One of my favorite movies was released in 1997. At least once a year, I pull this DVD off the shelf and watch “As Good As It Gets,” starring Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson. Jack plays a character named Melvin, who suffers with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and wanders through life annoying others while also endearing himself to those around him.
During one of my favorite scenes in the movie, he wanders into his psychiatrist’s office. He is eager to visit and to try to get an immediate appointment. The waiting room is full of depressed psychiatric patients, waiting their turn with the doctor. As Melvin comes in, he takes a look around and says what many of us have wondered:
What if this is as good as it gets?
In other words, is there more to life than this?
Yes! Those of us whom have received Christ into our lives know that there is indeed more to life than … this. Than work, conflict, disappointment, and stress. Our heartaches, questions, and struggles do not disappear when we become Christians, but we do have hope, peace, joy, and the promise of eternal life. We rejoice that this life isn’t as good as it gets!
This fall, we are very excited to offer Alpha at Orenco Church. A practical look at the Christian faith, Alpha is for all of us – those of us new to the Christian faith, others of us whom have been raised in the church, and those of us who question what this Jesus stuff is all about. Some of the topics covered include questions you may have wanted to ask before: How does God guide us? What does the Holy Spirit do? Does God heal today? Is Christianity boring, untrue, and irrelevant?
Simply put, Alpha can be understood in a simple acronym:
Anyone can come. Learning and laughter. People meeting together. Helping one another. Ask anything.
Including a time of worship, discussion, and a great dinner, Alpha will address – in a fun and welcoming way – those questions you or your friends have. All are welcome.
You will be hearing more and more about Alpha as September approaches. Reserve your Wednesday nights this fall to explore our faith and what it means for us. There is indeed more to life than this, and Pastor Mark and I can’t wait to share our excitement and enthusiasm over Alpha with you!
~ Rachel