Previous Adult Forum Topics

Adult Forum – May 2025

Sunday, May 4, 2025: Mission Conversation
“How might Bethel fulfill its Mission?”

Pastor Scott will help us to consider how we would like to tell the story of Jesus, care for others, gather to worship, and encounter others; what we value about our current practices and hope to continue; and what new opportunities we might explore.

Sunday, May 11 “Re-Imaging Our Language of God“

Speaker: David Light Shields, Bethel Member

The Bible is brimming with largely untapped metaphors for God. Similarly, the world surrounds us with lively options for new language to refer to and contemplate the divine.  In this interactive forum, we will explore stories behind the “God language” we use in both our private lives and shared Sunday liturgies. And we will reflect on options for new metaphors that might help us experience God in fresh, exciting, and challenging ways.

Sunday, May 18 “New Mission Statement and Values”

It’s time: Bethel will be voting on a new mission statement and a list of values that express our identity and shape our mission. Last time the congregation voted on a mission statement was ten years ago. A committee from the Council has used the self-study Bethel completed in 2022 to create a list of congregational values and suggestions for mission statements. Jennifer Williamson and members of the church council will lead this opportunity for discussion and feedback.

Sunday, May 25 “Budget Preview for 2025-2026”

Interested in reviewing the Bethel budget prior to the Congregational Meeting on June 8th?  Join Treasurer Tim Gutknecht and others from the Congregation Council to preview the proposed budget and have an opportunity to hear a bit about the financial status of Bethel.  

Adult Forum – April 2025

Sunday, April 6 “Imagine How the Holy Spirit Might Work Among Us”

In last month’s mission conversation, we discussed what the Holy Spirit does with the church in Acts: telling the story of Jesus; caring for people in need; gathering to break bread, pray, and discern; and encountering “outsiders.” On April 6, we’ll imagine how the Holy Spirit might do those things among us.

Sunday, April 13 “What Does Bethel’s Property and Maintenance Board Do?”

Speaker: Nathan Schroeder, Chair of Bethel’s Property and Maintenance Board

Continuing our discussion of the work of the Bethel Boards, Nathan Schroeder joins us to talk about Property and Maintenance. You might be surprised by the range of tasks that the Property and Maintenance Board completes in a year and the skills needed to complete those tasks. Perhaps, you’ll find a monthly or annual task that you might want to help complete!

Sunday, April 27 “Goals and Objectives of Bethel’s “Got Hope” Campaign”

Speaker: John Holahan, Chair of the Bethel Foundation

We began the month by asking how the Holy Spirit might work through us to tell the story of Jesus; care for people in need; gather to break bread, pray, and discern; and encounter “outsiders.” As we end the month, we move to a discussion of the financial resources needed to enable those activities and to maintain our historic building. John Holahan, Chair of the Bethel Foundation, will discuss the goals and objectives of Bethel’s fundraising campaign, “Got Hope.”

Adult Forum – March 2025

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

Adult Forum – February 2025

February 9, 2025 “Biblical Foundation(s) for an Alternative to Christian Nationalism“

Speaker: Clint McCann, Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Seminary

Given the prominence of Christian Nationalism in the USA these days, and the visibility of public figures pushing its agenda, it seems appropriate to consider an alternative. This session will explore the biblical foundation(s) for an alternative to Christian Nationalism.
Discussion begins promptly at 8:45 am but coffee, tea, and pastries will be available by 8:30 am. 

February 16, 2025 “On Immigration”

Speaker: Clint McCann, Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Seminary

The Bible has a good bit to say about a category of people variously known (depending on the translation one is using) as “strangers,” “aliens;” “sojourners,” or “immigrants.” Given the current attention to immigrants and immigration, this session will address the topic of immigration.
Discussion begins promptly at 8:45 am but coffee, tea, and pastries will be available by 8:30 am

February 23, 2025 “Origins of American Slavery”

Speaker: Tullia Hamilton, Bethel member

Join Bethel member Tullia Hamilton as she discusses the origins and evolution of American slavery. This discussion may challenge some of the “facts” about slavery that you learned in your high school history class.

Tullia Hamilton earned a Ph.D. from Emory University in American Studies in 1978. She taught Women’s History and African American History at the Ohio State University. Since leaving academia, she has worked in philanthropy and management in the nonprofit sector.

We will gather at 8:30 am for refreshments. The forum will begin at 8:45 am.

Adult Forum – December 2024

December 8 “Faith Journey Series: KJ Monahan”

Speaker: KJ Monahan

The discussion of individual Faith Journeys allows us to explore the varied paths that bring people to the Lutheran Church and, more specifically, to Bethel. This month, KJ Monahan will describe their journey from a Catholic childhood to become an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church. Discussion begins promptly at 8:45 am but coffee, tea, and pastries will be available by 8:30 am. 

December 15 “Telling the Christmas Story”

Speakers: Allen Mueller, David Light Shields, Pastor Scott Benolkin, and Gail Heyne Hafer

Do the Gospels all tell the same story of the Nativity? How do the various Gospel stories fulfill prophecies of the Old Testament? Join us as we retell the nativity story. Allen Mueller, David Light Shields, Pastor Scott Benolkin, and Gail Heyne Hafer will lead this session. Discussion begins promptly at 8:45 am but coffee, tea, and pastries will be available by 8:30 am

Adult Forum – November 2024

November 3 “Imagining Bethel’s Ministry of Faith Formation”

Speaker: Pastor Scott Benolkin

Listen! God is calling! Join Pastor Scott as we reflect on God’s word and dream together about Bethel’s ministry of Faith Formation. We’ll use the Bible to support this discussion. If you prefer, bring your own. Discussion begins promptly at 8:45 am but coffee, tea, and pastries will be available by 8:30 am. 

