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Do you ever feel guilty because you do not share your faith enough? You feel like you’re being pushy? Does it make you uncomfortable? Well ALPHA might be a solution for you. All you have to do is bring people who are interested in God, the Church, Christianity or simply want to be part of a great experience to Alpha. It is a painless and easy way to share the most important news this side of heaven.

What is Alpha?

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. 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 5,000 Alpha courses running in the U.S. and about 1,000,000 people in America and Canada have already participated. 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. The syllabus of the course is contained in the book Questions for Life by The Reverend Nicky Gumbel. Thousands of Alpha courses are now running in many countries, and it has been translated into many different languages. Church leaders from all denominations report the astonishing impact the course has on non-churchgoers and existing Christians in their areas. And it's spreading fast to many secular locations - prisons, university campuses, businesses, and schools.

Who is Alpha for?

  • 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

What's involved?

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.

When is it?

Alpha meets on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. (following the Wednesday Night Supper).  Watch for an announcement of when the next class will begin.

How do I find out more?

Call the parish office (407) 647-3413 to register or Renee Dickinson (407) 679-6525 with questions.

What do people say about the class?

The “Alpha” experience for me can be summed up in one word, “Clarity.”  The Clarity the course gives me on being a Christian and my walk with God was remarkable.  I learned so much that it would be impossible to explain in a few paragraphs.  The entire class truly reinforced my faith in God and His love for me.  It answered questions and explained what it means to be a Christian, why our beliefs are so correct.  Jesus is indeed our savior.  If you have any doubts now, you won’t after taking this course.

I attended with my wife (highly recommended if you have a spouse), and was a positive experience for me and for us as a couple.  We would discuss what we learned on the way home after each class, and would share our thoughts and opinions.  I highly recommend that you treat yourself to a great experience and attend the next Alpha Class.

David Mead