A warm and relaxing evening at Alpha

Got questions?

Holy Trinity Hastings (HTH) is about to run a new Alpha course  for this term and it kicks off with a social evening on Wednesday 3 October at 7pm with a Katsu Curry and Cheese Bingo. It’s a chance to meet new people and to explore the big questions in life. HOT’s Vanessa Alves writes.

What’s It All About Alpha?

How many times have you looked up at the stars – and at the people and world around you – and asked those deep and mysterious questions, such as: ‘Is there more to life than this?’, ‘What proof is there that God exists?’, ‘If God is real, why is there so much sadness in the world?’ and ‘Would being a Christian make any real difference to my life?’.

Now you have the chance to find some of the answers, to discuss your own views and to make new friends with other local people of all ages and from all walks of life. All you need to do is go along to the next local ‘Alpha’ which starts at 7pm on Wednesday 3 October at Holy Trinity Hastings (HTH) opposite the Library on Claremont. It will cost you nothing but a couple of hours of your time.

Alpha is offered around the globe and is designed so that everyone can explore the basics of Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view. HTH Alpha host, Edward Montagu says: “We have been running Alpha for several years and we are delighted that we have had so much interest. Many people who have taken part have gone on to find faith, and we have seen incredible and positive transformation in their lives.

Real life stories at Alpha

“The course runs for 9 weeks – and starts with a tasty hot meal and drinks so that everyone can get to know each other in a relaxed setting. Everyone is welcome – no matter what their beliefs are.

“We then break into small groups, and together watch a short and inspiring Alpha video featuring interesting speakers and opinions from ordinary people in society, looking at a different topic each week. This can be anything from what evidence there is that Jesus existed, through to looking at moral issues like pain and suffering and how Christianity relates to the modern world we live in today.

“After the video, we encourage everyone to feel able to ask any question or speak out their views freely to stimulate debate, and the group facilitator together with the group, can respond with their own opinions, answers and own life experiences in a safe space without judgement.

“And there’s a really great free book for everyone too, which reflects the videos and has some thought-provoking questions to get everyone thinking.”

A guest at Alpha reviewed HTH on their Facebook page, saying: “Wonderful church with lovely people who listen rather than judge or force their beliefs. Fantastic atmosphere that made me feel incredibly welcome and comfortable to ask questions about faith and God. I left feeling like I had a new group of friends and a new journey to begin to learn about Christianity. This was all from one session of the Alpha course, which I highly recommend.”

A chance to make new friends and talk about life

HTH is a lively and welcoming church and has ongoing regular Sunday services, and an exciting programme of events and activities for people of all ages. Here’s some dates for your diary:

Wednesday 3 October: Discipleship Explored Course at 7 – 9pm looking at Christianity through Paul’s letter, and documentary-style films and inspiring real-life stories.

Sunday 7 October: The Great HTH Bake Off after the 11.15am service: tasty creations for those who love to bake or eat a cake.

HTH on Robertson Street

For more details on the full HTH programme: visit http://www.hthchurch.org/whats-on/

Also in: Hastings Life