Alpha

	"What is the Meaning of Life?" "What Happens when we die?" "What relevance does Jesus have for our lives?" "How do we deal with guilt?" If you are asking these questions, come to Alpha: A Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church
	What is Alpha?
		Alpha is an 11-week course on the basics of Christian faith. Childcare is available.
		Alpha is for everyone – from those who never knew about Christianity to those who grew up in the Church.
		Alpha begins September 9, 2007 at 10:45am in the Christ Family Center.

The first session features music by the Heart of Africa Fellowship and a presentation on "Christianity: Boring, Untrue, Irrelevant?" A catered meal by Michael Lane Cuisine will be served at 12 noon.
The cost for Alpha is $5 for the study manual and a donation for each meal. Additional resources are available, but not required.
To make a reservation, call Harden Wiedemann, 214.552.4100.


More about Alpha
Whether the person is young or old, single or married, a refugee from Africa or a North Dallas resident, they all pondered God's compelling story in Christ's life, death and resurrection. There is something about Alpha that has allowed people to consider the claims of the Christian faith in a way that is genuine, non-threatening, and heart-warming.
Though I have always experienced Alpha as a director rather than as a group participant, Alpha has changed my life and my understanding of the Christian faith. Before September 11, 2001, I could describe myself as one having great confidence in my abilities as a pastor and teacher of the Christian faith. As our kickoff date for Alpha at Lovers Lane approached closer to September 11, 2001, I was feeling a bit intimidated by the responsibility I would soon have as the director of Alpha. Then something happened the day Alpha was to start. That morning lives were maimed or lost in New York, Washington D.C., and in a Pennsylvania field. Such was the shock of those events that hundreds of people came to Lovers Lane ready to hear what God would say to them. What does my life mean? Why do people hate and kill in the name of their god? Is the Christian faith worthy of my trust?
Ever since that day, I have learned that our Alpha 9/11 has become a red-letter day for Lovers Lane. Folks who have taken Alpha aren't as shy of saying how Christ makes a difference in living life. Praying for one another is a genuine calling, rather than a polite custom. As for me, I have learned that being a follower of Christ means having confidence in the Holy Spirit, rather than in my abilities.
On September 9, we will be starting another Alpha course on campus. Eight other Alpha courses have happened off-campus at prison units. I can't promise what change will occur in your relationship with God, but I can assure you that you will be changed. Who knows, you might even have a story for a future "Changing Lives" testimony.

We are located at the corner of Inwood Road and Northwest Highway. Click here to see a map of our location.
To find other Alpha courses near you, go to www.alphausa.org.
For news about Alpha around the country and the world, go to http://alphacourse.org/world/default.asp


Copyright 2001-2008 Lovers Lane UMC, Dallas, Texas. All rights reserved.
20040823