Theologian-in-Residence Fall Series at LCGS
“Where Did We Get THAT Idea?”
Uncovering the roots of what we’ve thought about God, ourselves and creation while exploring new growth and real hope with Dr. Lynn Hofstad, PhD
Join Dr. Lynn Hofstad, theologian, educator, and daughter of the Good Shepherd congregation, for an eight-session exploration of how our beliefs about God and ourselves shape our lives–and can shape them more powerfully for good. Come for one, several, or all of these conversations! Dr. Lynn Hofstad will serve in this role for four months and offer two points of learning each month.
Lynn’s curiosity and passion for meaningful theology have fueled her exploration of the roots of Western Christianity, her search for less-heard voices, and her desire to teach and lead thinking and action that nourish growing health and wellbeing for the earth and all its inhabitants.
The Theologian-in-Residence concept was explored by Pastors Laurie Jungling and Carol Tomer as a way to boost adult spirituality offerings, even while we work on our staffing expansions. It’s being funded by gifts from the Joining God’s Momentum campaign for deepening adult faith formation. Thank you, generous donors!
Session Schedule:
If you need childcare during the sessions, please contact Pastor Brenda Satrum A WEEK PRIOR to the session date you are attending at brenda@gsolympia.org so it can be arranged.
Session 1: Wednesday, August 12 – Are We Really Fundamentally Broken? Christians Today Wondering About Sin and Evil
We'll explore the roots of the Christian (and Lutheran) understanding of sin and ask whether sin and evil are the same thing.
Session 2: Wednesday, August 26 – Healing a Hurting World: Eco-Love in Our Present Crisis.
Informed by the book Women, Earth and Creator Spiritby Elizabeth Johnson (only 60 pages!), Dr. Hofstad will explore how we think about relationships between God, humans, and creation, as well as aspects of theology that have shaped both destruction of and care for the environment.
Session 3: Sunday, September 20 at 11:20 am – Done with Church, Searching for God: The Changing American Landscape
Religious demographics in the United States have changed drastically in the past 50 years. One result has been the rise of the "nones"--those who select the "none" box for religious affiliation on the General Social Survey. What society changes have led to this shift? Does this mean the US is becoming less religious or abandoning faith? How might congregations adapt to these changes? All of these questions will be addressed in Done with Church, Searching for God: The Changing American Landscape.
Session 4: Wednesday, September 30 at 3:15 & 5:30 pm– Beyond the Bearded Man: Picturing the Divine
We will offer TWO session times each day for you to choose from at 3:15 pm OR a repeat session at 5:30 pm INCLUDING a light meal for all attendees at 4:45 pm between sessions.
Session 5: Wednesday, October 14 at 3:15 & 5:30 pm– Suffering, Sacrifice, and Salvation: Deconstructing Atonement
We will offer TWO session times each day for you to choose from at 3:15 pm OR a repeat session at 5:30 pm INCLUDING a light meal for all attendees at 4:45 pm between sessions.
Session 6: Wednesday, October 28 at 3:15 & 5:30 pm– Misquoted and Misunderstood: A Fresh Look at Creation
We will offer TWO session times each day for you to choose from at 3:15 pm OR a repeat session at 5:30 pm INCLUDING a light meal for all attendees at 4:45 pm between sessions.
Session 7: Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) at 3:15 & 5:30 pm – Invisible Women: Leaders and Reformers
We will offer TWO session times each day for you to choose from at 3:15 pm OR a repeat session at 5:30 pm INCLUDING a light meal for all attendees at 4:45 pm between sessions.