Alpha Course 2010

The Anglican Parish of Burnside-Harewood and Burnside Elim Community Church are working together to run an Alpha course commencing in July.

What is Alpha?

The Alpha course is a practical introduction to the Christian faith and is open to anyone. It runs as a series of weekly meetings that each involve an informal meal, a talk and small group discussion. There are fifteen talks covering the basic principles of the Christian faith given over a ten-week period, including a weekend or day away.

It is relaxed, non threatening, low key, friendly and fun. Alpha is for everyone, especially those wanting to investigate Christianity, new Christians, newcomers to the church and those wanting to brush up on the basics.

Aims?

1. To provide a non-threatening environment in which people outside our churches can explore the Christian faith.
2. To give members of our churches an opportunity to invite non-Christian friends to hear the Gospel explained.
3. To run a high-profile launch event that catches people's attention and attracts a large number of interested people.
4. To give an opportunity for our churches to join together in mission to our local community.

How Can I Contribute?

Planning is under way, and yes there are a number of ways in which you can help:

• Pray that people will be drawn to Christ
• Offer to help distributing flyers
• Offer to financially support this important outreach
• Offer to baby sit for a young couple with children so they can attend
• Offer to help with serving food at one of the evenings
• Offer to provide a dish of food for one of the evenings
• We all need to invite at least one neighbour, friend, colleague, stranger, to attend the introductory evening

Timeline

• Sunday 18th April—Parish Prayer meeting focus on Alpha
• May—Recruit leaders/ helpers for course.
• June—Distribute advertising material for course.
• June—2 Monday nights. Training for leaders involved on the course and chance to meet and pray as a team.
• Sunday 11th July Alpha Guest Services—opportunity to invite friends and fully inform congregations about Alpha.
• Monday 19th July Introduction event at Sevanti's in Kendal Avenue. Coffee and desert night in a welcoming environment, with talk "Is there more to life than this?" and an invitation to join us next week for the course. The evening is free of charge for guests
• Meetings each Monday from 26th July to 27th September - The course will be held at Elim Church on the corner of Cranbrook Ave and Grahams Road.
• Friday Night and Saturday 27th / 28th August or 4th / 5th September. Holy Spirit Weekend. Venue to be advised.

How does this fit in with our vision?

• God calls us to be a united parish
• God calls us to be an outward-looking parish
• God calls us to be a training parish

Offers of Help

Please contact either Rev Matt Watts or Keith Hitchings with offers of support.

Matt: 358-8174 email Matt
Keith: 354 6816 (Evenings) email Keith