Searching? Spiritual? Skeptical?
Try Alpha.

We believe that everyone should have the chance to explore life, faith and meaning.
The Alpha course enables you to do that. 
Whatever your background or belief you can bring your questions, share your views and enjoy open discussion.
Alpha is for everyone.

Alpha is a series of 10 sessions, over 9 weeks exploring the Christian faith. Each session looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create open conversation. Alpha is run around the globe, and everyone’s welcome. Find out more and explore the topics at alpha.org

What happens on Alpha?

After a welcome, participants watch a short film, then break into smaller groups for open discussion to share thoughts and ideas on the session’s topic. We’ll normally provide drinks and desserts to enjoy.

Dates & topics

Alpha is designed for participants to enjoy the whole course over 9 weeks as part of a small group, and build friendships with others taking part in discussions. Alpha works best when participants are able to commit to every session.

All evening sessions aim to be finished before 9pm.

Wednesday 24th January 2024 - Alpha Taster Evening, 7.30pm - at Poringland Community Centre
’Is there more to life than this?’ - Get a taste of what’s involved on Alpha with no obligation to commit to the rest of the course.
Join us for drinks and desserts. Everyone is invited.

2 week break

Wednesday 7th February, 7.30pm - Venue TBA
’Who is Jesus?’

Wednesday 14th February, 7.30pm - Venue TBA
’Why did Jesus die?’

Wednesday 21st February, 7.30pm - Venue TBA
’How can I have faith?’

Wednesday 28th February, 7.30pm - Venue TBA
’Why and how do I pray?’

Wednesday 6th March, 7.30pm - Venue TBA
’Why and how do I read the bible?’

Wednesday 13th March, 7.30pm - Venue TBA
’How does God guide us?’

Saturday 16th March, 9am til Midday (approx.) - at Poringland Community Centre
’Who is the Holy Spirit?’

Wednesday 20 March, 7.30pm - Venue TBA
’How can I resist evil?’

Wednesday 27 March, 7.30pm - at Poringland Community Centre
’What about the Church?’

stories from Alpha participants

“I joined Alpha to find out more about Christianity. Having grown up in an atheist family, I didn’t know or understand what Christianity was. I had explored many other religions, philosophies and practices in the previous few years, trying to find a peace and contentment that my life had always lacked and eventually came around to wonder what the churches in our cities were teaching.

The Alpha course was broken up into subjects that answered the common questions people have about Christianity and who Jesus was and is. The format created a strong foundation of understanding for further questions and intrigue to grow. The leaders of the course were extremely helpful in answering any questions I had, no matter how challenging or controversial. Doubts and questions I had were held with respect and at no point did I feel like I was being pressured or persuaded into adopting any beliefs.  

After the Alpha course had finished, I was not ready to become a Christian. I wanted to continue my exploration of Christianity so I attended a few different Sunday services, settling on a church I felt most comfortable with. The leaders of the Alpha course stayed in touch and answered any other questions I had.

In my own time I made the choice to become a Christian, this was not something I had intended on from the start but in finding the truth that I have on my journey, I accepted this decision with a great amount of joy. I can recommend this course for anyone that wants to learn about Christianity.”

– Steven

–

“Alpha was a total game changer for me. I was so nervous signing up and had no idea what to expect. Anxiety and self doubt had crept its way into my life over the past few years and I felt completely lost since becoming a mum. I knew I was missing something. Over the course of the weeks Alpha showed me that I was actually missing someone not something, Jesus!

I didn’t have a ‘Eureka’ moment, it was much more gradual for me, I just felt a real sense of peace as the weeks went on and less lonely. I could really sense God’s presence through the weeks and thereafter. The group I was with were amazing, so supportive, so non-judgemental, no questions were off limits (and I had lots of questions!) The videos were factual and thought provoking as well as the discussions that followed. I went from feeling very nervous about Alpha to wanting and encouraging everyone to do it! It could be a life changer for you too.”

– Claire

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“The Alpha course I attended took place on Zoom because of COVID, so we met online, rather than face-to-face. Nevertheless I found it to be very friendly, informative and quite imaginative in the presentation of some of the main principles of the Christian faith. After each presentation, we were divided into small groups for discussion with a Ieader, and we were invited to ask questions and to share our views. This helped to develop our understanding of religious issues and their connections to ourselves and the world around us.

One of the strongest benefits that I have gained through the teachings of the Alpha course is the development of a more personal connection and indeed relationship with God.

To sum up, I found the Alpha Course to be informing, creative and enriching, with opportunities to think, ask questions and to express ourselves. For me, it helped me enhance my understanding and belief in Christianity.”

- Judith

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“For the majority of my life of 74 years I had very little to do with God and the Church, but about 9 years ago I started to attend church... I attended the Alpha course organised by Robert in February 2021, until that time I was still a raw recruit to Christianity…

My eyes have been opened to the true meaning of being a Christian, it has given me a deeper understanding of the meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross –God’s ultimate sacrifice of his Son for our redemption… I am aware now that God has always loved me, and never abandoned me as I had imagined for the majority of my life, he has never lost his faithfulness in me… I have become aware of what the church has to offer me personally. It has brought new purpose to my life, a renewal of my spirit, new horizons and transformed my approach to life in general.

I think the Alpha course is a must for us all either as a first time exercise or as a refresher course for those who have done it before. What marvelous insights i received – the word i used constantly was inspired! Every session was just that- inspired.”

– Chris

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“I didn’t really expect what a huge change Alpha would have on my life. I was very nervous to begin with, but our small group gave me more confidence each week to open my heart to Jesus. I’d always felt something was missing in my life, but didn’t know what! Alpha has filled a hole with the love of Jesus. I’ve made some really lovely friends along the way and I look forward to our church services every Sunday, with friends, to worship the Lord.”

- Fiona

Book your place

All Saints Church, Poringland and King’s Community Church have partnered to run Alpha in Poringland. To find out more and let us know you’re coming to our Taster Evening please contact:

Rev’d Robert Parsonage, All Saints Church
Tel: 01508 492215
Email: alpha@poringland-benefice.org.uk

or

Jon & Holly Mullender, King’s Community Church
Tel: 07769 675 910
Email: jmullender@gmail.com