Page 35 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link Magazine • October 1998 35
What is the point of life? Now is the time to find out.
A beginner's course in Christianity is not something you would expect to see on a bill-board. Yet all over Britain Alpha is up there with BT
and Benson and Hedges, writes Revd Raymond Adams, vicar of St John's Church, Haydon Wick
Even before the latest round of to ask the questions they have coffee. The talks range from 'Who go home at the end of the evening.
advertising, millions of people had about Christianity. was Jesus?' 'Why did Jesus die?' By this time they know a lot more
done the Alpha course - in homes, There is always a meal to begin 'How and why should I pray?' about Jesus Christ. Many would
community centres and churches, with, followed by a talk, either on People can be nervous the first say they actually know him.
both here and abroad. video or by a local church leader. week, wondering what they have St John's, Haydon Wick is only
Alpha started off in a large People then have a chance to let themselves in for. By the tenth one of the many churches in Swin-
church in London. It was an intro- discuss what has been said over week it is very hard to get them to don which run Alpha as part of
duction to the Christian faith so The St John's, Haydon Wick, congregation getting behind Alpha their programme.
that people could find out what
Jesus really did and taught. So Make the Alpha connection in:
many people wanted to come, that Haydon Wick- Rev Adams, 726378
North Swindon - Dss Maureen
they decided a few years ago to
put the course on video so others Spinks, 706558
could share in it. West Swindon - 874221
Since then Alpha has grown far
beyond its original setting. The Married, single, young or old
courses are now being run in large
cities, rural market towns, mining something for all ages at
villages, commuter belts, prisons cvange,,
and even centres for the homeless. Worsley Road
The course works so well be- 010
cause it gives people the opportu-
nity to get to know each other, and 03 —

Farewell to parishioners building with people
The St Peter's Church Women's Group are sad to have lost their very popular President Mollie Sundays at lOam & 6.30pm
Devlin, who, with her husband John, pictured centre, have moved backed to Bridgewater. For further information of
They were members of St Pe- every Sunday morning with her be sorely missed at St Peter's. other meetings ring: 873050
ter's RC Church for 19 years, since basket collecting odd pennies for Mollie was an active member of or call at the Church office
the days when parishioners at- the building fund. To date, the women's group and well liked People have found the real
tended Mass in the shared church 'Mollie's Fund' has collected by everybody."
meaning to life - Have You?
at Toothill. £3,806.
From the earliest days, Mollie Group secretary Maureen
stood at the back of the church Kerner said, "Mollie, and John, will
SWINDON
FAMILY CHURCH
"It beseemeth all men, in this Day,
to take firm hold on the Live with integrity
Most Great Name (Bahd'u'lldh), Love wholeheartedly
and to establish the unity of all Trust God in all things
mankind. There is noplace to flee to, SUNDAYS 10.30AF'l
no refuge that any one can seek, AT THE LINK CENTRE
except Him."
(Community Suite)
Bahá'u'IIáh, Bahá'I Faith
For further information, & PINEHURST PEOPLE'S
Popular organist retires please call 01793 873684. CENTRE
The Baha'i faith is the All ages of children & teens cared for
St Mary's Church, Lydiard second most widespread religion in Information: Call Brian on 849731
Tregoze, organist Malcolm Tit- the world and is working towards in association with
universal peace and harmony
combe plays his last service on NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL
Sunday 27 September. During 18
years of excellent service he has
seen the church grow and develop
as new housing has been built.
The church is looking for a new OCAL CHURCHES
organist who will continue the
strong musical tradition of St All Saints' Lydiard Millicent — 10:30am
Mary's. Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor)
Ideally the successful applicant Holy Trinity Shaw- 10:30am RevdMdrewHefliengton: 770568
willbe a committed Christian, will- (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre)
ing to play a variety of styles of St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze — 9:00am, 10:30am
music and is available for Sunday Revd Ann Mackenzie: 870244
worship, weddings and funerals.
Toothill Church — 10:45am Revd Mark Roper. 692620
The organist presently plays for (also Free Church minister for the parish)
one morning and the evening serv- Malcolm Titcombe
ice whilst the church music group Organ lessons or a conversion Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Walker: 872932
leads the singing at the other morn- course from piano would be con- (this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)
ing service. sidered. The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards
A small honorarium is paid and For further details ring Revd
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there are fees for special occasions. Ann Mckenzie on 870244 Ba. t •