During one of my life’s many rash moments, I registered a vague interest in Just Explore, half hoping that after completing the form, no follow-up would come. Wrong! Father Patrick caught me on the hop ill-prepared for any sensible excuse to duck out.
For a confirmed sceptic like me, the prospect of whiling away the winter evenings once a week for three months reading Bible passages, or so I imagined, was enough to elicit a case of seasonal affective disorder.
Life is surprising when it teaches you how wrong you can be and, as for that Desert Island companion, well there’s a saying, never judge a book by its cover.
Today, my neglected american crime novels gather dust in the corner as thanks to Just Explore I not only read the Bible but marvel at how every modern scenario or human situation is reflected in those ancient pages of wisdom and teaching.
My first evening at Just Explore after refreshments and wonderful puddings, consisted of introductions amongst a relaxed and intimate group of lovely people. It is true to say you can find friends in surprising places. The session leaders immediately put everyone at their ease wherever they were on their spiritual journey and from the outset I was curious and even a little envious of those with faith.
My eldest son began St Alphege school six years earlier and regular church going began in earnest. I somehow felt a sense of not quite belonging and frankly, ignorance bordering in the uncomfortable. I was really hoping that Just Explore would remedy these feelings.
By my second session, I was hooked! The course content was a clever mix of thought provoking questions, practical exercises, prayer and fascinating historical fact, all dispensed with gentle humour and no hint of superiority.
Six months later our wonderful group shared the special and moving experience of confirmation at beautiful St Alphege Church, something I thought I would never have the belief or spiritual understanding to undertake. I urge you to have a rash moment!

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