From the Manse: A Thought for the Week
Come and Give Alpha a Try
Sunday 30th August 2026
Dear Friends,
Last week we held the first session of our new Alpha course, and I am
delighted to say that it went really well. There was a good atmosphere,
plenty of conversation, some laughter, and an opportunity to begin thinking
together about some of the big questions of life. For those who came along, I hope it was an enjoyable evening and that they will continue to join us over the coming weeks.
But I also want to say this: there is still plenty of room for more people!
Sometimes I wonder why we can be a little nervous about coming along to
something like Alpha. Perhaps we worry that we will be asked difficult
questions, expected to know all the answers, or made to feel uncomfortable if we are unsure about what we believe. The truth is that there is nothing to fear.
Alpha is simply a place where people can come together to talk about
some of life's important questions. Questions about faith, God, Jesus,
purpose, happiness, suffering and what really matters. Nobody is expected
to have all the answers—and, importantly, nobody is expected to pretend
that they do.
You might already be a committed Christian. You might have gone to
church all your life. You might have questions that you have never quite
dared to ask. Or you might not consider yourself a believer at all and simply be curious. However, you come you are welcome.
The Christian faith has always been about asking questions, searching for
truth and learning together. So why not come along, enjoy theconversation, listen to what others have to say, and share your own
thoughts if you wish?
You don't need to make a commitment. You don't need to know the Bible.
You don't even need to be sure what you believe. Just come and give it a
try, because sometimes the most interesting journeys begin simply by
being willing to ask a question.
So, whether you are a believer, a doubter, a seeker—or simply curious—we would love to see you at Alpha this week. Come along. There is nothing to fear, and you may just discover that you enjoy the conversation.
Peace and blessings,
Rev Jade
Alpha - 6pm Monday nights. St Columba’s Episcopal Church.