Alpha Course, Autumn 2007
At evening worship on 27th January 2008 members of the autumn Alpha Course shared some comments about the course.
Sylvia Scott said:
To be invited to lead an Alpha Group is at once a real privilege, an awesome responsibility and ultimately a real joy. An Alpha group is sometimes made up of a set of complete strangers who meet together to listen to a series of talks on the essentials of the Christian faith. The group is then free to explore, discuss, voice their opinions or ask questions about the most important issues in their lives. Questions can be asked and discussed, but we do not always arrive at an answer.
At the beginning of each group I have led (about 9 in all), I wonder, will this group gel together? Will there be strong disagreements? Will there be any personality clashes? How will I cope with these?
There is sometimes a feeling of guilt and fear among some of the guests when they arrive on the first evening. What surprises me is that they feel the church is here to judge them. We do not ask them why they have not been to church for many years, or about any wrongs they have done. We are here to accept them as they are, and where they are in their spiritual journey.
They are surprised by the warm welcome they receive, ably carried out at the most recent Alpha Course by Margaret Darbyshire and Roy Hopkins. At one of our evenings, we had a guest from the USA who is a pastor there. He was impressed by the welcome he received, and the warmth of the fellowship.
The acceptance the guests receive helps some of them to express their deep hurts, often from many years ago, anxieties, anger, fears and problems. We need to allow these to be verbalized and acknowledged. We need to listen, and not give any opinions, platitudes, or advice.
When one person in the group does this, others in the group feel more comfortable to share their problems. I feel this can be very helpful within a group as they begin to feel at ease with each other, and can trust each other. When this happens, a real bonding in the group is taking place. This is an important aspect of an Alpha Course, which I believe brings emotional healing.
There has been the opportunity to pray for one another within the group, which was well received. And prayers were answered.
As well as all this serious stuff, there has been a lot of laughter and leg pulling, especially during the meal when the topics for discussion can range widely.
As a result of participating on the course, some members have found their faith strengthened, others have felt some healing through friendships which have been forged. Some have developed a real hunger to study God’s word, and keep on asking questions. I am very encouraged that every member of the course has joined a Fellowship Group.
A special thank you to the Autumn Alpha Course group members, I love you all.
Anne Willis was particularly struck by a Bible verse mentioned in one of the Alpha talks, Revelation 3:20, and a commentary on it: Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.
This is the passage that inspired the famous painting, The Light of the World, by Holman Hunt. He paints the door closed, and with weeds growing around it. Jesus stands on the outside in the darkness and amidst the weeds. He has one hand raised, and is knocking on the door, while in the other hand he holds a lantern which brings light into the darkness. There is no handle for him to let himself in; instead he waits with patience until the door is opened for him from the inside.
Ada Parkes said:
I have never been part of a religious group so I didn't know what to expect. However, as soon as I met all the members I knew that my decision to join was the right one. I have an inquisitive nature but I was brought up not to ask questions concerning religion. They said “You must have faith! The answer to your questions will come to you.” Unfortunately this didn't happen! As a consequence I became alienated from the Church.
In this group I have been able to express my doubts, and quite a few questions have been answered. I thank you, Martin, and all of the Alpha group for being so patient with me. Above all I found goodness and friendship in all the members, and if I'm ever in need of spiritual support, I know I can count on any of them. Thank you to you all.
I also have more knowledge on how to read the Bible and how to understand it better. I am sure my future will be richer because of it. I would very much like to continue to be part of a group to explore the Bible in depth. Or should I say, I wish I was younger and then I would go and study theology! God bless you all, Ada
Robert Fletcher shared a Bible verse, 1 Chronicles 4:10, with us. He had changed it slightly and made it into a prayer for himself: Oh that you would bless me, Lord God, and enlarge my horizons and opportunities. Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.
Lesley Hubbard shared the following with us:
My Journey so far: It was only 18 months ago that I became a Christian following a course called ‘Christianity Explained’ and this was the start of my journey with Christ. At that time, I was attending a church in Heaton Moor but I wanted to go to a church closer to my home in Hazel Grove.
It was last January that I was led to Norbury Church where I felt immediately at home. Norbury satisfied both of my immediate priorities
- A local church where I could worship, and
- Very friendly church members who would help me on my journey.
Martin soon invited me onto the Alpha course, which was the next obvious stage, where I could reaffirm my beliefs in the company of other Christians. The course was very uplifting and enjoyable with the sharing of meals and loads of lively discussions. We were very fortunate to have Martin presenting each session. His personal input was much appreciated and I felt that his firm beliefs and convictions, not to mention his good humour, added greatly to the course. Sylvia had the task of leading the discussions and keeping us all in check which she, of course, did admirably and with great patience and consideration. The prayers she gave were so thoughtful.
I learned a great deal from the Alpha course, which has strengthened my faith and helped me to read the Bible and pray more. I have made many new friends and, for that, I wish to thank all who were on the course. My journey continues as I have now joined a fellowship group and I hope I can play a part as an active member of the church, by the Grace of God. I would like to end by quoting Psalm 100, as a way of thanking God for the Alpha course.
Psalm 100 - A psalm for giving thanks.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures for ever,
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
