Area residents wishing to learn more about the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-judgmental setting will now have the opportunity to do so thanks to a course, known as the Alpha Program, being offered by the Hicksville United Methodist Church. Beginning in January, the church will once again be hosting a series of classes for adults who may be seeking answers to some of life's most enduring questions. An open house will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. in the church's Social Hall, 130 West Old Country Road in Hicksville.

According to Wes Villazon, director of the Alpha Program, the course consists of 11 weekly sessions and will be offered free of charge to the public on a recurring basis throughout the year.

"Alpha is part of our church's ongoing effort to reach the community," Villazon said. "It's an invitation to the new believer, the non-believer and the just plain curious. It's for anyone who would like to find out more about Christianity." Villazon added that long-time believers can benefit from this program as well, since it can serve as a sort of "refresher" course in the basic tenets of the Christian faith.

Among the topics covered in the course are: "What is the meaning of life?" "What happens when we die?" "What relevance does God have in our lives today?" "Who was Jesus?" "Why and how should I pray?" and "How do I deal with guilt?"

Villazon stated that participants will break into small groups where they can discuss issues raised in the talks. "One of the greatest features of the Alpha program is that it's a safe place to ask questions," he said. "No question is regarded as too simple or too hostile. The small group forum provides an opportunity for dialogue that is difficult to replicate in a traditional, Sunday morning service."

Participants in the program will meet for 11 consecutive Wednesdays beginning Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. with Feb. 25 the only exception as class will be cancelled in observance of Ash Wednesday. These evening sessions will include dinner.

Far from being a uniquely Methodist movement, the Alpha Program is nonsectarian in nature. Villazon noted that the program actually began in the Anglican Church (also known as the Church of England), but has now spread to dozens of denominations in over 20 countries. An estimated four million people worldwide have participated in the Alpha Program. The videotapes and course material are standardized, and only the specific translation of the Bible varies from one denomination to the next. While a few other churches in the area offer the Alpha program, Villazon believes the program at the Hicksville United Methodist Church is the only one that is open to the general public.

For more information or to register, contact the Hicksville United Methodist Church at 931-2626.