The Temple Forum

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.

The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago with Nisan Chavkin

The Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago is an organization of leaders from diverse faith traditions. The annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Observance is one of the most high-profile events the organization coordinates every year with representatives of many faith traditions from A (American Baptist) to Z (Zoroastrian). The Executive Director of the Council, Nisan Chavkin, says this group also takes action as people of faith and a community of conscience on public issues that advance the common good. Hear what he has to say about current social justice issues, including speaking out about religious prejudice, discrimination and persecution in these times.

 

CRLMC website: https://www.crlmc.org/

Meet Rev. Camille Henderson-Edwards is the Director for Economic, Health and Gender Justice at the GBHEM of the UMC

The U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade in June 2022 generated intense responses from pro- and anti-choice proponents. The landmark decision took away the federal right to an abortion that had been in place for nearly 50 years. Rev. Camille Henderson-Edwards is the Director for Economic, Health and Gender Justice at the General Board of Church and Society for the United Methodist Church. She explains how the church strives to nurture all women and children according to the UMC Social Principles and what efforts are underway to improve access to and equity in healthcare. Listen to this conversation to find out more about where the UMC stands on these important issues.