The Alpha Weekend Away or Day Away

29 November 2007in

Alpha

The weekend away is a crucial part of the course.
This is the time that we devote to teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit in the individual lives of those on the course. It is possible to cover this material in a single day – a Saturday held locally can work well but a weekend is a good chance to cement friendships and take a break away. The weekend can be held anytime after the fifth week of the course.

Suggested programme:

Friday
6.30pm onwards	Arrive
8.30pm	Supper
9.45pm	Worship and a short introduction to the weekend

Saturday
8.30am	Breakfast
9.00am	Leaders’ meeting
9.30am	Worship
	*Talk 1 – ‘Who Is the Holy Spirit?’*
10.45am	Coffee
11.15am	*Talk 2 – ‘What Does the Holy Spirit Do?’*
12.00 noon	Small group discussion.
	This is a good time to look at 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 and the subject of spiritual gifts. It is a good opportunity to talk about the gift of tongues – this gets the subject in the open and allows people to discuss their confusion and fears on the subject. Sometimes, one member of the group is able to share a positive experience and it helps people feel much more comfortable when the gift of tongues is discussed on Saturday evening.
1.00pm	Lunch
	Free afternoon Activities can be organised – e.g. sports, walks etc.
4.00pm	Tea
5.00pm	Worship
	*Talk 3 – ‘"How Can I Be Filled with the Spirit?’*
7.00pm	Supper
8.30pm	Entertainment
	If you have a small number on your weekend, you might like to play a game (e.g. Pictionary) which can be played by everyone. If you have larger numbers, you might prefer to have a cabaret-style entertainment evening. A variety of sketches and songs, where participation is optional and without anything distasteful or religious, contributes to people’s enjoyment of the weekend and you may find some very talented people on your course!

Sunday
9.00am	Breakfast
9.20am	Leaders’ meeting
9.45am	Small group discussion
	An opportunity for each guest to talk about what they have seen and heard so far.
10.30am	Worship
	*Talk 4 – ‘How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life?’*
	Holy Communion
1.00pm	Lunch
	Free afternoon Hopefully everybody meets again at the evening services at church