First Lutheran Church, ELCA - Cedar Rapids, IA

The Alpha Course

ALPHA has answers to questions of faith.

Everyone is welcome to an Alpha course and people attend for a wide variety of reasons. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still others may have attended church on and off all their lives but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.

People come from many different backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints - but all come with the same objective: to establish whether Jesus Christ has any real relevance for their lives.

Alpha is a ten-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the Christian faith with loads of opportunity for discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressured.

Alpha is enjoyed and appreciated as much by those who have never set foot in a church as it is by those who once attended or are regular churchgoers.

View the Video Trailers

View the video trailers!

We have two video invitation for the Alpha course. The first is for the course iteself and the second is for the Alpha celebration dinner. Send a link to these videos to your friends or family and share with them what Alpha is all about and invite them to "come and see".

Alpha Course Invite Video

Alpha Banquet Invite Video

ALPHA PROVIDES:

A casual, engaging opportunity for newcomers to integrate into life at First Lutheran.
A 10 week practical investigation of the Christian faith.
The opportunity for church members to grow in their faith and be provided the opportunity for spiritual renewal.
The opportunity for a life-changing week-end spiritual retreat.
A safe, non-threatening place to bring your un-churched friends. The easiest evangelism you'll ever do!
The opportunity to explore the meaning of life.
The opportunity to learn how to articulate your faith more effectively.
An inexpensive night out once a week with new friends.

^{An ALPHA Evening:}

^{5:45 Dinner begins

6:25 Welcome, announcements,

(maybe even a joke or two)

6:30 Singing

6:45 Talk/Video

7:35 Small Group discussion

8:30 End Promptly}

WHERE? WHEN? HOW DO I SIGN UP?
The Alpha course will be held at First Lutheran, beginning with dinner, followed by a talk. We then divide into smaller groups to discuss any questions raised from the talk.

What will it cost?
The Alpha course is free. We will even provide free childcare with a reservation. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 to help offset the cost of the meal and some minimal fees for staying at the retreat center. Scholarship funds are available for those who need financial assistance.

What are the dates?

(Future Alpha course dates will be added here.)

If you have more questions or would like to register, contact Janiese Karpa, Director of Discipleship in the church office or by using the form below.

Alpha Course Team Members

	Alpha Planning Dates
	Alpha Course Weekly Handouts

Worship Service Schedule:

Saturday
5:00 p.m. Traditional
Sunday
8:00 a.m. Traditional
9:30 a.m. Traditional
11:00 a.m. Contemporary

Summer Taize services
with Holy Communion
Wednesdays, June 4 - Aug. 20
6 p.m. in the Chapel.

Click here for more basic FLC information.

Winter Weather Cancellations

It is our practice to cancel Confirmation and children’s choirs if Cedar Rapids schools are closed or dismiss early due to weather. All other groups, events or services, will meet as scheduled. Use your best judgment. If you don't feel safe going out in inclement weather, stay home. We understand, and so does God. If there are additional cancellations, we will also post them at the top of our website, or you can call the church office to be updated.

First Lutheran Church
1000 3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 PH: 319-365-1494