Is There More to Life Than This?
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church to Host “Alpha” Sessions
In a world of isolation, anonymity, and keyboard-warriors, Alpha offers content and guidance for churches, ministries, and individuals to create a space for honest and open conversations about life’s biggest questions. Everyone is welcome and no questions are off limits.
Alpha is a place to connect with other people who are open to exploring life, faith, and meaning. Alpha fosters honest, open, and judgment-free conversations for anyone to explore the Christian faith. Each session includes a time to connect with others (often over a free meal), watch a short video on an element of the Christian faith, and then a chance for each person to share thoughts and questions with the group.
“I was invited to participate in the first Alpha pilot. From the initial meeting, I knew this was something that I wanted to be a part of,” explains Nancy Schreck. “After completing the pilot, I joined the Alpha team to help plan for the future of Alpha at IHM. It’s a wonderful opportunity for people at any level of faith to meet new people and explore new ideas.”
Sessions are free to attend and are scheduled on Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. The first meeting will be live and in person on Monday, September 19, 2022, at the Nazareth Center of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Church, 1571 S. Martine Ave. Scotch Plains. Good food and conversation will be offered to all in attendance. Most meetings after that will be hosted on Zoom. Links and directions will be provided to those who register. Participation is capped at 30 people.
“When I offered tech support for the pilot program at IHM, I had no idea what I was in for. I’m not very religious. But Alpha was an unexpected surprise!” offers Gabe Lamberty. “The program was interesting and entertaining. And it was nice to meet new folks from the community. Overall an unforgettable experience.”
“I’m looking forward to the Alpha experience this fall,” says Lou Zappo. “It sounds like a lot of fun, and who knows, I might learn something about myself.”
Signup on by visiting the IHM website: ihmparish.net. If you have questions about Alpha, contact office@ihmparish.net.
Schedule and Topics:
- Sept. 19 – Is there more to life than this? (In-person meeting)
- Sept. 26 – Who is Jesus?
- Oct. 3 – Why did Jesus Die?
- Oct. 10 – How can I have faith?
- Oct. 17 – Why and How do I Pray?
- Oct. 24 – Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
- Nov. 7 – How Does God Guide Us?
- Nov. 18 — “The Holy Spirit Experience” (In-person meeting)
- Nov. 21 – How Can I Resist Evil?
- Nov. 28 – Why and How Should I Tell Others?
- Dec. 5 – Does God Heal Today?
- Dec. 12 – What About the Church? (In-person meeting)
