Alpha Course 2023

Have you ever asked yourself ‘What’s the point of it all?’ ‘Why are we here?’ What’s the Meaning of Life?’ If you have, then Alpha is for you. An Alpha course gives you an opportunity to ask questions, have fun, learn about the Christian faith and make new friends.

This course is also a great opportunity for people of faith to explore the foundations of their faith more deeply.

What you can expect?
Each session provides a very informal and friendly setting where we share food together and watch a DVD about the particular theme for the evening. There will also be an opportunity to discuss, in small groups, some of the issues raised for you by the film and to ask questions and share ideas with one another in a confidential setting. No one is going to tell you what to think or believe.

For members of SJNX
We would love to see some of you at Alpha and, if you plan to come, please consider bringing along a non-church going friend with you.

Start and End Dates
Every Wednesday evening, 7-9.15 pm starting on 10 May and ending on 12 July.
There will also be a weekend of concentrated sessions running on Saturday 24 June from 10 am to 3.30 pm and an optional session from 7-9 pm; and on Sunday 25 June from 12 to 2 pm.

Venue
St John’s Neville’s Cross, Durham

Commitment
We hope that participants will commit to the full course but if you have prior commitments, or unexpected reasons why you are unable to attend a particular session, then that is absolutely fine. We will give you help if you want to catch up on a film that you have missed.

Costs
There are no charges for this course, or for the food. However, there will be an opportunity to make donations towards the cost of the food if you would like to do so – but you will not be under any pressure to give.

PROGRAMME
Session 1 – 10 May Is There More to Life Than This?

Session 2 – 17 May Who is Jesus?

Session 3 – 24 May Why did Jesus Die?

Session 4 – 31 May How Can I Have Faith?

Session 5 – 7 June Why and How Should I Pray?

Session 6 – 14 June Why and How Should I Read the Bible?

Session 7 – 21 June How Does God Guide Us?

Saturday 24 June 10 am to 3.30 pm
Session 1 Who is the Holy Spirit?

Session 2 What Does the Holy Spirit do?

Session 3 How Can I Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

7-9 pm For those who want it, there will be an opportunity for quiet reflection, prayer and worship in the Church
Lunch will be provided and a more detailed programme for the day will be given out nearer the time

Sunday 25 June 12 to 2 pm
Session 4 How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life?
Lunch will be provided and a more detailed programme for the day will be given out nearer the time

Session 8 – 28 June How Can I Resist Evil?

Session 10 – 5 July Does God Heal Today?

Sessions 9 & 11 – 12 July Why and How Should I Tell Others?
What About the Church?

If you are interested in joining us:
For more information and to book a place please contact Caroline via the Rector’s Secretary on the Contact Form.