Note that this is an addition to the standard monthly Adult Forum schedule to give Sunday’s Cool adults and older teens a chance to join the discussion.

November 10 “Exploring the Meaning of Atonement, Part 1”

Speaker: Pastor Scott Benolkin

How would you define atonement? Join Pastor Scott as we explore the meaning and message of atonement. We’ll use the Bible to support this discussion. If you prefer, bring your own. Discussion begins promptly at 8:45 am but coffee, tea, and pastries will be available by 8:30 am.  We plan to record this session.

November 17 “Exploring the Meaning of Atonement, Part 2”

Speaker: Pastor Scott Benolkin

This week continues our exploration of the concept and meaning of atonement. Join Pastor Scott as we explore the message of atonement. We’ll use the Bible to support this discussion. If you prefer, bring your own. Discussion begins promptly at 8:45 am but coffee, tea, and pastries will be available by 8:30 am.  If you missed the first session, we have a recording. We also plan to record this session.

November 24 “The Messages and Meaning of Christian Nationalism”

Christian Nationalism is a cultural framework that advocates fusion of certain Christian views with American civic life. This nationalistic ideology argues that the U.S. Constitution was divinely inspired, that Christianity should be a privileged religion in the United States, and that this nation holds a uniquely privileged status in God’s eyes. The ELCA’s understanding of civic life and faith is at odds with this philosophy. Using a variety of resources provided by the ELCA, Breaking Point, Sojourner, and others, we will learn more about the origins and risks of this movement. Discussion begins promptly at 8:45 am but coffee, tea, and pastries will be available by 8:30 am. 

Adult Forum – October 2024

October 13 “Grace and Peace Winter Women’s Shelter”

Speaker: Melody Perkins, Shelter Ministry Team Leader and Ministry Facilitator, Grace & Peace Fellowship

Melody Perkins, Leader of Grace and Peace Fellowship’s Shelter Ministry Team, will discuss the resources provided to women through their shelter. While Bethel has assisted by providing monthly meals, the services provided and the volunteer opportunities extend beyond cooking.

October 20 “Land Acknowledgment: How do we move from words to actions?”

Speaker: Deborah Bohlmann, Chair of the Bethel Mission Board

As Bethel prepares to adopt a Land and Peoples Acknowledgment statement at the Congregational meeting on November 10, how do we move beyond a statement to actions as individuals and a community. This Forum provides an opportunity to discuss how Bethel can learn more about the history of the Indigenous Peoples who lived on and cared for the land as well as ways to support these communities today.
Social time at 8:30 am with program at 8:45 am.

October 27 “Our Kairos Moment”

Speaker: Cindy Gross, Chair of the Green Team

Bethel members met on Saturdays to work through the ELCA’s social message “Earth’s Climate Crisis.” During their sessions, they used learning activities, Bible study, prayer and lessons drawn from passages of the social message to further explore climate issues. The end of each session features “Make One Change,” an activity that encourages and equips participants to do one thing on their own to learn more about what we can do as people of faith to care for God’s world.
Please join Cindy Gross for a review of the experience and thoughts about how we can move forward as individuals and a community of faith. You can read more about the study guide by clicking the link or visiting the ELCA website and searching for “Earth’s Climate Crisis.”

Social time at 8:30 am with program at 8:45 am.

Adult Forum – September 2024

September 8 “Sunday Worship: It Takes a Village”

Speaker: Matt Bear, Chair of the Worship Board & Members of the Worship Board

Have you ever wondered how many people it takes to organize Sunday worship? Meet the committees who work behind the scenes as part of the Worship Board to make worship happen each week. You’ll hear about planning music, baking bread, setting the altar and prepping the linens, ushers, greeters, readers, assisting ministers, fellowship hosts, and technology partners. Perhaps, you’ll find a place where you’d like to become more active!

September 15 “Reviewing the ELCA’s Draft Statement on Civic Life and Faith, Part I”

Part II is scheduled for September 29, see below.

Bethel members have the opportunity to offer comments throughout September on the ELCA’s draft Statement on Civic Life and Faith. Adult Forum members will guide a discussion of the statement on two Sundays in September and describe the comment process. You can read and download the draft statement by clicking on the hyperlink.

September 22 “News from the 2024 Youth Gathering”

Speaker: Participants in the Youth Gathering

This summer Bethel sent five people to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. They will share what they experienced that week and what they learned about God, themselves, and the church.

September 29 “Reviewing the ELCA’s Draft Statement on Civic Life and Faith, Part II”

Bethel members have the opportunity to offer comments throughout September on the ELCA’s draft Statement on Civic Life and Faith. Adult Forum members will guide a discussion of the statement on two Sundays in September and describe the comment process. You can read and download the draft statement by clicking on the hyperlink.

Even if you missed the first week, please join us as we continue our discussion of this document.

Adult Forum, April 2024

April 14 “Why We Do What We Do in Worship”

Speaker: Pastor Scott

This session will focus on elements and practices of our Sunday morning liturgy. We will discuss some of the history, tradition, purpose and meaning of different liturgical elements. Come with your questions!

April 21: “Rethinking the Language of Faith and Worship”

Speaker: David Light Shields

We use words in our faith journeys and in our corporate worship. In this forum, we will explore how we can better use language to express the mystery, love, and justice of God and diminish the ways our faith traditions have marginalized members of the human family. We will explore inclusive and expansive “God language,” as well as other element of language in our liturgies, hymns, prayers, and educational materials that some experience as problematic.

April 28 “Bethel’s Board of Worship”

Speaker: Matt Bear

This session is part of a series that looks at the scope and purpose of Bethel’s Boards (committees). Matt Bear, chair of the Board of Worship, will discuss the purpose and function of the Worship Board, jobs that members of the worship committee do (want to volunteer?), how (and by whom) decisions related to worship are made, and what issues are currently under discussion.

