SERVING TOGETHER

I grew up in this church, but like many adolescents, I eventually found “better things to do.” Because I valued my faith, I chose PLU, whose motto at the time was “a quality education in a Christian context.” Alyce and I met there right away and attended LC3 together for a couple of years. After spending 30 years in Seattle, we found ourselves attending a couple of different churches. Although we were often involved, we struggled to find ways to serve together in adult ministry.

Five years after returning to Lakewood, we came back to LC3 and became members. As often happens, God used a number of people and circumstances to introduce us to Alpha. At Pastor Reese’s invitation, we participated in a 10-week session beginning in January.

We loved the opportunity to meet people in a smaller group and explore serious questions without trying to market our faith or determine the “right” answer. Alpha is very low-key with dessert and a short video to frame each evening. For us, it was refreshing to explore the big questions of life with people in this way, rather than through a traditional Bible study or evangelism program. It’s in the church and about the church, but it isn’t “churchy.”

God perfectly equipped our spring session. When our group’s host was called away midway through the session because of a family emergency, we stepped out of the shadows and into leadership. Looking toward this fall, we’re excited to host a group again. I love the transparent conversations and the meaningful bonds that can form simply by being together in this way.

I’d encourage anyone to come—and to bring friends and neighbors—as we kick off the next Alpha and lean into our motto: “Got Questions?”