If someone had stopped by the rectory on Tuesday, September 24th in the late afternoon, they would have found festively decorated tables, sensed the enticing aroma of dinner coming from the kitchen, and perhaps wondered what celebration was about to take place???? The answer can be summed up in one word: ALPHA. A course that is an invitation and an offer for those who want to learn more about Christianity – and for those who want to understand their faith better so they can pass it on.
By seven in the evening, the ground floor of our rectory began to fill with approximately thirty guests who accepted the invitation, as well as animators who would guide the participants through the course and share their faith with them. The first introductions, handshakes, familiarization with the space, and sometimes a little awkwardness. But soon everyone was seated at the set tables, and the initial uncertainty began to fade away...
After a delicious dinner (including a fantastic dessert), there followed a half-hour introductory video titled "Is There More to Life Than This?". In the film, the creators and guides introduced us to Alpha, its origins, and founder Nicky Gumbel, as well as presenting the first topics for discussion and reflection in the small groups we separated into after the screening.
Once again, we introduced ourselves, asked questions about what life is really about, what brings us joy, how and why participants came to Alpha… there was a lot to talk about, time flew by too quickly, and suddenly the clock showed nine.
And so, while adoration was concluding in the church, where some of you had prayed and interceded for the course and its participants all evening, it was time for guests and animators at the rectory to say goodbye. With many impressions and the open question of whether there is more to life than this, we said goodbye for the week. However, we are already looking forward to next time, to the next meeting, new friends, and shared searching and sharing, this time on the theme "Who is Jesus?"
Eva Kubová
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