Alpha

The Alpha course offers an opportunity to consider different aspects of Christianity in a relaxed and informal setting.  It's low key, friendly and fun. There is a meal (evening) or light refreshments (morning) together at the beginning of each session which gives you an opportunity to get to know each other. Listen, learn, discuss and discover.  And ask anything.  Alpha is a place where no question is unwelcome.

Launched by a church in London nearly thirty years ago there are now over 34,000 Alpha courses running worldwide in 163 countries.

What's involved?

The Alpha course consists of a series of live talks looking at topics such as 'Who is Jesus?' and 'Why and how do I pray?'  After each talk we divide into small groups for a time of discussion.

Who is Alpha for?

The course will run concurrently on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings so that we can accommodate a large number of people. As this is the first course, every member of the church will be invited to attend. We very much hope that you will be able to participate.

Housegroups have agreed to suspend for the duration of the Alpha course to encourage as many as possible to attend.  Due to space, numbers are limited and as the Tuesday evening venue caters for a maximum of 112 people, could we kindly ask those of you who are able to attend on the Thursday morning to register for that session.

What will it cost?

There is no charge for the Alpha course, although any donations towards the cost of food would be appreciated.

When is it taking place?

Over 11 weeks (including one Saturday), the course offers an opportunity to consider different aspects of Christianity in a relaxed and informal setting. Each evening will begin at 7.45 pm with a supper followed by a live short talk which will then lead into a time for discussion in small groups.  Each evening will finish at 9.45 pm.

Mornings will begin at 9.00 am with refreshments and, like the evening, will be followed by a live talk and small group discussion.  Each morning will finish at 10.50 am.
The subjects covered are:

	Evening	Morning
Week 1	22/09/2009	24/09/2009	Is there more to life than this?
Week 2	29/09/2009	01/10/2009	Who is Jesus?
Week 3	06/10/2009	08/10/2009	Why did Jesus die?
Week 4	13/10/2009	15/10/2009	How can I be sure of my faith?
Week 5	20/10/2009	22/10/2009	Why and how should I read the Bible?
Week 6	27/10/2009	29/10/2009	Why and how do I pray?
Week 7	03/11/2009	05/11/2009	How does God guide us?
Saturday	07/11/2009	07/11/2009	Three sessions on the person and work of the Holy Spirit
Week 8	10/11/2009	12/11/2009	Why and how should I tell others?
Week 9	17/11/2009	19/11/2009	How can I resist evil?
Week 10	24/11/2009	26/11/2009	Does God heal today?
Week 11	01/12/2009	03/12/2009	What about the church?

How do I register?

You can sign up online by filling in the form here, or you can fill in your details on one of the leaflets available from the West End.  If you sign up online you will be able to access videos of the talks, other resources, and Alpha discussion forums on MyStJohns.  Don't worry if you have already filled in a form in the West End, sign up for a MyStJohns account here, and email the webmaster with your account username and ask for access to the Alpha Members section.

Do you have any more information?

Yes, You can download a leaflet with all the details on it from here.

Alpha Resources

Videos and Podcasts of the Alpha sessions are available to those on the course through MyStJohns.