Alpha ad on a transit shelter

Seven parishes in the Diocese of New Westminster are participating in a national Alpha program this fall.

Alpha is a ten-week introduction to Christianity. It usually includes weekly meals for participants and a retreat midway through the course. Alpha originated in the Anglican Church of England, and is now used by many denomiations. It presents a traditional theology.

The national Alpha organization says there are about 2,500 Alpha courses given annually across the country. The national organization began a $1 million billboard and transit shelter ad campaign during the summer.

Participating are the diocesan parishes of St. Alban's Burnaby, St. Cuthbert, Delta, St. Francis in the Wood, West Vancouver, St. John, Maple Ridge, St. Mary's Ocean Park, St. Mathias and St. Luke, Vancouver, and St. Simon's, North Vancouver.

Information about Alpha Canada is available at 1 800 743-0899 or at www.alphacanada.org.

Meanwhile, St. Alban’s, Richmond, presents a Wednesday evening series. Supper 6:30 pm, program 7 pm, child care provided. For information, 604 278-2770.

Oct. 6 - Bishop Jim Cruikshank, A Disciplined, Spiritual Life

Oct. 13 – The Rev. Dr. Bill Crockett, The Meaning of the Cross

Oct. 20 - Canon Douglas Williams, The Hebrew Prophets

Oct. 27 - The Rev. Dr. Linda St. Clair, Celtic Spirituality

Nov. 3 - Dr. Andrea Mann, National Church, Partnerships in the World Communion

Nov. 10 - Archbishop Douglas Hambidge, Mission and Ministry

Nov. 17 - The Revs. Lynne McNaughton & Dr. Gerald Hobbs, VST, Pilgrimage