Adult Forum, March 2024 – Our Indigenous Ancestors and Neighbors

March 10 “What might Bethel’s land acknowledgement look like?”

Speakers: Gail Heyne Hafer and Brenda Light Bredemeier, Bethel Members

We will draw from ELCA resources and other organizations to discuss what we would like to see in a land acknowledgement for Bethel.  Who should be acknowledged?  What would be important components?  How might our land acknowledgement serve as a call to action?

March 17: “A People’s History of the Land Where Bethel Lives”

Speaker: Angela Cooper

Angela Cooper, a Native speaker from Cahokia Mounds, will describe the socio-cultural history of the St. Louis area from the time the earliest humans resided here through the time of the modern Nations from whom European-Americans took the land. She will tailor her presentation to our process of developing Bethel’s land acknowledgement.

Adult Forum February 2024

February 11:  “Meet the Finance Board”

Speaker: Kristina Stierholz, Bethel Member:

What does the Finance Board oversee? How do their activities affect the day-to-day operation of Bethel? How does the Board’s work interface with congregational members? How can you participate?

February 25: “Environmental Justice”

Speaker:  Beth Gutzler, Metropolitan Congregations United

Congregations United for over three years, and a community organizer with the S.A.V.E. Foundation before 2020. I combine my undergraduate degree in psychology with my master’s in business administration in my position as Lead Environmental Justice organizer. I have put my faith into action throughout my adult life in a variety of ways from EJ policy change and advocating for the use of restorative practices to running great restaurants while I was raising my five children. As a trainer, leadership development is the key to building great congregations and communities. 

Adult Forum January 2024

January 14:  “Medical and ethical fact-checking of gender therapies”

Kevin Powell MD PhD is a retired pediatrician and clinical ethics consultant. He worked as both an office pediatrician and as a hospitalist, most recently at Cardinal Glennon. He has chaired ethics committees and served as a clinical ethics consultant for over 15 years. He continues to write about medical professionalism, ethics, and law.

The medical associations and governments of many other liberal democracies have walked back the trend in treating gender dysphoria that US clinics have continued to promoted since 2012. The current science and ethics are imperfect but informative for understanding the conflict in Jefferson City and other state legislatures.

January 21 & 28: “Prophets, Saints, and Martyrs: Latin American Liberation Theology”

Speaker: Dr. Clint McCann Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation, Eden Seminary

Dr. McCann’s primary interest is the complementary nature of faith and reason (a.k.a. science and religion) in the pursuit of truth. He values freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and the “simul justus et peccator” tradition of Lutheranism that eschews liberation theology. The sessions on January 21st and 28th  will consider the emergence of Latin American theology, with a focus on martyrs and leaders of the church of El Salvador.   

Adult Forum December 2023

December 10:  “Responding to LGBTQIA+ Issues in Missouri”

Pastor Tina Reyes joins Adult Forum to discuss the work of Reconciling Works and the Clergy Coalition to address the challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Missouri.

December 17: “Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Names and Pronouns”

Community Advocate, Leigh Braxton, will present on Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Names and Pronouns. You are invited to attend and learn more about these topics from a subject matter expert.

Adult Forum November 2023

November 12:  “American Policy: Indian Pain”

Vance Blackfox, ELCA Director of Indigenous Ministries & Tribal Relations will discuss the creation of the Doctrine of Discovery, which provided religious justification for colonialism, as well as subsequent laws and policies that led to the current state of Native affairs in the U.S. — and how Native people have both suffered and resisted for over 500 years.

November 19: “Land Acknowledgements – What are they? What would a Bethel land acknowledgement look like?”

Matt Bear will lead a discussion about land acknowledgements, the significance of acknowledging and offering gratitude for the Indigenous people who lived on and cared for the land, and what a Bethel land acknowledgement might look like.

Adult Forum October 2023

October 8:  “Flora and Fauna: Creating a National Park in your Back Yard”

Jean Ponzi, Green Resources Manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center, will talk about ways to make yards environmentally friendly and a welcoming place for pollinators.  Presented in conjunction with Bethel’s Green Team.

October 15: “Reconciling in Christ Congregation: Bethel’s History and Future”

A panel of Bethel members will discuss Bethel’s decision to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation, a welcoming ministry to persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We will discuss the congregation’s activities, the current RIC statement, and what it means to the congregation’s members.

October 22: “Grace and Gratitude: The Convergence of Native American Spirituality and the Protestant Doctrine of Justification“

Dr. Clint McCann, Evangelical Professor of Biblical Interpretation, Eden Seminary, will draw on an essay by Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass, and from biblical texts.

October 29: “Exploring Culture – The Day of the Dead/Día de los Muertos”

Bethel member Christina Rios will lead us through a brief history and understanding of Día de los Muertos and share ways in which we might adopt some of the traditions of this time of remembrance.

Adult Forum September 2023

The theme for September is “Care of God’s Creation” and will include the following sessions:

September 10:  “Flora and Fauna: Creating a National Park in your Back Yard”

Jean Ponzi, Green Resources Manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center, will talk about ways to make yards environmentally friendly and a welcoming place for pollinators.  Presented in conjunction with Bethel’s Green Team.

September 17: “Caring for Ourselves”

Dr. Sophia Pierroutsakos, Professor of Psychology, St. Louis Community College, will discuss with us the effects of stress on the body and will offer strategies for dealing with worry and anxiety in our lives.

