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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 5000 Alpha courses running in the US and about
1,000,000 people in America and Canada have already participated.
Most Americans live within easy access of an Alpha course.
Find a Course near you. Or, if you
live near Billerica, Massachusetts, call the Community
Congregational Church at 978-663-3750 for dates and times, or read
the info at the top of this page.
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 of Life" by Revd 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?
There are hundreds of Alpha Courses running in locations across
the country and we would love to help you
find one near
you or if you live near Billerica, Massachusetts, please call
the Community Congregational Church at 978- 663-3750, or read the
info at the top of this page.
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.
What will it cost?
There is no charge for the Alpha course, although a small
contribution might be requested for the meal each evening and for the food and accommodation during the Alpha weekend away.
When and where?
The evening Alpha course usually runs once a week for 11 weeks.
If you live near Billerica, Massachusetts, please call the Community
Congregational Church at 978-663-3750, or read the info at the top
of this page. If you live far from
Billerica, Mass, please search the course directory for courses
in your area.
For more info, visit the Alpha
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