news & events!
Welcome to Alpha 2008!
Alpha course 2008 |
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| Dates: Wednesdays from 24th September | Time: 7pm |
Ever wondered what it's all about?
Over 2 million people in the UK and 11 million worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches of all denominations across the world.
Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away.
Who is it for?
The South Street Alpha course is designed primarily for people who aren't churchgoers and each course is open to everyone who would like to attend.
Our course attracts a diverse range of guests of different ages and backgrounds, holding many different viewpoints.
Over 7,000 courses are currently running across the UK in rural and urban settings, including every major UK city. South Street Baptist Church is one of the centres where the Alpha course has been running for many years.
Guests attend 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 of our 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.
Whatever your beliefs are, our course has been tailored to answer your questions in a free, relaxed environment and explore different view-points from other people.
How the course works
The course is based around small groups of about 12 people, hosted by one or two leaders whose role is to facilitate and encourage discussion.
Course groups vary in size each year, meeting every Wednesday evening at SSBC, each meeting typically lasting 2 hours. People tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships.
The whole course usually lasts for 10 weeks, with a day or weekend away in the middle. Each session begins with a meal and refreshments - a chance to get to know others in the small group. There is then a short talk, which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week.This is followed by a time of discussion in the small groups, 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 and informal environment. There is no charge for attending the Alpha course - with the meals, although people may give a contribution towards the food.
Course Content
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?
Day or weekend away
- 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?
Alpha 2008 Dates
This year, Alpha will run from Wednesday 24th September @ 7.00pm.
How do I join the course?
To join the Alpha course this year, please email Irene at admin@southstreetchurch.org.uk or call 020 8691 1270.
