Got questions about life? Try the Alpha Course
Thursdays: Meal at 19h; Program at 19h45 in the Thurber Room

Ever wanted to explore the meaning of life or ask challenging questions about the Christian faith? Do you have a family member, friend, neighbor or colleague who is asking questions about life? If you've answered "yes" then the Alpha Course is for you!

Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, informal and friendly way. It welcomes all those big questions – and it's free!

Following the Launch Party on Thursday 13 September, the course will run every Thursday from 20 September for 10 weeks. Using the latest video talks by Nicky Gumbel (in English with French subtitles), each session starts with a meal at 19h followed by a short video looking at different aspects of the Christian faith, with topics such as How can I have faith? and Does God heal today? Afterwards there are small group discussions, where you can talk about what you have heard and ask any questions you might have.

No question is too simple or too hostile!! Whether you've never heard of God, you're someone who has recently come to faith or you have been a Christian all of your life, this course is for you! Even if you've been a Christian for many years, Alpha is a great way to remind yourself about the fundamental aspects of faith and it is also perfect to invite friends to who are seeking answers about life...so why not invite them to come along with you?

For more information, please feel free to contact the Alpha team here. Make sure that you keep up-to-date with details about the Launch Party and the course by checking the ACP website and social media channels.

Friday 21 September 20h
The University of the Philippines, Singing Ambassadors
Ed Manguiat – director

September 2018 Auditions

Auditions for all voice types for the 2018-19 season are being held for Ensemble Lumina, an a cappella chamber choir under the direction of Caroline Drury. An auditioned, volunteer choir of the American Church in Paris, its members have several different nationalities and come from both within and outside of the ACP community. The diversity of the group lends itself well to an international blend of sacred and secular repertoire, including compositions in many different languages, written by composers from around the world and across all eras.

Ensemble Lumina has an intrinsic link between the American Chruch in Paris and the greater communities and therefore welcomes members of all faiths, both within and outside of the church community. We perform several times a year, both at the American Church in Paris and at other venues.

For an audition, please visit our website at www.ensemblelumina.fr/auditions.

Saturday 6 October

Bloom Where You're Planted is a full-day orientation to living in Paris for English-speaking expats from around the world. Bloom is designed to create opportunities for meaningful connections with others and provide valuable insights that will enable individuals and families to grow and thrive in Paris.

The BLOOM event will feature keynote speakers and focused seminars offering inspiring stories and practical attention to topics such as education, cooking, taxes and real estate, healthcare and more. An extensive Exhibit Hall will connect you with organizations offering opportunities and services for the expat community. And, of course, an introduction to Parisian life wouldn’t be complete without delicious food and wine.

Childcare and a kids program will be available for ages 6 months to 12 years.

More information here: bloomparis.org

Stranger: The Gospel According to Ruth
12-14 October 2018

We invite you to visit this page often for the latest practical information and updates on the retreat program.

What does it mean to belong? In an ancient letter written to a minority church community in Greece, the author (Paul), writes that we are no longer strangers... (Ephesians 2:19). How does that sound to you? Depending upon our various experiences we might read these words with a bit of scepticism. Or these words might connect to a moment in our own life when we felt like a "stranger" only to be welcomed in and accepted as we are.

Ruth is a woman who, like many people, encountered judgment, prejudice, and exclusion. Much of this came from those who would identify themselves as religious. Ruth was an immigrant; a cultural and spiritual outsider who didn't belong. And yet without her, history and our own personal stories might look very different.

Join us on 12-14 October for our Fall Retreat led by Pastor Tim Vance as the story of Ruth guide us into deeper reflection and conversation about our various experiences of exclusion and belonging.

ALL ARE WELCOME. Programs are being developed for children through adults. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other while learning, worshipping and relaxing together.

Cost
The retreat will cost €125 for adults, €75 for Young Adults, €140 for an adult and child, €250 for a family (2 adults and up to 2 children) and €40 for an additional child. There is an additional €20 charge if you would like a single room. The price includes all meals, 2 nights’ accommodation, sheets, and shuttle from the St. Prix station. Please do not let money keep you from joining us for this retreat. Scholarships are available.

When
Friday Evening (12 October) – Sunday Afternoon (14 October)

Where
Massabielle Retreat Center 1 Rue Auguste Rey, 95390 Saint Prix

The retreat will take place 12-14 October at the Massibielle Retreat Centre in St. Prix (95) – a 20 minute train ride from Gare du Nord. Participants will be greeted at the station on Friday evening and taken to the Centre by shuttle.

Who
Everyone! This is an All Church Fall Retreat with programs for children through adult.

Schedule
Upon arrival, there will be a time to meet one another and enjoy a welcome buffet (not quite a meal). We’ll have some games/activities geared at getting to know each other.

Saturday morning we’ll begin with breakfast followed by an adult program with prayer, singing and a teaching/conversation led by Pastor Tim Vance. The children will have their own time of learning and activities during the adult program.

After lunch, there will be time for creative thinking, exercise, games and walking in the nearby Montmorency forest. There is also time to simply rest and enjoy the natural setting of the Massibielle Retreat Centre. Retreats are meant to be a time to slow down, relax and reflect away from the distractions of our busy lives.

In the evening, we’ll join together for dinner and further conversation around our retreat theme. An evening of music, fun, and games await the children… On Sunday, we will have our final teaching/discussion time, a simple church service and then lunch before going back to Paris in the early afternoon. Shuttles will be available to transport participants from the Centre to the St Prix station.

For more information about the weekend, please contact the Christian Education Committee or the Associate Pastor.

Stewardship plays an important role in enabling ACP to continue being an Embassy for the Kingdom of God and in furthering our individual paths of discipleship. We invite you to pray about the role of giving in your spiritual growth and to join us dedicating our pledges on Sunday. You can find our stewardship brochure here and pledge forms for printing here or on-line version here.