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A network for those in the UK engaged in Intergenerational Church

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Intergenerational Prayer Cards - 52 A6 prayer cards - EGIPC22

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Buy Intergenerational Prayer Cards 52 A6 prayer cards from Methodist Publishing - ISBN: EGIPC22

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All the PPT slides and videos from Recharge 2022

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Join Slido: Enter #code to vote and ask questions

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Participate in a live poll, quiz or Q&A. No login required.

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Monday 7 November - Wednesday 9 November 2022Stirling Youth Hostel, St. John Street, Stirling, FK8 1EAThe Forge is a residential retreat for children’s, youth and families leaders. It’s a space where you get to connect with other leaders who understand the ministry world, to learn from each other, t…

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Equipping parents to raise God-connected children and teens

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Bibleworld Books are storybooks, based on the Bible text, with bright, original illustrations. They promote literacy, reading and learning, while helping children to explore the Bible. NEW age specific and intergenerational resources based on these books are coming soon!"

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Free to download.

Based on 10 Bible stories.

Lesson plans for early, first and second level.

Packed with fun and active learning ideas.

Linked to the RME CfE.

Strong literacy and health and well being links.

Outdoor learning ideas.

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10 Must Know Bible Stories - Stories Worth Exploring

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Free to download. Based on 10 Bible stories. Lesson plans for early, first and second level. Packed with fun and active learning ideas. Linked to the RME CfE. Strong literacy and health and well being links. Outdoor learning ideas.

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Scottish Bible Society | Life Transformed through the Bible

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The last two years have changed lives across the world. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we have created resources to help you connect with, engage with, and love God's Word. Because now, as much as ever, the Bible shines a light in the darkness, brings hope in times of despair, and shows us the God who created all things, and wants us to know Him.

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10 Must Know Bible Stories & Bible World books

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10 Must Know Bible Stories & Bible World books

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As ‘Scotland’s Leading Independent Christian Resource Centre’ we stock a wide range of products in our shop in Motherwell

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The Original Parenting for Faith course

Based on the book Parenting Children for a Life of Faith, the original Parenting for Faith course is a free video-based resource for communities. It's normally run in a church or home group, but can be used by individuals as well.

The goal of the course is to help parents and carers discover that they are perfectly positioned to show their children the reality of a life with God and to empower them to have their own vibrant two-way relationship with him.
Find out more

Discover five easy tools for ordinary parents to raise God-connected kids

Sign up to Parenting for Faith emails

We send out specific resources and updates based on your preferences so that you can keep up to date with everything happening at Parenting for Faith.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.

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Parenting for Faith | Equipping parents to raise God-connected children and teens

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The Original Parenting for Faith course Based on the book Parenting Children for a Life of Faith, the original Parenting for Faith course is a free video-based resource for communities. It's normally run in a church or home group, but can be used by individuals as well.

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Muddy Church and Intergenerational Christmas

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Talking Faith Series

Talking Faith is a series of conversations with Christian parents and church leaders about how they inspire faith in their children.

Watch the whole series including interviews with Pete Greig (24-7 Prayer), and John Mark Comer (The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry) on our YouTube channel.

In the latest episode, we talk to Ian Henderson, CEO of the Naked Truth Project, about how we can help our children be safe online, and how to handle difficult conversations about the content they might be exposed to.

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Talking Faith is a series of conversations with Christian parents and church leaders about how they inspire faith in their children. Watch the whole series including interviews with Pete Greig (24-7 Prayer), and John Mark Comer (The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry) on our YouTube channel.

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The Church is recruiting for a number of roles across Scotland. Explore what's available and find out how to apply.... Read more

The Church of Scotland is actively looking for the next generation of ministers. We seek women and men of all... Read more

Priority Area congregations are responding to the Church's call to give priority to the poorest communities.... Read more

Find where your nearest local church is by entering your postcode, town or city into our church finder.

