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What is Alpha?
Alpha is a course about the basics of Christianity. It was first devised in the late 1970s at Holy Trinity church in Brompton, London, for use among their own congregation. Subsequently its potential for answering the questions of enquirers and new Christians everywhere became evident; and now it is used by the major Christian denominations all over the world. At any time there are around 7000 courses running in UK churches alone.
Alpha is constructed around a series of 15 fundamental questions,
such as:
- Who is Jesus?
- Why did Jesus die?
- Why and how do I pray?
- What does the Holy Spirit do?
- Why and how should we tell others?
- How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
are run in this benefice
Who is it aimed at?
Alpha is designed primarily to answer the questions of non-believers. But in fact there probably isn't anyone who can't find benefit in it, including:
- new Christians, seeking to develop and consolidate their understanding
- people whose faith has maybe gone a bit stale and needs kick-starting back into life
- those who feel they understand the main elements of Christianity but can't make them fit together sensibly
- mature Christians who want to revise the basics
- anyone ready and willing to explain the Faith to others but lacking confidence - making it an ideal preparation for our A Challenge to Mission initiative.
When and how?
Our current course is on Friday evenings, 7-9pm. It started on 13 January 2012 and continues to 30 March 2012. It is being held in the warm, modern facilities at St James church. Each session starts with a simple meal and continues with a talk, discussion in smallish groups and a short act of worship. There will be a full day 'awayday' on Saturday 3 March 2012 (and no session on Friday 2 March 2012).
There is no charge for the course, though donations towards the cost of the food will be welcome and there may be some small expenses associated with the 'awayday'.
If you are interested in a possible future course please click here to send an email: please give your full name, address and telephone number and details of any special dietary requirements.
More details about Alpha from the official site.