September 24: “Care of Community”

Madeline Franklin, JD, is Founder and Executive Director of STL Village, a community network located at Second Presbyterian Church.  She will talk about the ways in which STL Village assists people age 50+ with 24/7 access to a full range of activities and support services for safe and socially-connected living while “aging in place.”  A time for participant Q & A and discussion on the presentation will be included.

Adult Forum May 2023

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 April 2023

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.”

Adult Forum – February & March 2023

March 12 & 19 – Dr. David Light Shields, M. Div. Ph.D., Bethel member

Belief and Doubt

In this two-session series on “doubt,” we will discuss specific forms of doubt, why so many people experience religious doubts these days, the ways doubt can both threaten faith and also renew it, strategies for rethinking faith in light of doubts, and what doubt means for our community of faith here at Bethel.  Reminder:  The first session (March 12) is on the first day of Daylight Savings Time! 

March 26 – Clint McCann, D.Min., Th.M., Ph.D. Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis

What God Wants More Than Anything Else:  Feed the Hungry

Bethel has a long history of feeding the hungry via organizations like Lutheran World Relief, CROP/Church World Service, Bread for the World, Good Ground Pantry and more.  In this session we’ll remind ourselves of the biblical basis for this ministry.

Adult Forum January 2023

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

Adult Forum January & February 2022

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

Adult Forum November 2021

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?

Adult Forum October 2021

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

Adult Forum March 2020

March 8, 2020

“A Closer Look at J.S. Bach’s  St. John Passion”

Dr. A. Dennis Sparger, who is celebrating his 34th year as Music Director and Conductor of the Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra, also founded and was conductor of the Masterworks Chorale in Belleville, Illinois, 1974-2007, and the Masterworks Children’s Chorus, 1985-1990.  Among his many other accomplishments, from 1999 to 2010 Dr. Sparger was associate producer and writer of JOY!, a weekly program of sacred choral music heard on CLASSIC 99.

Dr. Sparger will lead us in an overview of J.S. Bach’s masterful work of the St. John Passion, a dynamic telling of Christ’s journey to the cross that reaches into the soul and is sure to evoke a deep sense of spirituality.  This work will be performed by the Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 3:00 pm at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church.  Additional participants in the performance of the St. John Passion will include six Baroque soloists drawn from across the country.  Linda Lee has more information about this wonderful concert opportunity.

March 15, 2020

“Business Ethics in a Time of Political Turmoil”

Timothy Schoenecker, Dean of the SIUE School of Business and member of Our Lord’s Lutheran Church, Maryville; and Keith Womer, retired Dean of the UMSL College of Business Administration and member of Bethel.

Historically and also in our day, “business ethics” sometimes seems like an oxymoron.  From the Robber Barons and the Captains of Industry at the end of the 19th century who were challenged by Theodore Roosevelt to the multi-national corporations in our day who monopolize some of our industries and dominate business practice, often fuzzing the distinction between what is legal and what is ethical and all-too-often pay little or no taxes, we are seeing that this ethical disengagement of the business realm has a parallel set of ethical and legal concerns in today’s political realm.  What are “business ethics” and “political ethics” at their best?  How can the message of Jesus and our Christian faith inform our purchasing habits as well as our political decisions and advocacy?

March 22, 2020

“Fiftieth Anniversary of Ordaining Women in American Lutheranism”

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

In the middle of Women’s History Month, Pastor Kendra will introduce us to the 50th Anniversary Year of Women’s Ordination in the ELCA’s predecessor bodies, 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), as well as look ahead to possible 50th Anniversary celebrations that may be in the works close to the November 22, 2020 official celebration.  In 2020 also, 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.

March 29, 2020

“Fifth Sunday of Service”

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

At our next Service Sunday event on March 29, Deb Grupe will lead some exercises and conversation, and we will work together to assemble 100 care kits for God’s Helping Hand, a ministry coordinated by Janis Hutchinson and supported by several ELCA churches for the North St. Louis City. Come serve and learn with friends of many ages (and pick up a Thrivent t-shirt)! Deb will also give us a preview of our all-ages VBS for 2020: “Who Is My Neighbor?”  ALL ages are welcome!

Adult Forum February 2020

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!

Adult Forum January 2020

8:30 am, Refreshments, Fellowship Hall
8:45 am, Presentation, Fellowship Hall

January 12

“Challenges Facing Congregations Today” 

The Rev. Dale Kuhn, MA, Mdiv, STM, LCSW, AAPC Diplomat, Clergy & Congregational Care Program Coordinator at Care & Counseling

Congregations in the ELCA and every other US denomination face common challenges that include declining worship attendance; aging buildings; theological concerns; competition with school, sports, recreational, travel, and social schedules; and much more.  Dale brings decades of expertise and experience in consulting with congregations of many church bodies and offers insights from a variety of counseling approaches.  Dale also shares Bethel’s heritage with Christ Seminary—Seminex that included facilitating Field Education for seminarians.

January 19

“The ELCA and Ecumenism as a Founding Principle” 

The Rev. Karen Scherer, retired ELCA Pastor, frequent planner and participant in ecumenical programs in the St. Louis Area

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, every January 18-25, is a decades-old celebration of what Christians share in common.  The observance is also an invitation to continuing conversation toward better understanding about where we agree or differ in our theology and practice as well as how Christians across denominations can participate in Christ-like works of mercy together.  Pastor Karen will lead us in reviewing the principle of ecumenism in the ELCA’s founding documents, note the 1991 “Declaration of Ecumenical Commitment” passed at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, distinguish between full-communion partners and dialogue partners, and invite participation in the local celebration of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at St. Monica Catholic Church, 12140 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur on the evening of January 26, 2020.

January 26

“Bethel’s Mission as the Foundation for the 2020 Capital Campaign”

Steve Poplawski, Bethel member and congregational leader for fifteen years  and, current Chair of Bethel’s Board of Stewardship.

