Everyone is welcome on an 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.
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.
Alpha is a ten-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 - a style which seems to be appreciated in Canadian culture.
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 people 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 day or weekend retreat midway through the course, which focuses on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
There are over 2500 Alpha courses running in Canada and about 650,000 Canadians have already participated. Most Canadians live within easy access of an Alpha course.
Churches of every different type and background, including Anglican, Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Methodist, Pentecostal, Salvation Army, Free Church and House Churches are running Alpha. Because Alpha covers the basics of Christianity all churches provide the same material, making alterations only to suit the local culture.
Alpha originated at Holy Trinity Brompton - an Anglican church in London, England over twenty years ago.
| Who is Alpha for? |
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- 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.
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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 go on a weekend away . This has been a key part of the Alpha course and a great success in helping people get to know each other.
There is no charge for the Alpha course, although a small contribution might be requested for the meal each evening and for the food and accommodation during the Alpha weekend away.
Our next Alpha course will begin on
Wednesday September 17 at 6:30 pm. The course evenings always begin with a wonderful meal followed by the evening video and discussion in small groups. The Alpha course is a wonderful experience enjoyed by all. Consider joining us in the next course! Further information about Alpha can be found here
Still need more information? Just send us an e-mail or call the church office at 905-857-2419.