The most recent information and guidance for churches on matters related to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.... Read more

Whether you are a church member or a friend to the Church who is moved to contribute for the good of your community, we want to help you support the Church in whichever way you feel led... Read more

The Church of Scotland provides worship and spiritual guidance for key life events, such as baptisms, marriage and funerals... Read more

Life and Work is the magazine of the Church of Scotland. In a history spanning over 140 years, it has established itself as the voice of the Church of Scotland... Read more

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The Church is recruiting for a number of roles across Scotland. Explore what's available and find out how to apply.... Read more The Church of Scotland is actively looking for the next generation of ministers. We seek women and men of all...

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We're bringing together the big family of God.

Worship for Everyone is a Christian faith-based movement to resource and equip collective singing in churches, schools and families.

Worship for Everyone seeks to be not purely 'family worship' but 'family-of-God worship' - elevating the importance of children while engaging every age and stage of life.

Worship for Everyone seeks to demonstrate and release the power of unity across generations in worship, believing in the intergenerational formation that comes from worshipping as the big family of God.

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Worship for Everyone is a Christian faith-based movement to resource and equip collective singing in churches, schools and families. Worship for Everyone seeks to be not purely 'family worship' but 'family-of-God worship' - elevating the importance of children while engaging every age and stage of life.

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Care for the Family is a national charity that aims to promote strong family life and to help those who face family difficulties.

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Messy Church Goes Wild is the movement within Messy Church which aims to encourage Messy Churches to meet God outdoors, love the natural world, experience a sense of awe and wonder there and to be more eco-aware in all we do, both inside and out, as gathered and dispersed church, for the good of the planet.

Watch the video below to hear all about Messy Church Goes Wild in action!

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Intergenerational Church Webinars - Church of Scotland 

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Intergenerational Church Webinars - Church of Scotland 

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Intergenerational Church Webinar Dec 2020 Part 1

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Building Faith - More than Just a Busy Bag: Helping Toddlers & Preschoolers Worship

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Building Faith - More than Just a Busy Bag: Helping Toddlers & Preschoolers Worship

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Participation in worship is a key marker for lifelong faith development, so how do we do this well for our littlest ones?

There are countless ways to nurture the faith of our youngest disciples and their families in worship:

by creating hospitable physical space,

by forming liturgy that includes all ages,

and by instilling a culture that recognizes without children present, we cannot fully be the body of Christ.

One simple way to foster worship participation is to reshape or enhance the "worship bag" that many congregations offer for children.

Busy Bag vs. Worship Bag

Sometimes worship bags are utilized as busy bags - something to keep children occupied so that their parents can worship more fully. Other times they are viewed as a mini Sunday School packet to educate children on the tenets of faith. While these are fair and laudable goals, perhaps the most useful approach is to consider how these bags can do the very thing their name suggests - help children worship.

Can 0-4 year olds really participate in worship?

Yes! We know that the first three years of life are often heralded as among the most crucial periods of development in our entire lives. In fact, research shows that a child's vocabulary at age 3 is based upon the quality and quantity of words spoken to them over the first three years of life. Young children learn so much from their surrounding environments and often pick up on far more than we'll ever know.

I'll never forget the moment my 14 month old LOUDLY said "Amen" with the congregation at the end of the Lord's Prayer in worship. Most of the congregation chuckled at her response, many probably thinking that she didn't fully understand what she was saying or doing. Yet my Christian Educator's and Mama's heart knew - she was being deeply shaped by our worship to the point of being able to respond.

Young children are capable of learning the rhythms of worship, of becoming familiar with the language of liturgy, and even more, of experiencing the presence of God through worship. These are all great gifts! But as many Christian Educators and parents know firsthand, this doesn't always happen magically or automatically.

We have wiggles and attention spans and developmental needs to consider in order to create space for beautiful things to happen. And so, with intentionality, worship bags can become a tool in a family's faith formation toolbox - just one small way to further facilitate worship participation.

Before You Select Items, Questions to Consider

Does this item point to God or deepen understanding about the Christian faith?

Does it allow children to "overhear" the Gospel as they utilize it? (i.e. requires a concentration level that enhances listening rather than blocking out what is happening around them)

Is it age-appropriate so that children can work (mostly) independently with minimal prompts from adults?

Is it cost-effective?

Could it enhance faith development at home?

Could it be disinfected and reused effectively?

