Previous Adult Forum Topics

May 7, 2023 – No Adult Forum
May 14 & 21, 2023

“Achieving Emotional Strength in Traumatic Times”

Note:  This is the last Sunday morning Adult Forum until fall.

Adult Forum will resume the Sunday after Easter. 

April 16 

This will be Pr. Merle’s last Adult Forum presentation with us as he completes his interim ministry at Bethel.  Concluding his series on the parables, he asks “Are there any that disturb or bother you?” Some of the parables that he will discuss with us are these: The Parable of the Sower.  “Is this about the seed, or the soil?” The Parable of the Generous Vineyard Owner. “So, working harder gets you no considerations?” The Parable of the “Friend” at Midnight and the Parable of the Unjust Judge.   “I don’t get what I need because I’m a good neighbor or a nice little old lady, but rather because I’m persistent and obnoxious?”  

April 23

Bethel member Kristina Stierholz will reflect on her personal “Journey of Spiritual Exploration.”

April 30

Dr. Leigh Schmidt, Washington University Distinguished Professor in the Humanities and faculty at the Danforth Center on Religion and Politics, will lead a presentation and discussion on “Being Spiritual but not Religious or Church-Goers.”

January 8
Speaker: Erica Williams, A Red Circle
Erica Willams, Founder of Executive Director of A Red Circle, will describe how the organization works to “promote community betterment in North County, through a racial justice lens.” Her vision is to create and encourage spaces and opportunities in North St. Louis County that will lead to better health and economic prosperity. Bethel members have participated in volunteer activities at A Red Circle.

January 15
Speaker: Pastor Merle Brockhoff
“Parables of the Lost.”   Pastor Merle continues his look at the parables of Jesus, focusing on Luke’s Gospel this time and the three parables Jesus tells to the grumbling pharisees, the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son(s).   Drop in for a lively look at three narrative parables that are meant to build on one another. 

January 22
Speaker: Steve Popolawski
Could you name the committee and volunteer activities? Do you know how to become involved in a committee or activity? Would you like a chance to become more involved? How does volunteer activity contribute to our sense of community as a congregation? How is volunteer activity related to stewardship? This session offers an opportunity to learn more about how we can become more active members of the congregation.

January 29 Open Forum

If you are interested in bringing treats, please contact Gail Heyne Hafer gail.rhh.61@gmail.com or Brenda Bredemeier bredemeierb@umsl.edu

If you are interested in bringing treats, please contact Gail Heyne Hafer gail.rhh.61@gmail.com or Brenda Bredemeier bredemeierb@umsl.edu

December 4

Cross+Generation First Sunday Event 
Join in the excitement, the music, food, crafts and conversation at 8:30am for snacks, 8:45 the program begins in the Fellowship Hall, as we focus on Advent preparation for the coming of Jesus! All are welcome – Adults of any age! 

December 11

Rachel Eliser, Community Relationship Coordinator at Covenant House Missouri will speak about their program right here in St. Louis. Covenant House welcomes youth who are runaway, trafficked, at-risk, or experiencing homelessness with unconditional love, absolute respect and a place to call home. Beyond shelter and basic needs, they deliver transformative solutions to help young people ages 16 to 24 build productive, independent and sustainable lives.

December 18 

“The Parables of Discovery” Having given a general introduction, Pastor Merle will lead a monthly highlighting of Jesus’ parables.  This week we will look at the short parables that involve “discovery.”   What is found?  What is the item found compared to?  What is Jesus doing with these comparisons or unveilings?  What do we need to know about how these parables might have been “heard” in Jesus’ day.  Part presentation, part open discussion, come “discover” a few things yourself.

No Adult Forum on Sunday, Dec. 25 or Jan. 1
Watch for what’s coming in January 2023! 

Adult Forum has returned to Sunday mornings at 8:30 (coffee and pastries), presentation at 8:45 am in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday, October 9, 2022, 8:45 AM
Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Bethel Member

Bethel member Ruth Meinzen-Dick of International Food Policy Research Institute will talk about how her experiences growing up in India led her to work on global hunger and food security issues, and how each of us can play a role.  Bethel will then participate in the Bread for the World Offering of Letters to raise our voices in support of the Global Food Security Act.  Adults and youth are welcome.

Sunday, October 16, 2022

How does Bethel fit into the ELCA’s Future 2025 goals? How will the changes made during the pandemic become part of our ongoing practice? How do we assure that all Bethel members can be active participants in the community as the strict isolation of the pandemic ends? Using a workshop format, we will discuss the five goals and explore Bethel’s priorities. If you would like to review the goals prior to the meeting, please visit the ELCA website.

Please use this Zoom link to join Adult Forum.

Wednesday, May 4, 2022, 7:00 PM
“May the Forces Be with You!”

The Rev. Merle Brockhoff, Interim Pastor at Bethel

Yes, it’s “Star Wars Day” and Pastor Merle has chosen a cheesy topic tie in to go with it! There are “Forces” that have been at work since Bethel last called a pastor, and those “Forces” will shape the interview and search process for its next Pastoral Leader. Some of those “Forces” have been external. Congregational life has been reshaped by demographic trends, church restructuring, and population shifts from rural to urban/suburban settings. Some of those “Forces” are internal to the church itself, decisions made about leadership, preparation for leadership and vocation options for clergy.Pastor Merle will be leading us through a conversation of those internal and external “Forces” at play and how Bethel will likely experience those “Forces” in this time of transition!

Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 7:00 PM
“Refugee Assistance with the International Institute in St. Louis”

P. Ariel Burgess, LMSW, Vice-President of Client Services at the International Institute of St. Louis, 3401 Arsenal St. 63118

Ariel will help the Bethel community to learn about the mission of the International Institute, understand better the current refugee crisis situation, and share with us ways for individuals or the church as a group to help with refugee assistance. This presentation will refresh Bethel’s understanding of our own history in refugee resettlement and may perhaps encourage participants to seek to address achievable local refugee ministry in the Ministry Site Profile as we seek our next Pastor.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 7:00 PM 
“Anticipating Bethel Forums *In-Person* This Fall”

John Lottes, Adult Ed Chair; Gail Heyne Hafer, Zoom Forum Moderator; Adult Ed Board Members; Other Bethelites

This coming September, after what will have been two-and-a-half years of Zoom Adult Forums because of COVID restrictions, we are planning to resume our Bethel Adult Forums on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am in the Fellowship Hall, probably in a hybrid format that will facilitate added participation by attendees and guest speakers who, for whatever reason, are not able to be present in-person. The excellent work by Bethel’s Transition Team has included feedback about the Adult Forum that will be beneficial to our fall program planning. But, in addition to that, on May 18th, we have the opportunity to hear first-hand from regular or occasional Zoom Forum participants to help us re-imagine the Forum in topics and format and other ways that can freshly engage current participants as well as be inviting to first-time attendees who are seeking new ventures in adult education. Join us for a stimulating Forum on Wednesday, May 18th and share your ideas and perspective to help build a revitalized Adult Forum this fall.

Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 7:00 PM
“Transition Team Update & Looking Toward the Ministry Site Profile”

Deborah Bohlmann & Claire Eads, Co-Leaders of the Transition Team

Many Bethelites participated in the Bible Studies provided by the Transition Team that helped the congregation to reflect on the ministry we share at Bethel and to assess our priorities for our mission going forward as we anticipate a new pastor when the transition and call processes conclude. Deborah and Claire, as co-leaders of the Transition Team, will give us an update about what the Team has learned from the Bible Studies and other conversations. They will also inform us of the progress toward the completion of the essential Ministry Site Profile (MSP) that is sent to the ELCA and is viewable by potential pastoral candidates. The MSP is also a tool for Central States Synod Bishop Susan Candea to match the mission priorities of Bethel to the gifts and skills of appropriate pastoral candidates whom she will be recommending to our Call Committee.

Theme: “Toward Spiritual Maturity: Seeing the Inner Faith Journey through the Hidden Power of Virtue”

Please use this Zoom link to join Adult Forum.

Dr. Richard Johnson, Professional Counselor and Founder of both the Spiritual Strengths Institute and Lifelong Adult Ministry.  Dr. Johnson has written 56 books (and counting) and numerous articles all focusing on God’s expansive Grace.  He is nationally recognized for his pioneering work in Healing and Medical Behavioral Sciences and has led workshops and institutes around the country.  We are thrilled to have Richard and spouse Sandra as a part of the Bethel community.

Dr. Johnson’s Topics:

Feb 09: The Power of Virtue: Your Body
Feb 16: The Power of Virtue: Your Mind
Feb 27: The Power of Virtue: Your Spirit

(Break for Ash Wednesday [Mar 2], Midweek Lenten Vespers [Mar 9 to Apr 8] and Wednesday of Holy Week [Apr 13] with optional directed reading for reflection)

Apr. 20: LuMin Campus Ministry Update – Campus Pastor Tina Reyes

Apr 27: The Power of Virtue: Your True Happiness 

Overview: Our  theme begins on February 9, recesses for Lent (with optional Lenten  “Homework”), and concludes in April after Easter. Led by Dr. Richard Johnson, this is a series of four *independent* Adult Forum talks that zero-in on the role of virtue in helping us live well of body, wise of mind, and whole of spirit so we can grow closer to God and perhaps even discover the meaning of “true happiness”.

The Power of Virtue: Your Body (Feb. 9)

This first independent session looks at the value and purpose of virtue as a powerful spiritual tool that can assist us in our quest for overall physical wellness.

We devote tremendous energy, focus and concern in keeping our body healthy so we can feel “good” and function optimally. We try to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, minimize stress, seek appropriate preventative and urgent medical care, etc. We believe that God’s healing power is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient; yet, when we pray for our own (and others’) health and healing, what are we praying for and how do we best pray? How might virtue be useful in our overall faith walk, and more specifically on our health and wellness?

The advent of illness, with all its potential diminishment (even if it’s temporary), emotional turmoil, psychological insult, and spiritual challenges all present trauma to anyone’s life. Grave, chronic, and especially terminal conditions confound our life and alter our image of the world, ourselves, and God.

The Power of Virtue: Your Mind (Feb. 16)

In this second independent session in our series, we turn our attention to “the mind”. Mind is an over-used word that has consequently lost some of its original meaning. In our context we focus on ‘personality’ and look at the important role played by virtue in the formation of our identity, our personhood, and our persona(s). This, of course, ultimately brings us to our overall mental health and well-being, i.e., how we relate to our environment, to others, to ourselves, and of course to God. 

We will explore the role virtue plays in the ways we use our personality, our beliefs, perceptions, thinking, feelings, choices and our actions? 

Everyone has a personality. Personality is indispensable, without one we could not navigate through life. This intangible “mechanism” within us, sometimes referred to as our mind, is the site where we process and generate how we relate to our external surroundings, and to other people in general. Very importantly, our personality is where we devise and execute our relationship with ourselves. Our personality is an essential piece of ‘hardware’ that guides and directs our life. We might come to think of this session as an owner’s manual for our personality.

The Power of Virtue: Your Spirit (Feb. 23)

In this third independent session, we investigate the overarching notion of “spirit” and the role that virtue can play as we seek to grow in faith and true wisdom over our life course. This numinous dimension of our spirit is the presence of divinity; the Christ working within us. Virtue can be seen as the power tools that when grace-driven can animate our relationship with Jesus. 

