Sundays 9 – 10 AM

Gatherings include viewing short videos and lively discussions.

2025 Schedule of Topics

September 28 – ? Healing the Heart of Democracy – Our Discussion will center on Parker Palmer’s book written back in 2011, but maybe even more pertinent and needed today in our current political climate.

We will follow a discussion guide and watch the videos that were made to coincide with group discussions.

It will be helpful to read the book, but not required to participate.  We will go at our own pace, probably a chapter or two each week.  Come for all, or any part of it.

September:

September 7 – Innovate: Wonder, A TEDx talk by Robert Fuller,

As Professor of Religious Studies and Director of the Honors Program at Bradley University, he is one of the nation’s leading authorities in the connection between religion and psychology.  He speaks about how evolutionary biology, anthropology, and psychology together illuminate the most elusive—and sublime—human emotion.

September 14 – Everything Is Connected – Here’s How, A TEDx talk by Tom Chi

Tom Chi has worked in a wide range of roles from astrophysical researcher to Fortune 500 consultant to corporate executive developing new hardware/software products and services.  An in depth talk covering a wide swath of scientific history which gives us much to discuss about what it means for us to be human and the spiritual dimensions of that reality, and how we might faithfully live it out.

September 21 – Discussion of the movie “A Binding Truth” being shown at Immanuel on Tuesday, September 16th at 6:30pm

May 2025:

May 4 -Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III on Thriving in Turbulent Times

A conversation with activist Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III. — a third-generation advocate for civil and human rights who built his ministry on community advancement and social justice activism. Rev. Dr. Moss. explains, “There’s always something inside every human being waiting to be activated by the Light. But, once it’s activated, how are we going to nourish what has been activated?”

May 11 -Cole Arthur Riley on Radical Resilience

Cole Arthur Riley, a bestselling author and poet. shares about her book Black Liturgies, and explores the concept of radical resilience, which she says “stirs some amount of tension and some amount of encouragement.”

May 18 (rescheduled for June 1) – Lerita Coleman Brown on Howard Thurman’s Legacy

Have you considered how Howard Thurman’s advocacy and theological work impacts today’s modern Christian contemplative movement? In this conversation, Dr. Lerita Coleman Brown illuminates Howard Thurman’s lasting spiritual and societal impact, pulling themes from her book, What Makes You Come Alive. “[As a child], Howard Thurman started meditating, He realized that it was so important to find some time in every day to quiet your mind and to connect with God. And, he felt that it was just so important for our spiritual development.”

May 25 – Suzanne Stabile: “The Power of Story”

In this talk Suzanne, an internationally recognized Enneagram Master conducting over 500 Enneagram workshops over the past 30 years. explores powerful principles for leading a more mindful, intentional life. The mantras she discusses—Show Up, Pay Attention, Tell the Truth, and Disengage from Results—offer a roadmap for personal growth and effective relationships.

April: 

April 6, 2025 – Exploring the Path of Descent with Dr. Barbara Holmes

In this conversation that took place in August 2024, 2 months before Barbara died, Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) core faculty member Dr. Barbara Holmes talks about her recent health challenges with staff member Mike Petrow. Discover how life’s challenges can remind us that we are never quite beyond the need to trust, unlearn, and let go — especially when those choices are not easy.

April 13 – Palm Sunday Activities (no class)

April 20 – Easter (no class)

April 27, 2025 – Doctrine of Discovery’s Roots in Climate Injustice – Are We There Yet Film Discussion-Oct ’22 Lutherans Restoring Creation

The ELCA has been working to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery. As individuals and institutions continue to reconcile and repair relationships let’s consider what specific role Creation Care Ministries can offer this mission. One step in the process is to listen to people’s stories and recognize the roots which reverberate racism and inequity throughout our nation and churches. The 30 minute film, Are We There Yet, amplifies voices rarely heard. This recording captures an intro to the film and discussion afterwards. Calvin Lee and Marisa Prince are Believers of Color – and frustrated Evangelical outsiders – seeking more for the American Christian Church. Are We There YET follows their cross country Road Trip to better understand the Doctrine of Discovery, its connection to contemporary Christian Nationalism, and if it’s possible to chart a new course for the American Christian Church.

