Courageous Conversations – St. John’s Lutheran Church

Programs

Spring 2025 Programs

February 2025

Rachel Williams, a senior at St. Olaf College studying economics, political science, and religion with a concentration in Middle Eastern studies, will be the speaker on February 6th. Her presentation is titled “Rethinking Hope: The Palestinian Concept of ‘Sumud.'” This past summer, she interned at Musalaha, a Palestinian NGO based in Jerusalem that works toward reconciliation between Palestinians and Israelis. She will draw from her experiences there to reframe the notion of hope in the context of those living through occupation and war.

Williams received a travel scholarship from Northfielders for Justice in Palestine/Israel to participate in her internship. The scholarships are named for the late Ruth Hansen, a senior founding member of NJP/I, a local community group aimed at educating and informing Northfield and the surrounding area about the ongoing occupation of Palestine and advocating for peace and justice for all who live in Palestine and Israel.

November 2024:

Heidi Goldberg, printmaker, fiber artist, and Professor Emeriti of Concordia College, will share the process of her creative work. Rooted in nature and the issues of our world, Goldberg’s art combines mixed- media to explore “that which heals” through making and connection. Several of her large-scale panels will be on-view.

Through a fusion of printmaking, weaving and a deep reverence for nature, she invites viewers into a world of beauty and introspection. Whatever the outcome of the presidential election, and whether or not it will even be decided by November 7^th, remains to be seen.

In this time of deep division in our country, we must examine how we can move forward together despite our differences.

October 2024:

FAITH IN DEMOCRACY? Christian Nationalism

Thursday, October 3, 2024

7:00pm. St. John’s Hall

Rev. Angela Denker is an ELCA Lutheran pastor and veteran journalist. Her first book, Red State Christians, was the 2019 Silver Foreword Indies award-winner for political and social sciences. She has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, and FORTUNE magazine, and has appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews, and NPR to share her research on politics and Christian Nationalism in the U.S.

Pastor Angela lives with her husband, Ben, and two sons in Minneapolis, where she is a sought-after speaker on Christian Nationalism and its theological and cultural roots. She also serves Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church in Minneapolis as Pastor of Visitation and Public Theology. Pastor Angela’s new book, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood, will be released on March 25, 2025.

You can read more of her work on Christian Nationalism, American culture, social issues, journalism, and parenting on her Substack, I’m Listening (https://angeladenker.substack.com/)

September 2024:

FAITH IN DEMOCRACY? Rebuilding the Beloved Community

Thursday, September 12th, 7:00-8:30pm

Please join us in welcoming Kathryn Lozada as our first speaker for Courageous Conversations 2024-2025 . Lozada is the lead southern Minnesota organizer for ISAIAH/Faith in Minnesota, and will speak on building bridges towards racial, economic, and climate justice. Her presentation is the first in a two-part series examining faith in democracy.

Courageous Conversations is a non-denominational event, now in its seventh year. St. John’s Lutheran Church is located at 500 Third Street West, Northfield. There is no cost to attend, but donations are always welcome.

Your donations help pay honorariums to our speakers, and purchase materials for the missions we support.

Donate with

Click on PayPal logo. Or send your check, made out to WELCA, and mail to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 500 Third St. West, Northfield, MN 55057.

We thank you, ahead of time, for your gifts.

Courageous Conversations are recorded, and posted here

MAY 2, 2024, 7:00pm

Dr. Samuel Lotegeluaki, Professor Emeritus- Psych & Soc (Concordia, St Paul); PhD, Aquinas Inst. of Philosophy; MDiv & Couns, Luther Sem; BDiv &B.Ed (Tanzania); Author: I Am a Prisoner of Hope (©2023)

“I Am a Prisoner of Hope” was written at a time when political divisiveness, polarization, extremism, hate crimes, xenophobia, and violence are increasing at an alarming rate. The racial inequality and injustices that led to the Civil Rights Movement have not been fully remedied.

Lotegeluaki, a St. John’s member, will offer insight into the assumptions, attitudes, fears, and greed that have led to some of these current problems. Hope is seen as the driving force that sustains people through horrific circumstances and propels them to seek a better situation. He will challenge us to view ourselves as stewards (not owners) of this earth and to look for what we have in common with others, rather than what divides us, and provide suggestions for how me might begin to heal the hurts and make the world a better place. We are thrilled to host a member of our own congregation, on such a timely topic, completing our 2023-2024 “Courageous Conversations: Hope is a Muscle” program year.

