What Is Alpha?

Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course usually meets once per week for 10 weeks, and includes an amazing one-day or short weekend getaway. Each session, people enjoy great food, laughter and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile…questions like—Is there a God? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going?

Who Is Alpha For?

Alpha is for anyone…anyone who thinks there may be more to life than meets the eye.  People attend from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints. They come to investigate questions about the existence of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus and more. Some people want to get beyond religion and find a relationship with God that really changes life. Others come for the close, long-lasting friendships that are built during the Alpha course. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. Everyone is welcome.

What are previous participants saying about Alpha?

Maria: “Before I had always thought you had to do good to be a Christian, and I knew I was not good enough…But the people in Alpha…helped smash that idea…no one is better than the next.”

Dane: “I realized that even though I had a limited religious background I was very naïve about Christianity. I was challenged by the thought of where my life was headed…why is it so empty? Even though I had a great wife and good kids something was missing.”

Rebecca:  “Our church was offering this course and my husband and I thought it would be a great opportunity for us to share in this spiritual journey. We go to church with our two kids, say our prayers, etc. but something was missing. We wanted to find out what was missing.”

Bill: “For the first time in my 30+ years I realized that God wasn’t something far away.”

Anthony: "I didn’t expect the warm welcome I received, the interesting discussions or the lack of pressure to speak in the small groups that followed. I found that I could express any doubts about Christianity, and that my opinions would be respected. If I had an issue with something, I had a forum to voice it with no need to apologize."

See what others are saying on the Alpha website .

What Happens At Alpha?

Each gathering begins with a meal - a chance to get to know others. Then there is a short talk that looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. This is followed by a time of discussion in small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion and ask questions. People usually stay in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment.

Some of the talks covered are:

• Is there more to life than this?  (Introductory Dinner)
• Who is Jesus?
• Why did he die?
• How can we have faith?
• Why and how do I pray?
• Why and how should we read the Bible?
• How does God guide us?
• How can I resist evil?
• Why and how should we tell others?
• Does God heal today?
• What about the Church?
• How can I make the most of the rest of my life?

When is the next course in 2010?

9/1:  Introductory Dinner
9/8:  First Session
9/15:  Second Session
9/22:  Third Session
9/29:  Fourth Session
10/6:  Fifth Session
10/13:  Sixth Session
10/15-10/16:  Weekend (Friday night and Saturday day)
10/20:  Seventh Session
10/27:  Eighth Session
11/3:  Ninth Session
11/10:  Tenth Session
11/17:  Celebration Dinner

Where and at what time are the meetings?

All meetings will be at the church office, 401 E. Kennedy Street, Suite B7 (map and directions) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Will meals be provided?

Yes, we will have catered meals brought in.  There is no charge for the Introductory Dinner as that is our gift to you.  If you are able, we do ask for donations to cover the cost of the meals once the course is underway.

What is the first step?

Please plan to join us on Wednesday night, September 1st for the Introductory Dinner and the talk, “Is there more to life than this?”  We will explain everything in detail then.  You will need to register for the Introductory Dinner in advance! At the Introductory Dinner, should you decide, you will be able to register for the course.

How can I help with the course?

We are in particular need of those with the gifts of prayer, hospitality, helps, leadership, evangelism, administration or giving.  If you've been through an Alpha course in the past, we encourage you to sign up to be involved.