2026 Full Conference Schedule

WIGGLE AND WORSHIP: PRACTICING LITURGY THROUGH THE LENS OF OUR YOUNGEST with Rev. Matthew Fleming and Arlene Flancher – Boe Memorial Chapel Undercroft

Have you ever wondered what worship would look like if designed by children and for children? St. Andrew Lutheran Church has been leading Wiggle & Worship for more than ten years, gathering hundreds of young children and their caregivers in meaningful worship for the high holy days of the Christian tradition. Join Arlene Flancher, Matthew Ian Fleming, and Brian Evans to experience Wiggle & Worship and wonder together how to make worship accessible to young children in your context.

INSPIRING THE SONG (EXPLORE SINGING THROUGH A CHILD’S LENS) with Katie Houts – Kings Dining Room (Trollhaugen)

In this workshop, we explore foundational elements of singing through the lens of a child – leading us to discover joyful, playful, and enjoyable musical experiences. Do you lead children’s music in any capacity? Lead the assembly’s song? Sing in the church choir? Train other volunteers? Come gain confidence in your unique musical voice so you can lead others with freedom and joy. All levels are welcome here – from music majors to those who think they can’t hold a tune.

INTRODUCTION TO WONDERS OF WORSHIP (WOW) CHILDREN’S SERMON SERIES: A PANEL DISCUSSION – Kings Dining Room (Valhalla)

This session will introduce participants to the Wonders of Worship series which features trading cards about each part of the liturgy and fantastic art by Vonda Drees.

IMAGINING AND EXPLORING DINNER CHURCH with Rev. Christie Webb – Rolvaag Memorial Library (RML515)

Are you interested in exploring dinner church and how you can do it in your congregation? Then this session is for you.

THE HEAVENS ARE SINGING THE GLORY OF GOD (YOU MAY AS WELL TOO!) with Hans Peterson and Carol Meier – Viking Theater

Join the composers of the Living Voice of Creation liturgy for a hands-on, interactive workshop. Carol Meier and Hans Peterson will speak briefly about the backstory of this intergenerational worship resource, while involving you in learning some of the core elements and supplementary materials that are available. Come prepared to sing, move, and learn some new music. Be inspired to bring all or parts of this liturgy back to enliven your worship context.

HANDBELL REHEARSAL with Jill Mahr – BMC010

For those signed up for the handbell choir, one of the rehearsal times will be during this period.

NOURISHED TO FLOURISH with Dr. John Nunes – Boe Chapel

Our senses—hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, and touching—are gifts that deepen our connections to our Creator and to our callings. We will look at some common-sense benefits to our vocation when we pay attention in uncommon ways.

WORSHIPPING WITH THE YOUNGEST SAINTS with Katie Houts – Kings Dining Room (Trollhaugen)

What do we need to know when leading worship experiences for our PreK friends? This immersive workshop places children ages 3-7 at the focus and offers guidance for building faith connections with young children in a variety of settings: preschool chapel, Sunday school, children’s choir, children’s church, and worship with the entire assembly. Participants receive a free sample of Worship and Wonder: Story, Song, and Ritual for Preschoolers.

PRAYGROUNDS: A GUIDED DISCUSSION  with Rev. Teresa Stewart, Rev. Brigette Weier, Rev. Halcyon Bjornstad and Rev. Laura Overbo – Boe Memorial Chapel Undercroft

WINDOWS INTO THE WORD: HOW ILLUSTRATIONS IN CHILDREN’S BIBLES SHAPE CHILDREN’S SOCIAL AND THEOLOGICAL IMAGINATION with Rev. Dr. Amy Lindeman Allen – King’s Dining Room (Valhalla)

Children’s Bibles are a common medium for teaching the Word of God in both formal and at-home faith formation; however, the messaging of children’s Bibles is often portrayed more vividly in their illustrations than in the words. In this collaborative workshop, practice formalist, theological, and ideological reading strategies on the illustrations in several popular children’s Bibles.

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS: NOURISHING BAPTISMAL VOCATION THROUGH LITURGY AND THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL – with Rev. Dr. Char Rachuy Cox – Viking Theater

This presentation explores how baptismal vocation is formed, nourished, and sustained through the church’s liturgy and the proclamation of the Gospel. Grounded in Lutheran theology, it considers how the storytelling rhythm of “Gathering, Word, Meal, Sending” is a countercultural act that shapes Christian identity and calls people to faithful living in a complex and changing world. Together, we will reflect on how liturgy is not only formative but missional, equipping the baptized to discern God’s call “for such a time as this” and to embody the Gospel in daily life and public witness.