By TANE ADAMS
Director of Corporate Services

GOSHEN — The Lifelong Learning Institute of Elkhart County invites the public to its annual Midwinter Lecture Series.  The free one hour presentations begin at 1:30 p.m. and includes time for audience questions. All are held at the Greencroft Goshen Community Center off of College Avenue. Presentations may range in type from “life stories” to community efforts, to broader topics of interest.

Jan. 13, Curtis T. Hill Jr. The Philosophy of a Prosecutor

Elkhart County Prosecutor Hill will discuss the responsibilities of a county prosecutor, and take you on a journey of hope that is grounded in the American Justice System.

Jan. 20, David Miller and Janeen Bertsche Johnson, The “Trail of Death” Story

In June 2015, Miller and Bertsche Johnson joined a pilgrimage organized by the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary to follow the route of the 1838 forced removal of over 850 Potawatomi from Northern Indiana to Eastern Kansas. They will share this journey through story through pictures, stories and reflections.

Jan. 27, Jep Hostetler, The Art and Fun of Storytelling

There is great significance in telling your stories to your children and grandchildren. You may think you can’t tell stories, but actually everyone is a storyteller. John Lederach will join Jep for one story and you are also invited to participate in this lighthearted session. Included will be helpful hints for telling your own stories. Hostetler brings extensive experience in story telling and humor for both medical and popular settings.

Feb. 3, Gulzar Kokara, From Pakistan to Goshen

Most of us are newcomers or immigrants to Goshen with our varied stories about settling here. Today, with assistance from John Hertzler, Kokara will tell the story of both his background in Pakistan and his 26 year journey from there to his current home in Goshen.

Feb. 10, John D. Yoder, Pumpkin Vine Nature Trail Adventures

What began as the dream of six trail enthusiasts converting an abandoned 17 mile railroad corridor between Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana into a multi-use trail and greenway turned into a decades-long project. Initial opposition evolved into widespread support when people could experience the trail themselves. Yoder was a prime mover in accomplishing this goal.

Feb 17, Richard Kauffman, The Influence of both Christian Century and Christanity Today

Both have reflected and helped to shape 20th Century Protestantism in different way; the first mainline and progressive, the latter evangelical and conservative, but by the end of the 20th century, both were moving toward the center of the theological spectrum. For example; publishing some of the same writers and teachers. Kauffman has served as an editor for both magazines and is recently retired as senior editor and book review editor of Christian Century.

Feb 24.  Reserved as a “snow date” in case any of the above is cancelled due to a school-closing snowstorm.