21st, with a FREE Introduction Dinner and Talk: "Is there more to life than this?" The course curriculum is the book 'Questions of Life' by Nicky Gumbel. Each talk reflects one chapter of this book:
Jan 18 – No commitment Celebration Supper - Christianity: boring, untrue, irrelevant?
Jan 25 - Who is Jesus?
Feb 1 - Why did Jesus die?
Feb 8 - How can we have faith?
Feb 15 - Why and how do I pray?
Feb 22 - Why and how should I read the Bible?
Feb 29 - How does God guide us?
Mar 3 - Retreat Day
Mar 7 - How can I resist evil?
Mar 14 - Why and how should we tell others?
Mar 21 - Does God heal today?
Mar 28 - What about the church?
Please note: There is no obligation to attend all sessions.
Alpha will be held each week at Good Shepherd at Nesler Road in the Gathering Room. Child care will be provided.
Typical Alpha evening schedule:
6:00-7:00pm - Dinner
7:00-7:45pm - Video Presentation
7:45-8:30pm - Small Group Discussion
Come to the Celebration Supper and learn why Alpha is for you. There is no obligation beyond the dinner. Think of it as dinner and a movie, or a night you don't have to cook! The food is provided, all you have to do is bring yourself and your questions.
Thoughts from people who have attended the course at Good Shepherd:
"I most enjoyed Alpha because of the great relationships I formed. I was able to meet people and share stories!"
"The food was awesome! The leaders were awesome! I love my new friends!"
"I feel more connected to the community after Alpha."
"I most enjoyed the dinners and talking with everyone. The food was amazing!"
"I would recommend the Alpha Course to others- I met new friends, got to eat awesome food, and got to be with people who really care about me!"
Okay, I'm interested...what next?
The Alpha course runs Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30pm. Dinner and childcare is provided. Please register using the form below to check out the Alpha Course at Good Shepherd!