CHRISTIANITY is for grown men and women. Accordingly, Ascension and Saint Agnes is sponsoring the ten-week Alpha course for grown men and women. It is not a course for children.

Ascension and St. Agnes sponsors an Alpha Course on Wednesday evenings, beginning April 14, at 7:00p.m.. For information or to register, please click here to e-mail Daniel Handel, or telephone Micheal Vreeland, our parish adminisrator at 202.347.8161.

Alpha is a practical, low-key introduction to Christianity with opportunities for debate and discussion. The course originated at Holy Trinity Brompton, an Anglican church in London; but it has been adopted by many different denominations as an ideal way to introduce family, friends or colleagues to the basics of Christianity.

Each week we'll meet for a meal, a talk on topics such as "Who is Jesus?", "Why did Jesus die?", "How can I be sure of my faith?" and "Does God still heal today?" followed by discussion. The course runs ten weeks and it's free. Each weekly topic stands on its own, so missing one or two is not a problem.

For further information, keep reading. If you have any questions, please email Daniel Handel (or phone Father Sammy or Father Davenport at 202-347-8161.)

To register for the next available course, please email your name and phone number to Daniel Handel or to AscensionandSaintAgnes@verizon.net.

What is Alpha?

The Alpha Course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith. Alpha is for everyone, especially:

1. •Those wanting to investigate Christianity
   

2. •New Christians
   

3. •Newcomers to the church
   

4. •Those who want to brush up on the basics
   

Alpha is a 10-week course that presents some of the basic teachings of the Christian faith. Participants meet once a week in the evening. Each meeting consists of a light meal followed by a video talk on a subject central to Christianity. The talks are presented by the Reverend Nicky Gumbel, the person largely responsible for the development of Alpha.

Participants then meet in small, prearranged groups to discuss the talk. The environment is friendly & non-threatening, and group members are free to ask or express whatever they wish.

Is Alpha right for you?

Alpha is for anyone and everyone. While its primarily for those with little or no knowledge of the Christian faith, especially the unchurched and inactive Christians, it is also helpful to those who wish to explore their faith more deeply. Since the course is parish-based, those coming to a new faith in Christ, or are coming back, are able to continue their faith journey in their own parish.