Course provides basic Christianity introduction

New Life Church, 6068 W. Hayden Ave., will begin Alpha, a 10-week course offering a basic introduction to Christianity, beginning Tuesday. Meetings are from 6 to 8:45 p.m. and include a free meal. The course is open to teens and adults. Child care is available for kids up to kindergarten age.

The series is presented on video with Nicky Gumbel, an Anglican pastor from London. The course includes a manual. The study is free, but an offering will be accepted.

There is an optional weekend retreat midway through the course, usually at a local site.

For more information on Alpha, call David Warnick at 762-2725.

Old Testament study

Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley, will begin a new study called Disciple, Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a study of the Bible’s Old Testament from creation to the New Jerusalem. It is a 34-week course with meetings each Thursday .

There will be group discussion, drawing from the work of scholars to aid the learning process. For more information, call Teri at the church, 765-8800.

Spiritual growth study

Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, is beginning the “40 Days of Community,” the second in a series of three spiritual growth campaigns created by Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church and author of the best seller “The Purpose Driven Life.”

Two years ago, LCCC participated in the first campaign, the “40 Days of Purpose.” It was a catalyst that jump-started small-group ministries at the church. The primary question posed during “40 Days of Purpose” was “What on Earth am I here for?” With the “40 Days of Community,” the question is “What on Earth are WE here for?”

The new campaign will kick off with a simulcast message from Warren shown at services at 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Sunday. The church will spend the two weeks following this message organizing new groups and training leaders. The campaign will then continue for seven weeks. Lead pastor Mike Rima will deliver the weekend messages, and more than 1,600 people will meet in small groups in private homes to discuss the weekly topics.

For more information, call the church at 676-0632.

Soup kitchen open

St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft, continues its soup kitchen on Fridays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Anyone who needs a hot meal is welcome.