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the 2003 course | the 2004 course
2003
Was Alpha what you were expecting? My only preconception was that we would be learning about the bible and Christianity. Beyond that I held a completely open mind. I knew that there would be about 30 people but I didn't know who they were or what format the evening would follow. A work colleague who had participated on the course several times offered to give me an insight. I declined in case it was in anyway different at St Paul's.
I am glad that I retained this open mind.
What surprised you about it? It shouldn't really have been a surprise but the warmth and friendliness of everyone that attended was there to be shared week after week. People that I didn't really know or would just say hello to are now friends. The format of the evenings were relaxed, I will say more about that in a moment - we actually had a lot of laughs. Nothing was "in your face", you could contribute to small group discussions as much or as little as you wanted to. It was amazing how quickly people opened-up and talked about their experiences without feeling uncomfortable.
What did you find the most helpful?
The Alpha Manual - each chapter was the core subject for the evening. It follows the video presentations in sequence and permits the making of notes.
The Video Presentations - these were excellent. A lot of questions were answered, new ones asked and explanations given to subjects that I, as someone who sits in the congregation, takes for granted without any understanding. For me this was probably the most important part of the course. I like to take in current affairs and watch documentary television programmes. At times the presentation felt it was both.
The small groups - each week we would form the same group to discuss the topic of the evening and frequently anything else that cropped-up. People can feel uncomfortable in this situation but I think that we all got something from each other.
What did you find most enjoyable? This is easy - all of it. A special mention must go to the ladies who fed us every Wednesday night. Each of the meals they prepared was gorgeous and they looked after us, and me in particular, very very well. Thanks again.
The presentations and discussions raised and answered a number of issues about being a Christian.
Finally, the companionship of everyone that took part.
The whole experience was enjoyable, invaluable and one that I would recommend for others to follow.
Was Alpha what you were expecting? No - but in a good way! It was much more relaxed and enjoyable than I'd expected and there was a really good mix of people from all ages. I thought it might be quite 'heavy' and like being lectured to but it wasn't at all. The topics raised issues which perhaps I hadn't considered much before and it was very relevant to everyday life whether you are a Christian, someone new to the faith or just looking for answers to the 'big questions'.
What surprised you about it? How much I enjoyed it. There were about 30 of us on the course and we all formed friendships had lots of laughs and had some lovely meals! I think I was quite sceptical about it before I started but I got so much out of it on a personal and spiritual level that I would certainly recommend it to others. I also wasn't expecting to make so many friends from it but the time and experiences we shared together were really valuable.
What did you find the most helpful?
The Alpha Manual - this was a useful resource for keeping notes and to refer back to. I have since bought some of the Alpha books because I found the approach and content of the sessions and materials very accessible.
The Video Presentations - the videos were great and raised some important points and areas for discussion. Nicky Gumbell is an excellent speaker and engages people well in the topics, even through video. The discussions which followed the videos in the groups were usually really interesting and I don't think we ever finished on time because we got so involved in the subjects.
The small groups - as someone who is quite uncomfortable speaking or sharing personal reflections in front of lots of people I found the small groups ideal and because we were all together for the meals you still got to mix with other people in the other groups. Nobody expected you to contribute every time so you could just sit back and reflect on things if you wanted but usually, because the issues were so relevant, you found you had something to say. The post-Alpha group we have now formed (Delta) is an extension of the group work and I am really enjoying it.
What did you find most enjoyable? The friendships, the food and being able to share thoughts and feelings about my faith without feeling uncomfortable or awkward. I also enjoyed the group worship which was something new to me and which I never expected to enjoy.
Final Comments As someone new to Stalybridge and St Paul's, Alpha was a great way for me to meet new people and make new friends. And that is the great thing- people I didn't even know before or who I just recognised by sight I can now call friends.
Alpha helped me feel more part of the church and made me want to become involved more. As a direct result of Alpha I went on to be confirmed, am part of a post-Alpha group, Delta, have started training to be a Brownie leader (through meeting the leader on the course) and am helping out at Sunday School. Not bad for someone who only ever intended to be a face in the crowd at church on Sunday!
It has enabled me to challenge some of my pre-conceived ideas and opinions about Christianity and really examine my own faith.