Open Forum

We will resume our Sunday forums on January 9th with: “Abel Reconsidering” by Pastor Ron Rude, retired campus pastor of U of A campus ministry. Pastor Ron wrote two books, “Abel Emerging” and “Reconsidering Christianity”. This session will deal with the evolution of his thought over years of ministry, bible study, etc. which, in many ways, led to the third book, next week’s forum. Both books are in our library for your use and Pastor Gary has extras.

The forum will be in the Campus Center Library at 9:15 (masks required) or via Zoom. Please contact the office (info@ulctempe.org or 480-967-3543) if you would like the Zoom link or if you would like to borrow any of the books.

Other forums scheduled for January are:

January 16: “Amending the Christian Story”, Pastor Ron Rude’s third and very recent book. Having evolved in many ways for 2,000 years, what parts of our Christian understanding is in need of reformation? This book also is in our library and Pastor Gary has a copy to lend as well.

January 23: “The Relationship of Judaism & Christianity” led by Pastor Gary.

If you would like to present a forum, please let us know (see email and phone number above). Thank you!

Our open forums are for all! We meet in the Campus Center Library Sundays 9:15-10:15am (masks are required). They are also available via Zoom. Contact the office info@ulctempe.org if you want Zoom link.

Forums for November and December are:

November 7: “God I Presume?” How God impacted the life of a young man while in Uganda. Brian Gamelin, presenter.

November 14: “Mission Today” led by Assistant to the Bishop Miguel Gomez Acosta.

November 21: “Polarization in our Parishes, Societies, and World Today” What Lutheran insights do we have to bring to this issue? Pastor Gary, presenter.

November 28: No forum, Thanksgiving Weekend.

December 5: “Close Encounters of What Kind?” led by students Dylan Weeks & Josh Burgett. Dylan is a senior majoring in Astro Biology, Josh is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering with an interest in space. Pastor Gary will also take part in the discussion. What life forms may be “out there”? If there are other life forms, especially those of an animal/human kind, what would that do to our Christian faith?

December 12: “Gaudete!” “Joy!” Reading Paul’s letter to the Philippians, only 4 short chapters, would be a help prior to this discussion. What scripture’s understanding of joy? Led by Pastor Gary.

December 19: To be decided…have an offering?

December 26: No forum, Christmas weekend.

Open Forums return on September 12th in our Campus Center Library. Open forums are Sunday mornings from 9:15am-10:15am. Currently, the plan is for them to be both in person and via Zoom. We are always looking for speakers and topics. Have one to suggest? Contact us at info@ulctempe.org — below are some of the forums we have planned.

September:

12: “Critical Race Theory” Calvin Schermerhorn, professor of American History specializing in slavery and antebellum history is the presenter. Calvin has been doing much research in post-Civil War racial issues such as Jim Crow, BLM, monuments, etc.

19: “Presidential Praise” What is your favorite hymn? Does your favorite hymn say something about you? About your faith? Pastor Gary will lead a presentation on the favorite hymns of US presidents. Will these hymns reflect who they were? What might they say about their faith?

October

3: “Keep Calm and Call the Chaplain” Deacon Lana Neighbors who has been in hospital/hospice chaplaincy since 1996 in Minnesota, Georgia, and Arizona and a member of ULC.

10: “Writing Personal Psalms” Deacon April Boyden

24: “Grandmother’s Hands” Deacon April Boyden, Discussion will focus on addressing White Supremacy by engaging our physical bodies to heal from pasto trauma and be aware in the present moment.

31: Deacon April Boyden, “All Hallows Eve…The work of mourning”