Sunday Forums – 2019
Forum meets on Sundays in Fellowship Hall on the Lower Level, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.
Lent 2019. Remembering and Rejoicing. This year, our Lenten journey will provide a variety of ways to deepen our understanding of Jewish-Christian relationships and connections. We will focus on themes from Hebrew scripture and reflection in worship. Our Wednesday night bible studies will consider Jewish perspectives of Jesus’ teaching. Pastor Bradley and Rabbi Spilker will take part in a pulpit and teaching exchanges. A number of the Sunday Forums during the season will also help us reflect on this theme, examining both the history of anti-Jewish thoughts within our faith, as well as connections between our traditions that can lead to deeper appreciation. We hope you’ll join us.
3/24/19 Advancing Our Racial and Economic Justice Work: A Deeper Look at ISAIAH ISAIAH (https://isaiahmn.org/) is a multi-racial, multi-faith, state-wide and nonpartisan coalition of faith communities and community groups fighting for racial and economic justice in Minnesota. ISAIAH uses the practice of community organizing to effectively influence decision makers to develop laws and policies that help lift people out of poverty, achieve racial equity, and remove barriers to opportunity. Join us to learn more about ISAIAH’s practice of community organizing, how it’s achieved significant growth in diverse membership, and opportunities for involvement.
3/31/19 Luther’s Anti-Judaism and the Church Today with Deanna Thompson. We as Lutherans claim a heritage that relies on Martin Luther’s interpretation of Christian faith. In addition to the many legacies of his we embrace–the centrality of Jesus Christ, that God’s grace is unconditional–we cannot neglect the negative legacies of Luther as well. In this forum Deanna Thompson will help us explore Luther’s anti-Jewish views, the ELCA’s response, and reflect on Gloria Dei’s relationship to this legacy, as we work to live faithfully alongside our Jewish neighbors and those of other faiths. Deanna is professor of Religion at Hamline University.
4/7/19 Not In Our Neighborhood – Racial Justice in Mac-Groveland. Co-playwrights, Tom Fabel and Eric Wood, of Not in Our Neighborhood! come to Gloria Dei. Their play reveals a shocking chapter of racial prejudice in the Macalester – Groveland neighborhood. In 1924, determined, but unsuccessful attempts to undermine a home purchase by a distinguished African American couple eventually resulted in cross burnings. Not in Our Neighborhood! recently concluded a sold-out run at the Landmark Center Theatre and now is included in the 2019 – 2020 season for the Minnesota History Theatre. Tom and Eric will lead a discussion on the legal and social background of residential segregation in St. Paul, and its ongoing legacy throughout the 20th century and beyond. Sponsored by the Racial Justice Committee of Gloria Dei.
4/14/19 Rejoicing: Joint Bible and Torah Sunday. Members of Mt Zion join us as we explore the Passion and death of Jesus according to Luke. Pastor Bradley will guide our study in the text at the heart of our Palm Sunday service.
4/21/19 No Forum on Easter Morning. Worship with us at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 a.m.