“ I had no idea that I needed Alpha- until I tried it'”
“Meeting other people who were wrestling with the same questions was the best bit!"
“Alpha was an entirely positive experience for me. I met some lovely people, learnt some new songs and terrible jokes, ate well and came away enthused. I found the film clips really interesting and yet humorous, likewise the live talks, and I feel really grateful that I had the opportunity to do the course. I would gladly recommend it.”
These are just some of the thought of past guests on our local Team Alpha courses.
Who is it for?
The Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend. Most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 courses are currently running across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city. Guests attend for a wide variety of reasons - some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other peoples' beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.
How the course works?
The course is based around small groups of about 12 people, hosted by one or two leaders whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion. We will be meeting in a home on Wednesday evenings. Whatever the course size, people tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships. The whole course usually lasts for 10 weeks, with a day away in the middle.
Each session begins with a meal - a chance to get to know others in the small group. There is then a short talk, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. This is followed by a time of discussion in the small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss with the rest of the group. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.
There is no charge for attending the Alpha course, although we do ask for a contribution towards the food.
Want to find out more?
The next course begins on the evening of Wednesday 7th October.
There is a pre-Alpha social taking place on the evening of Wed 30th Sept (Farley Village Hall), where a guest speaker will be talking about Alpha in more detail. There will also be an opportunity to hear from previous guests about their experience of the course.
Alternatively, please contact Hamish Mckeown (01980 862455) or Linda Carter (01980 863635) for more details.
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