Letter to the Parish

Have we got our values right?

Have you heard of "Alpha"?

Or more specifically, The Alpha Course? This is a course that was set up quite a few years ago now - I ran my first Alpha Course 16 years ago - but it is popular and has a proven track record at being a great way to explore some of the big questions of life that we all struggle with – if we give them time to sit on our hearts and in our minds. Of course, we can go through life without giving them any thought at all and the big issues then do not bother us! But that is not really being honest with ourselves – the "ostrich approach to life" is rarely the best way of solving things!

Alpha is a great way to explore those big questions for yourself and start to work out your answers. Of course it comes from a Christian perspective – I wouldn't be speaking about it otherwise would I? It offers a relaxed forum, with lovely food, to be able to talk, make friends, and explore life and the Christian faith.

Alpha is popular. Over 3 million people in the UK have attended Alpha and 18 million worldwide. Alpha is coming to Benenden and Sandhurst….. this autumn. Starting on the 9th September. Meeting on a Wednesday evening. We'll start with a meal together, so you haven't got to worry about coming home from work, rushing food, and then coming out! Each week we'll look at a different aspect of the Christian faith – with guest speakers coming in to share their thoughts. Then we break into small discussion groups and simply delve into different issues of life; the discussion can go anywhere! Ask those questions that have been concerning you or annoying you. Find out what others think. Work out your answers to the big questions of life. Perhaps make some new friends at the same time.

We'll be holding a taster evening on the 9th September, in the Mission Church at Sandhurst; put that date in your diary, come along, see what you think. If you like it, come along the next week! More details will be available in the magazine next month.

the meantime, have a fabulous summer, keep safe on any travels you have planned, but keep thinking about those big questions that you find just won't go away. Don't take the ostrich approach to them; face those questions; think about bringing them along to Alpha in the autumn; let's see if together we can find answers, and where God fits into your picture of life.

Revd. David Commander
Rector