March:

March 2, 2025 – Ending Christian Nationalism by Amanda Tyler, Exec. Director of BJC, Baptist Joint Commission for Religious Liberty

March 9, 2025 – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, A Story of Courage and Faith

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian, is a Christian hero for many. Executed by the Nazis just days before the end of WWII for his participation in a plot to assassinate Hitler, Bonhoeffer is hailed as a 20th-century martyr. But Bonhoeffer struggled with a moral dilemma – his religious views were in stark contrast to the evil he saw all around him. He chose to face possible imprisonment and execution and to remain faithful to the principles of his belief in God. Across the political and theological spectrum, Bonhoeffer is celebrated as an icon of true Christianity and his theological writings are classics throughout the Christian world.

March 16, 2025 – “Evangelism 101: What You Really Need to Know” by Rev. Dave Daubert, author of The Invitational Christian

Have you ever wondered about how to do effective Evangelism?  Maybe the thought of Evangelism scares you?  Have you ever had a scary Evangelism Encounter?  Evangelism is an important part of our life of faith and it doesn’t have to be scary.

March 23, 2025 –  “Making People Feel Seen: How to do it Right” by David Brooks, NY Times columnist

March 30, 2025 – White Christian Nationalism and the Church with Rev. Jim Wallis

The founding Director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice, discusses his book, The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy. He argues that the civic promotion of fear, hate, and violence as the trajectory of our politics under a banner of Christian Nationalism, should be faced to contend with a greater response of a civic faith of love, healing, and hope to defeat it.

February: Hearing from some very insightful Black Voices

February 2, 2025: “God-Talk for Hot-Mess Times” by Jacqui Lewis

Through movement and laughter, Rev. Dr. Lewis, Senior Minister and Public Theologian at Middle Church in New York City, takes listeners on a journey through the history of liberation through dance and invites them into a dance partnership with God.

Dr. Lewis’ talk

February 9, 2025: “The Fourth Temptation” by Rev. Reginald Wayne Sharpe, Jr.

Rev. Sharpe, Senior Pastor of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, explores the challenge of overcoming the pressure to please others and the inner conflict that arises when the desire to gain approval occasionally wins. He acknowledges that the need for external validation is a natural part of the human experience, but it emphasizes the importance of not allowing that desire to dictate one’s life decisions or self-worth.

Rev. Reginald Sharpe’s talk

February 16, 2025: “Embracing Uncertainty” by Rev. Olu Brown

How do we respond to uncertainty? Rather than deny it or simply try to survive it, Rev. Olu Brown, lead Pastor at Impact Church in Atlanta, offers three fundamental truths that can help us embrace uncertainty.

Rev. Olu Brown’s talk

February 23, 2025: “Becoming and Being a Black Theologian” by Kelly Brown Douglas

The Rev. Canon Kelly Brown Douglas is the Canon Theologian at the Cathedral. In 2017, she was named Dean of Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and in 2019, she was appointed to the Bill and Judith Moyers Chair in Theology at Union. Kelly is considered a leader in the field of womanist theology, racial reconciliation, social justice, and sexuality and the Black church.

Kelly Brown Douglas’ talk

January:

January 5, 2025: Cole Arthur Riley: “The Silence of God”

In this talk, Cole explores how individuals can maintain their faith in a seemingly silent God, particularly in times of suffering and distress. Cole delves into the complex relationship between trauma and spirituality. Cole suggests that, rather than losing belief, individuals can engage in practices that foster a deeper presence to both themselves and the world around them, even in the absence of clear signs of God’s presence.    View her moving TheoEd talk here

January 12, 2025: Dr. Moshe Szyf: “Inheriting Trauma”

Dr. Szyf delves into the fascinating science of epigenetics and its profound implications for understanding intergenerational trauma. Epigenetics refers to how environmental factors—such as stress, trauma, and life experiences—can influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. This talk explains how trauma experienced by one generation can leave biological marks on the genes, which may then be passed down to subsequent generations.

January 19, 2025: Scott Mitchell: “Fringe Dwellings”

Scott reflects on the journey of being accepted as a gay individual in a world that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ voices. He highlights the importance of finding loving and supportive communities, especially those that are typically overlooked or excluded by mainstream society. Scott shares personal experiences of finding belonging in unusual places and shows us all how we can better love those that are “othered” in society.

January 26, 2025: Sister Theresa Sullivan: “Help, Help, Help: Am I a Savior or a Servant?”

Sister Theresa Sullivan discusses the profound impact of serving others, emphasizing that it’s not just an obligation but a gift. She explains that seeing service as a privilege, rather than a burden, can transform the way we approach helping others. The talk highlights the deep responsibility that comes with caring for those around us, acknowledging that it requires effort, empathy, and sometimes sacrifice.