Did you know that your personality ‘talks’ to you?  It does! In fact, it’s in constant communication with you! Have you ever said, “So, I said to myself…”? Who is talking to whom? Theological and spiritual writers and thinkers have long maintained that you have at least two inner “voices.” The first is called your ‘True Self’ or ‘Godly Self’, and the second your “false self,” or sometimes called your “worldly self” or “ego self”. The True Self voice speaks the truth, while the false, ego-self voice tries to gain control, and so demands the opposite. Yes, I’m sure you’ve noticed that there can be tension in your personality.

Our True Self voice speaks of goodness, God’s truth, which can best be seen as virtues. The ego-self voice speaks of either absence of truth, sometimes called shadows or compulsions. We are in the truth of God’s Light when we listen to our True-Self voice. And we are in the darkness when we listen to the ego, or false-self voice (one of my counseling patients calls it her “ugly-voice”.) Which voice would you rather listen to?

“LuMin Campus Ministry Update” Campus Pastor Tina Reyes, LuMin St. Louis April 20

LuMin Campus Pastor Tina Reyes will give us an update about a unique academic year of creating a caring community in the midst of a second year of COVID and with a new partnership with campus ministry at Grace United Methodist Church. We appreciate Pastor Tina’s availability at this time when academic pressures are in full force as the spring term rapidly concludes.

The Power of Virtue: Your True Happiness (April 27)

This final independent session bundles together the most compact and yet comprehensive plan for us to achieve true inner happiness, even in this troubled, but still beautiful world. This session attempts to define true inner happiness; it’s about being more attentive and receptive to what’s good in and about us, one the one hand, and to minimize our inner critical self-talk, on the other hand. 

If we can connect with our signature virtues we can grow toward our own special true inner happiness. Pursuing true inner happiness is a lifelong process of spiritual maturation. This session assembles a life-transformative skill-set that can bring us ever-closer to our True-Self… closer to God’s presence in us. 

Happiness is the ancient yet ever-present quest. We all want to find true inner happiness; we want to discover our Golden Fleece, our pearl of great price, our diamond in the rough. Yet, this goal is so often misunderstood. Paradoxically, if our quest for happiness is restricted to what the world sees as happiness, then we miss the more expansive, deeper and more fundamentally meaningful and satisfying “true inner happiness”. 

Our culture seems awash in books purporting to offer the keys to happiness, there is research a-plenty, and the roles of “happiness consultants” grows every day. With all of this, then why are rates of depression and anxiety escalating? Perhaps we are a bit confused about happiness, perhaps our wired-world, with its abundance of “influencers”, opinion spinners, social media and marketing experts are somehow missing something.  Somewhere and somehow we seem to be off-the-mark on what is happiness. Perhaps we need a new happiness target!

WINTER-SPRING FOCUS

During our pastoral vacancy, Bethel is focused on assessing our ministry in terms of addressing questions such as “Where might God be calling Bethel to action?” Our Winter-Spring Bethel Zoom Forums will provide Bethel members and friends with opportunities to look at more of our core ministries: Worship Life, Personal Spirituality, Faith Formation, Serving Opportunities, and more.

Please use this Zoom link to join Adult Forum.

January-February 2022 Theme: Our theme is “Bethel’s Worship Life.” As we continue to assess our mission during our Pastoral Interim and Transition, our focus for January will be the music ministry of our congregation.

Guest Speakers: Bethel’s Music Director Dr. Stephen Mager and Worship Board Chair Matt Bear.

January 5: Worship: Epiphany Eve Vespers

January 12-19-26: “Aspects of Bethel’s Worship Life”

February 2: Worship: The Presentation of Our Lord (Candlemas Vespers)

Our most public ministry is worship on Sunday mornings as well as evening seasonal emphases. This worship foundation has been enriched by a half century of “Center Celebrations” that have encouraged creative liturgies and varieties of musical expression. During this time of pastoral transition, after our Fall 2021 focus on assessing other aspects of our mission as a congregation, we now focus on our most visible ministry. Our theme is illustrated by worship services that are bookends for our topics. Our presentations will also be informed by the “Nairobi Statement on Worship” of the Lutheran World Federation in 1994: Worship is (1) transcultural, (2) contextual, (3) counter-cultural, and (4) cross-cultural

FALL FOCUS

During our pastoral vacancy, Bethel is focused on assessing our ministry in terms of addressing questions such as “Where might God be calling Bethel to action?” Our Fall Bethel Zoom Forums will provide Bethel members and friends with opportunities to look at the rich variety of our current ministries, increase our awareness of Bethel’s community context, look at our social justice ministry commitments, and more.

November Theme: “Bethel’s Justice Ministries” are important to affirm during our time of pastoral transition as we articulate them for our Ministry Site Profile and Pastoral Candidates. Our current justice ministries include racial, economic, gender, environmental, generational, and more.

“Bethel’s Racial Justice Ministry Update”

Dr. Joe Bartzel, Bethel Member & Postdoctoral Fellow in the Study of St. Louis and the American Story in the inter-disciplinary program of American Cultural Studies at Washington University.

Wednesday, November 3, 7 PM

“Bethel’s Green Team & Environmental Justice“

Cindy Gross (Chair) & Members of Bethel’s Green Team, those at Bethel who plan and implement efforts that advocate for Creation Care and Environmental Justice

Wednesday, November 10, 7 PM

Bethel’s Green Team has a rich history of addressing environmental concerns in tangible ways that involve the congregation. In this Forum session they will address current issues of environmental justice that have impact on God’s Creation for humans, animal species, plant species, climate uncertainties, and more.

