The Annual Invitation initiative is now being set up by the Alpha Course UK. As one of its major efforts to boost the number of people joining the Alpha Course, Alpha Initiative 2005 is to be held in September. A new plan has been unveiled for this year’s initiative.

A new poster design of the Alpha Initiation Initiative 2005 has been published. Following last year’s mobile phone text message design, the new design is based on a computer search engine, which matches with the new era of information technology and aims to attract the net-savvy young generation.

The new poster design raises a crucial question to challenge audiences - "Is there more to life than this.com"- to which the answer is The Alpha Course. The website "istheremoretolifethanthis.com" will actually be set up, and through the website, those who are attracted by the poster can receive information regarding the Alpha course and they will be directed to join a local group.

The new poster design is going to be put on taxis which in London and nine other UK city centres in September. This is the first time it will decorate taxis in ten cities.

Additionally, the Alpha course is to be advertised in UK’s cinema screens, and this is the first ever national Christian campaign of this kind. The advertisement, which will be produced by one of the advertising industry’s leading film companies, is to be shown during two weeks in September.

Actress Laura-Michelle Kelly, Olivier award winner for her title role in the West End musical Mary Poppins has agreed to take part in the film. The theme of the film has yet to be finalised. As a devoted member of an Alpha course in Covent Garden, London, Ms Kelly has testified many times of how Alpha helped bring her Christian faith alive.

Some other preparations for the initiative this year are also underway. In May, the launch video and a sample pack of materials will be sent to all Alpha registered churches. In Spring, new "Equip and Refresh" training days featuring seminars, a model Alpha evening and an Alpha Invitation presentation are to be held in venues across the UK, including London, Birmingham and Manchester.

This year is the 8th Annual Alpha Invitation initiative, with last year's campaign gaining great success. An evaluation report published by the independent Christian organisation, Christian Research, described 2004 as an exceptionally good year for the Alpha Course.

In 2004, 73 percent of Alpha churches hosted a supper party linked to annual Invitation, compared to 56 percent in 2003. An additional 24 percent either hosted a non-supper event or joined in with another church’s supper. More than 115,000 guests attended Alpha suppers or similar launch events - a 32 percent increase on 2003.

Currently, apart from launching the Alpha Invitation Initiative, many Alpha churches are already planning to participate in the national day of prayer on 15th September.