We all have questions about the meaning of life, and Alpha does not provide all the answers. But an Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.

It is relaxed, non-threatening, low key, friendly and fun.

There is a meal together at the beginning of the course, which gives everyone the opportunity to get to know each other.

The evenings start at 7.15pm and will include a short talk, sometimes on video, followed by coffee. Each evening will be brought to a close at about 9.30.

We will then break into small groups to ask any questions, express opinions, and to discuss what we have heard.

Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for everyone, especially:

• those wanting to investigate Christianity
• new Christians
• newcomers to the church
• those who want to brush up on the basics.

What will it cost?
There is no charge for the Alpha course, although you may be asked to make a contribution towards food.

How Alpha began
The Alpha course has been running for over 26 years. It began at Holy Trinity Brompton in central London in the late 1970s, initially as a means of presenting the basic principles of the Christian faith to new Christians in a relaxed and informal setting. By 1990, when former barrister Nicky Gumbel took over the course, Alpha was a central feature of the church's life. It was while leading his second Alpha course that Nicky realised how this simple course could also appeal to non-churchgoers, and he adapted the course to give it the kind of feel that would suit this group.
The Alpha course spread during the 1990s, initially in the UK and then, internationally, as more churches and groups found it a helpful way to answer questions about the Christian faith. There are now over 33,500 courses worldwide in 161 countries and it is supported by all the major denominations.