These critical current concerns have been approached creatively by the Green Team historically with such initiatives as the Green Congregation Action Plan, the Energy Stewards Initiative, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, solar panels, and much more. Bethel submitted its Green Team Action Plan and was certified as a Green Congregation in summer 2010; see green resource websites: webofcreation.org and lutheransrestoringcreation.org

There is much more for Bethel to pursue! Cindy will introduce the Earth Charter and we will talk about potential Creation Care projects for 2022. The Green Team welcomes new members and ideas. For more info, contact Cindy at cjgross10@gmail.com or 314/560-1112.

“The Prejudice of Ageism in a Spiritual Context”

Dr. Richard Johnson, Professional Counselor and Founder of both the Spiritual Strengths Institute and Lifelong Adult Ministry. Dr. Johnson has written over 40 books and numerous articles all focusing on God’s expansive Grace. He is nationally recognized for his pioneering work in Healing and Medical Behavioral Sciences and has led workshops and institutes around the country. We are thrilled to have Richard and spouse Sandra as a part of the Bethel community.

Wednesday, November 17, 7 PM

Prejudice seems pandemic in our culture today, and of course prejudice has been a (the) curse of culture from the beginning… think Cain and Abel, and every war over the millennia. Prejudice is fear-generated; we seem to “deal” with our fear by finding an enemy… someone or some group that’s responsible for our fear. As people of God we are striving to address the three “BIG” prejudices (fears) of: racism, sexism, and ageism. So why do we fear aging? Aging presents us with a paradox. We joke about aging… yet we curse aging. We (overly) focus on aging… yet we would rather forget aging. We want to ignore aging… yet aging won’t leave us alone. We need aging… yet we certainly don’t want aging. We seem to have a love-hate relationship with aging. Obviously aging presents us with a conundrum. So, what can we do with a prejudice like aging? How does our Christian faith instruct us in this dilemma?

FALL FOCUS

During our pastoral vacancy, Bethel is focused on assessing our ministry in terms of addressing questions such as “Where might God be calling Bethel to action?” Our Fall Bethel Zoom Forums will provide Bethel members and friends with opportunities to look at the rich variety of our current ministries, increase our awareness of Bethel’s community context, look at our social justice ministry commitments, and more.

October 2021

Theme: Our October theme is “Loving Our (Academic) Neighbors” which acknowledges the fact that Bethel’s “parish” includes Washington University and Fontbonne as well as a number of academic institutions at which Bethel members and friends are engaged. That is to say that our Parish Ministry Profile (sent to the ELCA and to interested pastoral candidates) as well as the new Pastor will need to note that the mission of Bethel foundationally includes engagement with higher education in STL.

“What Inspires Me about German Language & Literature”

Dr. Evelyn Meyer, Bethel Member & Associate Professor of German & Associate Chair, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, Saint Louis University

Wednesday, October 6, 7 PM

Evelyn is one of the actively involved Bethel members who are engaged in the academic arena at a number of area colleges and universities. She will be sharing with us what inspires her about her academic pursuits. 

Her research interests include Germanic medieval literature and culture; (illuminated) medieval manuscripts; construction of gender, race and the *Other* in literature and culture; the application of media & technology to second/foreign language acquisition; and integration of social issues in the teaching of literature and culture.

“What Inspires Me about Teacher Education“

Dr. David Light Shields is a member of Bethel and, most recently since 2010, David has been teaching at St. Louis Community College at Meramec, where he currently is Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education as well as Lead Faculty for Teacher Education at the Wildwood Campus

Wednesday, October 13, 7 PM

David is another actively involved Bethel member who is engaged in the academic arena at one of our area colleges and universities. He will be sharing with us what inspires him about his academic pursuits. 

A quotable quote from David summarizes his passion for educating: “We have too often equated excellence of education with the quantity of the content learned, rather than with the quality of character the person develops.” (Character as the Aim of Education)

As a teacher who practices what he teaches (and preaches), David continually receives sterling student reviews, such as: “Dr. Shields is a true philosopher of education. If you intend on entering the profession you are doing yourself a disservice by taking any other professor. His lectures are impactful yet concise, his tests are fair and accurately measure your ability to meet MIPEC/DESE requirements, and his teaching style is an exemplary lesson in and of itself.”

David is the author of more than 125 publications, some co-authored with Brenda Light Bredemeier.

Among his honors is the 2017 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Missouri Community College Association.

“What Inspires Me About the Study of Economics”

Dr. Gail Heyne Hafer is a member of Bethel and is a Professor in the Department of Business and Economics at St. Louis Community College Meramec. She has taught at colleges and universities for over 30 years.

Wednesday, October 20, 7 PM

Gail participated in the Teaching Innovation Project of the American Economics Association where she focused on infusing cooperative learning activities into the college classroom. More recently, she has participated in NSF projects to expand participation of community college faculty in the economics profession and to encourage Team-Based Learning. She currently serves as a member of the Economic Education Advisory Board of the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank and is featured in the Fed’s “Women in Economics” podcast series. 

Outside the classroom, Gail has published two curriculum guides for early elementary students with her sister Miki Heyne—Do a Zoo and The Gingerbread Man and several studies with husband, Rik. She has presented on teaching strategies at a variety of conferences including the American Economics Association, Robert Morris, the Professor’s Conference of the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, and the Lilly Conference on College Teaching. 

Long ago, Gail earned a bachelor’s degree in General Business from Hendrix College and a Ph.D. in economics from Virginia Tech with additional graduate work in statistics at Penn State. She and Rik continue to enjoy talking economics even 44 years after their first chat. 