Bethel is a vibrant congregation with a rich heritage, conscientious members, and a dedicated Pastor.  At the dawn of this new decade, it is a propitious time to affirm together what it will take to achieve our mission as God’s people in our unique setting.  As we seek to be faithful stewards of that mission we share together, it is helpful to begin with a shared understanding of Bethel’s strengths and opportunities as well as our challenges.  We have rich resources in people, facilities, location, and leadership as a foundation upon which to build.  Yet our ability to sustain and build this congregation upon that foundation is subject to ongoing challenges as we enter the third decade of the 21st century.  By together making an honest yet hopeful assessment of the resources we need to be even better stewards of the Good News of Jesus Christ in this place, we hope to not only strengthen our foundation but to prayerfully create a clear blue print for how we proceed as congregation to sustain who Bethel is and what we want Bethel to be.

Adult Forum November 2019

November 10, 2019 A ‘New’ New Testament Hal Taussig, Pastor, retired Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary in New York Regarding his book of the same name, “A New New Testament,” noted colleagues say: “Important both historically and theologically. Readers will not be able to see the New Testament in the same way again.” – Marcus Borg; “A New New Testament does what some of us never dreamed possible: it opens the treasure chest of early Christian writing, restoring a carefully select few of them to their rightful place in the broad conversation about who Jesus was, what he did and taught, and what all of that has to do with us now.” – Barbara Brown Taylor
	November 17, 2019 Pope Francis & the Banning of Nuclear Weapons Tobias Winright, Associate Professor of Health Care Ethics & Theological Ethics at Saint Louis University, Visiting Research Fellow (Fall 2019) at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame Pope Francis has called for nuclear disarmament and has more recently said that even the possession of nuclear weapons is immoral. Prof. Winright will tell us more about Pope Francis’ statements and will explore Christian ethical perspectives on nuclear weapons in both national and global contexts.
November 24, 2019 Addressing Local Food Scarcity through Good Ground Pantry Wayne Flesch, Bethel Coordinator for the “Good Ground” emergency food pantry at Second Presbyterian Church Bethel Mission Board Chair Wayne Flesch will lead a team of Good Ground Pantry volunteers who will tell us about their critically important ministry to help address local food scarcity.  Bethel member Carroll Dick will also share information about food pantry ministry in the St. Louis area.

Adult Forum May 2019

May 12
“Faith and Life: Personal Reflections”
Pr. Roy Ledbetter, Bethel Member

May 19
“A New Constitution for Bethel”
In preparation for a vote by the congregation on June 2, Steve Poplawski and Allen Mueller will give a background of the proposed constitution and bylaws, explain how they differ from our current documents, and answer questions.Breakfast will be provided by the Board of Adult Education at 8:30 on May 19. The presentation will be repeated on Sunday, May 26 after church.

Adult Forum April 2019

April 14 (Palm Sunday)
“Parenting for Human Goodness” – Dr. Marvin Berkowitz, UMSL, will offer a presentation that will include parenting strategies for promoting human goodness in children.

April 28 (Sunday after Easter)
“History, Scriptures, and Beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” – Mike White will discuss and answer questions about Mormon beliefs and practices.

Adult Forum in October 2018

October 7, 2018
No Adult Forum

October 14 & 21
“Perspectives on Gun Safety, Gun Violence, and Gun Legislation”

Oct. 14, Gun owners Rik Hafer & John DeLuca

Oct. 21, Gail Wechlser, Volunteer St. Louis Faith Outreach Leader for the Missouri Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

October 28 (Reformation Sunday)
“What does it mean to be evangelical?”
Bethel member Dr. Michael Hoy

Adult Forum in September 2018

September 9 “Welcome! Embodying God’s Hospitality” Pr. John Lottes Bethel member Pr. John Lottes will lead us in exploring these questions: What does it mean to be a community of faith that is welcoming, hospitable, and inviting?  How can classical biblical stories and the ministry of Jesus inform us about what we are called to do? What special–and even new–opportunities does Bethel have to be welcoming, hospitable, and inviting?
	September 16 “After My Stroke:  Faith, Hope, and Love” Guest Speaker:  John Kindschuh On September 10, 2013, John had a near-fatal cerebellar stroke at the age of 35.  He will share what he thought about in the ICU and how his stroke affected his faith and his family.  He will talk about his many hours of therapy and the extensive community support he received, all of which he considers to be part of his “miraculous” recovery.
September 23 “Bethel Youth Report on Summer Gathering in Houston” Claire Flesch and the Bethel Youth Group
	September 30 “Faith and Life: The Road Less Traveled” Jessica White

Adult Forum in May 2018

April 2018 Adult Forum

April 8 – “A Diverse (and Sometimes Fiery) Career” Bethel member Suzanne Sebert will discuss her career path that included managing social service programs in Appalachia to working overseas with international-non-profit organizations. She also served for ten years as Assistant Commissioner in the New York City Fire Department supporting the families of those who lost in the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and those who died later of related illnesses. She is co-founder and board member of the Quest Scholarship Fund in St. Louis which enables high-achieving students from low-income minority families to study abroad.

April 15, 22, and 29 Laurel Koepf Taylor, Eden Seminary “Genders in the World of the Bible”   April 15:  “Biblical Bodies: What’s a Eunuch?” Did you know that the Bible assumes more than two genders? This morning’s presentation will examine the complex ways in which the Bible categorizes bodies, what this meant in the world that produced the Bible, and how such knowledge can intersect with our own expanding understanding of gender. April 22  “Working it Out: Gendered Division of Labor” It can be easy to assume that the “traditional” gendered division of labor is universal across cultures, but the Bible presents a far more nuanced picture. From agriculture and childbirth to religious and political leadership we will explore the cultural expectations of the ancient world and the ways in which God interrupts that order within the biblical text. April 29 “Beyond Binaries: Gendering God”  When using expansive language for God, we sometimes run up against this question “But what does the Bible say?” This morning’s adult education time will go deeply into this question including the use of metaphor, the difficulty of translation, and how the complexity of gender in the Bible can inform our understanding of the divine.

