BETHEL ADULT EDUCATION FORUMS 2008-2009
Forums are held Sundays at 10:30am
in Room 115 or the Chapel

All adults in our congregation are invited to participate in some way in the upcoming Adult Forums listed below.  We have also included a list of some of our ongoing Bible Studies that we hope you will attend.

Sept. 7, 14, 21: “A Study & Discussion on Human Sexuality”
The pastors of Bethel will lead these three forums that explore the ELCA’s recent social statement draft of Sexuality.

Sept. 28th: “Voices of Hope through Social Justice”
We welcome a wonderful guest speaker from Namibia, Selma Shejavali, who has a rich history of supporting justice and development in disadvantaged communities throughout her country.

October 5th: “Living In Faith”
Jim & Gladys Hansen (former parishioners of Pastor Onkka) join us from Valders, Wisconsin to share their great passion for faithful stewardship to the church.

October 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2: “The Apostle Paul & His Third Missionary Journey”
Dr. Jack Wiltsie and Prof. Bill Bakken, inspired by a trip to Turkey and Greece, will enlighten us on many aspects Paul’s journey and the early Christian culture.

November 9th: “Hope Amid Anxious Times”
Professor of Religion, Darell Jodock, from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN will focus on ‘End of the World’ theology and current perspectives.

November 16th: “What is Your Calling in Life?”
Professor of Religion, Mark Tranvik, from Augsburg College in Minneapolis will give us insights from Martin Luther and the Reformation on this exciting topic.

November 23rd: “God’s View of Marriage”
Pastor Jack Friedli will focus on growth and transformation in marriage, with reflections on the psychological and theological aspects of a committed marriage.

December 7th: “The Attitude of Advent.”
Pastor Paul will discuss the historical and theological viewpoints of this somewhat misunderstood church season which precedes Christmas.

December 14th: “Caring For Creation.”
Pastor Mark Peters, Director of the Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota, will discuss how we, as a church, can better care for God’s great earth.

December 21st: “How to Survive the Stress of Life”
Dr. Ed Creagan, from the Mayo Clinic, will be our guest speaker on the topic of stress management and ‘proven insider tips to go the distance.’ He is a well-known speaker and will engage the audience with humor, care and charisma.

January 4th & 11th: “In God We Trust: The First Ammendment and American Civil Religion.”
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution forbids Congress from making laws establishing religion. This makes America a secular nation, but we know it as one with the soul of the church. Retired Pastor and Military Chaplain Paul Baker is a student of American government and is excited to share his knowledge with the congregation.

January 18th & 25th: “The Books That Did Not Make It Into The Bible.”
Professor Philip Quanbeck from Augsburg College will present exciting forums on the Christian writings that existed but did not make it into the New Testament. He’ll present information on the Gospels of Thomas, Philip, Peter and Mary.

February 1, 8, 15, 22: “The Life You’ve Always Wanted”
What does the true spiritual life really look like? What keeps us from living such a life? Jan Hintz will lead these video and book based forums from best selling Christian author, John Ortberg.

March 1st & 8th: “Where Is God In My Suffering?”
Professor Dan Simundson from Luther Seminary in St. Paul has written many books on this topic and will delve into the many questions of God and suffering.

March 15th: “The Stewardship of Our Bodies”
Dr. Ed. Laskowski from the Mayo Clinic will share medical and faith insights on how to glorify God by taking care of every aspect of our physical health.

March 22nd: “Hunger & Poverty in Minnesota”
Pastor Mark Peters, Director of The Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota will update us on the current legislative sessions and how we might address hunger and poverty in our area.

March 29th: “Ethanol: Possibilities for Renewable Fuel”
Guest speaker Ron Scherbring, President of Minnenergy of Eyota, will bring insightful information on the merits and difficulties of ethanol in our future energy needs.

April 5, 19, 26, and May 3: “The Fourth Missionary Journey of the Apostle Paul”
Dr. Jack Wiltsie and Prof. Bill Bakken continue their exploration of the early church and First Century culture, while tracing the last journey of Paul.

May 10th & 17th: “The Apostle Peter… His Life and His Writings”
Pastor Paul will focus on Peter’s life and the major themes of 1st & 2nd Peter.
 

Ongoing Bible Studies

"Understanding the Worship Bible Lessons" is an informal study that helps participants gain an even deeper appreciation of the upcoming worship services. No preparation or special knowledge is needed. Come as you are and learn more about the Bible! (Led by Pastor Paul in Room 115 on Mondays at 6:30pm and Wednesdays at 10:00am)

"Early Morning Read Through the Bible" is an informal study that guides us through all the books of the Bible. Having just finished the New Testament, we will now move to Genesis. This study is informal and lively. (Led by Pastor Paul in Room 115 on Wednesdays at 6:30am and 10:00am)

"Bible Study for Moms" meets on Thursdays at 9:30am in Room 115 (September-May). Daycare is provided in the Nursery. Several topics are discussed through the school year as well as sharing great fellowship.  

"Women's Bible Study" meets on the first Thursday of the month at 10:45am in Room 115. The WELCA magazine studies are used and sessions are led by Pastor Paul.

"Men's Bible Study" meets one Sunday a month with Pastor Wahl. Service projects are also planned. Call the church office, 288-6430, for more information.

"Young Adult Bible Study" meets periodically through the year. Watch the "Beacon" for upcoming meetings.