”Rooted & Open: a Lutheran Leads Interfaith Engagement @ WashU”

The Rev. Callista Isabelle, is a member of Bethel, was a former ELCA Church College Chaplain at Muhlenberg College, and currently is Director for Religious, Spiritual and Ethical Life at Washington University in St. Louis.

Wednesday, October 27, 7 PM

FALL FOCUS

During our pastoral vacancy, Bethel is focused on assessing our ministry in terms of addressing questions such as “Where might God be calling Bethel to action?” Our Fall Bethel Zoom Forums will provide Bethel members and friends with opportunities to look at the rich variety of our current ministries, increase our awareness of Bethel’s community context, look at our social justice ministry commitments, and more.

SEPTEMBER 2021

Theme: Our September theme is “Where We Are . . .” to offer an intentional update on some timely continuing issues for Bethel that are of particular importance relating to our ongoing ministry commitments as well as during our time of pastoral transition.

Guest Speakers:

Sept 01: Dr. Joe Bartzel, “Where We Are in Our Racial Justice Endeavors”

Sept 08: Bethel Transition Team, “Where We Are in the Transition & Call Process”

Sept 15: Dr. Matt Kuhlmann, Wash U Med School, “Where We Are in COVID-19 Reality”

Sept 22: Bishop Susan Candea, “Where We Are as a(n) (Almost) Post-Pandemic Church”

Sept 29: Deborah Bohlmann, “Where We Are in the ’40 Days of Prayer’ with Diverse City Church and St. Margaret of Scotland Church”

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 7:00 pm 
“Where We Are in Our Racial Justice Endeavors” 

Dr. Joe Bartzel, Bethel member and Postdoctoral Fellow in the Study of St. Louis and the American Story in the inter-disciplinary program of American Cultural Studies at Washington University.

Bethel’s work on Racial Justice has a *new look* for the fall season. As the fall approaches, we look forward to continuing Bethel’s efforts toward racial justice in the St. Louis region. Our reading group and adult ed sessions over the past year have generated lots of enthusiasm among Bethel members around racial justice. As we carry that momentum into the fall, our racial justice efforts will have a new look: 

(1) The reading group will continue, maintaining its focus on ensuring that our efforts toward racial justice remain grounded in the particulars of our local ministry context (the St. Louis area) and its unique history of racial injustice and struggle.

(2) Alongside the reading group, this fall we will also launch a racial justice task force focused on action: building partnerships, and setting and implementing goals regarding racial justice. 

My goal is for our efforts to remain focused on the theme of reconciliation that we have been exploring throughout many of our conversations over the past year. And, while our reading group and task force will be differentiated from each other, my plan is that these two parallel efforts will continue to be mutually informed by each other. Members will, of course, be welcome to participate in one, the other, or both! 

Bring your questions and your interest to our first Bethel Zoom Forum for the fall on Wednesday, September 1st or feel free to email me (jbartzel@gmail.com) if you have questions or want to get involved.

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 7:00 pm 
“Where We Are in the Transition & Call Process”

Jennifer Williamson, our Council President, will launch the discussion and coordinate the session along with other members of Bethel’s Congregation Council.

Please join the Council to discuss where we are in the transition process.  We will revisit the Central States Synod’s transition process, discuss timing for an interim pastor, and confirm who will lead worship and provide pastoral care until an interim pastor is engaged.  We will also introduce the role of a Synod “leadership developer,” who works with the transition team to compile the data used to populate the Ministry Site Profile, review the type of information included in the Ministry Site Profile that enables us to call a pastor, and answer your questions.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 7:00 pm 
“Where We Are in COVID-19 Reality” 

Dr. Matt Kuhlmann, Bethel member and team member of Bethel’s “‘COVID Advisory Taskforce,” is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Washington University School of Medicine. He also serves is the current president of the Infectious Diseases Society of St. Louis.

As the pandemic continues to be an important factor in our day-to-day living, Matt will share an update about the status of COVID-19, the delta variant, the status of risk, the anticipated time when the surge will peak locally, and anything else that Bethel folks need to be aware of for worship and community participation. We will have plenty of time for Matt to address our questions and concerns.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 7:00 pm
“Where We Are as a(n) (Almost) Post-Pandemic Church”  

Bishop Susan Candea, Bishop of the Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

Bishop Candea will give us an update about the ‘State of the Synod’ with respect to the effects of COVID-19 on congregations, emerging forms of church, and anything else that we would like to hear about. She is also open to talk about the Synod’s role in coordinating Bethel’s Transition Process that is being led by retired Bishop Roger Gustafson.

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 7:00 pm 
“Where We Are in the `40 Days of Prayer’ with Diverse City Church and St. Margaret of Scotland Church”

Deborah Bohlmann, member of Bethel, is coordinating Bethel’s participation in the “40 Days of Prayer” with two other congregations in St. Louis

A number of Bethel members have committed to participate in the “40 Days of Prayer” (For the Liberation of American Descendants of Slavery). Deb Bohlmann will update us about this effort that was announced in the “Bethel Connection” in recent months. She will tell us about the planned gatherings of the participating groups from the three area congregations. And, because of the surge of COVID cases nationally, Deb will also inform us about the status of the planned trip with participants from the three congregations to Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, to visit and reflect on some important sites regarding the legacy of slavery in America.

The Adult Forum will be delivered via a Zoom Meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting will be shared via a Bethel Connection email. If you are not receiving the Bethel Connection emails, please contact the church office office @ bethelstl.org to be added to the email list.

WEDNESDAY May 5 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

“LuMin Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic”

Pr. Tina Reyes, Campus Pastor, LuMin St. Louis, Campus Ministry of the ELCA for Colleges and Universities in the St. Louis Area, is completing her first *challenging* year!

