A 10-week course in the basics of Christianity called Alpha is being offered at the St. John’s Episcopal Church of Ames.

The class will be held on Wednesdays between Sept. 10 and Nov. 12 and will take place from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the St. John’s By-the-Campus Church, 2338 Lincoln Way.

The 10 discussions will deal with such issues as the role and death of Jesus, understanding the Bible, prayer, healing, the nature of evil, how God guides us, the structure of the church and the Holy Spirit.

Don Payer, retired Ames attorney, and John Even, ISU professor of engineering, will co-chair the program.

“Alpha is a non-sectarian introduction to the Christian faith,” Payer said.

According to St. John’s, the course is absolutely free and everyone is welcome to attend.

The class is directed toward a wide range of people, especially those who are interested in investigating Christianity.

Newcomers to the church, new Christians, couples preparing for marriage or even those who want to brush up on the basics are also welcome.

Transportation and baby-sitting are provided and a light dinner will be offered at 6 p.m.

Alpha traces its roots back to England, where it was first introduced 20 years ago. Since then, the course has spread to 4,000 churches in 52 countries. About 250,000 people enrolled in the program in 1996.

Discussion leaders for Alpha include Mary Sterling, John Even, Don Payer, Mary Jane Oakland and Weldon Walsh. Anyone wishing to attend may call St. John’s at 292-6655.