Vineyard Church of Elgin to host local Alpha Online discussion group
Got questions about life, faith and God?
Vineyard Church of Elgin is teaming up with a Chicago church to offer a way to explore spiritual topics from the comfort of your own home.
"Alpha Online" will meet via Zoom on Mondays, Feb. 15 to April 26, from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
This internationally popular program is facilitated by Second City Church of Chicago, with Elgin Vineyard hosting locally.
Each evening features a short presentation and an open discussion. The talks focus on different questions relating to faith and are designed to create conversation. Among the topics: "Is there more to life than this?" and "Who is Jesus?"
"Alpha offers a fantastic, no-risk, no-judgment opportunity to discuss spiritual things, no matter what your spiritual background might be," said Vineyard's Pastor Tom Severson. "Or maybe you're the kind of person who just likes to hear what others are thinking. That's fine, too. There's no pressure and no follow-up."
Since its inception in the United Kingdom in 1977, the Alpha course has been enjoyed by many millions of people in 112 languages and 169 countries. One of the hallmarks of Alpha is the opportunity to freely discuss the big issues of life and death.
The Zoom platform has turned out to be an ideal venue for Alpha. For the discussion time, participants are assigned to Zoom breakout rooms, with those from the Elgin area in a discussion group hosted by Len and Claire Kruse.
"Since COVID-19 restrictions have limited some people's ability to attend church and small groups, Alpha Online is a great opportunity to hear the basic truths of Christianity in a discussion format right in your own home," Severson said.
Anyone may attend; please register at secondcitychurch.churchcenter.com/groups/classes/alpha-online.
On Sundays, the service at Elgin Vineyard, 220 Division St., begins at 10 a.m., with masking and social distancing. Severson is currently in a series titled "Spiritual Renaissance," based on teachings of A.W. Tozer. Visitors are always welcome to attend, but registration is requested. Please sign up at reopen.church/r/2bqokuOd.
Services are also available by livestream. Watch at www.elginvineyard.com or the church Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ElginVineyard.
You can also check the website or Facebook page for more information about Alpha Online or call the church office at (847) 697-8001.