Learn more about LuMin St. Louis, our covenant ministry partner and next door neighbor. First year Campus Pastor Tina Reyes has this inspiring overview for her time with us: “I have been enjoying my first spring in St. Louis and find myself blessed amid the ongoing reality of pandemic life. Campus Ministry is an important part of a student’s well being, and COVID has ilLuMinated that well. We continued to meet – virtually & person as weather and COVID rates permit.  We pack grab-and-go meals for our students on Sundays – so they still get a home-cooked meal. The Campus House is a refuge from dorm rooms, study cubbies, & everyday campus life.  We welcomed new students and returning students alike. Ministry has not stopped. A huge ‘Thank You’ to you all for keeping us in your lives with prayer and financial support.”

WEDNESDAY May 12, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

#TheWorkContinues: Advancing Racial Justice through Educational Equity

Dr. Michelle Purdy, Washington University in St. Louis; Associate Professor of Education; Director of the Undergraduate Program in Educational Studies; Affiliate Faculty, African and African-American Studies & Urban Studies.

Professor Purdy received her B.A. and M.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and a Ph.D. in educational studies from Emory University. She combines her research interests in educational studies, history, and African-American studies as an associate professor in the Department of Education, and teaches undergraduate courses, such as The American School and History of Education. She is the author of the award-winning book, Transforming the Elite: Black Students and the Desegregation of Private Schools. Professor Purdy also directs the undergraduate program in Educational Studies, an interdisciplinary major that examines educational institutions, educational processes, and the social and cultural factors that affect them. Professor Purdy, an alumna of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program, is a former vice president and president of theWashU Student Union undergraduate student government. As an undergraduate and master’s student, she attended Bethel and worked with Pastor Lottes on the Wash U Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration.

What does it mean to achieve educational equity in the 21^st century despite continued ant-Blackness and systemic inequities? What does educational equity mean for all types of schools including public, private, and parochial? Drawing on her research and teaching, we will consider these questions by addressing the following topics: the historical and contemporary ways Black students navigate interpersonal and institutional racism; the relationship among policies, practices and beliefs to foster diversity, inclusion, and equity; and how we can imagine schooling to counter racial injustice and anti-Blackness.

WEDNESDAY May 19, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

Moving Into Bethel’s Future

The Rev. Dr. William L. Yancey, Pastor at Bethel for thirty-three years and assistant to Pastor Al Buls for the four previous years

Let’s use this last opportunity with Pastor Bill and the Bethel Family to have an informal hour to remember and give thanks for the remarkable moments that we have shared as a creative faith community. We at Bethel have been privileged to have Pastor Bill bless the congregation and community with his preaching, teaching, and pastoring gifts for more than a generation. He has shepherded this place of grace through pivotal and formative events: our Reconciling in Christ process, our Green Congregation action plan, our commitment to inclusive language in worship, the Campus Ministry (LuMin) Covenant, and much more. As Bethel moves into its future, which will also be shaped by changes coming soon in the missional structure of the ELCA, Pastor Bill will not only reflect on the formative events of the past 30+ years but also on emerging insights about what it means to be a Lutheran presence today for the healing of the world.

WEDNESDAY May 26, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

“What Is Coming Now That Pastor Bill Is Retiring?”

The Bethel Congregational Council

The retirement of Pastor Bill and Valerie is a joyous occasion, and we have all been very fortunate to be members of Bethel while they have been here.  At the same time the retirement does leave a number of questions about the future of Bethel.  In this last Forum of the academic year, the Council will provide an overview of some of the things that are already going on to plan for our future.  Pastor Yancey is aware of this process and has participated with—and encouraged—the Council as we have engaged with the ELCA and the Central States Synod to understand what lies ahead. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion.

To help the Council prepare for your questions, you can submit questions (with or without your name) until 24 hours before the meeting here:  https://forms.gle/HWoScikn4mfqk2b3A

During Lent, Adult Forum is on hiatus, as we gather for Vesper services. Adult Forum will reconvene after Easter.

The Adult Forum will be delivered via a Zoom Meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting will be shared via a Bethel Connection email. If you are not receiving the Bethel Connection emails, please contact the church office office @ bethelstl.org to be added to the email list.

WEDNESDAY February 3, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

“Mea Culpa: We Have Failed at Nurturing Character and Why It Matters”

Dr. Marvin W. Berkowitz is McDonnell Professor of Character Education, and Co-Director of the Center for Character and Citizenship, at UMSL.He directs the Leadership Academy in Character Education. His latest book is PRIMED for Character Education: Six Design Principles for School Improvement (for release this April)

 

As we look at the grand enterprise of supporting the progressive development of democracies around the world and the grander enterprise of Tikkun Olam (healing the world), it is clear that the last half century of diverse efforts to nurture the flourishing of human goodness has not succeeded as well as we would want.  However, if we look over longer periods of time (centuries, millennia), then we see clear human moral “evolution.”  Why are we now stumbling, why does it matter, and what can we do about it?  That will be the focus of this interactive session.

WEDNESDAY, February 10, 2021, 7:00 -8:00 pm

“The ELCA Extravaganza 21 & Bethel’s Mission”

Deb Grupe, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at Bethel; and Sherman Lee, longtime youth leader and advocate at Bethel and currently Chair of the Communications Team at Bethel

Deb, Sherman, and other Bethel participants will share the highlights of “Extravaganza 21,” the outstanding Child/Youth/Family Ministry national conference just completed virtually on February 4- 6, 2021. Sixteen Bethel members have already signed up to participate via Zoom.  More Bethel folks are also welcome to attend. Check out the website, www.ext21.org, for a look at what’s planned, including workshop details and schedule. You’ll see that not all of the workshops and speakers speak only to those who are in professional ministry.  You may attend as many or as few sessions as you like. Let Deb Grupe know if you are interested but not yet signed up, and she can register you for the virtual conference.

