8:30 am, Refreshments, Fellowship Hall
8:45 am, Presentation, Fellowship Hall
February 9
“Relevance of Ancient Creeds & Councils for Today”
The Rev. Dr. Adam Ployd, Assistant Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves. Dr. Ployd approaches the study of history not simply as facts about the past, but as a resource for our current and future ministries and as a way to broaden our theological imaginations.
Dr. Ployd will lead us in exploring why the Creeds were written, the role played by Church Councils in crafting them, how they shaped/misshaped subsequent theology, and in what way do they continue to be valid for the faithful in our day. The ELCA is a “creedal church” subscribing to the “Three Ecumenical Creeds”: Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian. For many ELCA Lutherans, such adherence is not without at least some discomfort.
February 16
“The Intersection of Race and Gender through the Lens of the 15th and 19th Amendments”
Tullia B. Hamilton, Nonprofit Consultant, Bethel Member
The theme for this year’s Black History observances is Voting Rights. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. It also marks the 150th anniversary of the passage of the 15th Amendment which gave Black men the right to vote. This session will examine how “the vote” created divergence between these two movements that had been historically linked. Turning to the present, the session will look at whether that divergence still exists and whether it matters.
February 23
“Grace, Faith and Your Personality: Part 2”
Dr. Richard Johnson, Counseling Psychologist 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.
Building on his well-received presentation of December 8, 2019, Dr. Johnson will continue to address our personality that is constantly at work, how God’s grace and our personal faith formation continue to intersect with our personality, and the Spiritual Strengths Profile that many took that day. You need not have attended the first presentation to benefit from this one!