Updated Nov. 24, 2007

Alpha Course has begun

The Alpha course meets at 9:45 a.m. Sundays in Room 203. This great short course is an introduction to the Christian faith or to encourage seasoned believers. Join Carol Sue LeGate and bring a friend. For information contact Carol Sue LeGate, 681-3900, or Murray Gossett, 373-4242.

Community Life continues Alpha tradition

Over the last several years, hundreds of our congregation experienced the excellent teaching, great food and small-group life of the Alpha Program.
Many members so enjoyed the experience, they went on to help start other Alpha groups. Last year, a group of Alpha grads asked the question “What next?
How can we build on this wonderful concept?"

That's how “Community Life" came into being. Several friends decided to continue to meet using the same format: meeting in a home, having a meal together, studying the Scriptures and praying together. Brian and Shari Kloos opened up their great home each Wednesday evening. Different people brought a meal each week. Marc Adams and Stephen Neumann led the discussion, and people shared their lives.

The group grew from 16 the first semester to about 30 a year later and plans to continue meeting! Coming this fall, we are planning on starting several more “Community Life Groups" in area homes.

Using the same Alpha format, groups will meet on Wednesday evenings, starting with a wonderful meal, followed by biblical discussion and prayer.
In the book of Acts, Luke describes the brand new church like this: “They continued to meet together from house to house, breaking bread, singing hymns, listening to the apostles' teaching, and having all things in common."

Perhaps we can capture some of those same elements this fall in our “Community Life" groups. Will you think and pray about this being your next small group experience? For more information, contact Kim Talley, 584-9523, or Murray Gossett, 373-4242.

What is Alpha?

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith.

Learning and laughter. It is possible to learn about the Christian faith and have fun at the same time.

People meeting together. Sharing ideas and food gives people an opportunity to get to know each other.

Helping one another. The small groups give you a chance to discuss issues raised in the talks.

Ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is regarded as too simple or too hostile.

The Alpha Course is a 15-session program running over 10 weeks to provide a practical introduction to the Christian faith.

For more information, contact Dr. Murray Gossett at 373-4242 or by e-mail at murrayg@fpc-amarillo.org.

You can also find out more by visiting the Alpha Web site.

What happens at Alpha?

Supper There is a light meal together at the beginning of each session which gives people a chance to get to know each other.

Talk After each talk we divide into small groups to discuss the topic of the evening, ask questions and express opinions.

Coffee & Small groups Listen, learn, discuss and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile.

Who's it for?

• Alpha is for everyone! It is especially geared toward:
• Those investigating and questioning Christianity
• New Christians
• People who have gone to church, but are unsure about their faith.
• Mature Christians wanting to learn more.

What topics are discussed?

There is a series of talks such as:

• Who is Jesus?
• How Can I be Sure of My Faith?
• Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
• Why and How Do I Pray?
• How Does God Guide Us?
• Who is the Holy Spirit?
• What is the point of Life?
• What happens when I die?

What are others saying about Alpha?

Dr. Wayne Grudem
Prof. Biblical and Systematic Theology
Trinity International University, Deerfield, Ill.
“ I highly recommend the Alpha course to everyone interested in discovering how the Christian faith can be exciting and life-changing in the modern course. The course is biblically sound, understandable, and practical. It will have a significant impact on people's lives."

Gordon D. Fee
Prof. New Testament and Dean of Faculty
Regent College, Vancouver, Canada
“ At the heart of the Gospel is both evangelism and discipleship. Alpha courses are designed to do both effectively."

Bill Bright
Campus Crusade for Christ
“Alpha is definitely a powerful tool for reaching the lost for Christ and helping them mature in their faith."

Charles W. Colson
Prison Fellowship Ministries
“I know of many people whose lives have been transformed through the Alpha course. I rejoice at how God is using it so powerfully to renew many churches."

Loren Cunningham
Ywam
“Alpha is a soul winning, discipling, multiplying, spiritually dynamic ministry that has already touched the lives of thousands."

What is FPC saying about Alpha?

Dr. Steve Cowan
“I always looked forward to Wednesday evening Alpha meetings. The food was excellent and always different. In a casual and relaxed setting, Alpha, through its video and open group discussions, provided me a way to reinforce and build my faith and Christian knowledge. I also enjoyed developing a closer relationship with other group members."

Dr. Murray Gossett
Associate Pastor
“ALPHA is a great way to grow in your faith, get to know others and reach out to friends who you have spiritual concern for. The food is great, the discussion is meaningful and I bet you will grow closer to a lot of people in our Lord as well."

Russ and Jill Goodrich
“Alpha was a tremendous experience! Not only did it reinforce our faith and help put our beliefs into simple terms, but it helped us to consider ways we can reach out to others with Christ's message. We loved it! Alpha definitely became the highlight of our week!"

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