Alpha? What's That?

A new Alpha course starts at St Andrew’s church in Dibden Purlieu in October. But what is Alpha? Here are the views of two people who’ve attended previous courses.

Mandy Scurr (care worker):

Why did you do the Alpha course?

Well, it was actually because of my son, who had really enjoyed St Andrew’s Holiday Club but came home full of questions I couldn’t answer. I had been bringing my daughter to pre-school at St Andrew’s for two years. I never noticed the Alpha banners until that point, when suddenly it seemed like Alpha was calling me. I wanted to know more.

What happened on Alpha?

I found out an awful lot about myself. It was just really good to take time out from a hectic life to reflect and to have some lovely people around to help you to do that. Even though I was very shy, I was really comfortable at Alpha and really came out of myself socially.

Were your questions answered?

I would say a big ‘Yes’: they may not have been very deep questions but they were important to me and I didn’t feel at all daft asking silly questions.

Have you changed?

Enormously. I truly believe Alpha saved my marriage, which was going through a really rocky patch. During Alpha, I started reading the Bible and it was amazing how many times ‘marriage’ was mentioned in the first few hundred pages – a clear message for me and one that made me realise how important it was to work at things. I also now look after my mother-in-law who suffers from Alzheimer’s - something I just didn’t have the heart for until I became a Christian.

Would you recommend Alpha?

Absolutely, yes. I am still really good friends with the people I did Alpha with and I enjoyed it so much that I have been helping to run it, too. It has been a life-changing experience and I would say you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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Moira Toomer (voluntary worker):

What prompted you to try Alpha?

I heard about it through the Herald and the banner outside St Andrew’s church. Alpha kept coming up everywhere, so I decided to find out more about it! The course was exciting and at the end of each meeting, I didn’t want it to stop. The Away Day was very good: it was interesting without being too heavy. During the day, I felt an overwhelming experience come over me. It made me want to go to church and changed my life.

How?

I’ve found something that has been calling me for years. It’s strengthened my faith, and as a result, I’m getting confirmed. For years, I’ve felt things inside but now I’ve met people who feel the same as me and I can be myself at last. I feel accepted by God. For me, it’s not just a spiritual thing: it’s like having an extended family.

How else has your life changed?

So many things have happened since going on the course. I’m now on the right path, I’m more fulfilled and I look at life from a different point of view. I feel stronger in my faith. However, I’m on a journey: there are things I still don’t understand, but I know that there’s truth in it all.

Would you encourage others to try Alpha?

A lot of people have pre-conceived ideas of the course but until you try it, you can’t really know what to expect. Most people gain something from it. You can discuss things you’d never normally discuss. It’s very rewarding: it can open your mind and your heart.

I’d recommend it particularly to people who feel isolated, lonely or frustrated with life. It’s a good starter for thinking, “Why am I here – what’s it all about?” I gained an inner peace and a more fulfilled life. Even though there are still struggles, it helps you to make sense of things. It’s for everyone from all walks of life. It’s something you can’t buy that is very special – a chance to come closer to God.

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The introductory Alpha Supper takes place on Saturday 2nd October at 7:30pm. The weekly meetings will then be held on Tuesday evenings for ten weeks, starting on October 5th. For further details, please contact the church office on 023 8084 3204 or by email.