Community Corner
SJB invites community to explore life and the Christian faith
Offering a friendly, open, and informal environment, an Alpha program begins Monday, Sept. 9 at St. John Brebeuf.
An opportunity to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open, and informal environment, an Alpha program begins Monday, Sept. 9, at St. John Brebeuf Church, 8307 N. Harlem Avenue, Niles. There is no charge for the 15-session program. Those who are interested may sign up in the parish office or at www.sjbrebeuf.org/alpha or call 847-966-8145.
Each session begins in the Parish Ministry Center with an informal dinner at 6:30 p.m. A brief video presentation is followed by discussion of the evening’s topic in small groups concluding at 8:15. The fall session runs through Monday, Dec. 2. Five sessions are scheduled on Saturday, Nov. 16. There is no session Sept. 23, Oct. 14, or Nov. 11. Additional Alpha programs are planned to begin in January and again in April.
Topics include Is There More to Life Than This, Who is Jesus, Why Did Jesus Die, How Can I 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, What Does the Holy Spirit Do, How Can I be Filled with the Holy Spirit, How Can I Make the Most of the Rest of My Life, How Can I Resist Evil, Why and How Should I Tell Others, Does God Heal Today, and What About the Church?
Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Alpha focuses on fostering relationships between people. It intentionally creates a safe environment where people can share their opinions and points of view, no matter what they might be. Today, it is estimated that over 30 million people have taken part in Alpha globally.
With roots that go back to 1977 in England at in a church called Holy Trinity Brompton, the original Alpha program was used as a course for new Christians or those new to the church. In 1991, Nicky Gumbel, a young pastor, took over leading Alpha, and recognized that it was effective at connecting with people outside of the church.
Find out what's happening in Niles-Morton Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“At St. John Brebeuf, we continue to look for ways to reach out to our community and look forward to welcoming neighbors who are interested in exploring the Christian faith with us,” said Fr. Michael Meany, pastor.
A community landmark since construction in 1964, the church at 8307 N. Harlem Avenue has been an integral part of Niles for 65 years. For information, please visit www.sjbrebeuf.org, or call 847-966-8145.
