Kairos Adult Forum is a time each Sunday of enrichment for mind and spirit. A mix of timely topics, Bible study, and theological exploration are presented by scholars, theologians and other professionals. We meet on Sunday mornings from 10:15-11:15 a.m. in the Fireside Room.
FALL 2024
Sunday Morning, 10:15 a.m., Fireside Room
September 15
Religion and Politics: Why We Get It Wrong and How to Get It Right
Mark Tranvik, Professor of Reformation History and Theology, Luther Seminary
Countering the reality of “too much heat and not enough light” in current politics, Mark Tranvik, Luther Seminary professor of Reformation History and Theology, will focus on how faith in Jesus Christ can free us to see the political realm as a way we are called to love and serve the neighbor in our public lives as Christians.
Mark Tranvik_Religion, Politics Election
September 22
Jewish Identity and Anti-Semitism
Steve Lear, Founder, Speakers Bureau, Jewish Community Relations Council
Steve Lear, founder of the Speakers Bureau, Jewish Community Relations Council cautions that If it can happen to the Jews, it can happen to the Christians. Understanding this, he says, elevates the importance of the teachings of Jesus.
Steve Lear_Jewish Identity and Anti-Semitism
September 29
Continuing the Solid Ground Mission
Diamond Hunter, Executive Director, Solid Ground
Incarnation has been a long-time Solid Ground supporter. As the new Executive Director, Hunter will share Solid Ground’s vision for the next three years, continuing its overall mission to end homelessness, a focus for Solid Ground’s Oct. 11 Bring It Home gala.
October 6
Interfaith Literacy
Dr. Jen Kilps, Network Executive, Minnesota Multifaith Network (MnMN)
Jen Kilps, Network Executive for the Minnesota Multifaith Network, finds fear of the “other” or the unknown keeps us from welcoming our neighbor. She’ll explore religious literacy as a key component to breaking down that fear, understanding how religious traditions of people in our community are similar and different to our own and how we can work together for the common good.
October 13 and 20
Reading the Bible Like Grownups
Anna Marsh, Visiting Assistant, Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary
In this two-week series, Anna Marsh. Visiting Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary will revisit some familiar stories from the Bible and read them with “grown-up glasses”, finding new avenues to explore and new possibilities for how the Bible can engage our imagination.
Anna Marsh, Reading the Bible Like a Grownup Presentation
Anna Marsh, Reading the Bible Like a Grownup—Handout Ruth
October 27
What Did Martin Luther Think He Was Doing?
Mark Granquist, Lloyd and Annelotte Svendsbye, Professor, the History of Christianity, Luther Seminary
Lutherans, and all Protestant Christians, trace the beginning of their Christian traditions back to the actions on a single 16th century person, Martin Luther. Mark Granquist, Lloyd and Annelotte Svendsbye Professor the History of Christianity at Luther Seminary, will probe what did Luther intend to do in those fateful years leading up to the Protestant Reformation.
November 3
Fourth Quarter ILC Council: Updates and Discussion
ILC Council Members
President Tracy Strantz and other council members will provide lead discussion of: Project updates, Building for Our Future campaign, Year-in-Review, Recognition & Appreciation
November 10
Religion’s Impact on Social Reform
Jennifer Hornyak Wojciechowski, Professor, Church History, Luther Seminary, Associate Editor, Word & World
Throughout the history of Christianity there has been an intertwining of faith and action; Wojciechowski will focus on Christianity and social reform efforts in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, especially within the United States. Author of Women and the Christian Story: A Global History (2022); her upcoming book is Tending the Garden: A History of Christian Mysticism (February 2025).
Wojciechowksi—Christianity and Social Reform
November 17
What Does It Mean to be Part of the St. Paul Area Synod?
Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, Assistant to the Bishop for Lay Leadership and Equity, St. Paul Area Synod ELCA
Knowing that we are not alone, that we are connected to many others through a larger church body is incredibly powerful. We are part of the Body of Christ. Understanding how each congregation is part of a synod and a denominational body is important as we strive to engage more fully in God’s Mission together. A graduate of Luther Seminary, in his role with the synod, he equips, connects and supports lay leaders as they seek to engage in God’s mission in their respective contexts and cultures, including support for the Advocates for Racial Equity(ARE) work group.
November 24
Alternative Giving Fair: No Kairos
December 1
Caroling
Amy Maakestad, Director of Traditional Worship, Incarnation Lutheran Church
Christmas carols are fascinating. As we sing through the selections in our hymnal, we’ll learn about their history, enjoy their beauty, and maybe discover a new favorite. Maakestad, a graduate of Luther Seminary’s Master of Sacred Music program, serves Incarnation Lutheran Church as organist, directs four handbell choirs, accompanies vocal choirs and administers the Incarnation Music Series.
December 8
Connecting with Inner Peace
Sharon Trahan, Certified Teacher and Healer with The Modern Mystery School, Int’l., and Incarnation member
December 15
Handel’s Messiah
Paul Westermeyer, Retired Professor of Church Music, Luther Seminary
More information:
https://incarnationmn.org/connect-grow/adults/kairos
Videos from Previous Sessions: Seeing Eyes – Gary Anderson, Retired Incarnation Senior Pastor
Gun Violence Prevention for Home and Community
Questions about Kairos? Contact The Kairos Committee.