St Martins Whole Church Alpha:
Exploring the basics of the Christian Faith
From Sunday 13th January to Sunday 31st March (Easter Day) at all the services, St Martins will be exploring the questions posed from the Christian Enquiry Course Alpha. We will do this through sermons, small group discussions, questions posed in a small theme guide and over bring and share lunches that will take place after our 11am services on Sunday 27th January, Sunday 24th February and Sunday 24th March (Palm Sunday). This is an opportunity for anyone who is wanting to know more about the Christian Faith to come along listen, chat, ask questions, as well as for those who have been Christians for a while to be reminded and encouraged by what we believe.
Each service has it’s own particular flavour and tradition but essentially the pattern will be as follows:
Sunday 9.30am, Holy Communion service:
- Sermon will be given on the theme, with an opportunity after the service for an informal chat over coffee
Sunday 11am, The Crossing Service:
- A more contemporary style service with Holy Communion on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday’s of the month
- There will be a talk on the theme, with some interaction during the service as well as a chance to discuss in more structured groups after the service over a tea or coffee
- On the 27th January, 24th February and 24th March there will be a bring and share lunch with a chance for more extended time of discussion, picking up on the themes of the previous weeks
- There will be prayer ministry available for anyone who would like to be prayed for.
Sunday 6pm Service:
- A sermon will be given on the theme and there will be questions given to take away and ponder on, with further resources to recommended.
- Each 6pm service in the month follows a slightly different pattern:
– 1st Sunday: Holy Communion
– 2nd & 4th Sunday: Choral Evensong
– 3rd Sunday:St Martin’s @ Prayer (a more informal and interactive creative time of prayer)
Tuesday 12.30pm, Service of Prayers for Healing:
- A more contemporary style service, with Holy Communion on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday’s of the month
- There will be a talk on the theme, with some interaction during the service as well as a chance to discuss in more structured groups after the service over a tea or coffee
- Prayer ministry will be available after the service as well as a “listening service” for those who would just like to talk to someone
Thursday 12.30pm, Holy Communion:
- A simple act of Holy Communion, with a short reflection on the theme for that week.
- There will be questions given to take away and ponder on, with further resources to recommended.
Saturday service, 2pm – 2.45pm:
- A simple service with a few hymns, prayers and a talk about the theme
- Refreshments will be served from 1.30pm
- There will be a chance to discuss the themes after the service
The themes that we will be exploring are:
Week beginning:
13th January Who is Jesus?
20th January Why did Jesus die?
27th January Why & How do I pray?
3rd February Why & How should I read the bible?
10th February Who is the Holy Spirit?
17th February What does the Holy Spirit do?
24th February Why & How should I tell others?
3rd March How does God guide us?
10th March Does God heal today? (Mothering Sunday)
17th March What about the church?
24th March Palm Sunday (Start of Holy Week, the lead up to Easter)
Friday 29th March How can I resist evil? (Good Friday service, 3 hours at the cross, 12-3pm)
31st March How can I make the most of the rest of my life? (Easter Day)
A theme guide will be available at each of the services for people to make notes in and take away to explore further questions and resources.
All are welcome at any of the services, whether you are just exploring, wanting to join us or if you have been journeying with us for a long time. Please come and bring others too.