April 4, 2024, 7:00PM

St. John’s Hall

“From Trauma to Triumph: Cultivating Hope and Resilience – A Lakota Perspective”

Embark on an enlightening journey with Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy as she explores the power of hope and resilience in overcoming trauma, rooted in the rich tapestry of Lakota wisdom. With her extensive research and profound understanding of Lakota spirituality and Christian practice, Dr. Sherman-Conroy brings to light inspiring stories that have empowered individuals to chart a course towards a brighter, more equitable future. In this transformative talk, you’ll discover how hope, much like a muscle, can be nurtured and strengthened, fostering resilience in the face of adversity. Delve into Dr. Sherman-Conroy’s compelling formula where hope equals goals plus a roadmap plus willpower, serving as a potent antidote to trauma. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of a conversation that promises to inspire, motivate, and illuminate pathways to resilience and recovery.

Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy, a prominent member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and trailblazer within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is the first Native woman to earn a Ph.D. in theology in the ELCA. Born in South Dakota, her Lakota roots deeply influence her unique theological perspective. A dedicated educator, she teaches on social justice and spirituality’s role in societal change. Beyond academics, she actively advocates for marginalized groups and policy changes. Known for her compassion and humor, she inspires change through embracing shared sacredness.

MARCH 7, 2024, 7:00PM

St. John’s Hall

Racial Justice: Planting Seeds for Social Change

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February 1, 2024, 7:00pm

Love Your Transgender Neighbor: A Biblical Basis for Allyship

Our speaker: Austen Hartke, former member of St. John’s, graduate of Luther Seminary, author, and founder and director of Transmission Ministry Collective

Have you heard Bible verses used against transgender people, and you’re wondering if there might be more to the story? Ever wondered whether there were people who didn’t fit neatly into gender boxes in ancient times? In this session we’ll dig into stories of biblical characters who lived outside gendered expectations and talk about how these stories can inspire us to stand with our gender-expansive siblings today. Austin’s latest book will be available for purchase.

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November 2, 2023, 7:00pm

STORIES OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE IN OCCUPIED PALESTINE

If your heart is heavy with the stories of devastation, destruction and human loss in the Middle East, you will not want to miss the next St. John’s Courageous Conversations event: “Stories of Hope and Resilience in Occupied Palestine.” Kris Ducett, executive Director of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, has just returned from Palestine and will share riveting stories from students at Dar al Kalima University. This accredited university, in Bethlehem, was founded by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb to educate the next generation of creative leaders. Raheb is a Palestinian Lutheran theologian and a prolific writer, whose latest book is “Decolonizing Palestine.”

UPDATE: Within hours of Ducett’s return from ten days in Palestine/Israel, our world was changed. Along with our Bright Stars friends, we are heartbroken, and mourn the loss of thousands of Palestinian and Israeli lives. Please come to hear Ducett’s stories and updates on this crisis, and hear how we might BE the hope for these Bright Stars of Bethlehem and all of Palestine/Israel.

Kris Ducett will have copies of “Decolonizing Palestine” at her presentation for $20 cash or via QR code. (It will also be made available at Content Book Store, Northfield).

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October 5, 2023, 7:00pm

Sexual and Gender Minorities: Social Justice and the Importance of Family Support

October’s program will feature a mother/son team who will share personal stories related to sexual and gender minorities, highlighting the importance of family support.

Elliott Kunerth, MSW, LGSW, social justice advocate, therapist and Gender Diverse trainer at Illumé North in Duluth.

Laurie Sieve, mental health RN, retired faculty at St Catherine, certified LGBT Health Policy advocate Allina; Elliott’s mom

Open to the public. Refreshments.

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September 14th, 2023

7:00pm St. John’s Hall

Finding Common Cause Across Religious Differences: a Voice for our Neighbors in Need at the State Capitol

Leah Patton, executive director of Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC); Public Policy and Strategic Messaging professional is our featured speaker.

“The session will explore JRLC’s process of finding common cause and mission in interfaith advocacy. Since 1971, our organization has established a legacy of building trust and mutual sharing between religious traditions, instead of viewing these differences as threatening to our own devoutly held beliefs. Through a foundation of respect and grace, we enrich our personal faith observance while rallying with our brother and sisters of other religious traditions around a common cause- to be a voice for our neighbors in need at the State Capitol. We are excited to share the lessons our community has learned with you!”