Everyone’s invited - Ask Anything - Real Problems - Big Questions. - Building Friendships - Food and Fun

Alpha changes lives—Could it change yours?

• If you are someone seeking information about the Christian faith, this is a great course for you.
• If you are someone wanting to revitalize your faith and/or learn more about our church, this is a great course for you.
• If you are someone wanting to make some new friends and have a good meal too, this is a great course for you.
  

The Alpha course is a 10 week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith to your life today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity centered around a meal, a talk, and small group discussion.

Alpha At Trinity United Methodist Church

Trinity United Methodist Church started Alpha in September 1999. It has been a popular course ever since, currently offered both in the Fall and Spring.

Guests come from all ages, stages, and walks of life. Hundreds of guests have come since 1999. Some come with church backgrounds and others come who have never attended church or have not attended church in a long time. Alpha is helpful to visitors, new members, parents who desire baptism for their children, and single adults as well as couples contemplating marriage. Even long time church members have taken the course and benefited.

What to Expect

Alpha has a relaxed and safe environment. Guests can register by phone (376-6615), email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or online (see link), or just walk in. The first night isn’t a commitment. It is simply a chance to see if Alpha might be right for you. If you like what you hear and want to return for the rest of the course, we’d love to have you. The course is held in Trinity’s Worship Center Banquet Hall each Fall & Spring on Thursdays from 6 – 8:30 pm.

Alpha always includes a tasty meal. After announcements and a few jokes, there is a talk by video by a dynamic speaker named Nicky Gumbel. Following the talk, each table group (usually about 10 guests) discuss the topic and ponder some of life’s questions. For example, “Why does God allow suffering?” “What about other religions?” “What happens when we die?” Guests can ask anything at Alpha--no question is too simple or too difficult and each guest’s thoughts are respected.

There is no charge for the Alpha course—all materials are provided. There is a donation basket for the meal: $6 for adults and children free. There is a fee for the Alpha Weekend Away for lodging and 3 meals (scholarships are available to those in need). A book table is provided most weeks at Alpha for Alpha resource materials, but all purchases are optional. Child care (ages infant – 5th grade) is available at no cost to parents by Trinity’s child care staff.

The Weekend Away

Life After Alpha

By the end of the Alpha course, new friendships have formed at each table group. Some table groups continue to meet even after the course has ended. In this way, Alpha is a great way to get connected at Trinity. Amazing personal stories come from guests at the end of each course. Some guests become Christians, some find their existing faith has come alive, and often there are guests who share stories about the healings and other changes in their lives. It has been amazing to hear and see how Alpha changes lives!

 “Challenging Lifestyles” with Nicky Gumbel 

Each series is a 6 week course.  Challenging Lifestyles is directed at folks who have been through Alpha, and just want more - more time with the friends they made in Alpha, more time listening to our beloved Nicky Gumbel, more time to discuss the meaning of life, and grow with the Holy Spirit.

The material for this serious is based on Jesus' Sermon of the Mount, said by Nicky to be the wisest words ever spoken.  The format is similar to the Alpha Course, a time of fellowship & snack, then watch Nicky’s DVD presentation, followed by a group discussion on the topic and prayer.

Child care is by RSVP if there are at least 3 children.  There is no cost for the course.  Manuals may be available for purchase ($5).

If you want to participate but can't be there all the time, that is fine. Just visit once if you like, you will be welcomed!

For more information or to register, contact Jim Burns:   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 332-6001.

Series 1:  Dates:  June 10 – July 15, Room 225, 6 – 7:30 PM

The 6 topics are:  How to find the secret to happiness; How to change the world around you; How to understand the Old Testament; How to handle anger; How to approach sex in the 21st century; and, How to respond to divorce.

Series 2:  Dates:  July 22 -  August 26, Room 225, 6 – 7:45 PM

The 6 topics are:  How to live and act with integrity; How to respond to difficult people; How to handle conflict; How to become a generous giver; How to pray (and fast) like Jesus; and, How to handle ambition. 

Series 3:  Dates:  September 1 – October 6 (Trinity Town Center Program, TBA)

Alpha Website

For more information on Alpha, including courses in other areas, the National Alpha Conference, ordering Alpha Resource materials, links to other Alpha Specialty Courses, downloads, and much more, please visit:   www.alpha.org

Alpha Resources

Alpha books and materials are now available for puchase in the Higher Grounds Bookstore.

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