A is for Alpha ~

2008 Spring ALPHA Course begins Monday, March 10

Everyone is welcome at the 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 faith. Often people who are new to the Vineyard take the Alpha course as a way to get acquainted with others who are just beginning here.

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

What is Alpha?

Alpha is an eleven-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevance of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion. The style of Alpha is informal, friendly and non-pressured.

Alpha is enjoyed and appreciated as much by those who have never set foot in a church as it is by those who once attended and by the regular churchgoer. No matter what their background, whether investigating Christianity for the first time or revisiting their faith, participants get a lot out of an Alpha Course.

Each week we meet together for a meal, a talk on topics such as "Who is Jesus?", "Why Did Jesus Die?", "How Can I be Sure of My Faith?", and "Does God Still Heal Today?" , followed by small group interaction. There is a weekend retreat midway through the course, which focuses on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Who is Alpha for?

Those wanting to investigate Christianity.
New Christians.
Those who feel that they have never really got going as a Christian.
Newcomers to the church.
Those who want to brush-up on the basics.
Engaged or newly married couples.

What's involved?

The evening Alpha course begins with supper, followed by a talk. We then divide into smaller groups for coffee and cookies to discuss any questions raised from the talk.

There is an opportunity to participate in a Saturday retreat around the middle of the course. This has been a key part of the Alpha course and a great success in helping people get to know each other.

What will it cost?

There is no charge for the Alpha course, although people sometimes choose to donate money towards the cost of the food.

When and where?

The evening Alpha course usually runs once a week for 11 weeks and is usually offered twice each year, in the spring and the fall.