What is the point of life?
What happens when we die?
What relevance does Jesus have for our lives today?
How do we deal with guilt?
If you would like to explore any of these questions,
then Alpha is for you.
What is Alpha?
Alpha is for:
- Anyone interested in finding out more
about Jesus Christ. People of all ages are welcome.
- Learning and laughter. It is possible
to learn about the Christian faith and have fun at the same time.
- People meeting together. An opportunity
to get to know each other and to make new friends.
- Helping one another. The small groups
give you a chance to discuss issues raised during the talks.
- Asking anything. Alpha is a place
where no question is regarded as too simple or too hostile.
Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for everyone! It particularly caters for:
- People interested in investigating Christianity
- Newcomers to the Church
- New Christians
- People preparing for baptism, confirmation or marriage
- Those who want to brush up on the basics
What they're saying about Alpha
Syd Little (of "Little and Large"):
I think Alpha is an excellent idea. I've listened to it myself,
and found it explains things in a way that I would probably otherwise
not have understood.
What happens at Alpha?
Each week, we share a meal together in the home of local Christians,
then hear a talk on an aspect of the Christian faith - such as
- Who is Jesus?
- Why did Jesus die?
- How can I be sure of my faith?
- Why and how should I read the Bible?
- Why and how do I pray?
- What about the Holy Spirit?
- How can I resist evil?
- How does God guide us?
- Why and how should we tell others?
- Does God heal today?
- What about the church?
After each talk there is time in a small group for everyone to
discuss any issues or questions they have, giving them the opportunity
to get to know each other and learn together.
Want to know more?
Come to an introductory supper at Cogges
Church Centre on Saturday 16th September at 7.30pm. There is
no obligation to join the course - simply an opportunity to find
our more. To book your place please phone 702155.
What will it cost?
There is no charge for the Alpha course.
When and where?
Our next Alpha course will take place on Friday evenings
at 7.30pm, beginning on 29th September. Please
telephone 702155 if you would like to come along.
What they're saying about Alpha
Sir David Frost (who will present an ITV series on
Alpha next year):
I think it is terrific that ITV is prepared to do something like
this, and I think that viewers who are interested will really be able
to gain something from the series.
Time Magazine:
Alpha to the rescue... The biggest selling point is that many
claim Alpha has changed their lives, and appear genuinely happier
for the experience. And they are going to church...
Newsweek (describing Nicky Gumbel, Alpha's main
speaker):
"God's own Adman."
Blue Peter presenter: "This is the best thing
that has ever happened to me"
Former Blue Peter personality Diane Louise Jordan says "I used to think
that if you were a Christian you couldn't have a brain, because there
was no way an intelligent person could believe in something they
couldn't see." So she was amazed when BBC's Songs of Praise
asked her to present one of their programmes. "I thought, 'Why have
they chosen me? This is just bizarre....'" The programme came from
Lourdes, and against all her expectations, she found it a strangely
moving experience. As a direct result she tried the Alpha Course held
at Holy Trinity, Brompton. Work commitments prevented her from
attending all the sessions, but when Songs of Praise asked her
to do a programme about Alpha, she knew she had to have another go.
"During that time," she says, "God sort of crept up on me really
gently, and he has been creeping up ever since. I have to say that
this is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has completely
transformed my life for the better. There is just no comparison
between the old me and the new me, really. Even my friends are saying
'You are much nicer now!' "
Alpha Services at Cogges and South Leigh
Come along on Sunday September 10th to
- St James, South Leigh at 9.30am
- Blake Church, Cogges at 10.30am
- St Mary's, Cogges at 11.00am
to hear from people who have attended the Alpha Course
and to find out more about our autumn Course.
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© 2000;
Published in Cogges Parish monthly newsletter,
number 254, September 2000
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