Alpha
Near North | Launch Party Tuesday, April 9 | 6:45-9 PM | Park Cafe, Second floor of Park Community Church | Course Runs Tuesday, April 16 through June 18
Lincoln Park | Launch Party Tuesday, April 9 | 6:45-9 PM | Park Cafe, Second floor of Park Community Church | Course Runs Tuesday, April 16 through June 18
What is Alpha?
Alpha gives everyone the opportunity to ask the tough questions about life or God, in a safe and friendly setting. The Alpha course meets once a week for 10 weeks. Each evening begins with a dinner followed by a short talk that looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith. This is followed by a time of discussion in a small group setting where everyone is welcome to dialogue and ask questions. Frequently asked questions are: Is there a God? Why am I here? What about other religions? What is my purpose? There is an optional weekend away in the middle of the course, where we talk about who the Holy Spirit is and what he does.
Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for anyone. People attend from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints. Participants come to investigate questions about the existence of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus, and more. Some people want to get beyond religion and find a relationship with God that really changes life. Others come for the close, long-lasting friendships that are built during the Alpha course. Many guests have never been to church, others may have attended church occasionally but feel they have never really understood the basics of the Christian faith. Everyone is welcome.
Try Alpha with no obligations by signing up for the next Launch Party, then decide if you want to continue.
How much will Alpha cost?
There is no charge for attending the Alpha course. A donation of $5 for dinner is requested, but optional.
What is discussed?
Over the 10 weeks of the Alpha, participants explore the following topics:
Who is Jesus?
Why did Jesus die?
How can we have faith?
Why and how do I pray?
Why and how should I read the Bible?
How does God guide us?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
How can I resist evil?
Why and how should I tell others?
Does God heal today?
What about the church?
Thinking about participating in Alpha at Park? Still not sure if this is your thing? The next courses start with a Launch Party on Tuesday, April 9 for Near North and Lincoln Park.
At the Launch, you'll get an opportunity to hear from someone who attended Alpha in the past, hear the first talk and get a feel for what a night at Alpha is like before the course begins on the 16th 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 in the lot next to the church or in the garage at the NW end of the building off of Crosby.
Contact with questions.
Alpha Story
"I grew up in a home that NEVER went to church. It was a loving home, but we just never went to church and the topic of God and religion just wasn't discussed. My wife and I were married in a church about 6 years ago. At that time, I started to wonder what church was all about but never really pursued my interest until last summer. I had heard about Park and talked about attending a service for A COUPLE YEARS but kept putting it off. One day, my wife and I decided to go and we heard about the Alpha course. It sounded very intriguing to me since I really had no idea about Christianity and thought that it would be a great place to learn about it. Boy was I glad I made the decision to go! The facilitators were so welcoming and friendly and were more than willing to respond to all of my questions. As the weeks progressed, I looked forward to each Tuesday night so that I could learn more and more about Jesus. Tuesday nights were great, but the weekend retreat was where we learned about the Holy Spirit. It was there that I really felt a connection with God. It was there where I put my stake in the ground and asked Jesus to be my Savior! Since then, I have felt God's presence in my life each and every day. I feel that no matter what happens in my day to day life, everything is alright because I know that God is with me. It's such a wonderful feeling to have Jesus with you at all times. Without the Alpha course, I may have never known the peace that the Holy Spirit has brought me. I would encourage anyone that is exploring Christianity to take the Alpha course. You will not be disappointed!"
- Anonymous