 Is It Time To Bring Alpha To Faxon-Kenmar Church? Alpha is a worldwide phenomenon. It's found in over 160 countries. It's run in tens of thousands of schools, prisons, homes and churches of all denominations. It's given more than 13 million people the opportunity to explore the meaning of life. It can help change the lives of people in a congregation and the lives of people in the community, too. FKUMC church council is working on a proposal to help us experience this course and to reach out to the community through this program. Here is an introduction to Alpha: What Is Alpha - Practically? Practically, Alpha is a course that covers the basics of Christianity. It answers questions like: Who is Jesus?, and Why did he die? The Alpha course usually lasts 10 weeks, with a day or weekend getaway in the middle. Each week, guests gather for about two hours. They share an informal meal, sing a few songs, listen to a talk on how Christianity approaches the question at hand, then gather into small groups for discussion. The talks each week act as a springboard for small group discussions. What Is Alpha - Spiritually? While it teaches about God's love, the Alpha course helps guests experience that love, as well. Every part of the Alpha course is designed to tell people: Your thoughts matter. Your questions are relevant. Your life is valuable. It's a message that's applicable to all people. Spiritually, Alpha has been described as: An open door
Alpha is an open door to people outside your church. It's a way for those who are not believers or church-goers to come and learn what Christianity is all about. It's informal and relaxed so people can drop their defenses and ask their questions. No question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile. It's about exploration and discovery. A place to begin
The Alpha course began over 25 years ago at Holy Trinity Brompton in London as a means of presenting the basic principles of Christianity to new Christians. Today, Alpha is still a place for new believers to get rooted in the faith. The Alpha course teaches only the basic, biblical teachings that all Christians agree on. It doesn't argue different views on the mysteries of faith. Because of this, it's relevant for all denominations. A bridge
Some churches present Alpha to visitors and Sunday morning attendees as a path for delving deeper into the congregation. It's a short, no-pressure commitment. And while they explore your church, you have the opportunity to serve and embrace this group of people who sometimes slip through the cracks. A springboard
Alpha changes lives - including the lives of believers. Many churches start the Alpha course by simply inviting their members to attend. By the end of the course, people find themselves refreshed in their faith and energized to share the experience with others. Usually they grab the opportunity to lead and serve on the next Alpha course. Before you know it, you have new leaders springing up in your congregation. Whatever the reason for starting an Alpha course, be ready. Alpha changes lives and it changes churches. It will take several months to prepare for this wonderful event. Please let Pastor Dave know that you are interested in either participating or being part of the planning team. Dates, times, etc. all have to be determined. Hearing from you will help in planning these details. You can learn more about Alpha on the web at:
http://www.alphana.org/Groups/1000059990/Running_Alpha_for.aspx What others have said about Alpha Dr. Rick Warren Senior Pastor, Saddleback Church, USA
"It's great to see how Alpha has been used to reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ, who wouldn't normally come to church. Alpha is one of the most effective evangelism tools for the 21st century ... and is very complementary to helping seekers connect with The Purpose Driven Life." Bill Hybels Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, USA
"Alpha is one of the best known evangelistic programs in the world. I don't think anybody rejoices more in its effectiveness than I do...We applaud the vision and work of Alpha to connect the unconnected to the life of the local church and to relationship with Jesus Christ." The late 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 both inside and outside prison walls." Lee Strobel Best-selling Christian author
"We need evangelism today that's authentic, relational, and process-oriented, which is why I'm thrilled to be partnering with Alpha to offer a conference on how churches and individuals can reach out in a natural and effective way." Joyce Meyer Joyce Meyer Ministries
"I encourage my readers and viewers to learn more about the Alpha course. Alpha is a great way to put into action all that we learn through in-depth Bible study; Alpha is a tool for mobilizing men and women to present the gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost. God is blessing the Alpha approach to evangelism, we see that in the millions of people who have attended an Alpha course worldwide and have given their life to Christ." --Pastor David Click to download this article as a PDF. |
With school beginning we are near the start of the football season again. This has caused me to think about some of the things I remember about football from my days in high school. I never played football on the gridiron; I was in the band. From the trumpet section I watched all the plays my team made. I remember we called one type of play the "Hail Mary." It wasn’t a religious term, it was a label for a strategy to be used when all other plays had been tried without success. The "Hail Mary" play was the last best plan for turning a losing game around. 
The United Methodist Men will resume their monthly Breakfast Meetings on Saturday, September 11th at 8 AM in Stiner Hall. All men are invited to participate. Come join us for a great breakfast and a wonderful time of fellowship as we begin our fall program.
Summer fun is over with family and friends so join us for at least one last summer picnic on September 12th at the Becht Center. The picnic will start at 4 PM to ? Bring a dish or two (meat, side dish, salad or dessert) to share and join your church family for an evening of fun and fellowship. Drinks, paper plates, utensils and cups will be provided. Pastor Dave will be sharing his family trip to Alaska with us. We will set up at 3 PM the day of the picnic, so if anyone can help we would appreciate it. 
Once again we will have an opportunity to have a nice dinner out, this time you will be supporting our church! On Friday, September 17 from 4-8PM you can purchase your meal at Hoss's and the church will receive a donation of 20% of your total check. Cards will be available in Sept-- Take a few and pass them out to your friends and neighbors! 
The next meeting of the ET Circle will be Tuesday, September 21st at 7pm in Stiner Hall. Please come with ideas of what types of programs you would be interested in. Refreshments will be served! All women and friends of Faxon-Kenmar UMC are invited! 
David Koskey, Director of Musical Ministries, invites ANYONE who loves music to get involved in the music of the new church year.