May 2nd, 2012

Dear Alpha Friends:

Last year was great for Alpha in Atlantic Canada!

The number of courses increased which means many more people grew in their faith! One of the reasons for the new interest in Alpha is that churches are starting to experiment with different and more innovative approaches like: “Fitness” Alpha at the local gym, Friday “Date Night” Alpha with free childcare, and “Streets” Alpha. Some churches have opted for the home and/or community center venue and are running “multiple” Alpha courses.

Here at St. Thomas’ we have adopted the new Alpha-in-7-weeks course with Jamie Haith. Jamie’s unique and comical style of delivery coupled with “multi-media” visual effects is equally appealing to the older and younger crowd. And nothing of the sound doctrinal content characteristic of Alpha is sacrificed! We have one small group in the Alpha we are currently running: Alpha @ Liz's house.  And what a time they are having, making friends and discovering God in the process. And the recipe is so simple!

In March, I attended Jesus to the Nations in Halifax. It is a great opportunity for me to get the pulse of what is happening with Alpha in Atlantic Canada. I ran into Justine and she had this exciting report about how Alpha impacted her life: Justine's video @ Jesus to the Nations: http://youtu.be/zyfuqUx6UR4

We are looking forward to Alpha To Go (A2G) Halifax @ Saint Benedict Parish in May and the bringing together of denominations to train together to run Alpha. We are also offering seminar tracks for those who are already well equipped but looking for more: Prison Alpha and Caring for Ex-Offenders, Alpha in Innovative Settings, Alpha in a Catholic Setting, Running The Parenting Children and The Parenting Teenagers Courses, Promoting Alpha in Your Church.

LAUNCH OF NEW PARENTING COURSES!

 It has also been a great year for Relationship Central nationwide!

 A highlight of the fall (October) was the arrival of Nicky and Sila Lee from England—their third visit since 2004 when they launched The Marriage Course during a Cross Canada Tour. This time Marriage shared the focus with Lees’ newest family resource: The Parenting Children Course and The Parenting Teenagers Course. Over 200 conference attendees in Winnipeg and Toronto were all well equipped and greatly encouraged.

 One of the attractive features of these parenting courses (as with The Marriage Course before them) is the candid and open way Nicky and Sila talk about many of the challenges and knotty issues facing parents today. The teaching and wisdom they impart comes directly from their reflection upon their own personal experience, in light of their Christian faith perspective. The insight they bring to the ups and downs of everyday family life situations has appeal and relevance to Christian and non-churchgoing families alike. That is what excites me – a Church poised to minister to those beyond the church walls!!

 The Parenting Teenagers Course is especially dear to my heart as our daughter, Emma and I are featured in many of the interviews!

The Lees are lifelong friends of Nicky Gumbel, and minister alongside him at Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London, heading up Relationship Central in Great Britain and around the world. They are the authors of The Marriage and The Marriage Preparation Courses, which have been attended by thousands of couples worldwide. Here in Canada our running total is just under a thousand courses.

 An unexpected promotional opportunity came our way while we were in Ontario. 100 Huntley Street got wind of the Lees’ visit and invited them for an interview (to be aired in 2012). It went really well! And here we all are: Nicky & Sila Lee (sitting on couch), with show host, Moira Brown (left), Canada’s Director of Relationship Central (me), and Tishy Allen, UK Manager of Relationship Central (right). Listen to Nicky & Sila Lee's interview on 100 Huntley Street.
Part One / Part Two

Support the ministry of Relationship Central and Atlantic Alpha!

I am reminded of how the Lord has sustained me in this ministry through donations from my friends and family, and ask again for your support as I go forward. I am convinced that Alpha and Relationship Central are in an important position to make Jesus Christ known in our nation.

If you would like to help, please consider a donation: CLICK HERE

Thank you for all you do to serve Him in your church, community or workplace.


In Christ Jesus,

Elaine Young

Alpha Regional Director, Atlantic Provinces / alphacanada.org
Canadian Director, Relationship Central / relationshipcentral.ca
Alpha Ministries Canada / Cell #: 709 763 4319