St Luke's Church Eccleshill - Articles from "The Link"

A good night out!

Alpha

Alpha’s logo: a chap struggling
with the big questions of life.
The course is built around ten
issues which puzzle people.

This month our church's attention is on having a good time with lots of others in Bradford. The "Alpha" course - world famous, and over a million people in England have been on it - is on at our cathedral. 6pm each Wednesday, starting with a buffet meal.

What is it? At first it was a dinner with an after-dinner speaker. It still begins with a meal. Then there's a talk about some question which puzzles people in today's world. And then there's a chance to discuss in groups what the speaker said (or anything else that the people want to talk about).

Who's it for? It's for anyone who wants to go. Some people who go are churchgoers who are interested to hear a new approach to their faith. Some have never darkened the doors of the church, and go because they are interested in hearing a new view on questions of life. And some people just go for the meal and the company. And they're all welcome!

What's the bargain? It's not like that. You don't have to promise to go again, or go to church, or buy a bible, or even behave yourself and only say the "right" things. You get given two booklets during the course, but you don't have to promise to read them. No-one "chases you up" if you decide not to come again.

What's it cost? Nowt. (Well, actually the opening "banquet" did cost, but by the time you read this you'll have missed that!) The evening is free, including the food. You can make a donation if you want, but you don't have to. The cost is met by Christians who think it's important to provide opportunities for people to hear about the Christian faith.

Is it decent and honest and truthful? Oh yes. It's recommended by almost all the main denominations, including the C of E.

Will I like it? Try it and see: at Bradford Cathedral on Wednesdays, 6 - 6.45pm: Buffet Meal, 7pm: Talk & Chat, 9pm Go home.

John Hartley