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.