Moving Beyond Coloring Sheets, Crayons, & Pipe Cleaners

There are so many possibilities for items that might foster meaningful worship! Consider what might work best for your context and community.
Paper copy of worship bulletin WITH corresponding image stickers
Ideas: Using printable labels, create stickers using clipart of music notes, people singing, prayer hands, an offering plate, a lectern, or Bible. Children may place the matching sticker on the bulletin as the component happens in the worship service. Download an editable template here.

Tip: Even if the congregation does not utilize paper bulletins, you can easily create a simplified bulletin to include in the bags.
Small printed Bible story books
Ideas: Individual pages of reproducible Bible coloring books can often be combined into small booklets or look online for pre-made printable booklets. Illustrated Ministry curriculum can also be an excellent starting point for this.

Tip: There is power to seeing the broader story over just a single image that captures part of the story. Be especially mindful of the images/retellings you choose - implicit theological learning matters (e.g. consider how gender, race, etc. are portrayed).
Religious-oriented laminated play dough mats and small containers of play dough
Ideas: Free printable options can be found at Flame Creative Children's Ministry.

Tip: This works best for outdoor or informal environments.
Felt or laminated figures/props for retelling Bible stories
Ideas: Young Children and Worship by Sonja Stewart & Jerome Berryman is a great resource for printing Bible story figures/props on cardstock or to be laminated. Felt style with a simple flannel board can work well. Wooden peg people painted simply such as this or wooden Godly Play style figures are also great options.

Tip: Utilize the talents of your congregation members in creating the figures/props. If possible, connect the materials you choose with the scripture reading from the worship service.
Picture or board books
Ideas: Some of my favorites include God's Dream by Desmond Tutu (boardbook version is great for little hands!), At Your Baptism by Carrie Steenwyk, and Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Helene Delval. While books can be an expensive item, they can have a far and lasting impact.

Tip: Some publishers will discount when buying in bulk or consider buying used. If disinfecting/reusing regularly, board books may be the best choice.
Wikki sticks or pipe cleaners paired WITH religious symbols/words to outline or recreate
Ideas: Symbols might include a cross, manger, dove, flame, palm branch, heart, bread, chalice, etc. Words might be simple names or descriptors for God such as Lord, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Love, Holy, Good or simple faith phrases such as "God is love," "God provides," "God loves us," "God is with us."

Tip: Print the symbols/words on cardstock or laminate. Be sure to size so that it works well with the wikki stick or pipe cleaner length.
Simple, religious laminated puzzles or popsicle stick puzzles
Ideas: Free printable Bible story puzzles can be found here and how to make popsicle stick puzzles can be found here.

Tip: Use images from old Sunday School or Vacation Bible School curriculum to create puzzles. Jumbo popsicle sticks work best for littlest ones' dexterity.
Finger labyrinth
Ideas: These can be made of laminated paper, wood, fabric, or even puff paint.

Tip: Encourage families to utilize these during congregational prayer time.
Blank card to decorate and send
Ideas: Cut white cardstock in half, then fold each piece in half to make a card. Greetings such as "God loves you" or "May God be with you" may be pre-printed on each card.

Tip: During announcements or prayer time, worship leaders may prompt children to create a card for a particular person - someone who is hurting, someone who is a friend, someone who is a helper, someone who is lonely, etc. Alternate option - have a drop-box for completed cards that ministry staff can send to folks in the congregation.
Felt or 3D items for Communion play or Baptism play
Ideas: For Communion, these items might include: pretend bread, plate, chalice, cross, battery-operated tea light, fabric underlay, "What is Communion?" talking points for parents. For Baptism, these items might include: pretend person figure, bowl, cross, battery-operated tea light, blue ribbons or fabric for water, felt underlay (3 circles to symbolize the Trinity), and "What is Baptism?" talking points for parents.

Tip: Be sure that items are child-friendly and resistant to breakage.
Lacing cards
Ideas: Purchase pre-made religious ones or cut shapes (cross, heart, etc.) out of foam sheets and hole punch around the outer edges.

Tip: Stiff string or laces are easier for small hands than yarn.
Support for Parents
Ideas: Talking points which adults can quietly whisper to their child throughout the service to encourage engagement. Carolyn Brown offers excellent starting points here.

