Alpha Update

St. Philip's first Alpha Course began just over a month ago on Tuesday Sept. 7th and we have met every Tuesday since. "We" are just over 30 members of St. Philip's, some fairly new members and others with St. Philip's for many years. The Alpha course is a basic introduction to the Christian faith lasting 10 weeks. Alpha began several years ago in England and is now running in churches of all denominations all over the world.
We begin each evening with some food (pudding, desert, sweets) and drink and getting to know each other better. This has been great fun, Celtic Craig, Evolving Eve, Marvellous Martin and Jumping Judy being among the participants.
Each week after our grub we have a time of worship in which we are learning some new songs. We have been led in this by Tod and Nancy Connor (guitarist and lead singer) and, when Tod was away, by Jeremy Honey (flute). After a joke or two we then settle down and watch a video. The subjects covered so far:

  1. Who is Jesus ?
  2. Why did Jesus die ?
  3. How can I be sure of my faith ?
  4. Why and How should I read the bible ?
  5. Why and How do I pray ?
The videos have been thought provoking and led us on in our three discussion groups. These have been a source of some deep insights by many folk.
Some comments by those taking part: -
"I have found the Alpha course to be a very simple and easy way to have a relationship with Christ. It is a series of short that enhance the understanding of how to be a Christian. I would recommend the experience to anyone who wishes to improve their faith in Jesus                          Dave Sanguinetti
"The response has been enthusiastic-even lively at times. The question of "faith ' (how much ) was a topic we chewed on. The Mustard seed illustration was very convincing to some of us.
                                       Bill and Betty Joiner
"There were two things which were for me exactly "
"There were some very helpful points this evening "
" I love it. I want to come again "
We are learning a lot about our faith, ourselves, our relationship with God and each other in a loving atmosphere. If you would like to know more about the Alpha course then you can ask anyone who participating in the present course and whose name is on the list on the noticeboard.                Francis Honey

New Parish Hall Floor
Be sure to notice the new floor in the Parish Hall which was installed during the week of October 22 by San Lorenzo Floors. Many, many thanks to
San Lorenzo Floors,

(especially Frank Vickner) for their
generous contribution to help keep the costs
within our budget.

Thanks to Local Businesses

Contributions from our local business  community are very much appreciated and have helped St. Philip's in many ways over the years.
Perry's Floral provides flowers for Sunday services at a very reasonable price.
Lewis Tree Service has given us very competitive rates for all the tree removal and trimming work they have done over the past couple years.
And Chris Elliott of Aqua Green Landscape and Irrigation Co. worked very hard to repair leaking water lines and replace our aged water supply pipes while giving us very reasonable rates.
You might consider patronage of these companies if ever in need of any of their services.

A song of the Creator

By Donna Seelbach

Follow the stream of light
The steam is bright with promise
From where you come is deep and dark and long,
as clear as the stars, as numerous, and as much
to resonate with the very pulse of your being.
All along, you belong to the green dark depths
of ever ancient streams of life giving life from
caverns of opalescent song.
Consider for a moment, the action of the Creator
Can you not remember a time where you knew
the horses voice, the eagle's call?
Can you not remember a time where I was so present that to talk to me was to breathe?
Once, a long time ago, a thought was so powerful
as to bring into manifestation that thought,
and it was good.
In your time of rest, remember My presence is
nearest to your breath and the sound of the water
moving down the stream.
My stream is everlasting and contains all the sounds and sighs of that which existed then
and all that is yet to be.

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