The Alpha is primarily for non church-goers and people new to the church, although it is also of great benefit to practising Christians. Many benefit greatly from it; some even attend the course more than once. Each week the course looks at a different aspect of faith, the emphasis being on exploration and discovery.

People attend Alpha for a variety of reasons:

To investigate whether God really exists.  They may feel there is something missing in their lives. They may want to explore what the purpose of life is all about. They might want to learn about themselves, or learn more about the Christian faith. To brush up on the basics.

The course meetings are held once a week for approximately two hours and the full course is ten sessions. There is a full day Saturday session half way through with a bring-and-share lunch.

Each session consists of watching a video that is brilliantly presented by Revd. Nicky Gumbel of Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, London. The videos are light-hearted, informative, questioning, challenging and at times funny. After each video Revd. Lynda, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience, is on hand to answer any questions you might have and to offer her guidance.

One of the great things about Alpha is that you also learn so much from each other, it is a shared journey in many respects and the cameraderie that is built up over the weeks carries on well beyond the course itself. So why not give the Alpha a try, it may be just what you are looking for - and it's fun too.

Ring the Reverend Lynda Cowan on 01686 413099 for more information.

Colin Heap - July 2010