Sunday Forum
Sunday, 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
We meet each Sunday between services in St. Mark’s Room (upstairs) for a forum on either appointed scripture readings for the Sunday or another topic of interest. Sunday School for children is held concurrently in Passavant Hall. Many of the sessions will include the study of scripture, a practice encouraged by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Book of Faith initiative. See below for a full schedule.
Schedule
September 13 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Pr. Craig Mueller
Today’s gospel about denying ourselves and losing our lives for the sake of our faith could not be further from our society’s emphasis on self-fulfillment. Come and reflect on the spiritual challenges and gifts of this text in light of the world in which we live.
September 20 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Pr. Craig Mueller
We are encouraged to make something of our lives as we strive for excellence. When Jesus talks about greatness he uses a child to make a point about hospitality and servanthood. Come and explore Jesus’ challenging words for us as we follow him today.
September 27 – Hellfire and Brimstone: Gehenna in Mark’s Gospel – Josh Herzfeld-Kamprath
What is Hell? How does our modern ‘romanticized’ vision of hell compare to the ancient understanding? How and why does Mark utilize this concept? In this forum, we will explore Mark’s usage of the Greek word ‘gehenna’, paying close attention to the appointed gospel for the day, Mark 9:38-49. Josh received a master of arts from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago last May and is Holy Trinity’s administrator.
October 4 - This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Seminarian Crystal Solie
October 11 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Seminarian Matthew Stuhlmuller
October 18 – What’s So Special about Mark’s Gospel? – Carol LaHurd
Scholars believe Mark is the earliest gospel, and the one that first reports the important story of Jesus’ death. Carol LaHurd will use this week’s readings to explore key themes and the use of the sayings of Jesus in Mark. Carol teaches part-time at LSTC and coordinates Middle East peace work for the ELCA.
October 25 – Mrs. Luther – Joel Cruz
From her childhood poverty to her forced entry in the cloister to her marriage to the famous (or infamous) reformer, Katherine Von Bora was much more than a typical German “frau.” Come celebrate this Reformation Sunday with Joel Cruz by learning more about the woman whom Martin Luther called his "boss." Joel serves on the congregation council as worship chair and received a PhD from the Lutheran School of Theology last May.
November 1 - This Sunday: Reflecting on All Saints Day – Pr. Craig Mueller
November 8 – Poetry of the Mystics – Ryan LaHurd
All major religions have a mystical expression, and most mystics express their vision of the divine in poetry. In this session we will read and discuss poems from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim mystics to hear their visionary voices and discover similarities among the traditions. Ryan, a former college English professor and administrator, now heads the James S. Kemper Foundation.
November 15 – "Genetics & Faith: Power, Choice, and Responsibility" (Part 1) – Aana Vigen
One of our very own members, Aana Marie Vigen, is on the ELCA Genetics Taskforce charged with developing an ELCA Social Statement on genetics and she is going to facilitate a two-part discussion of key moral, social, and theological issues as they relate to genetics. In this first session, we get our bearings and explore Lutheran theological and ethical insights that might help us navigate through genetics and the emerging technologies. If possible, skim through Part A of the ELCA study guide, "Genetics & Faith: Power, Choice, and Responsibility" before today's discussion. Download it here. Limited copies available through the church office. Prior reading is not required, however. All those interested in joining the dialogue are welcome!
November 22 – "Genetics & Faith: Power, Choice, and Responsibility" (Part 2) – Aana Vigen
Genetic Testing; Genetically Modified Food; Genetic Profiling/Discrimination — Do these terms confuse, interest, or frighten you? We continue our exploration of genetics–focusing on the 1 or 2 topics that are of most interest to Holy Trinity in Part B of the ELCA study guide. We will likely discuss at least two of the following: genetics and the possibility of discrimination; genetic testing and screening; genetic engineering in agriculture; stem cell research and therapy. Aana Marie Vigen, ELCA Genetics Taskforce Member (and Professor of Ethics at Loyola University), will facilitate this session. You are invited to skim key sections in Part B of the ELCA study guide, "Genetics & Faith: Power, Choice, and Responsibility" before today's discussion.
