Beginning next month, a new opportunity to explore some fundamental philosophical questions will be available in Fort Frances.
The Joy of Life Fellowship Church here will be holding the Alpha course—a non-denominational exploration of Christianity—for 15 weeks, beginning on Jan. 5.
The program will be hosted by Joy of Life pastor Sandy McEvoy and Clarence Haak, a farmer from La Vallee. Although not an ordained pastor, Haak has hosted the program before at the Christian Reformed Church in Emo.
Haak described the Alpha course as “an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a casual atmosphere.”
How casual? Instead of a formal church service, the evenings will begin with a complimentary supper, followed by a 45-minute video.
“The videos are fun,” Haak claimed. “It’s not a boring lecture. Whether you agree with it or not, you’ll certainly go home with something to think about.”
Many of the videos feature Nicky Gumbel, a former lawyer from England who left practising law to pursue a higher calling. Haak said Gumbel is witty, amusing, and slightly eccentric.
After the video, those on hand will be invited to split into smaller groups to discuss what has been shown amongst themselves.
Haak and Pastor McEvoy will be available to answer questions, but for the most part, these “chat” sessions will be as unstructured as people like.
They also present an opportunity to make new friends in the community.
Haak stressed the course is not a recruitment drive for Christians and no one need fear being ambushed. “This course if for believers and non-believers alike,” he remarked.
The course is geared primarily for adults, but there are no special criteria for attendance. There also is no admission fee, although voluntary donations are welcome.
The first session will address the roots of Christianity—who was Jesus and why did He die?
“Let’s face it,” Haak said. “Jesus claimed to be God, so you either take him at his word or he was crazy.”
That is just one of the issues that undoubtedly will crop up. Others include the relevance of the church today, why and how to read the Bible, how does God guide us in our daily lives, and how to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
The first session is slated for Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 6 p.m. at the Joy of Life Church (714 Armit Ave.) Subsequent meetings will be held Wednesday evenings at the same time for the next 14 weeks.
People are welcome to just show up, but are advised to register ahead of time so the number of dinner settings can be estimated. Registration forms are available at the church.
For more information, call the Joy of Life Fellowship Church at 274-0880. You also can reach Pastor McEvoy at 274-1242.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