Adult Forum March 2018

March 11 and 18 – “Confronting Worry, Anxiety, and Depression”

Guest speaker:  Margaret Wehrenberg, Psy.D., author and international lecturer.

 

March 11

The Purpose  of Worry (and how to manage it) – In this session we will explore worry as a response to anxiety that makes anxiety worse. We will look at several helpful ways to stop worrying and be more effective at managing anxious feelings.

 

March 18

Managing Depression: Changing Helpless and Hopeless thinking – Recognizing that “ruminative thinking” in depression centers on themes of helplessness and hopelessness, we’ll look at ways to change that thinking, stop ruminating and develop a more hopeful frame to approach life’s challenges.

 

March 25 – “Faith and Science in the Post-truth Era” 

Speaker: Bethel member Kevin Powell

 

Kevin Powell holds MD and PhD degrees and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, specializing in the care of hospitalized children. Prior to medical school he worked as a chemical engineer in industry and academia.  He has chaired hospital ethics committees, performed clinical ethics consults and was on the board of the Lutheran Alliance for Faith, Science, and Technology.  Reflecting his deep interest in promoting awareness and dialogue about the interface between science and faith, his current research is on the theory of knowledge and the limitations of Evidence Based Medicine.

Adult Forum in February 2018

Adult Forum January 2018

	January 14 – “Early Childhood Trauma” Drawing on both his training as a psychologist and his experience working in mental health centers, with prisoners, on military bases and with the Children’s Home Society in Creve Coeur, Bethel member Martin Miller will talk about the biological consequences of trauma in the development of a child’s brain and the long-term results on behavior and relationships, even as adults. He will describe principles to follow in helping these individuals and their families and will entertain questions and discussion.
January 21 – “The Nature of Evil” Bethel member Barry Hong, Professor of Psychiatry and Vice-Chairman for Clinical Affairs at Washington University School of Medicine, will facilitate a discussion about the nature of evil including views from scripture, biology, psychology and theology.  He will challenge us to think about the question of whether there are some people who are evil or whether all people are capable of great evil.
	January 28 – “Workers’ Rights” Episcopal priest Teresa Danieley, who focuses on the intersection of faith and workers’ rights, will describe the efforts of Missouri Jobs with Justice, a coalition of community, labor, student and religious groups, and individuals across the state working for economic justice in areas such as adequate wages, safe workplaces, and fair treatment of employees.

Adult Forum December 2017

Instead of a Sunday morning Adult Forum, we will gather for a light lunch after church and for a presentation by Dr. Ed Weisbart, Chair of the Missouri Chapter of Physicians for Health Care Reform.  There will also be a video about the pharmaceutical industry.

On December 17 at the regular time of 8:45am Pastor Yancey:  “The Gospel of Mark” – What is central in Mark’s message; how does this Gospel differ from the other Gospels; how does Mark’s Gospel relate to modern day life?

Adult Forum April and May 2017

April 9

Professor Ben Sanders from Eden Seminary is continuing his presentation from last October on Black Liberation Theology.

April 23, 30 & May 14

“Stories from Genesis: Children and Family Values”

Presented by Dr. Laurel Koepf Taylor (Eden Seminary)

Based on research and stories from Genesis, Dr. Laurel Koepf Taylor will lead conversations about biblical family structures, the importance of children in the world of the Bible, and biblical family values for today.

May 21

Everyone is invited to gather to review the Adult Forum sessions held this past year and to discuss ideas for next year.

Adult Forum March 2017

March 12 – “Immigrants, Eden Seminary, and the United Church of Christ”

Scott Holl, Archivist at Eden Theological Seminary, will trace Eden’s history beginning with 19^th German immigrants in Missouri whose background included a blend of both Lutheran and Reformed traditions.  The presentation will also provide an understanding of the makeup and character of the current United Church of Christ, one of the ecumenical partners of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Pr. Yancey will lead the Adult Forum sessions on March 19 and 26 on “Rethinking Doctrine:  What I Have Learned after 30 Years of Preaching.”

Adult Forum February 2017

February 12:

“The Faith of Islam”—Dr. Sabina Fatima, Southern Illinois University will address general questions about Islam, about being Muslim in our city and nation at this time, and about women in Islam.

February 19 & 26:

“Sacrifice and Atonement in the Bible and Beyond”—Dr. Clint McCann, Eden Theological Seminary

Together we will examine some of the relevant biblical and historical material related to understanding the death of Jesus and will also reflect on the possibilities of rethinking atonement in our time and place.

Adult Forum January 2017

Christianity, Spirituality, and Belief: Challenges and Responses

January 8: Listening and Responding to “The Nones,” the “Dones” and Others
Eden Seminary professor Mai-Anh Le Tran will lead a discussion on understanding and responding to a growing number of persons who are identified as the “nones” in religious polls as well as others who are called the “dones,” those who say they have multiple religious affiliations, and those who say they are “spiritual but not religious.”

January 15: Religious Identity in the “Next Christendom”
The continuously changing cultural and religious landscape of the United States is a reminder that “religion” has always been pluralistic, polarized, and racialized. In this conversation, Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran will help us discover what it means to negotiate religious identity and belonging within these winds of change and to reckon with the increasing global nature and non-Western centers of Christianity.

