Middle Ridge Uniting Church
I did not grow up in a traditional Christian household. We did not go to Church, we did not say grace and we did not pray. I knew the basic outline of the bible and its core messages, but I was sceptical about God existing.As I grew older, I was curious about Christianity and wanted to explore it further but felt like an imposter, and my peers would think I was strange if I tried talking about it. My husband is Christian and before we married, I went through baptism and confirmation so we could marry in the Church. I enjoyed the process, but I still felt out of place and did not know how to move forward. My husband would encourage me to keep exploring. I would go to different churches and just come out thinking I was an imposter, and I would be wasting everyone’s time by showing up the next week. I would keep repeating that cycle.
Then in January this year, my mother-in-law came to me and said she’s signed up for Alpha and thought I should come along too. My husband was in full support and said it may be just what I need to better understand Christianity. Alpha was described to me as a group of people getting together for a meal, watching an educational film and then discussing the film as a group. A homecooked meal, no clean-up, a movie and adult conversation? Who wouldn’t sign up for that? I figured there was no harm in attending and at the very least I could spend time with my in laws.
Going into the first night I felt nervous. I felt like I wasn’t going to belong. But much of that anxiety was dissolved once I walked through the front door and was welcomed by the members of our community.
Everyone was so warm and delighted to have me there. In particular, my table leaders who made me feel welcome and included. They did not care that I wasn’t a Christian. The only thing that mattered is that I was there.
The first night we had the course introduction, we shared a meal, talked, watched a film and then discussed the film. I learned about Nicky Gumble. I found out there are people out there like me and I wasn’t a fraud! Other people had the same questions as me! My perspective mattered even if I wasn’t a Christian. I came home with the spark I had been seeking.
The format remained the same the following weeks and with the regular sessions I started feeling a change. I felt a more positive outlook, I was letting go of things that I had no control over, I was seeing beauty everywhere. I started talking to God and started reading the bible and reflecting on the Gospel. I was talking to my husband and asking questions about faith.
There were still times where I felt I may not belong but over the weeks that feeling became smaller and smaller until it was nothing. Alpha became a highlight of my week. What a fantastic way to talk and share and be around people. And to learn that I am loved and reaffirm that love. Once I found that I could have a relationship with God I felt important and relevant and great just the way I am. Who wouldn’t want that in their life?
I was sad once the weekly sessions ended but I was excited to go to church and meet the greater community. I enjoy coming to church and feeling the positivity. Now I am a Christian and I want to have a better relationship with God and my community. I can thank Alpha for kick starting the process. Through Alpha I’ve become empowered. I know I am welcome, I know I am loved, and I know I had found friends and a community where I could share those feelings.
There is new strength to my relationship with my husband. I can talk to him about God, and we can share our love as a family. And now we can both talk to our son about God’s message.
If you haven’t done Alpha, please try it. The films, conversation and time with our community is priceless. And if you have done Alpha, why not go again and share your perspective. I look forward to doing the course again and watching the films and reflecting with wonderful people. Please tell your friends and family. If they are feeling stuck or disconnected this might be the spark they need. They may be curious about God and don’t know how to start. Personally it has to be one of the best things I’ve ever done.
