The Temple Forum

Meet Dan Schwerin, the bishop of The United Methodist Church

Meet Dan Schwerin, the new bishop of the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church!

Bishop Schwerin is a poetry-loving Wisconsin native who has been bishop of the Northern Illinois Conference, home conference to the Chicago Temple, since January of 2023. You'll hear Bishop Dan's answers to serious theological questions like war and evil in this episode of the Temple Forum.

See his bio: https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/person-detail/4172906

Curious about the history of the West Loop? A conversation with Connie Fairbanks

Want to learn about the history of Chicago's up-and-coming neighborhood, the WestLoop? Join the Temple Forum for a discussion of Connie Fairbanks' book Chicago's WestLoop: Then and Now, the result of extensive and detailed research over five years. Connie is also a member of the FUMC at the Chicago Temple! Check out her website, too. https://www.conniefairbanks.com/

This podcast interview was conducted by Jann Ingmire. 

There is a Queer God in the Bible!- Interview with Sulkiro Song

Temple Forum had an interview with Sulkiro Song (She/they), Ha:n UMC's worship director, to learn more about Ha:n, a Korean-American congregation, and Song's understanding of a queer God. Sulkiro majored in Biblical Studies at Union Theological Seminary for their master's degree, firmly believing that God is queer.

It is also the first interview Sam did with Temple Forum. Welcome Sam and Sulkiro!

HA:N UMC website:https://www.han-umc.org

 

It’s about Relationship! Interview with James and Natalie Crockett at C24/7 FAM

C25/7 Father's Arms Ministry is a non-profit located at 1543 W Howard St, Chicago, IL. They provide community outreach programs including a monthly food pantry for locals and newly bussed immigrants, an after school program for about 60 kids from kindergartner to high school students, and a job development program. James and Natalie are a married couple and co-founders of the organization. Check out their website!

https://c247fam.org/

 

 

The Capacity to Be Brave -Interview with M Jade Kaiser, co-founder and co-director of EnFleshed

Happy Pride!

This month we interviewed the Rev. M Jade Kaiser(they/them), co-founder and co-director of EnFleshed and deacon in the United Methodist Church.

 

Visit enfleshed website: https://enfleshed.com/

 

Rev. Dr. Dong Hyeon Jeong, Director the Center for Asian/Asian American Ministry at Garrett ETS

In celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Temple Forum invited Dr. Donghyun Jeong for an interview.In addition to serving as Assistant Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, Dr. Jeong is also Director of the Center for Asian/Asian American Ministry. Here is what he says about Asian bigotry during the pandemic, Asian heritage, solidarity with the world, the church, and the community.

Interview with Chaplain Dirk Labuschagne at Rush Hospital

During the COVID pandemic, we heard about the healthcare heroes in our hospitals. These are the doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who are on the front lines taking care of patients.

But…there are other professionals providing comfort and care in hospitals every day who may not receive as much attention – Hospital Chaplains.

Let us hear from Chaplain Dirk about his calling as a chaplain. He will discuss how his work as a chaplain helps those who are facing a difficult moment in their life and provides spiritual care for them.

Interview with Alan Conley, Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for CPS

Who knew that there would be a faith-based initiative in the Chicago Public Schools system?  

This installment of the Temple Forum features Alan Conley, the Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for CPS.

Listen to his work for CPS!

”What Do We Do When Nobody is Listening?” with Dr. Robin Lovin

"What Do We Do When Nobody is Listening? Leading the Church in a Polarized Society" is the title of a new book by Dr. Robin W. Lovin. This timely book looks at how the church can be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem, in our very divided society.  

 

According to Dr. Lovin, an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and a leading global scholar in Christian ethics, we need to listen to the Word, to the world, and to those who are not heard. Find out how you can be a better listener in this culture of chatter by listening to this conversation!   

Interview with journalist and attorney Lester Munson

Journalist and attorney Lester Munson has covered some of the biggest stories and scandals in the sports world during the course of his long career at Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and “The Sportswriters” TV show. Find out how he jumped from a struggling law career to becoming a successful sports journalist. Munson also has varied interests beyond the sports world, including a connection with the Czech community in the Chicago area, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, and the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. Be sure to listen to this delightful conversation with a long-suffering Cubs fan.