THE PROGRAM:
Alpha is a ten week course that is a practical exploration of the  Christian faith. Alpha is for:

Anyone interested in finding out more about the  Christian faith.
 Adults of all ages are welcome.

 Learning and laughter.
 It is possible to learn about the Christian faith and to have fun at  the same time.

 People meeting together.
 An opportunity to get to know others and to make new friends.

 Helping one another.
 The small group gives you a chance to discuss issues raised  during the talks.

 Ask anything.
 Alpha is a place where no question is seen as too simple or too  hostile.

The Alpha Course is a 15 session practical introduction to the Christian faith. It is designed primarily for non-church goers and those who have recently become Christians. It was established at Holy Trinity Brompton London, over twenty years ago and there are now more than 17,000 Alpha courses throughout the world.

Alpha is a flexible and pragmatic model that works for any group of any size. Churches and Christian organizations of every background and denomination are discovering it to be a simple and effective way of presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ in a clear and non-threatening manner to people from all walks of life.

Over 17,000 churches worldwide participate in this program including almost 2,500 churches in the United States. This program was originally developed by Holy Trinity Brompton church in London, England and now has wide acceptance among all the major Christian denominations. Over 2,000,000 people have participated in this program in the last five years and it is running in 121 countries.

Anyone serious about growing closer to a wonderful God. Many lives have been changed by just attending these courses and has been a great help in coping with a world that does not care. Participants have found that there are people in our big world who live their lives and their faith by showing genuine care.

It is particularly for:
* Those wanting to investigate Christianity
* New Christians
* Those who feel they have never really got going as a Christian
* Newcomers to the Church
* Christians who want to brush up on the basics.

"I am excited about Alpha. Alpha is a non-threatening way for a congregation to reach out to people, especially unbelievers and unchurched, with the Gospel message. It leads many who participate to an experience of God's love and of Christian community. Alpha is working around the world as an evangelism tool to help congregations be faithful to Jesus' promise to make us 'fishers of people'."
Bob Groth, Pastor
Vineyard Christian Fellowship

"I just wanted to tell you how God worked so wonderfully last night, and to thank you for your prayers. About 18 people came from all walks of life vet students including a professed senior class atheist a cheerleader, several husbands of vet students some junior members of the school. It was fantastic. It sounds as though the aisles will be jammed again next week."
Brian
Alpha Course Leader on campus
University of Wisconsin
School of Veterinary Medicine

At the banquet after the first round, we had a large turnout, a third of whom were guests! (I had a guest who declined to take the course.) However, one man who came to the banquet was so interested that he returned with his live-in girl friend. They haven't missed a session. God is working in their lives radically. Last week, they each brought their teenage sons (each has one from previous marriages). Although they seem bent on earning their salvation, we believe that they will receive God's grace soon! They came to church last Sunday morning, too."
A Melbourne Anglican Parish

COST TO TAKE THE COURSE:
No charge for participants, although a small contribution of $5 is requested for the two course meal in the evening and for meals during the Saturday away.

WHEN IS THE NEXT COURSE
Tuesday 23rd August 2005, at 6.45pm
The course commences at 6.45pm and finishing at 9pm SHARP. It also includes a day away at Point Lonsdale on a Saturday.

If you would like to visit the Australian Alpha Site click here.

The following course to be held at Saint Thomas Anglican Church Werribee
Cnr Greaves & Synnot Street Werribee - Melway 205 - H 9
Commences February 2007

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION - Contact Ivan Minness
117 Synnot Street Werribee - Phone 9741.6217
Fax: 9731.1092 - Email:  st.thomas@optusnet.com.au