We welcome all to join us for worship and for special lunch and presentations following worship on May 7, June 4, and July 9 as part of our commitment to learning and growing our faith.
May 7:
“Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace” (Eph 4:3): Mission of the Church in the 21st Century
Radical change hits congregations, and Christians across the world are in conflict over what to do. In this talk, Gil will summarize challenges we currently face but also clarify response that Lutherans can make based on our theological commitments. In an anxious and polarized time, our mission is “unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), because the gospel proclaims salvation by grace through faith.
Gil Waldkoenig has been the Paulssen-Hale-Maurer Professor of Church in Society at United Lutheran Seminary since it was formed in 2017 from consolidation of Lutheran seminaries in Gettysburg and Philadelphia, PA. Before that he was on the faculty of Gettysburg Seminary since 1995. Gil directs the Town and Country Church Institute, a focus that ULS continues out of long Gettysburg roots.
June 4: The Rev. Jim Kulma
“Biblical Storytelling”
Jim recently retired as Supervisor of Spiritual Care at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, the regional trauma center and county safety-net hospital. A Lutheran pastor and healthcare chaplain for 33 years, he has served in hospital, hospice, bereavement and long-term care ministries. His last year at MetroHealth included service in the COVID-ICU.
He has a keen interest in wellness, mindfulness and spiritual practices. He teaches Tai Chi and Qigong, performs as a Biblical storyteller and is a certified Spiritual Director. He is an active teacher and retreat leader.
July 9, Jessica Burr
Theme: Impacts of Poverty in Butler, precise title of talk TBA.
Jessica Burr directs the Reach and Rise program at the Butler YMCA. As the Butler YMCA’s website declares, Reach & Rise® provides kids with a safe and comfortable space to make new friends, learn new things, talk about what’s on their minds, and receive encouragement from supportive adults to achieve their goals. This program helps to REACH more youth so they can RISE to a better future. Ms. Burr will be with us to help us understand the challenges youth and families in our immediate neighborhood face so that we can be in better ministry as we are “rooted in Butler.”