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Alpha program introduces basic tenets of faith

By Kiply Lukan Yaworski

SASKATOON — An Alpha followup program, Challenging Lifestyles, based on the Sermon on the Mount, was recently held at Holy Family Parish.

Tim and Val Dychko helped to organize and lead the weekly faith program, the latest in a series of Alpha-related offerings that the Saskatoon couple have participated in over the past several years — including three ecumenical sessions offered jointly by Holy Family, St. Paul’s United and St. Matthew Anglican churches. Tim and Val also co-ordinated Catholicism 201 at Holy Family Parish, a followup to the non-denominational Alpha program.

The Alpha format is to begin the meeting with a meal. For some sessions this has been catered, while at other times it’s been potluck. After praise and worship, there is a video presentation that leads into small group discussions.

Covering topics like “Who is Jesus?” and “Why Did Jesus Die?” the Alpha program is an introduction to the basic tenets of Christianity. Catholicism 201 picks up where Alpha ends, exploring the Catholic Church. The latest offering at Holy Family, Challenging Lifestyles, addresses questions such as how to find the secret of happiness and how to change the world around you, with videos featuring talks by Alpha founder Nicky Gumble, an author and Anglican priest based in London, England.

For Val and Tim, offering these programs is a way to deepen their own faith, reach out to others and build friendships and form Christian community.

“It’s amazing, because people really bond together,” says Tim, explaining how the experience has created deep friendships. Ideally, he says he would like to see people go forth from the program to form ongoing small Christian communities to explore Scripture, faith and prayer while growing in love, service and friendship.

The meal is an important component, says Val. “I think it’s very important that we sit around the table and get to know each other. It’s worth it — that’s why we keep doing it!”

Alpha is a way for people to grow in faith, and makes a real difference in people’s lives, she adds. “Alpha is what brought me back to church after being away for 15 years,” says Val. “I’m really excited about my faith and about church and how God is working.”

Diane Waldbillig, who has helped co-ordinate several of the sessions, agrees that the format is effective. “I think it’s really a powerful way to connect people. . . . The videos are incredible, and then it gives us a format to talk about God, about God’s love and about our faith.”