So, what are you doing over lunch? You could be deepening your faith, discovering your gifts, passions, talents, and values, checking out the ways you are using your gifts, and recognizing what you could be missing.

The Badillos of Reading started a spiritual gifts group for a midweek, midday disciple-nurturing experience (see the article in this issue, Hola LifeKeys: Discovering Spiritual Gifts). You, too, might start or be part of a group such as this.

Learn more at the Spiritual Gifts retreat at Bear Creek Camp November 12-14, 2004.

“Congregations offering discernment programs report growth in faith and in service among their members who take the course,” reports West Berks Mission District Stewardship Team member Pastor Diane LaFauci. “Members awaken to new awareness of God’s love for them and God’s empowerment for ministry. Pastors who have taken this course have found it to be particularly helpful to them as well.”

“These discernment courses explore the spiritual gifts identified in scripture and include an inventory and other activities to help participants determine their spiritual gifts in several sessions that build upon each other. Participants gain increased understanding of their faith and calling as Christians and members of Christ’s Church.”

For more information on the retreat, or for information about taking or hosting a spiritual gifts workshop, call Pastor Diane LaFauci (Faith Lutheran Church, Mt. Penn) at 610-779-3343, or contact Pastor Rebecca Knox (Christ Lutheran Church, Grill) at 610-777-5792 or PastorKnox@verizon.net.

Look for the online registration form on the calendar page of the synod website.