The Parish of St Matthias, St Mark and Holy Trinity, Ilsham, Torquay, Devon
in the Anglican Diocese of Exeter

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The St Matthias’ Alpha Course

There are Alpha Courses in the Forces, Alpha Courses in Churches, Alpha Courses in Prisons and in Colleges and Universities. In fact, millions of people all around the world have attended one or more of these thought- provoking courses. 

There are no Course fees involved. There is no 'hard-sell' and  no obligation to do anything or join anything.  Nobody will call, or try to sell you anything at all. We will not encourage you to sign up to Charities or anything else. If you don’t enjoy the first session, you just don’t attend the next

Each of the 10 sessions  begins with a sit-down supper in the Church Centre at 7pm. This enables us to get to know one another informally. One of our 'local rules' is that we discourage discussion of the Christian faith or Alpha, over supper!  

Afterwards we watch a presentation on  key issues such as  "Why did Jesus die? or " How does God guide us". 
We conclude with small group discussions which some people feel  are the most rewarding part of the evenings. People express opinions, ask questions and bounce ideas around in a relaxed and non-threatening environment. Some choose to talk a lot and some say very little through the whole course. It does not matter.

Guests on previous courses have come from many different backgrounds and attended the ten-week course for a wide variety of reasons. Some wanted to find out whether God exists and whether there is any meaning or point to life. Some were worried about death. Some have been to church on and off but felt that they have never understood the basics of the Christian faith. 

It really does not matter what you know or what you do not know about Christianity. Nobody will be embarrassed  and everyone who sees the course through, will enjoy their evenings. What is more, many people have reported that their lives have been changed for the better having done the Alpha Course.

Why not talk with Mark Lord-Lear, the Alpha Co-ordinator?

If you want to book a place for the 2008 Course  or to find out more about Alpha please phone 01803 214175. 

We will be happy to send you an explanatory booklet and a registration form as soon as these are available. If you are not sure about doing the course, we will gladly put you in touch with someone who has recently done the Alpha Course so that you may be reassured.

www.alphacourse.org