The Alpha Course which we hosted at the beginning of the year was a resounding yes to the call upon us by God to bring ourselves before him. What a delight it was to meet over the course of sixteen session and three months to explore the value of a personal faith with Jesus as our Lord. The groups certainly made significant headway in discussing topics such as, ‘Why did Jesus die?’ through to ‘How can I make the most of the rest of my life?’ The Holy Spirit weekend was especially poignant for most of the participants who came forward during the service to be prayed for and to receiving the laying on of hands and anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Thanks to all group leaders, to Audrey Beverley for being the Alpha Coordinator, Alan, John, and Sean who prepared and gave the talks to the churches who provided supper, to Holmfirth Parish Church, Holmfirth Methodist Church and Christ Church New Mill for loaning their churches to Alpha and also to Alex Quinn for his sensitive and beautiful worship, singing and guitar playing and New Mill worship band. And: also the back room people, who prepared food, served it, the prayers, and the babysitters.

Over 40 people participated in the course and almost all of them have given very encouraging and positive feed back.