Alpha – the Odyssey

Long, wandering and eventful journey

 

The Alpha course is an introduction to the Christian faith and gives an opportunity to explore the meaning of life through thought provoking presentations and small group discussion where the guests set the agenda and where no question is off limits. Over the last 30 years, Alpha has been done by over 28 million people worldwide – in over 160 countries and in more than 100 languages, and in many church denominations. For more information, please go to https://www.alpha.org/about/

I wrote these verses about a newcomer’s experience of the course…

Week 1

Sitting near the Church door, my head is in a spin
Watching all the ‘weirdos’ making their way in.

I could be watching Emmerdale and Masterchef tonight
Instead I’m doing Alpha – something’s not quite right!

Well, here I go, I’m out the car; can’t leave it any longer,
Three pints of lager in the pub has left me feeling stronger!

A friendly lady welcomes me and offers me some wine
Already now I’m thinking ‘this is gonna be just fine!’

My badge in place, I’m in group 3, I have something to drink;
Plush carpet and some comfy chairs; I’m settled in – ‘chink chink’!

It would be so much easier to stay away next week,
If the food was really awful and the group leader a freak!

But the food is really rather good – and the leader’s almost normal.
It’s not church as I remember, but disarmingly informal.

Week 2

I’m back again for the second week and ‘Why did Jesus die?’
A gruesome slide from ‘The Passion’ film put me off my chicken pie!

But I learnt that Jesus died for me; on the cross he took my place
God (they say) forgives me, and extends me lots of grace.

One other thing I noticed… the people here with me;
Not one of them has two heads as far as I can see!

And the jokes the leader uses are quality indeed
To try and find some better ones, there really is no need!

Week 3

Week three rolls round, the topic is ‘Faith: how can I be sure?’
I still don’t think I am just yet, but I haven’t fled out the door!

I can’t believe I’ve done three weeks; my friends think I’ve gone bonkers.
They think (like me before the course) that church is full of plonkers!

While still unsure, it makes more sense now I’ve heard it set out well;
I’m beginning to think it could be true – and there’s no hype, no hard sell.

The leaders of my group are genuine and kind
Whatever comes up in discussion, they really don’t seem to mind.

Week 4

Week 4’s the first time that we sing, so it is rather scary;

My voice sounds like a crow’s, and not a sweet canary!

The talk today is all on prayer – why pray, when and how?
I bet my group are praying, ‘God, improve his singing now!’

I have tried praying privately – just every now and then;
Afterwards, I felt such peace; so, worth trying it again.

Week 5

Week 5 already! Incredible! We’re almost half way through.
All about the Bible through which God can speak to you.

‘Don’t start with Job or Leviticus’ is the advice they tend to give;
I tried Leviticus anyway and lost the will to live!

They said to start with Matthew and ask God to speak to you.
The bits I’ve read have come alive and I see this book anew!

It’s only when you try it that you see it really works,
Within its ancient pages great revelation lurks.

Week 6

Week 6 comes round, the topic is ‘Does God really guide?’
He might call me to Afghanistan – I very nearly cried!

The food and drink are still so good – and plentiful and free;
My weight’s gone up from ten stone five to nearly twelve stone three!

The huge amounts of sweeties don’t help the cause one bit,
The trousers that I wore this week – embarrassingly – split!

Weekend Away

I finally found the venue for the Alpha weekend away (God really does guide!)
Oh my gosh, I’m glad I came – what a place to stay!

In a lovely rural home, in beautiful countryside
Canal and ancient church, and plenty more besides

This is such a stunning place, a chance to leave behind
All my usual problems and life’s relentless, daily grind

Saturday’s sessions were informative, and quite emotional too
All on the Holy Spirit and what He does for you

First, who’s the Holy Spirit – a person, not an ‘it’ (apparently)
And certainly not a ghost! A relief, I must admit.

After coffee, the Holy Spirit and just what does He do?
I confess before today, I hadn’t got a clue.

The afternoon talk on being filled was quite a revelation;
No thunderbolts or lightning – more a heart-warming sensation.

A growing sense that God is real and, yes, He does love me
Taking down walls and letting Him in seems to be the key.

Emotional, but not hyped up; it’s really been okay;
And now I am a Christian – I said ‘Yes’ to God today.

There’s more food here than home on Thursday night;
My shirt and belt and trousers are embarrassingly tight!

I’m really looking forward now to weeks seven through to ten;
And if that is not enough for me, I might do the course again!