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Enthusiam for Alpha Conferences Ottawa folk: we have posted this because we love Laurel's attitude, and we ask that you don't miss the final pragraph
Tillsonburg is hosting an Alpha Training Conference November 2 & 3, 2001 and we want to invite everyone to it. Yes, that is a big mandate, but with your help we can do it.
Nicky Gumble said that running an Alpha Course without attending a Training Conference is like driving a car without any lessons. He was right! [Isn't he always!] After being a participant, assistant and a leader, I went to a conference in Barrie not really expecting to get a lot out of it. Boy, was I wrong. It was wonderful. I learned a lot about the origins and background of Alpha, the reasons why the course works so well, how to make our course more successful and a lot about myself.
We got so much out the conference we volunteered at another in London and attended another in Detroit. They all used the same outline but at all of them we gather more knowledge and insight to make our Alpha courses even better.
During the conference you learn about the Principles and Practicalities of Alpha; you do a Model Alpha Weekend; learn about small groups and pastoral care; Ministry session and Integrating Alpha in the Church. The conference allows everyone the opportunity to share their successes and ideas and have their questions answered.
The most amazing thing I found at all the conferences was the total lack of denominational walls. Everyone was there to share with each other our experiences, knowledge and love. Talk about being filled with the Spirit!
Now, I would like to personally invite you and your Alpha team to the training conference in Tillsonburg. You'll have a great time and no matter how far away you live, it is worth the trip.
I would also like to ask you to get in touch with any other church or organization in your community or area that is running Alpha and invite them also. I only have e-mail addresses and we cannot afford to send a snail mailing out all the other groups, so I am asking you to make a few local phone calls for me. Then I would like you to 'gird thy loins' and invite someone from a church that does not run Alpha to come to the conference, so that they may return full of the Spirit and enthusiasm to start an Alpha program in their church.
I am a former heathen who now has a calling to help spread Alpha throughout the land. Will you help please?
The conference costs $95/person $150/couple. Groups of 5 or more $75. Pre-registration closes 2 weeks prior after which and extra $20 is added to each delegate registration. Dinner on day one is included in the fees, as well as the refreshment breaks.
For more information you can look up the Alpha Canada Web site at www.alphacanada.org or e-mail tillsonburg2001ON@alphacanada.org
I personally will be happy to answer any questions you may have or at least transfer you to those in the know.
I wanted to contact you before the summer holidays so you would have the opportunity to talk about attending with other friends and Alpha staff. I would like to send you periodic reminders in the fall and let you know some more of the exciting plans we have for the two day conference. If you wish me to remove your address from the master list or add others, please contact me by return mail and I will be pleased to do so.
If you cannot attend we would requests your prayers for everyone on the conference team to make this the best conference ever and prayers for a large attendance so that we may spread the name of Jesus to every home in Canada!
Thanks and Blessing to all,
Laurel
Laurel A. Beechey |