November 29 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Seminarian Matthew Stuhlmuller
December 6 - This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Seminarian Crystal Solie
December 13 and 20 – Christmas in the Bible: Take Another Look – Joel Cruz
You think you know the Christmas stories, the annunciation to Mary, the humble birth, the shepherds and angels but, just like Jesus in the manger, there is so much more than meets the eye. We invite you to read the Christmas stories from the Gospel of Luke afresh as Joel Cruz leads the Adult Forums on December 13 and 20 and perhaps find a few more reasons to celebrate the season!
December 27 – Sunday after Christmas (no forum)
January 3 –Logos Christology and the Pre-Existent Christ – Josh Herzfeld-Kamprath
John’s bold proclamation that Christ, as the Logos of God, was in the beginning with God, provides an opportunity to reflect on the intimate connection between members of the Trinity. We will briefly explore the history of the Greek concept of Logos and its subsequent adoption by early Christian writers.
Jan 10 – The Myths America Lives By - II – Ryan LaHurd
Just as individuals create stories that make sense of their lives, so do nations have mythic narratives that create their imagined realities. America has a number of such myths, and better recognizing them can help us to make sense of how Americans and the American government respond to events and to understand our sometimes unconscious reactions. This session will carry on the discussion begun at a similar forum last year.
January 17 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Pr. Craig Mueller
The story of Jesus turning water into wine is rich in symbolism and spiritual wisdom. Come and reflect on this Sunday’s gospel and its meaning for the church and for our lives today.
January 24 and 31 – Luke the Storyteller – Carol LaHurd
Carol LaHurd will use this month’s readings to introduce the gospel writer’s literary skills and theological themes, such as the role of the Holy Spirit, rejection and reversal, salvation for all humanity.
February 7 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Seminarian Crystal Solie
February 14 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Joshua Judd-Herzfeldt
Febuary 21 – March 28 – Honoring the Body
On the six Sundays of Lent we will discuss Holy Trinity’s book for Lent 2009, Honoring the Body by Stephanie Paulsell. Written for anyone who has struggled with body image, the mystery of our sexuality, weight gain and loss, illness, birth and death, this wonderful book draws on resources from the Christian tradition to show how we can learn to celebrate the body’s pleasures, protect the body’s vulnerabilities, and develop the practices that will ultimately transform our troubled relationship with our bodies to one of honor and joy. Join the Holy Trinity community in reading this thoughtful, beautifully-written book, but whether you read it or not, join us for conversation led by Pastor Craig Mueller that will deepen your Lenten observance as we prepare for the feast of Easter!
April 4 – Easter (no forum)
April 11 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Seminarian Crystal Solie
April 18 – This Sunday: Reflecting on the Scriptures of the Day – Seminarian Matthew Stuhlmuller
April 25 - This Sunday: Reflecting on Jesus as Lamb and Shepherd – Pr. Craig Mueller
Our scriptures have many references to Jesus as both “lamb” and “shepherd.” We will explore these images in today’s scripture readings as well as in hymns and liturgical texts.
May 2 – Heaven, Hell, and the End Times in the Book of Revelation – Carol LaHurd
Carol LaHurd will use this week’s readings to introduce the Bible’s apocalyptic literature and the New Testament book that’s full of visions, mythical beasts, and numerology – and that inspired the popular “Left Behind” book and movie series.
May 9 – Worship and the Book of Revelation – Pr. Craig Mueller
During Easter our second readings have been from the book of Revelation. We will examine these texts and their rich images and their use in our liturgy, hymns and theology of worship.
May 16 – This Sunday: Reflecting on Ascension – Pr. Craig Mueller
Some say that the ascension of Jesus into heaven is an image and a feast not relevant to us today. Are there important theological points in the story of the ascension and can we make any meaningful connections with our contemporary spiritual lives?
May 23 – This Sunday: Reflecting on Pentecost – Pr. Craig Mueller
The Holy Spirit receives far less attention than the other two persons of the Trinity. On this Pentecost Sunday we will reflect on the Holy Spirit in the scriptures, in the Church, in the liturgy, and in our lives.
See also: