Alpha Course

Over 2 million people in the UK and 11 million worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations across the world.

Our Alpha Course is running from January 29th 2013 and is an excellent way in to the Christian faith and our church community. To enquire about our course please call the Parish Office on 01924 255441 or email: sandalmagna@gmail.com

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Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away. Alpha is a wonderful way for people to find out more about Jesus Christ and what it means to be a Christian. It can benefit all sorts of people who are:
Searching for meaning in life
Wanting to be confirmed
New to church
Not sure what they believe and are full of questions
Looking to refresh their faith, or to deepen their faith
Wishing to help with food or in the group discussions
This year we're making it special in three ways.
1. First we're beginning with an Alpha Supper. This makes it more accessible for people to taste and see whether they want to come on the course. It also gives us an ideal opportunity to invite others, few people will refuse an invitation to a meal!
2. This year we're inviting people of all ages to participate. Better than having a separate Youth Alpha, young people can join in the meal and the talk, before going to a discussion group that is geared to them.
3. We're holding a prayer meeting open to all ages and all churches, which will underpin all that we do, so do make a date in your diaries.

May God bless us as we share the good news of Jesus in this dynamic way,

The Alpha Course is a great way to find out about the Christian faith, in a friendly, non-pressurising and informal environment.

Each evening begins with a simple meal, followed by a talk by Nicki Gumble on video on one of the themes outlined below. After a short break for refreshments, we have an an opportunity to ask questions and discuss what issues you are interested in, in the informal context of a small group.

Please note that the course is also a very effective preparation for those who wish to be confirmed.
The dates and themes are as follows:

1. Who is Jesus?
2. Why did Jesus die?
3. Why and how should I read the Bible?
4. Why and how do I pray?
5. How does God guide us?
6. Who is the Holy Spirit?
7. and 8. Awayday What does the Holy Spirit do? and how can I be filled with the Spirit?
9. How can I resist evil?
10. Why and how should we tell others?
11. Does God heal today?
12. What about the church?
for further information about the Alpha Course, you can visit their website: www.alpha course.org

This is how going on the Alpha Course changed the lives of two people

Vladimir Govoruhin, Kazakhstan
Vladimir Govouhin, 39, went on an Alpha course after seeing the transformation of his 14 year old son, Igor, who had attended an Alpha for Youth course. Vladimir, whose wife had walked out on him several years before, became a Chrisitian and said he had been able to forgive his wife for the first time. All my family relationships have changed- everything had changed. I've forgiven my wife and my son forgives her. I want to rejoice in my life and to smile. I long to spread my smile to other people too. Praise to God.

South African Conference
South African Cabinet Minister Ben Skosana opened an Alpha 'Caring for Ex-Offenders' conference in Johannesburg in March-and told the assembled delegates a remarkable story of Alpha's impact. He said he had discovered that of 73 inmates of Johannesburg's Leeukop Jeuvenile Prison who had done Alpha and been released, none had re-offended-compared with the national reoffending rate of 87 per cent.

Contact Information
Telephone. 01924259966
Email. office@sandalmagna.fsnet.co.uk

Todays Bible Verse


ReJesus

The Church of England