Meredee and I have been taking part in the Alpha Course at Eugene Christian Fellowship for the last couple months. The course is a “Christianity 101″ if you will and covers the basic tenants of faith. Although I grew up in church, I thought it would be a good review and a way to meet other people at the church. It was a little slow going for a while, but we’ve really come to appreciate the environment the course facilitates. There is an easy to follow, enjoyable presentation of deep ideas that could otherwise be confusing to many. Additionally, the Alpha environment is accepting and welcoming to everyone’s questions, doubts, beliefs, and inquiries.

Last night we had the best discussion of the course as we talked about healing and our faith. I won’t go into specifics because of the personal nature of our discussion, but it really brought our Table 5 group together. We talked about the healing God had done in our lives and how negative experiences could be used for good in the long run. We also prayed for each other and our group gathered around Meredee and prayed for healing of the pain in her leg that has bothered her for 10 years. There were a lot of good tears last night and I had a wonderful glimpse of what God may want the Church to be like. The unpretentious, genuine nature of ECF and it’s people initially drew me there and this attitude was displayed again last night in a beautiful way.

We only have 1 week left of Alpha and then the discussions and amazing dinners will be over. (They feed us a full meal every week!) To extend it though, we’re having a group Christmas party at our house for one last get-together. It’s hard to develop close relationships in a large church and I hope we’re able to maintain these friendships and get to know others as well.