Christchurch Open the Book team needs you !!
‘Open the Book’ is a Christian initiative that aims to take the Bible into as many schools as possible, to Reach as many children as possible. We have a small dedicated team at Christchurch, and we go into Heron School and Abbeymead School, approximately once a month – to Heron School on a Friday morning at 9a.m, with a short rehearsal in the church at 8.15a.m ( yuk, yes very early, but well worth the effort), and to Abbeymead School on a Thursday morning at 10.20a.m. with our rehearsal in church at 9.30a.m.
We work from specific material, The Lion Storyteller Bible, together with its own little handbook. We do not have to ‘learn lines’ as we read and enact the stories, it takes only about 10 minutes in total, concluding with a short prayer.
We do wear very basic costumes, tabards and headgear, together with very ingenious props to give visual aid – it really is great fun, we get as much out of the experience as the children do – it is an absolute privilege and delight to see the little faces so rapt in the presentation, and quite something when we get recognised out of the school, with comments like ‘you come and do stories’. One little boy proudly announced, in Morrisons, to one of our team that ‘I know you – you’re Jesus’, that raised a few eyebrows!
We do need a few more volunteers – particularly men, as we have only one at present. This takes up very little time, no more than just over an hour and it’s quite early in the day so it doesn’t interfere with too much else. You don’t have to be a superstar, just willing and committed to giving a couple of hours a month. You don’t have to do the Thursday and Friday – one or the other, or both, are fine.
We are a very friendly bunch, we do have a lot of fun and we would welcome you with open arms. Give it a try, if you find it’s not for you then we won’t hold you to ransom to stay.
Please please – come and join us.
For more information contact Babs Humphries
07866-393003, 01452-529373 or
wackybabsh@live.co.uk,
I will be so pleased to hear from you.
Babs Humphries - Christchurch Open the Book Co-ordinator
Alpha Course.
We would like to invite you to join the Alpha Course
which starts on September 19th 2012.
WHAT IS ALPHA?
Alpha is a 10 week course looking at the basics of the Christian faith. Over that time we will be looking at the following topics but you can ask anything, say anything that you choose to:
Who is Jesus?
Why did Jesus die?
How can I be sure?
Why read the Bible?
Why and how should we pray?
How does God guide us?
Is the Holy Spirit active today?
How can I resist evil?
Why and how should we tell others?
Does God heal today?
What about the Church?
WHO IS IT FOR?
Alpha is for anyone! People of all ages from teenagers upwards have attended the course. It particularly caters for:
· Regular church goers
· People exploring Christianity
· New Christians
· Newcomers to the Church
· Those who feel they have never really got going as a Christian
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
We meet at 7-00pm for supper, after which we have about a quarter of an hour of music and song. We then listen to a talk on VIDEO about one of the topics and this is then discussed in groups over coffee. Each person is free to participate at whatever level they wish, there is no pressure to join in. We aim to finish at 9-30pm. You will get more out of Alpha if you can commit yourself to the whole course. This includes the weekend away.
DATES AND TOPICS
Sept 26th Who is Jesus?
Sept 3rd Why did Jesus die?
Oct 10th How can I be sure of my faith?
Oct 17th Why and how should I read the Bible?
Oct 24th Why and how should I pray?
Oct 31st How does God guide us?
WEEKEND AWAY DATE:
Friday November 2nd to Sunday November 4th.
Nov 7th How can I resist evil?
Nov 14th Why and how should we tell others?
Nov 21st Does God heal today?
Nov 28th What about the Church?
Alpha Celebration
on Dec 5th.
To find out more come to our supper on Wednesday 19th September 2012.
THE WEEKEND AWAY.
During the course we offer people the chance to go away for the weekend outside Gloucester. This has been a great success and lots of fun in getting to know each other better. We explore how we can experience God for ourselves and learn more about the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Besides the teaching and group times, there is also time for quiet reflection and fun. Again you can join in as much or as little as you wish. There is a charge for the weekend away to cover cost of accommodation and food.
CELEBRATION PARTY.
At the end of the course there is a party. This is also a chance to invite friends along to see what Alpha is about.
WHERE AND WHEN IS IT?
The course runs every Wednesday for 10 weeks starting September 26th 2012. You will get the most out of Alpha if you can commit yourself to the whole course.
It will be held at Christchurch, Abbeydale. There is ample parking at the Church.
If you have any Queries please don't hesitate to contact:
Les Mather 500569, Frank Heggs 530353.