Alpha Course

We have given the Alpha course at Bellport Methodist since 2004. Alpha consists of grace, dinner, singing a hymn, watching a video, and then a small group discussion of the video. There is no charge, just a free will offering for the meal. All denominations give the same alpha course and we have had Methodists, Catholics, Lutherans, and Greek Orthodox take our course. To learn more about Alpha, see: http://www.alphausa.org/basics/

If you might be interested, send us email (see Contact Us page).

Fall Alpha 2010 is coming! Alpha is a ten week course on the basics of Christianity. We have a meal, sing a hymn, watch a video, and have a small group discussion of the video. Sept. 12 is what we call "A Taste of Alpha". As Jesus said: "Come and see".

Sundays 6:00-8:45pm

Sept 12 – A Taste of Alpha

Sept 19 – Who is Jesus?

Sept 26 – Why did Jesus die?

Oct 3 – How can I be sure of my faith?

Oct 10 – Why and how do I pray?

Oct 17 – Why and how should I read the Bible?

Oct 24 – How does God guide us?

Tentative Sat. Oct 30 - Holy Spirit Retreat: Who is the Holy Spirit,

What does the Holy Spirit do, How can I be filled with the Spirit?

Oct 31 – How can I resist evil?

Nov 7 – Why and how should we tell others?

Nov 14 – Does God heal today?

Nov 21 – What about the church?

Bellport United Methodist Church

www.umcbellport.org, 286-0525

"We walk by faith, not by sight". 2 Cor. 5.7

Some impressions on the Alpha Course:

Like the words in Amazing Grace: "I was lost, but now I'm found." That is is how I feel since going to Alpha - just being able to openly talk with friends while not having to worry if I sound foolish. To me the Lord is love and acceptance. I feel I found that in Alpha. Carol.

I responded to an invitation from Rev. Beaven a few years ago to come and try the ALPHA program at the UMC Bellport. He was participating in an Lenten program at my Parish Church, St. Joseph the Worker and invited everyone present. I attended the next session and I keep coming back and now assist Bill in the Program. ALPHA has opened my eyes and more importantly, my heart, to all my brothers and sisters who follow Jesus and his message of peace. I have met wonderful people of all faiths at UMC and many of my fellow Parishioners from SJW have taken the course and speak highly of the experience. I will be there, responding to the call of Jesus when he said: "Come, follow me". Like Thomas Merton said, "I don't know if I am doing what the Lord wants, but I am trying and that makes Him happy" (my paraphrasing). I could go on and on about my feelings for ALPHA but will end with the words of St. Francis of Assisi. "Go out and preach the Gospel and if necessary use words". Pace Bene - Jack.

I realized during the Alpha discussions that the God I experience is different from the God others experience. However, then I realized that God is big, or, as someone said, if we could comphrend God, He wouldn't be God. These discussions really broaden my view of God. Our God is an awesome God! - Bill.

Now that we have completed the Alpha program, we have had time to reflect on the central structure of the course. One glaring fact was outstanding: the Alpha program is based on Holy Scripture - something that is often lacking in mainline protestant churches. It was very refreshing to be part of a course that looked to God for directions and answers. - Ed and Joan.

We can think of no better place to explore our Christian faith and travel on a faith journey in such a non-judgemental environment than by taking the ALPHA course. We looked forward to every session; feeling renewed and refreshed after spending an evening with our Christian friends. John & Anna

Those were the best ten weeks of my life. Anon.