Richard Cameron writes on behalf of Elstree and Borehamwood Christian Council

You have probably heard about the six-year-old who passed GCSE maths, or the 90-year-old who has just obtained a degree.

Nowadays most of us expect to have regular retraining at work, study new subjects at home or college and be involved in some kind of educational experience throughout our lives. Classes for retirement are popular. So what about our spiritual education?

Parents mostly wish their children to receive religious education at school and many even send them to religious schools. But there doesn't seem to be much for adults. Of course there are at least 11 churches and two synagogues in Elstree and Borehamwood where you can go to get free instruction.

However, if you don't think that attending worship meets your lifetime learning needs, you should look out for adverts for Alpha courses starting in the autumn. These are a national programme for adult learning. After a meal, so you don't have to worry about getting to the centre after work, seminar-type sessions are held on a range of moral, spiritual and personal issues.

All the big subjects of life, death, religion, justice and spiritual life are tackled, as well as having time for everyone to put their own ideas and questions to the group. People who have been on an Alpha course often want to go back for more.

Your chance to retrain your spiritual self could be the making of a new life.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.