January 22: Contesting Religious Belief
Dr. Matt Schunke from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will lead us in addressing these questions: What does it mean to say we live in a secular age and how do we negotiate living in a time in which religious belief is contested?   How has the secular age led to movements such as the New Atheists?

January 29: Listening and Responding to the Claims of Atheists
Dr. Matt Schunke from SIUE will address more questions: What is new about the New Atheists in comparison to classical atheism? What is the value of looking at various critiques of religion? Can it help strengthen and deepen belief?

Adult Forum November & December 2016

November 13: “Open Forum” – Bethel members and guests

Here is an opportunity for informal conversation on topics of your choice when we get together at Bethel this morning. If time permits, we will also gather oral history about some of Bethel’s artwork in anticipation of a 4-week series on Christian art starting on November 20.

Art, Beauty, and Creativity in Christian Traditions
A 4-week Series

November 20: “Artwork at Bethel” – Valerie Yancey (Bethel member)

The presentation will focus on some of Bethel’s paintings, icons, sculpture, chancel items, windows, vestments, and other works of art. Learn about the artists and our history of acquisition of commissioned and gifted art pieces.  Come and enjoy learning about our treasures, ask questions, and provide any insights or history you may have about the artwork.

November 27: “Moravian Advent and Christmas Customs” – Pr. Roy Ledbetter (Bethel member)

Topics will include background on who the Moravians are; the meaning of Advent in Moravian communities; and unique Moravian Advent and Christmas customs, such as the Moravian Star, the Putz, the Illumination, and the Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candlelight Vigil.  We will also learn a simple, beloved Moravian seasonal hymn.

December 11: “A Ministry of Sacred Art” – Sr. Glynis McManamon, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, North St. Louis County

Sister Glynis is the founder of the Shepherding Images Studio & Good Shepherd Gallery in Ferguson where she is engaged in a ministry that reveals her special interest in both using and adapting the Byzantine (Eastern) style of Christian images (iconography) and in the creation of sacred art featuring women and diverse ethnic groups. She will talk about her ministry and will display examples of her work, including a piece that depicts women named in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, a fitting part of the Advent/Christmas season. Other sisters of the convent have been invited to join us this morning, too.

December 18: “Windows into Heaven” – Mark Schaefering, Saint Theodora Icons Studio of St. Louis

Mark will discuss iconography in the Orthodox (Eastern Church) tradition, including the history of icons, the theology behind the use and veneration of icons, their place in Orthodox worship, the production of icons, and contemporary interest in icons by other faiths. We will also ask him to share his knowledge of the history and style of the icon commissioned for Bethel’s 90^th anniversary and based on the story of Jacob’s dream recorded in Genesis 28:10-22.

Adult Forum May 2016

May 8: Mindfulness and Health I:
Valerie Yancey, nurse educator, will describe the “mindfulness movement” in health care.  Join in on the conversation about how mindfulness is related to health and well being.

May 15–Mindfulness and Faith II:
Building on the mindfullness basics and research discussed on May 8, the adult forum group will extend the conversation to matters of life and faith.

We will also have our annual Adult Forum breakfast to mark the end of the adult education season.

Adult Forum April 2016

April 10: Doubting Thomas? More than once, adult forum members have asked for an “open discussion” Sunday during adult forum. Asking questions about the sometimes inscrutable matters of belief, faith, and scripture and sharing our doubts can provide an avenue for personal growth in wisdom, faith, community, and life. Any and all questions are welcomed. While not every question has a tidy answer, Pastor Bill will be on hand to give guidance and facilitate an open group discussion. If you wish, write down your question ahead of time and email to Pastor Bill at wlyancey@gmail.com. It might help to have a few questions as a starting place for conversation!

April 17: Earth Day 2016 is Friday April 22. Since becoming a Green Congregation, we have explored the theological, social, and practical aspects of caring for the creation. The Bethel’s Green team has invited a speaker from Straight Up Solar, the solar energy integration company that installed our solar panels in the school building. The practical elements of solar energy can be quite perplexing to many of us, and they will be here to answer our questions. Cindy Gross, Green Team chairperson, will also provide a brief update on Bethel’s energy scores, requested at the last Congregational meeting.

April 24: Rev. Ernest Mohoro and Anglican minister from Rwanda will offer us the opportunity to have a cross cultural experience of hearing about the Christian Church in Rwanda.

Adult Forum March 2016

March 13 & 20:
Open the Door: “A Journey to the True Self”
Facilitated by Rev. David Reichert

Lent offers us an opportunity to open doors within ourselves to reflect on who we are as baptized children of God and who we might become if we get in touch with the divine within us.  Using Joyce Rupp’s book, Open the Door:  A Journey to the True Self, David will help us explore the possibilities that the image of opening and closing doors within ourselves offers us towards living our authentic self (living in the image of God).

March 26–EASTER SUNDAY- No Adult Forum

Adult Forum January 2015

January 11- The Use of the Means of Grace (continued from November)- Facilitated by Pastor Bill and Matt Bear, Chairperson, Bethel Worship Board

We will continue our discussion on the Use of the Means of Grace, and how an invitation to the Lord’s Supper should be extended. We will spend some time reviewing The Use Of The Means Of Grace, official ELCA statements, and those from other churches found on various congregation Web sites. We invite people to write their own statement of welcome to the Lord’s Supper, based on our prior conversations.

In searching for readings relevant for our upcoming Adult Forum discussions about the Use of the Means of Grace, we have come upon the two different viewpoints on Eucharistic ‘hospitality’ and church membership. Radical Intimacy at the Lord’s Table Frank Senn cautions against changing the invitation to the Lord’s Supper as currently described in the Use of the Means of Grace, and Are They Members- Welcoming the Ambivalent takes on a different, but related topic. He probes the question of church ‘membership’, shifting demographics and how we, as church, should frame our welcome and invitation to others, in general, and more specifically, perhaps, to the Lord’s Supper.

