To be a growing, loving family,
with Christ at the centre,
reaching out to all

Alpha Course in Walton-on-Thames
Katie Shapcott - May 2008

Welcome

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Why did I do Alpha?

I FIRST heard about Alpha back in 1995. Almost ten years later, the birth of my first son and my desire to raise him as a Christian persuaded me it was time to really explore my faith. Consequently I found myself sitting in Walton Baptist Church with John Muggleton and the rest of our group discovering that I was not much of a Christian at all, but that I very much wanted to be.

For me, Alpha was the Christian education I had missed in my youth. It taught me the basics of our faith and made sense of why my heart kept leading me back to church and God, when I felt intellectually sceptical. I questioned the authority and relevance of CS Lewis during a group discussion, as I'd been far too busy reading Booker Prize winners to realise Lewis's Christian credentials. I wanted the word of a higher authority than that of a mere storyteller. Ah. Finally. I realised that higher authority would be the chap who had been trying to hold my attention for all these years. I simply had to acknowledge and trust Him.

Listening to the entertaining and engaging Nicky Gumbel (the presenter of the Alpha talks) explore Christianity each week kick-started my Christian journey. I gave up bad habits and found myself a more regular worshipper at church. We even became brave enough to go for a coffee after the service!

Alpha changed my life profoundly and helped me see the kind of person and Christian I'd like to be. I went on to take part in two further Alpha courses. My only regret is that I haven't yet been able to attend the Holy Spirit weekend; I know that will complete my Alpha experience.

Katie Shapcott

More testimonials

Walton's Alpha Course

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Welcome   |   Services  |   Parish Diary   |   This month   |  From the Vicar   |   Stewardship
Who's who   |  St Mary's   |  Tour   |  Choir   |  Baptisms   |  Confirmation   |  Weddings
Home Groups   |   St John's   |   Young People   |  Photo Album  |  Map   |  Links

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