The ALPHA Course

In the first months of the New Year, observant visitors to the St Luke’s Church car park might well notice a large banner on the wall of the Youth Centre proclaiming the Alpha Course. Somehow the mere announcement does not seem to do justice to what actually happens on 10 Thursday evenings leading up to Easter. Running a course over such a period, which has the purpose of conveying the basic truths of Christianity, might seem quite challenging. One question which may come to mind is, “How do you attract people to leave their warm homes on a winter’s evening during the working week to come and listen to a talk on religion?” It might be a surprise to learn that St Luke’s runs the course each year and that an average of around 20 people attend as guests.

Alpha is well supported by material – each guest is given a booklet containing the subjects to be covered in the evening; a DVD can be used to present the talks or they can be given in person by John Pawson or Michael Christian-Edwards; and there are books available to encourage further exploration of some of the main themes. Whilst no course can run successfully without interesting content, Alpha actually offers something much more, which perhaps hints at what it means to be a Christian. First, the Church Rooms are arranged in restaurant style so that both guests and helpers can share an evening meal together. These meals are cooked and served by a large number of volunteers, generally drawn from the small groups which form such an important part of the life of St Luke’s. As a result of their enthusiasm and hard work the atmosphere of the evening is immediately relaxed and informal and the meals are great too! Each table is characterised by laughter and the sounds of people enjoying themselves. Second, the talks are both informative and full of good humour, making concentration easy even for minds tired after a full day’s work. The by now famous Alpha jokes, some of which are actually quite funny, mark an end to the meal and herald the time for listening. Third, there is the opportunity to discuss what has been heard. At the start of the course guests are allocated to groups, so that the same people meet week by week for discussion. Apart from the opportunity to learn from each other, this is a rewarding process which leads to enduring friendships. Most group members want to go on meeting together after the Alpha course has finished.

It is easy to be enthusiastic over an event which is great to be part of, but in a practical way the Alpha Course at St Luke’s represents the character of our church, as we all try to demonstrate something of the warm welcome and hospitality which Jesus himself offers to us.

(Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.)

Why not give us a call to find out more about the Alpha Course and what happens at St Luke’s throughout the rest of the year? 01590 682358