Tip: Keep these simple and minimal. List 3-4 talking points on a quarter or half sheet of paper. Words of encouragement can be helpful, too!

Considering Safety Protocols In An Age of COVID

For in-person/outdoor worship
To mitigate risk, it may be best to have single-use bags that can be taken home each week. Although this may be more expensive and not the best stewardship of creation, it may be the most faithful way to offer hospitality during a pandemic. It also is a way to build a family's library of religious play items at home, which is a gift! If this isn't a good fit for your families, choose items that can be easily disinfected or are machine washable each week.

For worshipping communities gathering online
Worship bags can be periodically delivered to families to encourage worship participation, as a simple way to offer pastoral care, and to provide tools to deepen faith development at home.

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More than Just a Busy Bag: Helping Toddlers & Preschoolers Worship

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Participation in worship is a key marker for lifelong faith development, so how do we do this well for our littlest ones? There are countless ways to nurture the faith of our youngest disciples and their families in worship: by creating hospitable physical space, by forming liturgy that includes all ages, and by instilling a culture that recognizes without children present, we cannot fully be the body of Christ.

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Welcome to Muddy Church...

Muddy Church is a place for people to gather together, outside and to connect with the space and God. The heart of Muddy Church is to offer spaces to

This site is full of resources designed for use by individual groups - these are all available free to download or use online (there are pre-printed copies available to buy).

'wander and wonder' together.
Muddy Church is an intergenerational idea, based on groups discovering the gifts in their community.

RESOURCES

We have a huge range of resources including reflection sheets, activity ideas and trails. All are FREE to use and adapt to your setting.

Most Muddy Church resources are available to download for free, to make them accessible to all. You can support Muddy Church and help with the ministry through donating any amount via Ko-fi.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BUY

ALL ABOUT MUDDY CHURCH

​

Every Muddy Church is unique designed around your community. Find out more about our ethos, values and how Muddy Church happens.

Muddy Church has grown into a collection of people and groups looking to build worshipping communities and opportunities outside. Muddy Church is intergenerational and unique to each space and event as people connect with the places they are in and others around them. Everyone is welcome to journey together, talk, explore, grow, have fun and be.

Muddy Church is a fun and engaging place, enjoying creation, nature and being together .

Find out more, join in and share the journey .

SUBSCRIBE NOW AND WATCH THE LATEST VIDEOS

For the latest news, ideas and information join us on our social media channels

Get in touch with us.

WHO IS WHO?

WHO WE HAVE CONNECTED WITH

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Muddy Church is a space for wandering and wondering with God. Communities exploring faith together in adventure and outdoor spaces. Children, families, pets, all ages welcome

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Ten Ways to Be a More Intergenerational Church

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This two-page resource from Faith Formation Ministries shares ten practical tips for building intergenerational ministry with children, teens, and adults.

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Messy Church Goes Wild is the movement within Messy Church which aims to encourage Messy Churches to meet God outdoors, love the natural world, experience a sense of awe and wonder there and to be more eco-aware in all we do, both inside and out, as gathered and dispersed church, for the good of the planet.

Watch the video below to hear all about Messy Church Goes Wild in action!

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Climate, Church and Change Youth Conference 

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Climate, Church and Change Youth Conference 

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After Easter, we embarked on a new venture: running a weekly hour-long English club for Ukrainian children and young people on Zoom, in partnership with our friends in Open Bible. A small Scottish team was recruited. We had no idea what to expect, but we were ready to offer our services to help Open Bible reach children through this club with a difference!

Last month marked the end of my first year in post as Chief Exec of SU Scotland. How do you navigate and lead when the ground is constantly shifting and levels of uncertainty are unprecedented?

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After Easter, we embarked on a new venture: running a weekly hour-long English club for Ukrainian children and young people on Zoom, in partnership with our friends in Open Bible. A small Scottish team was recruited. We had no idea what to expect, but we were ready to offer our services to help Open Bible reach children through this club with a difference!

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TLG has 20 years experience of helping churches to get alongside struggling children, to bring hope and a future.

