by Claudia Heiden

The Bethany Alpha course begins next February. Although that may seem like a long way off, now is the time to begin thinking of someone you may like to invite. Alpha is for Christians, those who are contemplating Christianity, or non-believers. It is a 12-week course that explores the different aspects of Christianity in an open atmosphere in a small group setting.

The Alpha Planning Team would like to challenge everyone at Bethany to invite someone. Do you have a neighbor, friend, co-worker, or someone in your community whom you can ask to Alpha? Is it possible for you to also attend along with them?

Five years ago, I was invited to Alpha by Linda Cutshall. Linda knew that my mother had passed away, but she didn’t know that I had also lost a dear friend. The timing of the invitation was perfect. At the same time, someone I did not know yet was also being asked to Alpha by her husband. We both accepted the invitations and happened to be placed in the same small group. We became instant friends and have been inseparable ever since.

It’s clear to me that our friendship was in God’s plan. Alpha not only deepened my Christian faith but also gave me a best friend. Since then, I’ve volunteered at Alpha in the hopes that others may have the rich experience I had. Please pray for God’s direction on who to invite to Alpha. Sometime in December there will be a special invitation in the church bulletin for the first Alpha dinner. It is a personal invitation either for you or for someone you know to be invited to Alpha. Who has God called you to invite?

For any questions regarding the Alpha course, you may contact the Alpha Planning Team members: Misty Grieger, Claudia Heiden, Todd Holdridge, Missy Lein, Justin Miedema, Bill Nagel, Dana Teasdale.