Alpha

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Sometimes a new perspective leads to better understanding.

Alpha is a series of interactive sessions to discuss the Christian faith in an informal, fun and friendly environment. The course will consist of nine sessions, looking at topics including ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how do I pray?’ Alpha is for everyone; no question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish. Everyone is welcome. Anyone can raise anything and no point of view is off limits. A lack of Christian knowledge or understanding is definitely OK!

Each session is 2hrs, we start with food and a chance to get to know each other, followed by a talk and an interactive session to discuss what you thought about the talk. There are no right or wrong answers.

As you step into 2020 we’ve got 4 invitations for you, open to everyone and running across Harrogate. Expect great food,
even better conversation and talks that make you think. This year, if you want to explore, challenge and discuss some big life questions then start by attending one of these invitational events:

Stories at Starling

20th Jan 7:30pm, Starling Cafe, Oxford Street
Enjoy pizza and a drink while we share stories and wonder about life and faith.
Free and no booking required

Curry & Quiz Night
22nd Jan 7:30pm at Shalimar, Cheltenham Crescent
An evening full of curry, a quiz full of fun, and a talk about a truly fulfilling life. £12 per person, team of 8-10. Book now at hopeharrogate.co.uk/curry

Hasn’t Science Buried God?
23rd Jan doors at 7pm, St Peter’s Church, Harrogate
Enjoy canapés and drinks before listening to a talk that will really get you thinking.
Free and no booking required

Men’s Breakfast
25th Jan 8am, St Luke’s Church, Harrogate
Robin Gamble gives a mind-opening talk about “God’s great invitation”.
Free but book by emailing: church@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk

Alpha Courses
Our next adult course begins Wednesday 12th Feb (Away Day Sat 4th April) at St Mark’s Church
For more information email: alpha@smch.org.uk

We are also runing a special youth course for all young people in school years 7-13
Wed 5:00pm 29th Jan Cafe Nero, Cambridge Street, HG
For more information email: youth@smch.org.uk

You can also find all courses across Harrogate and on various days and times at alphaharrogate.org

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Everyone – whatever background, situation, or experience you bring. We don’t assume any previous knowledge of Christianity. No question is out of bounds and you are free to discuss as much or as little as you wish.

No. You don’t have to come to the whole course – just come to the first introductory session and see how you feel. With no obligation or cost. Here’s Wayne Brown’s thoughts on Alpha… He is a member of St Mark’s, married to Deborah, and is a management consultant (we’ll forgive him for that though). Wayne went along to an Alpha Course when he was living in London and speaking about the experience, he said: “I joined an Alpha course that was running and I suppose I was very methodical about it. Different people do things in different ways, some people in the group were very laid back and chilled, and just watched and listened, and didn’t talk, I was a copious note taker, questioning! I invariably wouldn’t speak first, I’d be in processing mode, listening to what the other people were saying, and then after a while I’d speak. I loved the talks. I had a beautiful group, a fantastic group – a bit like university! I didn’t expect it, but I’m still really big buddies with everyone I did Alpha with. It’s a place that’s safe – everyone that is with you is also searching, questioning. You’re in a room with people who are all asking questions and therefore there is no question which is off limits (it doesn’t even have to be a question, it can be a rant if you want!). There’s no one going to stand in judgment of you – it’s not that kind of environment. Come along, see what you think, come to a couple of sessions – if you don’t like it, fine, but you won’t know until you try!”

Is There More to Life Than This?

Who is Jesus?

Why Did Jesus Die?

How Can We Have Faith?

Why and How Do I Pray?

Why and How Should I Read the Bible?

How Does God Guide Us?

Why and How Should I Tell Others?

How Can I Resist Evil?

Does God Heal Today?

What About the Church?

Holy Spirit away day