Our Forums are open to everyone: occasional visitors, curious newcomers, or long-timers. Anyone who wants to connect with others, explore Christian thought and practice and their intersection with our lives in the world is welcome. We explore topics from Scripture and theology to faith’s intersection with issues of social justice, the faith-science dialogue, and religious expression in service to others.
Meet in the Conference Room from 9 to 10 AM, or attend via Zoom at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81639569478?pwd=yEs41h1sx0PQbwtHjkzVfjhqzi6og1.1
Meeting ID: 816 3956 9478 and Passcode: 752135
LIFE IS A GIFT—BUT A FLEETING ONE
A four-part series on matters of life and death
“Everybody knows they’re going to die, but nobody believes it,”
says the character Morrie in Mitch Alborn’s “Tuesdays with Morrie.”
So, how do we plan for what we (instinctively) do not believe?
This series covers practical and theoretical considerations about facing our mortality, correspondent with Lent, as Jesus faces his.
MAR. 08: Planning Your Memorial
Pastor Dan and Cantor Kyle
Imagine your own memorial. What hymns should be sung? What scripture should be read?
Join Pastor Dan and Cantor Kyle to discuss some options, and to complete your preferences to be kept on record at the church.
MAR. 15: Things to Know Before a Funeral
Nikole Mitchell
Come join us as we discuss planning a funeral for a family member—learn about death certificates, autopsies, power of attorney, and other practical matters—dispel some common misconceptions, and talk about options for disposition.
Nikole Mitchell is a licensed Funeral director and embalmer. She has been at Evergreen Washelli for fourteen years, and has served as the location manager for the last five years. “I live in Marysville and commute into Seattle every day to work at a job that I love, while getting the chance to serve families and take care of a great team. I am honored and delighted to have an opportunity to speak with the general public about the services that we offer whenever I can. I don’t have much spare time, as my work, my two young boys, and my lovely husband fill most of my available time (in the best way!) If I can squeeze in an afternoon nap or a family vacation to a sandy beach somewhere, I am ecstatic!”
MAR. 22: Life after Death: What Are My Options?
Dr. Thomas Oord
How do we imagine life after death, and on what basis (if any) do we hope for life beyond the grave? Join theologian Tom Oord, author of more than 25 books, as we discuss what dreams may come from an avowedly Christian (but not necessarily orthodox) perspective.
Thomas Jay Oord, Ph.D. directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology at Northwind Theological Seminary. He's a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multidisciplinary studies; author or editor of more than twenty-five books. He is known for contributions to research on love, science and religion, open and relational theology, the problem of suffering, and the implications of freedom for transformational relationships.
MAR. 29: Dying on Your Own Terms:
The Death with Dignity Act & Other End-of-Life Options
Michelle Molan
Join End of Life Washington Volunteer, Michelle Molan, for a presentation outlining what choices are legal and accessible to die on your terms in Washington State. This presentation will cover topics like accepting or refusing treatment, Medical Aid in Dying, and Voluntary Stopping of Eating & Drinking. Questions welcomed!
Michelle Molan, MPH, worked in health care for over 40 years as a hospital director of a breast cancer center, community clinics administrator that included family practice, maternal and child health and migrant health clinics. She earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan Her last position was with The Boeing Company as a health benefits manager. When her husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2020, it was time to put many
Full Forum Calendar 2025-26
9/14: Forum Fellowship - Coffee in the Conference Room
9/21: Programming at Queen Anne Lutheran:
Building and Engaging Community
Lynn Hofstad
9/28: The Mysterious Identity of the Beloved Disciple
Dave Nienhaus
10/5: Forum Fellowship
Series: Lutheranism 101
10/12: Lutheranism 101: Music and Worship
Cantor Kyle
10/19: Lutheranism 101: 3 Lutheran Teachings
Pastor Dan
10/26: Lutheranism 101: 3 Lutheran Teachings
Pastor Dan
11/2: Forum Fellowship
11/9: Lutherans and Evangelical Christianity
Pastor Dan
11/16: Lutheranism and Buddhism
Michael Zbarschuk
11/23: Lutheran Summer Music Camp: My Take
Jenna Del Vento
12/07: Forum Fellowship - Coffee in the Conference Room
12/14: Update on My Book: Lost Gods of the Bible: Eight Encounters with the Sacred
Pastor Dan
No forums 12/21/2025 through 1/11/2026
1/18: The Queer History of Seattle
Magdalena Phillips
You may know Seattle as the land of rainbow sidewalks and giant Pride festivities. But how did Seattle become one of the most queer-accepting cities in the country? Who were some of our pioneering activists? And most importantly, what was the gay neighborhood before Capitol Hill? Come to Magdalena's forum to find out!
1/25: Q&A Before the Annual Congregational Meeting
(Finance Committee)
2/01: Forum Fellowship
Series: Love, Loneliness, & Isolation
2/08: Biblical Models of Marriage
Beatrice Lawrence
2/15: Loneliness and Isolation Mark Cohan
2/22: The Song of Songs for Single People
Pastor Dan
3/1: Forum Fellowship
Series: Life Is a Gift—But a Fleeting One
3/8: Planning Your Memorial
Pastor Dan and Cantor Kyle
3/15: Things to Know Before a Funeral
Nikole Mitchell
3/22: Life after Death: What are my options?
Dr. Thomas Oord
3/29: Dying on Your Own Terms:
The Death with Dignity Act & Other End-of-Life Options
Michelle Molan
4/05: Easter Breakfast
4/12: Forum Fellowship
4/19: Lost Gods of the Bible: Eight Encounters with the Divine (Augsburg, Broadleaf Books; 2026)
Pastor Dan Peterson
Series: Serving the Marginalized
4/26 Faith in Action: Addressing Homelessness Together
Sam Townsend
5/10 Lutheran Community Services NW: Update on Immigrant Needs
Justin Estep
5/17 Immigration and the Church
Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee
5/31: Forum Ideas for the Coming Year
Attendees