What: An evening of food, fun & friends When: Thursday evenings 6:00 p.m. Where: Grace Brethren Church 355 Panama Ave. Chico, CA. 95973 (530) 342-8642 Who: You and a guest (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) Cost: Suggested $5 donation toward the food cost of an excellent three-course dinner
On Thursday evenings, our church family is going on a journey together. This is an opportunity that you don’t want to miss. It will involve excellent food, enjoyable fellowship, and a fresh new look at the Christianity. So, make sure that you contact Pastor Richard to reserve a seat. REShaffer61@yahoo.com or call 342-8642
WHAT IS ALPHA? The Alpha course was developed to give people the opportunity to investigate the Christian faith. Over ten weekly sessions, guests hear teaching on the following topics: Is there more to life than this? Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? Why and how do I pray? . . . and more. After the presentation, course attendees have a chance to ask questions about what they heard. Many people enjoy attending the Alpha course because of the no-pressure environment and non-judgmental atmosphere. Others appreciate the chance to discuss deep questions of life that they don’t otherwise get the chance to ask.
WHAT HAPPENS AT ALPHA? Each Alpha course begins with an excellent meal providing a chance to relax and get to know others. There is then a short talk, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. This is followed by a time of discussion in small groups of about 8 to 12 people. Everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion and ask questions. The course curriculum is based on the book “Questions of Life” by Nicky Gumbel.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? The Alpha course costs $4 for the book. A $5 suggested donation for a great dinner. Example: Mixed Greens Salad w/Craisins & Candied Pecans, Herb Roasted Pork Loin w/ home-made Apple-Cranberry Compote, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans Almandine, and home-made Carrot Cake. You can’t eat at Burger King for $5. If finances are an issue, scholarships are available. WHO IS ALPHA FOR? People attend from many different backgrounds, religions and viewpoints. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still others may have attended church all their life, but feel they never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
WHAT PAST GUESTS SAY ABOUT ALPHA Bill: “For the first time in my 30+ years I realized that God wasn’t something far away.”
Dianne: “I attended the Alpha course because I was wondering what life is all about. Why are we here? Who is Jesus? What is our purpose on earth?”
Anthony: "I didn’t expect the warm welcome I received, the interesting discussions, or the lack of pressure to speak in the small groups that followed. I found that I could express any doubts about Christianity, and that my opinions would be respected."
===================================================================== The current Alpha course will start on Thursday, February 18th, 2010,
and run through early May
