Alpha
If you aren't sure what the Christian faith is all about, or you have questions about faith, Alpha is a great place to engage, hear great practical teaching on the basics and ask those questions you may never have asked before.
Come Check it out and see if this is what you're looking for. Contact Linnea Smith, if you have questions.
Near North | Launch Party Tuesday, January 24 | 6:45-9 PM | Park Cafe, Second floor of Park Community Church
Lincoln Park | Launch Party Tuesday, January 24 | 6:45-9 PM | Park Cafe, Second floor of Park Community Church
University Village | Launch Party Tuesday, January 24 | 6:45-9 PM | University Village Location
Alpha is for everyone, especially those who have deep life questions, want to investigate Christianity, want to brush up on basics, or are new Christians. Over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, you'll have the opportunity to hear teachings and openly discuss difficult questions you might have. There is a meal at the beginning of each session, followed by teaching and small group discussion.
Looking to participate in Alpha at Park? Still not sure if this is your thing? The next courses start with an Introductory Dinner on January 24. You'll get the opportunity to hear from people who have attended Alpha before, and you'll get a feel for what a night at Alpha is like before the course officially starts. A $5 donation is requested each week to cover the cost of food, but if you're unable to pay, please be our guest. Free parking located in the church outdoor lot or indoor garage at Near North. Street Parking is available at the University Village location.
Alpha Story
"I was born in Antioch, Turkey. By birth I was automatically Muslim and that’s how I was classified on all official Turkish government documents including my birth certificate and passport.
Growing up in a Muslim country was somewhat strict, however in Antioch the rules were more relaxed and I was aware of the Christian religion. Antioch is of great significance for the Christian religion since this is where the first Christian Church was founded.
I was never a religious person as a matter of fact I was an atheist. I was always curious to learn about the Christian religion. It was difficult to find Christians in Turkey and as a result my curiosity remained just that, ‘A Curiosity’.
I had a lot of questions and as a geophysicist all my knowledge and conclusions were based on science research and outcomes and not on religion.
After I met my husband I found out that he was a Christian and thought that this was a wonderful opportunity to learn about Jesus and Christianity. Each Sunday I went to church with my husband. He would explain the significance of Jesus as the Son of God and that accepting this fact and believing is the key to God. I had many questions and we spent many evenings discussing the bible. The more I learned the more I wanted to know.
One day my husband came home and said a friend from Park Community Church had visited him and invited us to the church.
The following Sunday we visited Park Community Church. As I was listening to the pastor he mentioned that he had just returned from Turkey. I was so surprised to hear that. I became excited and thought that this was a wonderful co-incidence and I took it as a sign from god that I was at the right place at the right time. Just where god wanted me to be. I wanted to know more. After the sermon I met my husband's friend and I told him that I was from Turkey. He then introduced me to Pastor Joe and a few others that had also returned form Turkey. One of the people that he introduced me to was Beth.
There was an immediate bond between Beth and I. Beth was excited to learn more about Turkey and I was excited to make a new friend. I would teach Beth about Turkey and Beth would teach me about Christianity. What a wonderful partnership.
Beth and I quickly developed a friendship. After a while Beth introduced me to the Alpha group. I started attending the group with Beth every Tuesday. This was a valuable opportunity for me to learn more about Christianity and have a lot of questions answered from the Alpha group. During the group we would watch a video of a guy named Nicky who was also an atheist. I was instantly able to identify with Nicky being an atheist myself. I listened to how god transformed his life and gained understanding of how god works miracles in the lives of those who believe and those who don’t.
I was invited on a retreat with the Alpha group. At the retreat we had an opportunity to learn from each other as a group, we prayed individually at which time I felt the closeness of God. That’s when I knew it was time to give God total control of my life and become a Christian. It was at that moment that I accepted Christ as my personal lord and savor.
Today I spend my time living, learning and growing in the grace of God."
- Anonymous