January 18– Mr. Dan Harms

For the past several summers we have sent Dan Harms in mission from Bethel to Rwanda and Tanzania. Dan will update us on his summer 2014 trip to Africa, and of the mission work there.

Change in Adult Forum Program for Sunday, January 25

Pastor Daniel Ang, visitor from Singapore who was to talk with us during adult forum on January 25 will not be able to join us.
Last fall, Valerie Yancey gave a presentation for Lutheran Senior Services entitled “An Attitude of Gratitude:  The Power of Positive Emotions for Well-Being.”
She will give a version of that same presentation on Sunday, Jan 25 at 10:45.  Let’s call it  “Faith and Flourishing:  Is Believing Good for the Body, Too?”
Join us for a conversation about life and faith!

We will postpone our conversation on the Use of the Means of Grade until March 8.

Adult Forum September 2014

Please Come!

If you have never attended an adult forum discussion, give it a try this year! The discussions are on diverse topics, lively, community building, informative, and inspiring…sometimes all things one hour. The adult education committee has developed a willing team of topic facilitators to discuss matters of faith, ethics, social issues, scripture, and other topics relevant to our faith community. We meet for one hour beginning at 9:30, ending at 10:30 (or so) in the fellowship hall. Coffee and snacks provided.   To those of you who attend regularly, thank you much for your faithfulness and good will in helping us learn together as a community in mission. A full 2014-2015 schedule will follow, but for now, here is the topic for September 14, 21, and 28.

Rev. Dr. Michael Hoy will lead us in a three week series on Hope Over Despair. Dr. Hoy asks us to consider these questions: “What do we hope for?  Why do we hope even in the midst of so much hopelessness?”  Our discussion will examine in three sessions the biblical meaning of hope, the hope for justice, and the hope for forgiveness, building on the stories of faithful church leaders from the New Testament to the present.

Adult Forum October 2014

October 12-
Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Bethel member, will begin our October series featuring responses to global and local hunger. Did you know that Ruth is a policy and research expert on strategies for addressing global hunger? There’s no better way to start out a thoughtful consideration for identifying meaningful personal and communal approaches to addressing world hunger than hearing about Ruth’s life and work…to be followed in the afternoon by the Eden Crop Walk (sign up in the Narthex).

October 19-
Glenn Koenen, Chair, Hunger Task Force and Missouri Association for Social Welfare will share his life experiences related to local food and hunger issues. Glenn was born in St. Louis and has spent his life in this region. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from St. Louis University in 1978 and his Master of Arts from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 1986. Glenn has spent most of his career working for non-profit organizations. From 1995 through March 2012 he was executive director of Circle Of Concern – a community charity with a food pantry based in Valley Park. Glenn was a founding board member and later president of the St. Louis Metro Food Pantry Association. After running, unsuccessfully, for Congress from Missouri’s Second Congressional District in November 2012 Glenn joined the board of the Missouri Association for Social Welfare and became MASW’s Hunger Task Force chair.

October 25-
It has become a tradition at Bethel to ask clergy members celebrating ordination anniversaries to share a faith/life journey story with us in adult forum. This November marks Dr. Ed Schroeder’s 45 year ordination. Ed has agreed to tell us stories and Stories, complete with pictorial and verbal images. Soul food!

Adult Forum November 2014

November 2 –

No Adult Forum:  One Service- Celebration of Rev. Dr. Ed Schroeder 45th Ordination Anniversary

November 9-
No Adult Forum: Bi-Annual Congregational Meeting

November 16 and 23-
ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has asked all ELCA congregations to have internal discussions about the document “Uses of the Means of Grace.” What are our understandings and practices related to the sacrament of Holy Communion? Who is invited to the table? How should the invitation be communicated? Study documents will be available prior to these two sessions which will be led by Pastor Bill and Matt Bear, Worship Committee chair.

November 30-
Michael Trautmann, CFA and Diaconal Minister, Donor relations for Bread for the World (BFW), will be in STL on November 30 meeting with congregations about the work of BFW. Michael has accepted the invitation to join us for church services and adult forum hour.   Michael will be in STL (with Pastor and Valerie) with his wife Amy Bluemenshine (co-author with Valerie Yancey on “Help Them Home, Help Them Heal-Spiritual Care of Veterans and their Families).

Adult Forum December 2014

December 14 –  We invite you to the Advent hymn sing during the adult forum hour.  Books, piano player, and holiday snacks will be awaiting you! Harry Fisher will also read his Advent poem, “Tiptoe.”

There will be single services on December 21 and 28 with no scheduled education activities.  See you on January 11 at 10:45 to begin the 2015 education year.

Adult Forum February 2015

Feb. 8 –Dr. Clint McCann-Old Testament professor, Eden Seminary will share his recent (January 2015) mission travels to Latin America. Dr. McCann will first travel to Costa Rica under the auspices of the Latin American Biblical University- a seminary that serves as the Protestant center for Latin America (liberation) theology in the Americas. Included in the proposed itinerary will be a visit to a Lutheran congregation in Costa Rica. We will hear about that congregation should the itinerary work out as planned!

February 15 – Dr. McCann will discuss the second leg of his mission activities, Nicaragua. His team is partnered with International Partners in Mission (IPM)under the IPM, of course, has many Lutheran connections and church support.

February 22 – Ms. Barbara Bates, Executive Director of Interfaith Legal Services for Immigrants in STL, titles her presentation “Tears of Joy.” She will discuss facts and myths of immigration in America, why people come to America and how Interfaith Legal Services for Immigrants helps them. Ms. Bates has invited one of her clients to share her story, and we hope the client’s work schedule will allow her to be with us.