November 1, 2003 – Grace Anglican Church, – Alpha® Holy Spirit Day
On Saturday, November 1, Grace Anglican Church of Milton had their Alpha® Course Holy Spirit Day at Boston Church just north of the town of Milton. About 20 participated including the leaders, helpers and guests. Marg and I have had the honour of serving as leaders on this course and were asked because of the large number of participants who came on the course. The normal course evenings (Tuesdays) have four groups all sharing in a meal, watching the Alpha Course videos and participating in discussions.
On the day, four videos were shown on the topic of the Holy Spirit – who He is, how we can be filled with Him and what happens when we are filled with the Spirit. The day started off with a continental breakfast followed by some Praise singing and watching the first two videos. Lunch consisted of Swiss Chalet chicken dinners ordered in followed by the viewing of the last two videos interspersed with some more Praise and Worship. The day ended at about 4:30pm and all who participated certainly enjoyed the day and being able to learn more about this wonderful part of the Holy Trinity. Zandra Miller, the Alpha Course co-ordinator, thanked all the participants, especially those who helped set up the rooms and helped with the meals and other logistics.
Here are some pictures from the day.
Historic Boston Church, Milton Screen Shot of the Alpha Course Intro
Everyone who participated, enjoyed the Holy Spirit Day
Taking Notes during the Videos Four of the women taking the Course
Brian trying to get things going (while Zandra was out). Praise Music was a fun time
The Resource Table was a big attraction
November 7-9, 2003 – St. Andrews
Presbyterian Church, – Alpha® Holy Spirit Retreat
From Friday night on November 7th to Sunday lunchtime on November 9th, Streetsville St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church had their Alpha® Course Holy Spirit Weekend Retreat at Fair Havens Ministries Conference Centre on the East shore of Lake Simcoe. About 18 participated including the leaders, helpers and guests. I had the honour of being asked to do the Praise and Worship music for the weekend.
On Friday night the leaders gathered early and went out for Chinese food and discussed planning of the weekend. All but two of the participants arrived later in the evening. Friday night was a time of reflection and clearing minds from the week’s activities and being prepared to draw closer to God and the Holy Spirit.
On Saturday morning the last two participants arrived after dropping their daughter off at their parent’s home in London! They then drove all the way to Fair Havens – ready to receive. In the morning and afternoon, two of the four videos were shown on the topic of the Holy Spirit. That evening the third video was shown – How we can be filled with the Holy Spirit – and was a special time for all who came as the Holy Spirit came in wonderful ways to all who were there – including the leaders!
Sunday morning was special as we had a Communion Service and a time to share and reflect on the weekend. After a wonderful lunch – we all headed back home thoroughly blessed by the Holy Spirit and excited to see what He has in store for the rest of our Christian journey.
Here are some pictures from the weekend.
“Sweet & Sour Chicken” or “Egg-Foo-Yong”? Rev. Doug McQuaig outlining the weekend events
The “Heritage” at Fair Havens Retreat Center The Dining Room and some of the guest rooms
All who attended enjoyed the whole weekend
We were treated to wonderful
Caribbean Praise The
food (for the body) and the spirit was fantastic!
from the
Brampton group next door!
(Kingdom Life Ministries)
November 14-15, 2003 – Promise Keeper’s Canada Conference – Queensway
Cathedral – Toronto