ADULT EDUCATION AT BETHEL
Adult education at Bethel features a one-hour Adult Forum, a welcoming, inclusive gathering of people who want to learn about and discuss a wide range of topics. Among our interests are Christian life and faith, including personal life and faith journeys and spiritual growth; contemporary social and ethical issues; Christian history and tradition; understanding the Bible; and non-Christian religions. Session leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and include members of Bethel and visiting scholars and experts. Those attending and leading the Adult Forum at Bethel engage with one another through open, respectful, questioning conversation.
The Bethel community has a commitment to excellence in Christian education. Over the years, the Adult Forum has also provided the venue for examining our congregational worship life, critiquing and supporting many of Bethel’s areas of mission—care for creation, non-violence, and inter-faith dialogue—and for growing together in spirit, community, and faith.
Adult Forum takes place in the Fellowship Hall on most Sunday mornings: 8:30 a.m. coffee and pastries, the presentation begins at 8:45 a.m.
Refreshments beginning at 8:30 am in the Fellowship Hall with the presentation beginning at 8:45 am.
March 9—A Personal Perspective on Growing Up Native in a non-Native World
Speaker: Galen Gritts, registered member of the Cherokee Nation
Missouri, like other states in the center of the U.S., has no extant tribes; therefore, both the history of Native Americans and the experiences of contemporary peoples is far removed from people’s consciousness. Galen Gritts, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation, grew up in St. Louis, and in this forum will share startling facts and little known stories, as well as his own perspective on growing up Native in a non-Native world. A major theme in this session will be how Native people today steward the land in gratitude to the Creator.
March 16—What does this mean to ME?
Speaker: Martin Miller, Bethel member
Martin Miller will lead us through a discussion of the sacraments. We’ll look briefly at how and why Christians found different meanings for the Sacraments over the centuries and consider what meanings we can find in the Sacraments and can share with each other and with our children today.
March 23—The Value of Greenery
Speaker: Peg Wehrenberg
These days when we talk about being “green,” we are usually talking about ways to keep our environment healthy. But the value of green is potent for our inner environment as well. Studies from Neurobiology, Social Science, and Immunology support what we innately know: Time spent in nature is good for us. In this session, Peg Wehrenberg will review the ways exposure to green(ery) can positively influence mood, mental health, and immune responses. We will consider a concept called “Forest Bathing,” a practice supported by scientific and spiritual leaders around the world. This session will enable you to identify the many ways you can increase the value of green in your own life in small, achievable increments.
March 30—Why is it so HOT in here?
Speaker: The Rev. David Whetter, Bishop’s Associate for the Central States Synod
Rev. Dave Whetter will lead a forum on how we can regain the practice of healthy and holy conversations about those issues that we ought to be talking about. What are those issues you ask, well, bring them with you and let’s talk.
Reverend Whetter was ordained in 2007 and served as Associate Pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Overland Park, Kansas (2007-2009) and as Pastor at Salem Church in Lenexa, Kansas (2009-2019). Prior to being ordained, he spent 20 years in a business career. In his role on synod staff, he has primary responsibilities for Mobility (congregations in rostered leader transitions), Candidacy, First Call Theological Education, and Leadership Development. He is passionate about raising up leaders, both lay and rostered, for the future of the church.
