The Alpha Course
Start: September 10, 2012 8:15 pm
End: 9:35 pm
Location: Frazer United Methodist
Description:
6000 ATLANTA HWY. MONTGOMERY, AL 36117
KEN ROACH, COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR
334.495.6328 KEN@FRAZERUMC.ORG
Frazer to offer internationally acclaimed Alpha Course
Class allows inquirers a place to ask questions they feel they can’t ask in church
For immediate release–The Alpha Course, an international phenomenon that began in England and has swept across the United States, allows participants to explore the big questions of life in a relaxed environment. Beginning September 10, 2012, Frazer United Methodist will offer Alpha for 10 weeks on Monday nights.
Alpha is an introduction to Christianity designed for those who have no prior knowledge of the Bible. Participants explore the meaning of life, the purpose of existence, and the basic claims of the Christian faith.
“Sometimes people aren’t comfortable asking questions or discussing their doubts in a formal church setting. The goal of Alpha is to provide a relaxed, non-judgmental, non-critical environment where no question is off limits and everyone is assumed to be starting from zero in terms of knowledge about Christianity,” said Frazer Teaching Pastor Patrick Quinn, who will help lead the teaching sessions.
Each weekly session will include a meal, short lecture time, and group table discussions. There is no cost to participants and childcare is available with registration. The course will run Mondays Sept. 10 through Nov. 19 from 6-8 p.m.
An introductory dinner will be offered on Monday, August 27 at 6 p.m. for those who want to learn more about Alpha; free registration is available at www.frazerumc.org/alpha.
The Alpha course began at Holy Trinity Brompton church in central London in the late 1970s as a means of presenting the basic principles of Christianity to new Christians. The Alpha course teaches only the basic biblical teachings on which all Christians agree, with over 100 denominations now having offered a course. Alpha has spread around the world, as more churches and groups found it an effective way to answer people’s questions about the Christian faith. Currently in the United States, 30,000+ volunteers at 5,627 churches offer Alpha courses with over 3 million guests to date. Worldwide, an estimated 18 million people from 169 countries and 81 languages have participated in a course.
The Alpha Course is also offered at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery.
What others are saying:
- “A novel approach to Christian education that has been catching on nationwide.”
The New York Times - “…many claim Alpha has changed their lives and appear genuinely happier for the experience.”
Time Magazine - “What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings – that, and its astonishing success.”
The Times (London) - “I believe the Alpha course touches lives. I have seen so many people find a personal relationship with God and a quiet strength in their life after doing the course – me included – and it takes a proud man to say he never needs any help.
Alpha is a non-pressured, and fun course, and it shows us how Christianity can be relevant and empowering to our lives.
I’ve seen Alpha touch so many people over the years. I’ve seen it encourage people to find a very simple faith.”
Bear Grylls, Alpha guest & “Man vs Wild” of the Discovery Channel - “Alpha is a well-designed, implementable program that addresses the basic questions of life for the churched and unchurched alike. The course meets the vital test of being both open and faithful – welcoming of all, while presenting the Gospel message with clarity and power.”
George Gallup, Jr. Chairman, The George H. Gallup International Institute - “…we need a new evangelization which, while being open to all the fullness of the truth and the Christian life, will yet be simple and basic. This is the reason why I look with interest and appreciation to the Alpha course. It seems to me that it answers precisely this need of ours. The very name shows this. It is not called “Alpha and Omega course” but simply “Alpha course” because it doesn’t claim to lead people from beginning to end in faith; only to help them get acquainted with it, to foster a personal encounter with Jesus, leaving it to other Church departments to develop the newly rekindled faith.”
Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, Appointed Preacher to the Papal Household by Pope John Paul II
For more information: