Alpha
An opportunity to explore the meaning of life
 This autumn we are running 2 Alpha courses at St Paul's:
The evening course begins on Tuesday 29 September and will run for 10 Tuesday evenings. Each evening begins at 7pm with a free meal, and will finish by 9.30pm.
The morning course begins on Thursday 1 October, and will run for 10 Thursday mornings (except for half term on 29 October). Each morning begins with coffee and cake at 9.45am and finish by 11.15am.
Both courses will join together for a day away on Saturday 7 November.
To register, or for more information, drop us an email. Alternatively just turn up. You don't have to come to the whole course - just come along to the first session and see how it feels. There is no charge for attenting the Alpha course, although there will be an opportunity to make a voluntary contribution towards the food in the evening.
What is Alpha?
Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed setting. The course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers, and is open to anyone who would like to attend. We don't assume any background knowledge of, or belief in, Christianity - most courses attract a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. No question is out of bounds, and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish.
How does the course work?
The Alpha course is based around small groups of around 8-12 people, hosted by one or two leaders, whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion.
Each session starts with food (a meal in the evening, coffee and cakes in the morning) and an opportunity to get to know the 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 on exploration and discovery in a relaxed informal environment.
The talks each week cover the following topics:
- Who is Jesus?
- Why did Jesus die?
- How can we have faith?
- Why and how do I pray?
- Why and how should I read the Bible?
- How does God guide us?
- How can I resist evil?
- Who is the Holy Spirit?
- What does the Holy Spirit do?
- How can I be filled with the Spirit?
- Why and how should we tell others?
- Does God heal today?
- What about the church?
What do others say?
'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.'
The Guardian
'What distinguishes Alpha from other initiatives is the easy-going, relaxed feel of the proceedings - that, and its astonishing success.'
The Times
'Alpha makes Christianity relevant to modern life.'
The Daily Express
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