Courses
Gillingham Community Church runs Alpha courses at various times in the year. Please contact us if you would like more information about the next course.
We also hope to run the Marriage course when there is sufficient demand.
Alpha
Over 2 million people in the UK and 8 million worldwide have now attended an Alpha course, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life, running in tens of thousands of churches across the world.
Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day away.
It is low-key, friendly and fun – and is supported by all the main Christian denominations.
Why not take this opportunity to explore the meaning of life?
We run Alpha several times a year in and around Gillingham. Details are in the diary.
See the Alpha website for more information.
If God did exist, what would you ask?
Alpha 'Factory' video
Alpha 'Stunts' video
Apha 'Nightbus' video
The Marriage Course
What is it?
The Marriage Course is now being run in 60 countries. It is a series of eight sessions designed to help any married couple to strengthen their relationship.
It’s a great opportunity to spend time together as a couple looking at the important issues in your marriage.
The Marriage Course is very practical and will help equip you with the tools needed to build a healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime.
Each week you are given the opportunity to enjoy a special meal together and listen to a talk. Then there is plenty of time to discuss the topic as a couple. There is no group work involved at any stage of the course.
Who's it for?
It is for any married couple who wants to work together at and invest in their relationship.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been married for less than two years or more than thirty.
If you have a strong marriage this course will help you make it even better and will reinforce your good habits.
If, on the other hand, your marriage is in difficulty, the course will help provide you with very practical tools to help you work through the issues. Some couples who are separated have used the course as a way of trying to get back together.
While the course is based on Christian principles couples are welcome with or without a church background. Many couples who are not churchgoers have enjoyed and benefited from doing the course.
What's involved?
Each evening starts with a meal, which is an opportunity to spend time together as a couple or with other couples.
After the meal is finished, a talk is given on DVD.
- Week 1: Building strong foundations
- Week 2: The art of communication
- Week 3: Resolving conflict
- Week 4: The power of forgiveness
- Week 5: Parents and in-laws
- Week 6: Good sex
- Week 7: Love in action
- Week 8: The Marriage Course party — what makes a marriage work?
During the DVD there are exercises for you to do together as a couple. Every effort is made to make sure your conversations aren’t being overheard and music is played in the background. During the longest exercise you are served coffee or tea and cake.
At the end of each session you will be given some homework to do together before the next session. It isn’t looked at by anyone else and is just for your own benefit to help you continue your discussion at home.
What’s the cost?
A basic charge of £80 per couple is made to cover the cost of the meals and materials for the entire course.
See the Marriage course website for more information. Click here to enrol.