Parish of Walton-on-Thames
St Mary with St John

Alpha Course

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An opportunity to explore the meaning of life

Our latest Alpha courses started in September 2008, on Tuesday mornings (9.30 - 11.30 am) and Thursday evenings (7.30 - 10.00 pm). Both courses are held as usual at St John's Church, Ambleside Avenue, Walton-on-Thames.

What is Alpha ?

Alpha is aimed at people who want to take some time to think & talk about the meaning of life along with other interested people.
Alpha is open to anyone, whether you consider yourself a Christian or not.

Alpha is an 11 week course that helps people explore the essentials of the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening and friendly atmosphere. The evening course starts with a light meal followed by a video by Nicky Gumbel and then small groups where there is an opportunity to discuss the issues raised in the talk. The format of the morning course is similar, except that there is no meal.

Alpha courses are now a world-wide phenomenon, used and endorsed by all the major Christian traditions - Anglican, Baptist, Free Church, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Salvation Army and United Reformed. Indeed they have proved so popular that since 1992 over 10 million people worldwide have taken part in an Alpha course.

Who is Alpha for?

The Alpha course is for:

anyone wanting to investigate Christianity for themselves,
newcomers to the church,
new Christians and
those who want to look again at the foundations of their faith.

How could you be involved?

If you feel you fit one of the categories above you could think about doing the course yourself
You could use the invitations to invite a friend, family member or work colleague. Invitations are available at the back of each church; please take as many as you need - we have plenty available.
You could volunteer to help on the Task Force - preparing meals, setting out, welcoming, serving, washing up, packing away - all the essential tasks that help an evening to run smoothly.
You could pray - prayer is vital to the success of Alpha. Please pray for all aspects of the course and for all those involved, guests, helpers, or organisers.

Venue:

St John's Church, Ambleside Avenue, Walton-on-Thames.

Dates:

*Alpha* Launch Event	Tuesday 9th September, 7:30pm at Ashley School
Daytime Alpha starts	Tuesday 16th September, 9:30am at St John's Church
Evening *Alpha* starts	Thursday 18th September, 7:30pm at St John's Church

Both courses run from September to December 2008.

Times:

Daytime *Alpha*:	Tuesday mornings,	9.30 - 11.30 am	(Crèche facilities available)
Evening *Alpha*:	Thursday evenings,	7.30 - 10:00 pm	(including light meal)