OUTWARD MINISTRY . . . . . . . . .. . .You, Me & ALPHA

Yep, it’s coming again; another course is being offered . . . . . . . . SO WHAT? What does ALPHA REALLY PROVIDE anyway? I’m reasonably knowledgeable about Christianity . . . . . . What can I/We get out of this?

Does ALPHA just stand for the following?

Anyone can come

Laughter with some learning

Pastries to munch on

Help for someone else

Ask anything

ALPHA certainly gives us the above, but it provides us with an enormous opportunity to (1) revitalize our Christian values, and garner a much greater understanding of who we are. It is also a pleasant, nurturing experience with co-participants. (2) For those on the cusp of Christianity, it’s a non-threatening event, where the forces of evangelism can quietly work their way in the hearts and minds of the recipient.

ALPHA is a profoundly meaningful no-cost experience, that tackles subjects like “Who really was Jesus - why did he die?” Or “Who is the Holy Spirit - how are we guided / comforted?” Perhaps you are curious about the continual presence of temptation and “how we may deal with the evil in our lives?” These are representative of subject material humorously, but effectively, presented by Nicky Gumbo, via DVD video. Chances are, Nicky will become your friend and mentor very early in the program.

Your HELP is needed in the form of: (1) Your participation and (2) to invite others to attend/participate with you.

We are asking everyone to discuss with / encourage neighbors, friends, workmates and/or relatives asking them to come with you. During April, Outward Ministry will bombard you with bulletin inserts, neighborhood postcards, and a temple talk to further explain the ALPHA program, and energize you to participate / recruit others, ok? Additional help is needed from volunteers to prepare desert (cakes, cookies, etc.) for each of the 10 week sessions and the one weekend retreat.

Our goal is to start on 7 May with 20 or more participants. Should 12 participants not be realized, we will not proceed - ALPHA is a quality ecumenical program that must not languish in our congregational files. Again, your participation, and the power of word-of-mouth invitations is needed – Please consider and act on both . . . . . . a very sincere thank you to all in this matter.

Following is the registration form to complete/return to the church office. Upon return, please mark for Jerry Jenson (Faith’s ALPHA Coordinator).

THE ECUMENICAL ALPHA COURSE

7 May – 9 Jul 08 (from 6:17 PM to 8:30 PM)

Registration

I/We will be a participant(s) for these ecumenical ALPHA sessions hosted at Faith Lutheran. The initial session will start on Wednesday, 7 May at 6:17 PM in the Faith Lutheran Fellowship Hall ( 520 East Highway 50, O’Fallon, IL.). Mark your calendars!

Name(s): _______________________________________

Address: _______________________________________

Telephone: _____________________________________

Email: _________________________________________

I/We have invited and will (or will not), be accompanying guest participants; their names and contact information follow

Guest name(s): _______________________________________

Guest address: _______________________________________

Guest Telephone: _____________________________________

Email (if known): _____________________________________

We will participant with our invited guests: ____

We will not be participating with our invited guests: ____

** Return to Church Office, marked for Jerry Jenson, ALPHA Coordinator