Although the West Coast leads the nation in the percentage of
people who are unaffiliated with religious institutions, this
doesn’t mean there is a shortage of people seeking
”
spirituality,
”
a direct and personal relationship with God.
Although the West Coast leads the nation in the percentage of people who are unaffiliated with religious institutions, this doesn’t mean there is a shortage of people seeking “spirituality,” a direct and personal relationship with God. Recognizing this fact, Pastor Anita Warner and the congregation at Advent Lutheran Church (16870 Murphy Avenue in Morgan Hill), have announced some opportunities for South County residents to deepen their spirituality.
According to Spiritual Gifts Minister Marie Juncker, “Everyone is welcome to these offerings. We are reaching out to people who are hungry for a deeper experience of God in their lives and who yearn to explore the many gifts they are given and the ways they are being called to share them.”
People of any faith tradition, or none, should find this ecumenical setting attractive. One of these opportunities is Companions in Christ, which will meet on Wednesdays at 7pm beginning with an informational session on Oct. 6. This life-changing, 28-week spiritual journey will draw participants into daily time with God through individual reading and reflection. Each week participants will meet and share their reflections as they explore five areas of spiritual practice:
nSpiritual formation as a journey toward wholeness and holiness
nListening to God through Scripture, as it shapes your life
nNew dimensions of prayer and practicing the presence of God
nDiscovering the gifts God provides for living a personal ministry
nGrowing together as a community and gaining skills in spiritual guidance
Another of these opportunities occurs on Saturday, Oct. 30, from 9am-3pm, when Advent will be hosting a course sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Formation and Theological Education, an ecumenical educational institution based in Palo Alto. Taught by the Rev. Lisa E. Dahill, Ph.D., “The Spirituality of Dietrich Bonhoeffer” will look at this noted pastor-theologian who was executed for his participation in a plot against Hitler during World War II. Topics include prayer practices, discernment, and resistance to evil. Bonhoeffer’s legacy provides us with many resources for Christian spirituality and community. The cost for this course is $50.
Additionally, in conjunction with the Bonhoeffer course, Advent will offer a series of free discussion and study opportunities supported by film focusing on Bonhoeffer’s life and writings. These discussions will meet on Wednesdays at 7pm. Attendance at the Saturday class is not a requirement to participate on Wednesday evenings.
The above series will be a part of “Wednesday Evening Forums,” which will include films, speakers, presentations, special events, and Bible studies followed by small group discussions on relevant topics offered throughout the year. Each Wednesday Evening Forum will begin with an informal potluck at 6:30pm.
None of these activities is meant as a recruitment vehicle for Advent Lutheran’s congregation; rather, they are gifts to all in the South County who wish to explore their spiritual life in an informal, open, and non-judgmental environment. Everyone is welcome.
Advent is also hosting a creative arts opportunity on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10am-5pm and Sunday, Nov. 14 from 1pm-5pm that will offer fair trade items from around the world alongside creative expressions and culinary fare from the South County area. This event is co-sponsored by Lutheran World Relief, the women of Advent, and the Living Water Anchorage, a satellite ministry of Advent Lutheran Church serving South County. Those who attend this event will enrich their own lives, while helping to change the lives of others around the world.
For those who wish to explore their relationship with God more fully, either one-on-one or in small groups, Spiritual Direction sessions may be arranged. For more information about this or any topic mentioned above, contact Marie Juncker at (408) 779-3551 or e-mail sp************@*************an.org, or contact Faith Development Chair Virginia McQueen at (408) 683-2633.
