Alpha Celebration

Had an Alpha Celebration Supper tonight at Central. For those who haven't been a part of it, Alpha is a ten-week introduction to the Christian faith. People share a meal, hear a talk that is humorous, interesting, and informative, helping them to understand what the Bible teaches about a particular topic -- who is Jesus, maybe, or what about prayer? After the talk they get together in groups where they have the opportunity to say, "Here's what the speaker said -- but this is what I think!" As they share their opinions and questions over a ten week period, a couple things happen. One, people develop significant friendships. Two, in many cases people come to know Jesus in a personal way as they investigate what the Bible says about him.

At the end of the ten weeks, we have a meal together and tell stories about what God has done over the last several weeks. It is always an amazing time to hear how God has been working and to recognize that all the work, all the setting up tables and washing dishes and leading small groups and preparing meals and caring for kids and all the rest was worth it. Tonight was no exception.

But tonight we did something extra. After the supper and the celebrating was all done, many of us moved into the church sanctuary and sat around the Christmas tree. We sang carols, many that the kids requested (including "The First Noel," "Winter Wonderland," "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer," and "Silent Night," all of which were requested by the kids) and just enjoyed some good tradition building time.

Not a bad way to spend the Saturday evening before Christmas!