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ALPHA

“By turns, ALPHA is stimulating, inspiring, comforting, challenging, educational, and always, always fascinating.”

ALPHA is learning and laughter, food and friendship, questions and conversation. It’s a seven-week look at those basic beliefs that can make Christianity come alive for you.

Fall course begins September 20, 2010

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Explore the questions

ALPHA explores the very basics of the Christian faith. Here no question is too simple to explore. Sessions are organized to help people grow their insight and confidence, especially where they’re feeling “thin” on Christianity.

Monday evenings

ALPHA meets Monday evenings for seven weeks, 6:15-8:30 p.m., with a one-day concentrated retreat day.

These Monday evenings begin with a delicious catered supper in the Commons, 6:15-7 p.m., followed by light music and lively talks by Pastor Peter Marty and other teaching staff.

The evening ends in small groups, the time for bouncing around ideas in a relaxed, non-threatening environment.

Childcare is offered for all ALPHA sessions.

Everyone is welcome

Everyone is welcome for an ALPHA course. People attend for a wide variety of reasons. Some may wonder if God exists. Others are interested in brushing up on the foundations of the Christian faith, or are hoping for new connections with a community of people.

The course is free. You may, if you like, make a contribution toward the meals.

ALPHA is generally held at St. Paul in the fall and spring.

What people are saying about ALPHA

I loved getting to know people so well, the awesome weekly talks, and making new connections to people.

ALPHA is a chance to make new friendships. We met weekly in small groups, ate dinner together and chatted. It was like eating with your family each week.

ALPHA = good talks + good company + good food

ALPHA USA

We give ALPHA a special St. Paul imprint, but you’ll find ALPHA in cities and towns all around the world. Learn more about ALPHA and the thousands of people who are exploring the questions of life.

Brochures are available at the Information Center. For more information contact St. Paul’s ALPHA coordinator, Katie Hanson, at or phone 309-794-7677, or Jennifer Garvey, church receptionist, 326-3547, ext. 210,

"What do we have to set aside so that people who come into contact with us can sense his (Jesus') irresistible pull on their lives, calling them to discipleship, calling them to joy?" ~Kate Layzer, UCC Pastor