“Grief options”

New grief resources have recently expanded to focus on the grief of survivors. One such resource offers optional tools for confronting significant loss, based on interpreting one’s response to a loved one’s death and offers assistance for creating a new "normal" in one’s life. This week’s forum includes reflection on Dr. Susan Berger’s recent book, The Five Ways We Grieve: Finding Your Personal Path to Healing after the Loss of a Loved One.

“Camping in South Dakota”

Layne is the executive director for Lutherans Outdoors and Marnie leads youth and family ministries at First Lutheran. If you and your family are interested in camping this year, come and get the low down on what’s available (and new) and learn how to sign up for fun this summer.

“Life lessons learned”

Stan’s career in social work at Veteran's Affairs and the State of South Dakota spanned more than 40 years. He’s gained a wealth of knowledge and insights based on his experiences. Join Stan as he shares his insights and wisdom.

“Healthy habits in a fast food world”

Georgia is the clinical nutrition manager at Sanford Health. She will offer ways to make healthy choices among fast food menus as well as how to cook quick and healthy meals at home. Plenty of food for thought is in store as we contemplate New Year’s resolutions.

“Letters of Love”

Letters of Love, represents a compilation of 26 sermons authored by Sandy's husband, the late Mark Jerstad, pastor and founder of the Good Samaritan Society. Sandy, Mark's wife of 31 years, a successful coach and South Dakota state legislator, completed the task her husband began years ago. She’ll share her reflections contained in Letters of Love based on Mark’s preaching during his tenure as Augustana College campus chaplain.

“LifeSource”

Cary serves as the eastern South Dakota hospital services manager for LifeSource. He’ll explain medical advances in transplants, an easy way to become a donor, and how LifeSource benefits 500 people in the Dakotas and Minnesota each year. 

“My 15 years as a zookeeper at the Great Plains Zoo”

Ami’s career included a wide variety of funny, scary and emotional experiences. She’ll reflect on a number of those events as well as how caring for creatures of God’s creation also included a strong non-verbal and spiritual component.

“The Dead Sea Scrolls”

The Dead Sea Scrolls provide biblical scholars immeasurable insights into the early writings and theology of the church. Yet they raise many questions, too. Join our speakers for a lively look at theology as well as human nature.

“Lutheran Worship Wars: Soli Deo Gloria and other Latin roots”

Did Martin Luther really want all worship done in German—the language of the people? Was Latin forbidden because it was the official language of the Catholic Church? How were our modern forms of worship developed? Is it true that Bach—that most Lutheran of Lutherans—considered moving to the Catholic Church? Learn the answer to these and other questions from Dr. James Johnson.

“Rembrandt’s works”

If you enjoyed Pastor John’s presentation last fall on Vincent Van Gogh, you’ll certainly enjoy his rendition on the works and symbolism of this famous painter from the Dutch Golden Age. Special attention will be given to Rembrandt’s painting, “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” A reproduction of this famous painting hangs on the west wall of First Lutheran’s Welcome Center.

“The Holy Trinity: God’s Hat Trick”

Have you ever wondered about the Trinity? Come find out why in this day of many gods, the “one in three and three in one” is the very best for your life today.

No forums

“Understanding the contemporary family”

Based on his experiences as a school counselor, he’ll address how family structure has changed in our culture today. He’ll also explain the realities and resulting difficulties that families and students deal with in our community. This program provides a segway for next week’s forum when we’ll hear from a Sioux Falls inner city school principal.

“Opportunities and challenges of inner city schools in Sioux Falls”

Twaine is the principal at Lowell Elementary. Lowell faces unique realities given the diverse and economically challenged population the school serves. Twain will describe the need for mentoring relationships and their life-transforming importance. He will also offer practical ways for First Lutheran to show the love of Christ and live out its mission through mentoring students at these schools.

“VA then and now”

Shirley serves as public affairs officer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Regional Office in Sioux Falls. She’ll compare what you might think you know about the VA to recent changes at the facility that serves veterans and their families in our area.

“Surviving as an artist in Sioux Falls, S.D.”

Marion’s art, both recent and earlier paintings dating back to the early years of her 40 year career, tell part of her story. Along with her paintings, she’ll describe her career, from her teaching experience at South Dakota State University after graduation, as well as the ups and downs, tribulations, isolation, and coping mechanisms that brought her to where she is today.