Programs at Local Churches Encourage Spiritual Growth

Two South County churches are inviting local residents to
special upcoming educational events. Morgan Hill’s Advent Lutheran
Church, 16870 Murphy Ave., will be presenting
”
Healing Prayer and Spiritual Gifts Retreat/Workshop
”
from 7-9pm Sept. 29, 9am-4pm Sept. 30, Saturday, and 2-5pm Oct.
1.
Two South County churches are inviting local residents to special upcoming educational events. Morgan Hill’s Advent Lutheran Church, 16870 Murphy Ave., will be presenting “Healing Prayer and Spiritual Gifts Retreat/Workshop” from 7-9pm Sept. 29, 9am-4pm Sept. 30, Saturday, and 2-5pm Oct. 1. The guest speaker will be Mark Dahle, Pastor of La Jolla Lutheran Church and author of “How to Pray for Healing (and What to Do if Nothing Happens).”

This event is designed for anyone –  “(from) those with little experience to those who practice healing prayer in their ministries.  It will feature many opportunities to practice and grow in being a channel for the power of God.”

Friday’s session will address how to pray for healing, Saturday will expand on this topic and include what to do if nothing happens, and Sunday will concentrate on spiritual gifts and how they relate to healing.

“Over the past two decades I have seen so many people healed, it has led me to an inescapable conclusion:  People can be healed of anything,” Pastor Dahle explained.  “There are no conditions that are too difficult for God.  I’ve seen people healed of cocaine and heroin addiction, back pain, cancer, and deformities – even people doctors have given up on.”

Anita Warner, pastor of Advent, invites South County residents to attend. 

“Mark and his teaching on prayer for healing are straightforward, approachable, relaxed and compassionate,” she said. “He has dedicated himself to reclaiming this core practice of Jesus and his followers for people today. I look forward to this special opportunity for people to learn more and put into practice a broader, biblically based ministry of healing power.”

There is no charge to attend, but a freewill offering will be taken. 

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On four afternoons – Oct. 3,12,19, and 26 – the Gilroy Presbyterian and United Methodist churches will sponsor a workshop entitled “Coming Fully Alive as You Age.” It will be held from 1:30-3pm in Wesley Hall, 7600 Church St. in Gilroy, each Thursday. 

This course will be facilitated by the staff of Senior New Ways, a nonprofit outreach agency that offers programs to enhance the meaning, purpose, and well-being of older adults and their families.

The program has been presented at wellness centers, senior centers and to faith communities of many different denominations throughout the Bay Area.  It will be offered free of charge, and it’s open to anyone who is interested in learning more about this subject.

The following topics will be addressed:

– Finding meaning in life:  an exploration of images of aging, developing positive images, living life to the fullest, becoming a “sage”

– Being fully alive: how to use guided meditation and movement; also, discussion of good nutrition, exercise and developing an understanding of approaches to aging

– Aging as a spiritual journey:  how to use relaxation and journal writing to make sense of the suffering that can be associated with aging; finding hope, forgiveness and healing

– Uplifting power of humor:  laughing and discussing aspects of humor and the importance of having it in our lives; enjoying the present moment; looking at the positive in our lives.

Dr. Judith Pruess-Mellow invites the seniors of the South County community to “join us in exploring how you can have a healthier, happier life in your later years.