The Adult Forum will be delivered via a Zoom Meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting will be shared via a Bethel Connection email. If you are not receiving the Bethel Connection emails, please contact the church office office @ bethelstl.org to be added to the email list.

WEDNESDAY January 13, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00pm

“New Adventure: Service Learning Camps”

Deb Grupe, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at Bethel 

 

Bethel is stepping into a new adventure with Service Learning Camps in 2021. We’d really like to see households attend together, as well as individuals or couples. You may have heard a little bit about this at our congregational meeting or at our 5^th Sunday of Service. We will discuss the current status of this opportunity for members and friends of all ages. We are planning for late summer 2021, but will–of course!–remain flexible.

WEDNESDAY, Wednesday 20, 2021, 7:00 -8:00 pm

“What Can We Learn from Other Religions?”

Dr. David Oughton, President of the Board of Interfaith Partnership, Professor at St. Louis University, and Founder of St. Louis’ Dialogue Group of the World’s Religions and Philosophies

Looking beyond the traditional observance of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan. 18-25), Dr. Oughton will speak about possibilities for, and obstacles to, Christian unity and about interfaith dialogue and cooperation on the local level (Interfaith Partnership and Compassionate St. Louis) and on the global level (Parliaments of the World’s Religions and Compassionate Cities Initiative). 

WEDNESDAY, January 27, 2021, 7:00 -8:00 pm

“Women, Gender, & Feminine Images of Jesus”

Dr. Mary Streufert, Director for Justice for Women, ELCA (May 2006 to present)

As we celebrate Reconciling in Christ Sunday on January 31 and the almost 30 years of Bethel’s participation in the RIC movement, we have a great opportunity to expand our understanding of some of the implications of sexual orientation and gender identity.  Dr. Mary Streufert will lead us in a session that will touch on women, gender, feminine images of Jesus, and more.

The Adult Forum will be delivered via a Zoom Meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting will be shared via a Bethel Connection email. If you are not receiving the Bethel Connection emails, please contact the church office office @ bethelstl.org to be added to the email list.

WEDNESDAY November 4, 2020, 7:00 – 8:00pm

“Election Perspectives – Conversations on the Day After”

Open Forum Discussion guided by the Adult Education Team

 

If preliminary forecasts and analyses are correct, on the day after the Election when we convene our regular Zoom Adult Forum, final results on national, state, and local elections will probably not yet be available.  Yet it is very important for Bethel members and friends to have the opportunity to listen and to talk with one another about where we find ourselves after a number of highly stressful political campaigns, especially the contentious campaigning for the office of President of the United States.  The electoral process has also been complicated by COVID-19, racial injustice, voting suppression, and more.  We will reflect together on the successes, challenges, and failures of an unexpectedly fragile election process.   Where are we as a nation and as a community of faith?  What do we as *Church* have to contribute to what lies ahead?  How are we to be faithful to the Way of Jesus as we move forward?  All are welcome to listen in or to join the conversation. 

WEDNESDAY, November 11, 2020, 7:00 -8:00 pm

“*Got Hope* Capital Campaign Update”

Steve Poplawski, Campaign Chair

The update will cover (1) a “Thank You!” describing the Phase 1 contributions that have enabled acquisition of technology for our hybrid in-person online worship service launch; (2) ideas from summer conversations about what could be included in the campaign to prepare for discussion at voters meeting about what should be included in the campaign; and (3) how Bethel’s current finances and current events inform the timing and size of the campaign.  If you want to share ideas or schedule a conversation regarding these topics separate from the Forum, please email Steve at sjp7219gmail.com 

WEDNESDAY, November 18, 2020, 7:00 -8:00 pm

“We Are Church, We Are Called: 50 — 40 — 10″

Pr. Kendra Nolde, Director for Evangelical Mission for the the Central States Synod and recently retired Pastor of Gethsemane, St. Louis

In this forum, Pastor Kendra Nolde will introduce us to the history of women’s ordination in the ELCA, talk about the mission of the church being enhanced by women’s ordination and women bishops, share information and stories from other ELCA Women related efforts (Thursdays in Black, International Women’s Leadership Fund, and more).  In 2020, the ELCA is celebrating 50-40-10 Anniversaries:  the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Women; the 40th Anniversary of the first ordained African-American Woman; and the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the roster to persons in same-sex relationships.

The Adult Forum will be delivered via a Zoom Meeting on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. Information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting will be shared via a Bethel Connection email. If you are not receiving the Bethel Connection emails, please contact the church office office @ bethelstl.org to be added to the email list.

WEDNESDAY October 7, 2020, 7:00 – 8:00pm

“Holy Fire”: Documentary Film about Religion & Politics

Sam Roth, MA

Film Synopsis:

George Scott, a military veteran and Lutheran pastor in rural central Pennsylvania, takes a leave of absence from his church to run a competitive race for U.S. Congress in 2018, energizing the Democratic base while creating an uncertain future for his congregation. From a controversial policy ad to a sudden spike in national attention, Holy Fire roots us firmly at the center of the campaign drama as the outcomes of George’s decision manifest on Election Day.

Holy Fire depicts a religious leader navigating a complex political decision while observing the effect of the decision on personal relationships. In an age of pervasive communication and political polarization, it’s easy to pass judgment, make assumptions, and assign labels when considering political options. I hope that this film encourages people to analyze the motivations, actions, and character of representatives and others in positions of authority.

