St Mary's
Overton
bringing more of God
to more of our lives
The Alpha Course
Alpha January 2018
The next Alpha course starts on Tuesday 16th January. If you'd like to put your name down in advance, please contact Ian Smale, details below.
One person described their experience of the Alpha Course ‘like drinking champagne after years of drinking flat beer.’ If you want to find out more about the foundations of the Christian faith this course is for you.
If you know someone who might be interested in the big questions of life invite them to come to the first session on a ‘taste and see’ basis before deciding whether to do the whole 8 weeks.
To book contact Ian Smale 770207, or email
iansue.smale@btinternet.com
For a typical evening see 'What happens on the Alpha Course' in the next column.
The course begins with a taster session. i.e. you can try it out before you commit to the rest of the course. The course continues each week at the same times for 7 more weeks.
There is an optional day away on week 7 on the Saturday.
Hear about someone's experience of Alpha on this YouTube video
What is the point of life?
What happens when I die?
How can I find happiness?
What's love all about?
These are some of the questions that all of us ask from time to time. Some of us can't cope with them and run from them all of our lives. Some of us find our busy careers distract us from giving any consideration to the questions at all. ..
However, some of us make a little time to give them some thought...
What is the Alpha Course?
Over 2 Million people in the UK have completed an Alpha Course, with many more millions completing the course all over the world. The Alpha Course is an opportunity to explore the big questions of life, whilst making friends and enjoying great food.
The course lasts 8 weeks in Overton, usually in the Autumn, and covers many topics which include:
How does God guide us?
How and Why do we pray?
Why did
Jesus Die?
How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
Who is the Alpha Course for?
Absolutely everyone! Whether you are somebody who has never even thought about life and God before or a person who attends a church and wants to brush up on what you believe, the Alpha Course if for you!
What happens on the Alpha Course?
A course session typically lasts for two ¼ hours. Each evening usually starts at 7.00/7.15 pm and includes a supper together, followed by a talk, coffee, and then a half hour discussion in a small group when you will be able to say what you think, ask those questions that have been bugging you or simply sit back and listen. All meetings finish by 9.30 pm.
How much does the Alpha Course cost?
The course is free. Every attender to the course receives a pack containing a course manual and other information regarding the course. The only cost is for the Course Day away. However, we endeavour to keep the cost of this to an absolute minimum. Help is available for the unemployed etc.
If you want to know more about what it means to be a Christian or want to explore some of the big questions of life then this is the best way to do it. It’s fun, stimulating, informative and relaxed. For more details of Alpha: www.uk.alpha.org
We have found that it is also a good course for those who have been Christians for years as it refreshes and strengthens the foundations of our faith in the company of others who are doing the same. You will also get to know a few new people along the way and strengthen friendships.
Ian and Sue Smale lead the course with help from a number of others.
Please contact Ian or Sue Smale on 01256 770207 or email:
iansue.smale@btinternet.com
