Alpha

What is the meaning of life?

What happens when we die?

What relevance does Jesus have for our lives?

How do we deal with guilt?

Ever find yourself wondering if there might be more to life than you are experiencing? 

Do you find yourself questioning some very important issues about life and its ultimate purpose?

Maybe you've never darkened the door of a church, but wouldn't it be great if there were a place where you could explore the meaning of life and spirituality with other curious people?

If you would like to explore questions like these, then Alpha is for you!

What is Alpha?

Alpha is for ...

• Anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith.  Adults of all ages are welcome.
• Learning and laughter.  It is possible to learn about the Christian faith and to have fun at the same time!
• People meeting together.  It is an opportunity to get to know others and to make new friends.
• Helping one another.  The small groups give you a chance to discuss issues raised during the talks.
• Ask anything.  Alpha is a place where no questions is seen as too simple or too hostile.

WHO is Alpha for? Alpha is for everyone!  It is especially geared to:

• People interested in investigating Christianity.
• Newcomers to the church.
• Couples preparing for marriage
• Christians who want to brush up on the basics.

No matter who you are, what you've experienced or where you've been, the Alpha course offers a respectful setting to explore life's most perplexing questions.  In a safe, non-pressurized environment you will find meaningful dialogue about who God is and what his purpose for your life might just be. 

The ten-week Alpha course is...

• filled with great meals;
• spiritual truth explained clearly so that meaningful faith can grow;
• thought-provoking discussion that welcomes all opinions & respects the pace of each participant;
• an opportunity to find genuine friendships; and
• a journey that engages both the head and the heart!  

Fall 2009 Schedule -- all sessions are held from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in our Family Life Center (unless otherwise noted)

So what can you expect when you come to an Alpha class at First United Presbyterian Church?

• 30 to 45 minutes for a meal. All evening courses begin with a full dinner meal of some kind.  Guests eat with other members of the group and the leaders and helps get everyone more comfortable.
• 40 minutes for a talk.  The main talk of the session (using DVD with Nicky Gumbel giving the talk) addresses a key issue relating to Christianity (see above schedule for topics.  
• 1 hour for refreshments/dessert and small group discussion.  Guests often find the small group discussion to be the most valuable and rewarding times of the whole course.  The sessions are an opportunity to ask questions, express opinions and to discuss the topic of the evening.  Small groups also provide an opportunity to make friends and share ideas in a relaxed and non-threatening environment.

ALL are welcome to Alpha and the sessions unfold "in community" and learning/searching together.   Relationships and lively discussion are key to the exploration of faith

Ready to learn more? To sign up, please send an email to our Administrative Assistant, Sydney Goddard, with the following information:

• Name
• Address
• Daytime phone
• Evening phone
• Email address

There is no charge for the Alpha class, and childcare* is provided.

*To best insure our childrens' safety, First United Presbyterian Church has all teachers, child care workers and volunteers checked for crimes against children.