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Godly Play is an approach based on Montessori principles. The method is particularly suitable if you are looking for a different or complementary approach to Christian education. Although it was initially aimed at children, it is equally suitable for all age groups and in many different situations.

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URC - Families, children and young people

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URC - Families, children and young people

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Resources, activities and support from the United Reformed Church for families, children and youth workers, and young people

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Energy Boost Session            Holiday Club Story Swap! 

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Energy Boost Session            Holiday Club Story Swap! 

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Urban Saints | Who is discipling our young people?

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Welcome

We believe we can make a difference by mobilising an army of volunteers across Scotland, gathering children and young people into Groups and then loving, discipling and launching them into the world to make a difference for Christ.

We are committed to supporting churches to provide the very best weekly groups possible, through our Energize group resources and leaders training as well as exciting Camps and life-changing Overseas Adventures.

Danielle Walton is based in Edinburgh and is the Support Worker for Scotland, as well as covering for our Impact Team Leader, Becca Ambrose (also based in Edinburgh), while she is on maternity leave. Together they support a whole host of volunteer Group and Camps Leaders across Scotland.

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Since 1906 Urban Saints (and formerly Crusaders) has been committed to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to thousands of children and young people across the UK and Ireland - primarily through the passion and commitment of tens of thousands of trained and resourced volunteers running outreach groups.

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We want to help equip youth leaders across the UK at this time and have created tools to help you take your Alpha online.
Sign up below for an online Alpha Youth training workshop which is taking place on the first Thursday of every month. Pick one which works best for you, or attend a few.
Thurs 4th June at 2.30pm

Thurs 2nd Jul at 2.30pm

Thurs 6th Aug at 2.30pm

Thurs 3rd Sept at 2.30pm

Thurs 1st Oct at 2.30pm

Thurs 5th Nov at 2.30pm

Thurs 3rd Dec at 2.30pm

Our mission remains the same - to serve the church in its mission to help people discover Jesus.

We are praying for you and we are here to serve, listen, and pray as you discern the best way to make Jesus known to the students in your community during this season. We are encouraging all churches and groups to follow the guidelines mandated by the public health authorities in their region.

As always, the latest resources and tools to help you run Alpha are available on My Alpha, when you register your course. This includes all the episodes of the Alpha Youth Series - a relevant introduction to the basics of the Christian faith, designed to engage and inspire young people.

You will need:

The Zoom app

It's free to download but we'd recommend the paid subscription version that can host meetings longer than 40 minutes.
(Though other apps could work as well, Zoom is our #1 choice, especially for groups of more than 12 people). Zoom has a number of great tutorials to help you get it all figured out!

A solid internet connection

You can share your screen and play the episode - it works much better when the episode is downloaded first.

The Discussion Guide

Have the Discussion Guide handy with questions sent beforehand to your hosts and helpers.

Get prepared:

Pray

Thankfully, the presence and power of God is not bound by social distancing or digital interfaces! Pray for all aspects of your Alpha, and try and find ways to join other youth workers to pray together.!

Build a team

There is more information available on what new roles you will need to fill. One thing to consider if how to empower young people to be hosts and helpers on your Alpha.

Reach out

While many of us are thinking through the question of how we can stay connected to the students already in our ministry, a GREAT question is how can we use this situation as a way to reach out to those who don't yet know God?

Check out some more tips for running Alpha online for young people...

Guide: Running Alpha Youth online

For more tips on online hospitality, prayer ministry, and how to do the Alpha Weekend, download this guide. It was created by our friends at Alpha Canada, but the ideas and suggestions apply just as well here in the UK!

Tips for using Zoom

We'd encourage you to use the video conferencing tool that works best for you! Here's a quick guide to using Zoom to run your online course.

Find out more about how to run Alpha online

We're in this together

In this unprecedented and difficult time we are praying for you and your guests. We would love to hear about any innovative ideas for how we can all continue to share the gospel and God's love at this time. Please do follow us @alphacourseuk to share your stories and stay up to date.

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Alpha Youth Online - Got Questions - Try Alpha

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Sign up below for an online Alpha Youth training workshop which is taking place on the first Thursday of every month. Pick one which works best for you, or attend a few.