Alpha Courses

The Alpha course is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in an informal, fun and friendly environment.  It is for open to everyone interested in discovering what Christianity is about,  and is designed primarily for people who aren’t churchgoers.  It’s a place where people can come and relax, eat, share thoughts and explore the meaning of life.

As a course, Alpha attracts a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints. Over 7,000 churches are currently running the Alpha course across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city.

Why attend the Alpha course?

Guests do Alpha for a wide variety of reasons – some want to investigate whether God exists; others are concerned about what happens after death. Some people have particular questions that they would like to discuss; others want to understand other peoples’ beliefs or would like to explore what the purpose of life is. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith.

How the course works

The course lasts for 10 weeks, with a day away in the middle.  Each session begins at with a buffet meal (optional) – a chance to get to know others. There is then a short talk, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week (topics listed below.)  This is followed by a time of discussion in a small group, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss with the rest of the group.

The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed environment.

There is no charge for attending the Alpha course, although a contribution of £1.50 is requested towards the food.

Alpha at Rowheath Pavilion, Bournville

• Alpha will run at Rowheath Pavilion In the Autumn of 2012
• It is organised by the Pavilion Christian Community – a church that  meets in the Pavilion, which is situated at Heath Rd, Bournville B30 1HH ( between junctions with Selly Oak Rd & Hawthorne Rd.)

For more information:

email Alpha Co-Ordinator Stephen Gray on stephen.m.gray@btinternet.com or phone 0121 451 1854, or pick up a leaflet from the café or bar at the Pavilion

National Alpha: here is a link to the national Alpha web site:   http://uk.alpha.org

Topics

The talks each week cover the following topics, which people are then free to discuss in the small groups afterwards:

• Week 1 Who is Jesus?
• Week 2 Why did Jesus Die?
• Week 3 How can we have Faith?
• Week 4 Why and how do I Pray?
• Week 5 Why and how should I read the Bible?
• Week 6 How does God Guide us?
• Week 7 How can I Resist Evil?
• Week 8 Why and how should I tell Others?
• Week 9 Does God Heal Today?
• Week 10 What about the Church?
• Who is the Holy Spirit?
• What does the Holy Spirit do?
• How can I be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
• How can I Make the Most of the Rest of my Life?

Day away:

Alpha Co-ordinator: Stephen Gray 0121 451 1854; 07977 196599

WHY NOT INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

The Pavilion Christian Community, we have been running Alpha Courses for many years. The Alpha Course gives you a chance to explore the meaning of life by asking some of the big questions:

• Is there really a God ?
• Did Jesus really exist ?
• Is He really the Son of God ?
• Did He die on a cross so that we may be forgiven for our sins ? If so, why ?
• What or who is the Holy Spirit ?

The Christian faith may at times seem a hard thing to understand, but it doesn’t have to be! The Alpha Course is designed to let you ask those questions you never had the opportunity to ask. It’s a chance to explore the meaning of life in a safe, friendly environment. To really challenge what you believe, and why.

See Bears Alpha promotion   Bear Grylls – I did Alpha

You may listen to the Alpha talks below by pressing the play button. Here are the sessions that are currently available.