Despite its well-recognized religious diversity, the San
Francisco Bay Area may be one of the most
”
unchurched
”
areas in the country, with thousands of residents claiming no
religious faith.
Despite its well-recognized religious diversity, the San Francisco Bay Area may be one of the most “unchurched” areas in the country, with thousands of residents claiming no religious faith. More than 100 South Bay Christian churches of nearly every denomination have banded together to address this situation, and next month they will offer a special opportunity to everyone wishing to learn more about Christianity through a program known as “Alpha.”
Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet (symbolizing “beginning”), is an enormously popular educational program developed at a London church back in 1977 and continuously refined since then by its founder, a telegenic barrister (lawyer) turned Anglican priest named Nicky Gumbel. There are now 24,000 Alpha groups in more than 130 countries around the world.
Who is Jesus? Why and how should I read the Bible? Why and how do I pray? How can I resist evil? These are just some of the topics to be addressed in a series of ten free, informative, neighborly sessions held in homes and churches throughout the South Bay.
One of the sponsoring churches is Morgan Hill’s Advent Lutheran Church, located at 16870 Murphy Ave. Its pastor, the Rev. Anita Warner, said she and congregation leaders have been preparing since January to present Alpha to the local community. They are looking forward to the opportunity to “welcome people and their very real questions about God, life and Jesus. No question is too simple or hostile for us to address.”
Alpha will begin with an introduction dinner at the church Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Anyone is invited to attend this free dinner, hear about the rest of the program and register to participate.
Then, for 10 weeks, the format will be the same each Wednesday evening:
• 6:15 p.m. – simple meal and conversation with other participants, child care provided if requested in advance.
• 7 p.m. – a brief welcome followed by a videotaped presentation focused on a different basic question about Christianity each week.
• 8 p.m. – break for coffee and conversation.
• 8:15 p.m. – small group discussion led by a facilitator, guaranteed to end by 9 p.m.
In November participants will have an opportunity to spend a part of a weekend at a get-together held at a retreat center in Ben Lomond to engage in more extended discussion.
Some people have never had an opportunity to learn about Christianity. Others may have been exposed to an offensive form of the religion where people were aggressive, dogmatic or judgmental. Alpha is meant to be a relaxed, friendly introduction to Christianity where people can have questions answered in a non-threatening way.
Pastor Warner says the people of Advent are participating in this program to share “the gift of Christian faith we’ve been given, not with the intention of converting people, but providing hospitality to our neighbors and a safe place to answer questions about the meaning of life from a Christian perspective.”
For more information about Alpha call 779-3551.
