`An exploration of faith'; Alpha program looks at everyday life through Christian lens.

Byline: Ellie Oleson

AUBURN - The Chirskys want to invite everyone to dinner and a movie at their house of worship on Monday night.

Stephen J. and Karen A. Chirsky and a team of friends will be hosting their third 12-week Alpha Course at Faith Baptist Church on Faith Avenue on Monday evenings from Feb. 23 to May 11.

This spring, course participants are expected from Faith Baptist, First Congregational and Bethel Lutheran churches in Auburn.

Mr. Chirsky explained that the Alpha program is a "course on Christianity. It is not teachy or preachy." Each week, participants share a family-style potluck dinner, watch a 45-minute video, then divide into small groups for discussion.

"Alpha is not Bible study, but is an exploration of faith," Mrs. Chirsky said.

The videos were created by Nicky Gumbel, a former atheist and lawyer, who was ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1987. He became vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton Church in London in 2005. While a new priest at Holy Trinity, he updated the church's Alpha Course for new members to make it a general introductory course on Christianity. That course is now used by Roman Catholic and Protestant churches around the world, according to Willard E. Cook Jr., director of Alpha New England in Wakefield.

Mr. Cook said that the Alpha Course is being taught in 165 countries in 65 languages around the world, and came to the United States in 1995.

"The Alpha course is the premier evangelism tool on the world right now. It's so simple and refreshing. This course is lay led, but we totally need pastoral support. It is a very effective and economical course in Christianity for unchurched people or for those within the church. It is Christianity 101, teaching the basics that all Christian churches believe," Mr. Cook said.

He said there is a "common Christian theological creed" such as the Nicene Creed, recited by all Christians, "whether you are Roman Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, whatever, whether you baptize by sprinkling or dunking. Alpha works for all Christians. We invite friends to dinner. Any question can be asked. It is not about information as much as it is about relationships. Come once; if you like it, come again. If you don't come back, no one will call you. We want people to be comfortable."

The Rev. Douglas A. Geeze, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, said, "I am excited for the lay person to get so excited about coming together in fellowship. Alpha brings together Christian community and right knowledge of God. Both are needed."

Church member Richard L. Cummings, 72, of Worcester said he plans to participate in his second Alpha Course this spring. "My life was miserable. I was treated like an animal. I hated everyone and everything. I tried suicide several times."

He said he met church member Amanda J. Bouthiller, 20, a home health aide, who is also active in Alpha and in youth ministry at Worcester State College. She changed his life. "We prayed together. Amanda and her father (John R. Bouthiller) gave me love. I am so happy now."

Mr. Bouthiller is a "core member" of Alpha, which he called a "community connector." He invited others to participate: "Take a leap of faith. Get out of the boat and walk on water."

Mr. and Mrs. Chirsky first held the Alpha Course in Phoenix. They moved to Auburn a few years ago to be close to family. Mrs. Chirsky's parents are Auburn residents Carole A. and Robert E. Murray, former owners of J.E. Murray Construction Inc.

Since moving to Auburn and joining Faith Baptist Church, the Chirskys have hosted two Alpha sessions, with a third to begin Feb. 23. The program is free.

"We kicked off with 16 people last year, then had 50 people in the fall course," Mr. Chirsky said.

Oxford resident David M. Rose, a self-employed plasterer, participated in both Alpha programs last year, and is eager to start the third. "This changed my life. I'm new to religion. I got baptized a year ago. Alpha is more about spirituality than religion. We discuss how God relates to us in everyday life. It is very thought-provoking."

He met his wife, the former Debora Alliy, at Faith Baptist, where the couple recently married. They plan to attend the Alpha Course.

"It's a community event, not related to any particular church," Mr. Chirsky said. The Monday gatherings will be held at Faith Baptist Church, with one Saturday event planned at First Congregational Church of Auburn.

Anyone wanting more information about the Alpha Course may call John Bouthiller at [phone] or Julie Sweeney at [phone], or e-mail [e-mail].

What happens at Alpha?

Alpha courses typically feature a meal and then a talk followed by coffee and small-group discussion. Sample schedule:

Introduction Dinner: Is there more to life than this?

Week 1: Who is Jesus?

Week 2: Why did Jesus die?

Week 3: How can we have faith?

Week 4: Why and how do I pray?

Week 5: Why and how should I read the Bible?

Week 6: How does God guide us?

Week 7: How can I resist evil?

Week 8: Why and how should we tell others?

Week 9: Does God heal today?

Week 10: What about the Church?

Weekend or full-day session: Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? How can I make the most of the rest of my life?

Source: www.alphana.org

ART: PHOTOS

CUTLINE: (1) Members of the planning committee for the Alpha program at Faith Baptist Church are, from left, Steven B. Kirk, Stephen J. Chirsky, Karen A. Chirsky, Julie M. Sweeney, Kristina G. Breen, John R. Bouthiller, Richard L. Cummings, Linda M. Welton and David M. Rose. (2) Steven B. Kirk, Stephen J. Chirsky and Karen A. Chirsky discuss the Alpha program at Faith Baptist Church during a recent planning meeting.

PHOTOG: RUCH DUGAS