Fall 2012 Alpha Information

August 30

Preview Night


September 6

Alpha Starts


May 4-5

Alpha Weekend Away


May 31

Alpha Dinner Party


Have More Questions?

Contact David Allen at 416.3009


REGISTER NOW!


Can't make the latest ALPHA course? Join us at the next one! Date and Time information coming soon.

James & Alexis' Story

From the ALPHA 2011 National Conference: Trinity Members, James & Alexis' Story. Coming from very different places in life, they both were asking, "Is there more to life?".

James & Alexis' Story
Alpha Menus

ALPHA is a unique program, and along with this program comes a variety of unique menu's.  The Trinity Food Service Director and Staff choose weekly from the freshest and most seasonal ingredients to prepare signature dishes that keep ALPHA attendee's anticipating each week great meals.  We often create these menu's after visiting our local produce providers the day before the dinner.  We strive to post these menu's each week on our website, but we always commit the following to each week’s meal.


Every ALPHA Dinner will include:


  • An Abundant Salad Bar, made with the freshest locally grown produce
  • A Main Entrée, that usually includes a Meat Protein
  • A Starch and Fresh Vegetable Dishes, which are completely vegetarian
  • Freshly Baked Bread
  • A House Baked Dessert
  • View the weekly Menus

Want more?

Fall 2011

Spring 2011

Fall 2010
 

Alpha

  
 


The Alpha course is an 11-12 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.


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.

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), This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , online, 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 6:00 – 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 six years and younger eat 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
Around week 6, there is an overnight event we call the Alpha Weekend Away. This is always a special time for guests on the course to get away to relax, enjoy new friendships, and focus on 4 talks about the Holy Spirit. This event is held at Camp Weed, which is approximately a 50 minute drive from Gainesville (just west of Lake City, FL). Both the accommodations and food at Camp Weed are excellent. More details on the Alpha Weekend Away are shared early in the course.

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!


Examples of Life After Alpha


Intimate Encounters with God:  not currently scheduled


Life Worth Living: not currently scheduled (but here is the course information)

Life Worth Living is a 9 session course based on the book of Philippians.  The course is aimed specifically at those starting out in the Christian life and is ideal for those who have just completed an Alpha course.  Earl talk explains how it is possible to live the Christian live positively, practically, and joyfully. Topics include:

  1. New Heart
  2. New Purpose
  3. New Attitude
  4. New Responsibilities
  5. New Friendships
  6. New Confidence
  7. New Ambitions
  8. New Resources
  9. New Generosity

For information on this course, contact Jim Burns 352.331.7494.


The Jesus Lifestyle:  not currently scheduled (but here is the course information)

“The Jesus Lifestyle” is a 3 series course—each 6 weeks--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 Nicky Gumbel, more time to discuss the meaning of life, and grow with the Holy Spirit. The material for this series 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 a DVD presentation, followed by a group discussion on the topic and prayer.  There is no cost for the course.  Manuals may be available for purchase ($5).

  • Series 1:  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:  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: How to stop worrying and start living; How to deal with criticism; How to respond to the most challenging words ever spoken; How to make the big decision; How to spot false prophets; How to build a secure future.

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 352.331.7494.


Alpha Fundraising

  • Interested in donating to ALPHA? You can donate, give a gift in memory or honor of, or provide a scholarship. Your donation is greatly appreciated!
  • alphanotecardLooking for a good gift?  Art Cards by Dottie Giro, Artist & Alpha Graduate.  Each card, from her original watercolor, features a Florida Sunset & the Fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).  Note Card (4.5 x 5.25 size) $2 each or Greeting Card (5 x 7 size) $3 each.  Fine Art Giclee prints and Card Sets also available.  All sales benefit Trinity's Alpha Course (www.Alpha.org).  To order, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (371.4092.)

Alpha Resources

For more information on Alpha, including courses in other areas, the Regional 'Mobilize" Conferences, ordering Alpha Resource materials, links to other Alpha Specialty Courses, downloads, and much more, please visit the Alpha website. Alpha books and materials are now available for purchase in the Bookstore.