HUNTER ALPHA COLLECTIVE
Term 3, 2024
In Term 3 this year, a great opportunity awaits your church, parish, and youth ministry.
We’d love to invite you to join us in running Alpha as a combined outreach effort across Newcastle and the Hunter Region. Church leaders in the region have decided to call it the Hunter Alpha Collective.
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Why Alpha?
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Alpha is a conversation over a number of weeks about life, faith and meaning from a Christian perspective. When guests attend Alpha, they can expect to have some food, watch a short video, and then have a discussion about it in a safe, non-judgmental space. Alpha is a place where you can invite those who are searching, unsure of their faith or brand new to Christian faith. Alpha fits this cultural moment in Australia and is a proven tool for evangelism in a post-Christian context.
HERE'S WHAT'S AHEAD
(For a detailed calendar of events link here)
JUNE FOCUS: PREPARE
Training
Alpha will provide in-person and Zoom training opportunities for churches new to Alpha or wanting a refresher in how to run Alpha for maximum effectiveness.
JULY FOCUS: INVITE
Prayer
With the support of Kingdomworks, opportunities will be provided for united prayer in major centres across the region. Together, in prayer and unity, we can pave the way for countless individuals to explore and embrace the Christian faith.
Promotions
Commencing June, a major social media campaign will begin, supported by other public advertising. Our message to the people of the region is: "There’s a Seat for You at the Table." Rhema FM have also offered their support.
Invite
Alpha will provide digital and physical resources to all registered churches to help encourage their congregations to Pray, Invite, Bring.
AUG/SEPT FOCUS: BRING
Bring
Churches and Youth Ministries across the Region are ready for their people to bring their friends and family into a welcoming place of hospitality and genuine conversations around life, faith and meaning.
Alpha will provide promotional and invitation materials free of charge as part of this initiative, including an outdoor vinyl banner, invitation cards, posters and a customised landing page for your Alpha.
Please fill out this form by Friday, June 20 to receive these resources in time to promote your Alpha.
Run Alpha Training
All trainings are free. We encourage you to attend with as many of your team members as possible. Please RSVP to an Alpha Training by Friday, 14th June.
Who is this training for?
Those new to Alpha and those who would like a refresher on how to run ‘best-practice’ Alpha to maximise impact.
What is covered?
The training will equip you with all the necessary skills to implement Alpha at your church successfully. From team building to hosting small groups, this comprehensive training will cover all the areas you need, as well as provide new ideas and strategies to elevate Alpha within your church. We will also provide digital and physical resources to all registered churches to facilitate their congregation's invitation to Alpha.
Training Venues
Tuesday 18th June 7:00pm-9:00pm
Singleton Baptist Church
Corner of Bridgman Rd &, Gardner Cct, Singleton Heights
Tuesday 18th June 7:00pm-8:30pm
C3 Spectrum, Port Stephens
4310 Nelson Bay Rd, Anna Bay
Tuesday 18th June 7:00pm-9:00pm
The Grainery, Newcastle
11 Murray Dwyer Cct, Mayfield West
Wednesday 19th June 2:30pm-4:15pm
Hope City Church. Muswellbrook
Common Road, Muswellbrook
Wednesday 19th June 7:00pm-9:00pm
Swansea District Baptist Church
15 Strathmore Rd, Caves Beach
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Tuesday 25th June 7:00pm-9:00pm
Hope UC, Maitland
13/1a Ken Tubman Dr, Maitland
Alpha Masterclass
Who is this training for?
This is particularly for church leaders and staff. Some previous experience in running Alpha would be useful but not necessary.
What is covered?
This training provides practical steps to running a thriving alpha including developing a culture of invitation and evangelisation, utilising the various Alpha products to provide evangelisation ‘on-ramps’, and examples of Alpha best-practice and how to utilise them in your particular context.
Wednesday 19th June
9:30am-12:30pm The Grainery, Newcastle
11 Murray Dwyer Cct, Mayfield West
CALENDAR
JULY - Pray & Invite
1-31 Churches encourage congregants to invite friends
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1-31 Promotions campaign continues
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10 United In-person Prayer Gatherings (7:00-9:00pm):
Newcastle, Maitland, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Singleton, Musswellbrook, Cessnock, Swansea, Medowie
AUGUST - Run Alpha & Bring your unchurched friends
4-10 Alpha Week 1: Is There More To Life Than This?
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11-17 Alpha Week 2: Who Is Jesus?
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18-24 Alpha Week 3: Why Did Jesus Die?
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25-31Alpha Week 4: How Can I Have Faith?
SEPTEMBER
1-7 Alpha Week 5: Why and How Do I Pray?
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8-14 Alpha Week 6: Why and How Do I Read The Bible?
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15-21Alpha Week 7: Alpha Day, Night or Weekend
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Who Is The Holy Spirit?
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How Can I Be Filled With The Holy Spirit?
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22-28 Alpha Week 8 (optional): What About the Church?
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30 Zoom Celebration for Alpha leaders (7:00-8:00pm)