Text Box: Mark:  "When I first heard about the Alpha course I was at a stage when I was searching for something 'out there'.  I really needed to ask questions and not feel like I was getting a hard-sell pitched at me.  Now I perceive things differently and just feel so at peace.  I have also met a wonderful bunch of new friends on the course."  Graham:  "The first evening surprised me completely.  The people were from all walks of life, from different races, classes and abilities. During the first evening, there were no prayers or heavy preaching. We were just given the opportunity to listen to the talk and then discuss anything we wanted. I chose to ask some challenging and confrontational questions, but they were welcomed, and I was made to feel valued and appreciated. I enjoyed the evening so much that I couldn't wait to go back the following week..." Maria:  “Before I had always thought you had to do good to be a Christian, and I knew I was not good enough…But the people in Alpha…helped smash that idea…no one is better than the next.”  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. If I had an issue with something, I had a forum to voice it with no need to apologize." John:  "Over the years, church became more of a social club… I’m still figuring it out. I was nervous the first week but was placed at a table with other young people, many of whom were going through the same stuff I was. But now God is a daily part of my life. The friends from Alpha have become some of the closest friends I’ve ever had."
CitrusAlpha.orgLife Changing What's Being SaidText Box: Wednesday, September 22st at 6:00pm; Crystal River United Methodist Church, 4801 N. Citrus Avenue, Crystal River. Text Box: Shepherd of The Hills Episcopal Church is pleased to announce that the Alpha program - a FREE 10 week basic Christianity course - is coming to Citrus County in a multi-denominational format. In cooperation with several Citrus County churches, this program answers questions about the Christian faith and demonstrates the love of Jesus, regardless of Text Box: The Alpha course was developed in response to people who wanted to have the opportunity to investigate the claims of the Christian faith. Over ten weekly sessions, including a day or weekend away, guests hear the claims of the Christian faith (view topics).  After the presentation, course attendees have a chance to question what they heard and discuss the validity of the claims. The support of all the major Christian denominations has enabled the Alpha course to spread rapidly around the world. Today, Alpha is run in over 160 countries and has been translated into more than 100 languages. Courses can also be found in many contexts including churches, homes, workplaces, military bases, colleges, schools, and prisons. There are many reasons why people enjoy attending the Alpha course. For some it’s the no pressure, non-judgmental atmosphere, others enjoy building relationships with new friends, while others appreciate the chance to discuss deep questions of life that they don’t otherwise get the chance to ask.  RegisterWhere?
Free

www.sothec.org

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