BETHEL ADULT EDUCATION FORUMS 2007-2008
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.

September 9, 2007: "A Mirthful Spirit." Join co-author Edna Thayer as she speaks on the importance of laughter and humor in a healthy mind, body and spirit. A book signing will be available.

September 16:  "The Ethics of Politics." Congressman Tim Penny will be with us to share his views on better government and how ethics and politics work with and against each other.

September 23: "Understanding Depression." Dr. Mark Williams of the Mayo Clinic will help us learn about this common struggle facing so many people today. Come and find out how we might be able to help others who live with depression.

September 30: "Understanding Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses." Pastor Onkka will share thoughts on how these religious denominations differ and are similar to our own. 

October 7: "A Steward's Journey." Pastor Sherman Coltvet will lead this session on how money can be a spiritual barometer of our heart’s openness to God.

October 14 & 21: "Our Biblical Responsibility of Caring for the Earth." Kathy Bolin will share her passion and expertise on how we can live out our Christian lives in unity with caring for the Earth. Our earth is a gift of God, and we can learn so much more about how our faith impacts land and nature.

October 28: "The Life of the Apostle Paul." Take a video journey to Turkey, Greece and Jerusalem with noted public television host Rick Steves. We will be introduced to Paul, the foremost theologian and missionary of the early church.

November 4, 11, 18 & 25: "The Apostle Paul's First Missionary Journey." Jack Wiltsie and Bill Bakken will share their experiences while traveling to Turkey and Greece, following the footsteps of Paul. Through slides, stories, history and cultural aspects, we will learn much about the early church and Paul.

December 2, 9, 16: "Martin Luther & the Reformation." Dr. Mark Transvik from Augsburg College will be back to guide us in one of his favorite topics! He'll lead three session: (1) Martin Luther the Rebel, (2) Martin Luther the Heretic, and (3) Martin Luther the Reformer. Learn why Luther protested, why he was thrown out of the church and what his vision for congregations was all about.

January 6, 13, 20, 27, 2008: "God Is Closer Than You Think." Paul Wittmer and Pastor Paul will lead these video sessions by John Ortberg on finding God actively present in all aspects of life. Deepen your spirituality by attending these sessions.

February 3 & 10: "Know Your Muslim Neighbors." After well-attended sessions last spring, we will again bring in our Muslim neighbors to teach us about their faith and how it compares to ours. A panel discussion between Muslim leaders and Bethel pastors is planned.

February 17, 24 and March 2, 9, 16: "Walk As Jesus Walked ... Making Disciples" is Ray Vander Laan's most recent endeavor from a video series that has been very popular among Bethel members. In this series, he mixes even more passion and evangelism with his history lessons as he travels on location to Greece, Turkey and Israel. Led by Doris Toddie and David Williams.

March 30: "God's View of Marriage." Pastor Jack Friedli joins us again with a wealth of study, passion and experience on the topic of marriage enrichment. All are welcome for this engaging session.

April 6, 13, 20, 27: "The Apostle Paul's Second Missionary Journey." Jack Wiltsie and Bill Bakken are back to continue a wonderful discussion on Paul's missionary experiences with emphasis on learning about the early church. You'll learn things you never knew, and it will enhance your understanding of the New Testament.

May 4 & 11: "The Gospels Of Jesus" are sessions that focus on the similarities and differences between Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Learn intriguing things on why and how the different Gospels were written. Led by Dr. Mary Hinkle Shore of Luther Seminary.

May 18: "Science & Religion" will be led by Dr. Russell Kleckley of Augsburg College. It will be a fascinating forum that gets us all thinking about how science influences religion and how they compliment and challenge each other.

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)

"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.