More than two million people all over the world have completed the Alpha course during the last six years in churches, homes, schools, universities and prisons. Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening setting . It is low-key, friendly and fun and is supported by all the main Christian denominations.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT THE ALPHA COURSE

WHAT IS AN ALPHA COURSE?
This course is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life - to find out what the Christian faith has to say to us today and what it has to offer us.

WHO IS ALPHA FOR?
Everyone is welcome on an Alpha course and people attend for a wide variety of reasons. Some want to investigate whether God exists and if there is any point to life; others are concerned about what happens after death. Still others may have attended church on and off all their lives but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian life.

People come from many different backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints - but all come with the same aim: to see whether Jesus Christ has any real relevance for their lives today.

WHAT WILL IT COST?
The Alpha Course is FREE -( if you choose to go on the "Holy Spirit" day there is an opportunity to contribute to the cost of that day - but NO obligation to do so)

WHAT HAPPENS AT AN ALPHA EVENING?
We meet at 7.30p.m. and have a drink of tea or coffee. At 8.00p.m. we show a video about the Christian faith. The topics covered include:

After the video there is an opportunity to ask any questions you may have - and no questions are regarded as too simple or too hostile - this is your opportunity to ask about those things that you do not understand or do not agree with. We finish the evening at 9.30p.m. prompt. You will not be asked to sing hymns, read Bibles or say prayers - this is not a church service.

WHAT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT DAY?
The Holy Spirit is an important part of our Christian life and the Alpha Course devotes three sessions to teaching about it|:

So that we can cover these in depth we prefer to go away for the day, usually to a local retreat house, where we can look at the subjects at leisure, meet with one another over food and with fun as we learn about the Holy Spirit.

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND CHURCH?
There is no pressure for you to attend any church services as a part of the Alpha Course. You would of course be welcome to come if you want to.

WHAT IF I DON'T LIKE THE COURSE?
If at any point you wish to stop attending the course then that is your choice. There is no pressure to complete the course, again no-one will try to coerce you to stay on the course.

I'M INTERESTED, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
After contacting one of the course leaders you will be invited to an Alpha Supper (no charge) to meet with the leaders and other people, just like yourself, who are interested in learning more about Alpha. After the meal we will watch a video entitled "Christianity: boring, untrue and irrelevant?", explain what happens on the course and you can then decide whether you want to join.

For more details and information about the dates of our next course please contact Rev. Kit Windle or Mrs. Daryl Beaumont.