THE ALPHA COURSE.

Over 2 million people in the UK and 8 million worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations across the world.

• It is low-key, friendly and fun and supported by all the main Christian denominations.
• Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day away.

Alpha is for everyone, especially:

• Those wanting to investigate Christianity.
• New Christians.
• Newcomers to the church.
• Those who want to brush up on the basics.

Session Format:

• Supper There is a light meal together at the beginning of each session, which gives people a chance to get to know each other.
• Talk After each talk we divide into small groups to discuss the topic of the evening, ask questions and express opinions.
• Coffee & Small groups Listen, learn, discuss and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile.

Course Structure Week 1 Who Is Jesus? Week 2 Why Did Jesus Die? Week 3 How Can I Be Sure of My Faith? Week 4 Why and How Do I Pray? Week 5 Why and How Should I Read the Bible? Week 6 How Does God Guide Us? Week 7 How Can I Resist Evil? Week 8 Why and How Should We Tell Others? Week 9 Does God Heal Today? Week 10 What about the Church?

QUOTES:
The Press:
* "What Alpha offers, and what is attracting thousands of people, is permission, rare in secular culture, to discuss the big questions - life and death and their meaning." Madeleine Bunting, The Guardian

* "Alpha is an unqualified triumph." Clifford Longley, The Daily Telegraph

* "What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings - that, and its astonishing success." Damian Thompson, The Times

* "Alpha makes Christianity relevant to modern life." Julia Llewellyn Smith, The Express
"It is clear that Alpha is already changing British church life." The Economist

Coursegoers

Mark Gray (Analyst)"When I first heard about the Alpha course I was at a stage when I was searching for something 'out there'. I really needed to ask questions and not feel like I was getting a hard-sell pitched at me. Now I perceive things differently and just feel so at peace. I have also met a wonderful bunch of new friends on the course."

Michaela Flanagan (Single Mother)"I went along to Alpha and I was so shocked. I thought Christians were really sad, boring people but I couldn't believe it - everyone was so happy. They all welcomed me and were interested in me."

Robert Tincknell (Surveyor)"I suppose it was about week four that I started to think to myself, 'This is quite interesting'. On the Saturday as we sat and listened to the talks, I felt the presence of God firmly. I felt really peaceful, but also confused, because up until that point I had thought Christianity was a myth and Christians were wrong."

Julia Llewellyn Smith Daily Express Feature Writer, UK"At the end of the evening, I was astonished at how much I had enjoyed myself. As the weeks went by, I found myself looking forward to [it] - not so much because of the religious aspect but because of the stimulating debates about subjects which, in our busy lives, few of us take time to address."

Bernie Keane Taxi Driver"After a couple of weeks, I relaxed and started enjoying Nicky's talks and relating to them greatly. I was very pleased with the group I was in too. Now I keep an Alpha pamphlet in the cab and sometimes I say to passengers, 'Go along and try it. It doesn't cost you anything. It is like ten evenings out at the theatre'!"

Graham Richens Police Inspector"The first evening surprised me completely. The people were from all walks of life, from different races, classes and abilities. During the first evening, there were no prayers or heavy preaching. We were just given the opportunity to listen to the talk and then discuss anything we wanted. I chose to ask some challenging and confrontational questions, but they were welcomed, and I was made to feel valued and appreciated. I enjoyed the evening so much that I couldn't wait to go back the following week..."

The Alpha Course is designed to allow people to explore the real meaning of life. It offers a safe and welcoming environment where folk can eat together, listen to a talk and then chat in discussion groups. No question or issue raised will be considered as 'off limits' and each contribution will be listened to and appreciated. Alpha began as a course at Holy Trinity Church in London and is now offered in many countries around the world. You can find out more by visiting www.alpha.org

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