Link to the documentary film:

Password: bagelstaircase2459

Sam Roth is a recent MA graduate of the Jonathan B. Murray Center for Documentary Journalism at the University of Missouri. He is a programming assistant for the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and has screened submissions for the True/False Film Fest and DOC NYC. His directorial debut, Holy Fire, premiered at the Stronger Than Fiction Festival in Columbia, MO, winning the Jury award for Best Director and the Audience Choice award. The film had its NYC premiere at the Museum of the Moving Image’s First Look Film Festival in March 2020, and will have it’s West Coast premiere at AmDocs, an Academy-Award qualifying festival, in September 2020 (if safe to do so).

WEDNESDAY, October 14, 2020, 7:00 -8:00 pm

“The Best Choice: A New Way to Evaluate Political Candidates …”

Dr. Richard Johnson, Professional Counselor and Founder of both the Spiritual Strengths Institute and Lifelong Adult Ministry. 

I decided to write another book when I realized that I needed a new way to evaluate candidates for political office. I’ve learned that focusing on the ‘issues’ the candidate supported was necessary…but not enough! A wise voter needs to dig deeper. Our elected officials are regularly called upon to address the unforeseen people, passions, principles and even pandemics that couldn’t be known before election. How well are our elected officials, all the way from the President of our fair country, to my local town dog catcher (a very important position), prepared to handle this conveyer belt of unknowns? I reasoned that I needed a broader view to properly evaluate candidates, one that could look deeper into the person of the candidate rather than simply the “canned” stump speech the candidate spread around like ice cream on a hot August afternoon. I needed to know about the character, the leadership skills, and the personality of the candidate. I also wanted a clearer insight into the candidate’s devotion to civic virtue. That’s what my new book—and presentation!—are about.

Dr. Richard Johnson, Professional Counselor and Founder of both the Spiritual Strengths Institute and Lifelong Adult Ministry.  Dr. Johnson has written over 40 books and numerous articles all focusing on God’s expansive Grace.  He is nationally recognized for his pioneering work in Healing and Medical Behavioral Sciences and has led workshops and institutes around the country.  We are thrilled to have Richard and spouse Sandra as a part of the Bethel community.

WEDNESDAY, October 21, 2020, 7:00 -8:00 pm

“Shared Conversation About Our Current Forum Issues and More”

Open Forum Discussion Guided by Adult Education Team

The first five presentations of our Fall Zoom Adult Forum Series have addressed major timely crisis-related issues that have generated great interest and challenged us to think more broadly about unrecognized grief, fear that can give way to hope, multiple effects on our church community, political implications of being faithful, how to evaluate political candidates, and other issues that have emerged during our discussions.  As we continue to be impacted by these issues and more, we are pausing this week to reflect together on the implications of what we have been discussing.

WEDNESDAY, October 28, 2020, 7:00 -8:00 pm

“Navigating the Waters & Guiding Bethel”

The Rev. Dr. William L. Yancey, Bethel Pastor

Earlier this Fall we spoke of the dramatic changes in church structure and membership, already at work in our institutions, but accelerated by the pandemic.  We might also ask how changes in our theological understanding will determine and shape the nature and community of the church.  Can we move away from the language and theology of fear which inhibits relationship with Christ?  Can we experience the Christ as one sent to give life, not to die?  Can we expand our trinitarian understanding to become more deeply related to creation, more committed to following the non-violent Christ, more open to the “other” that religious boundaries no longer divide us.  These questions and the answers to them have inspired my teaching, preaching, and leadership for 30 years, and, I think, give some view to the future.

The Adult Forum will be delivered via a Zoom Meeting. Information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting will be shared via a Bethel Connection email. If you are not receiving the Bethel Connection emails, please contact the church office office @ bethelstl.org to be added to the email list, or you can contact the Virtual Usher 30 minutes before the program begins to receive the information by emailing support @ bethelstl.org

WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2020, 7:00-8:00pm

“BIG Learnings: Children, Youth, & Family Extravaganza 2020”    

Deb Grupe, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at Bethel; and Sherman Lee, longtime youth leader and advocate at Bethel and currently Chair of the Communications Team at Bethel

Deb and Sherman will share important learnings for Bethel from presentations, workshops, and informal networking at the ELCA Children, Youth and Family Ministry Conference – Extravaganza 2020 – that happened January 31 to February 3, 2020 in Anaheim, California.  Right after the Extravaganza ended,  Deb told Sherman: “the Extravaganza was one of those experiences where one feels they are trying to take a drink from a fire hydrant/fire hose…at this point, I’m still waiting for someone to shut it off so I can enjoy the drink of water and figure out what’s in it!”  The Extravaganza is the annual gathering of children, youth, and family ministry leaders from across the ELCA and is a place for inspiring speakers, special worship, learning from colleagues, sharing insights, and being stretched in new understandings and growth to be strengthened for ministry back home.

WEDNESDAY May 13, 2020, 7:00 – 8:00pm

“Anxiety in the Age of Pandemics: Hope and Help to Relieve Anxiety and Flourish in Uncertain Times”    

Facilitator: Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg

Even those of us who normally keep anxiety well in control are finding it challenging to do so in this time of pandemic and uncertainty.  We miss our normal outlets for work and social life, or may be stressed by working from home with children to manage.  We may fear for our health or that of our loved ones.  We may have lost loved ones recently and are separated from the friends and family we depend on for emotional support. Join us to discuss ways to reduce the emotional burden of anxiety and perhaps even flourish in this difficult time. Dr. Wehrenberg will offer her ideas and also take your questions during this session.

Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety. She is an international speaker and author of 8 books on anxiety and depression.  Margaret is a friend of Bethel and has presented at our Adult Forums in the past.