NAPA, Calif. — Former priest, now Napa innkeeper and author Jim Gunther announces the nationwide release of his new spiritual book, “Let It Go Deep.” This book was co-authored by the late Dr. Juanita Meller.Leaving formal ministry Jim Gunther found himself floundering outside of the Catholic Church. First as a trained chef, then a software quality assurance engineer, and finally as innkeeper and chef in Napa. Through it all he continued to ask the deeper question about who God is and what was required of him now that he no longer had a formal ministerial role to fulfill. How does one find faith outside the church community and continue to be of service to God’s people? With the help of his mentor, Juanita Meller, he was able to find the answers he needed.This book is a call to remember that those who seek intimacy with God are promised this: “He who seeks shall find; to him who knocks, I will open.” The spiritual journey of those seekers reveals the incredible power that is offered to people as they surrender and become willing to go deeper, thus receiving the fullness of inner healing and intimacy with Christ.Through baptism, people receive the grace of a hunger for more experiences of God’s love. It is a cry to go deeper — a call to simply surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit. This results in healing of body, mind and soul — leading to wholeness, which is holiness. “Let It Go Deep” reflects the journey of all those who seek a deeper relationship with God and the power of the Holy Spirit.Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.Gunther is a director of spiritual practice in Napa, California, assisting individuals to find and to pursue their spiritual path. With a master’s degree in divinity and Scripture, he brings a deep biblical understanding to his work as well as an integrated approach between Christianity and other spiritual practices. Gunther is currently the co-owner of the Inn on First in Napa, California, with his husband and three dogs.Meller was an active teacher of Scripture and spirituality in her parish. She served as a spiritual renewal conference coordinator, a pilgrimage organizer and leader. After her husband’s death, she took postgraduate education and earned a degree in relational psychology at 68 years old. She was certified as an NACC hospital chaplain at age 60 and served for 10 years. Meller was a certified spiritual director for 25 years. All these experiences were reflected in her writings.
