Alpha Friends

Our first SAGA Alpha Holy Spirit Day was held at St Rhadagun’s on 26th October. Members and guests travelled across the Island in pouring rain to a beautiful Victorian hotel that has breathtaking panoramic sea views, the perfect setting.

Our day began with a leisurely coffee giving time for those who got lost to find St Rhads. After coffee Mike and Joe did a double act with ‘I say, I say’ jokes. Our Alpha group expect a joke before every meeting.

Then Joe spoke on who the Holy Spirit is, followed by Joyce explaining what the Holy Spirit does.

After a delicious lunch the St Rhadagun’s manager, Geraldine gave a potted history of the house, in the 1860’s the summer home of McDougall‘s, the flour family  up to the present day, a Christian Endeavour holiday hotel.

Dave led us with his guitar singing a few well known worship songs before Mike spoke briefly, how to receive the Holy Spirit. We got into groups of two’s and three’s to pray for our Alpha guests, for them to know and experience the Holy Spirit, to know Jesus, His forgiveness, peace and healing.

For me our prayer time was the main purpose and highlight of the day allowing time for ministry.  Everyone was responsive in their different ways. We were pleased Paul R was able to come. He reflected ‘time will reveal the spiritual results.’

We all thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship, ambiance, the relaxed atmosphere and excellent food. At the end of the afternoon one lady declared, ‘we are family.’ 

The entire day far outweighed expectation. It’s a privilege to be with our Drop-In seniors, we learn so much from them.

I pray the Holy Spirit will be palpable in individual lives in the days to come.

We drove back to Cowes in glorious sunshine.

Jill Groves, Apex Church, New Frontiers