10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Registration Check-In
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ Crossroads
1-2 p.m.
Welcome and Worship with Homily by Rev. Katie Fick
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
2:15-3:15 p.m.
Plenary Session “Called” with Rev. DaMisha McFarland-Pollock and Vonda Drees
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
3:15–3:30 p.m.
Coffee and Break
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room & Norway Room
- Norway Room is for people who would like a quiet break.
- King’s Dining Room is for people who would like social time.
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Spotlight Sessions
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room, Viking Theater and BC140 rooms.
With the vocational discovery of children at the forefront, we’ll explore how children’s voices can lead and respond confidently in worship – in sung, spoken, and silent Word. In this hands-on session, we’ll discuss congregational song and identify markers of accessible hymnody for children – while learning how to introduce more difficult (yet foundational) pieces of our musical canon; we’ll create child-led litanies, prayers, or transitional pieces; and we’ll learn how to empower children’s voices in worship through art, nature, and service.
EVENINGS OF SPIRIT: A CREATION STORY with Eric Parrish – BC142
Hear how First Lutheran Church in Worthington, MN began a summer evening worship service that strengthened connections to their community and generated new community-facing ministries.
LEARNING AS YOU GROW: USING THE NOURISHING VOCATION PROJECT (NVP) RESOURCES IN YOUR CONGREGATION with Rev. Shellie Knight-Senglaub – King’s Dining Room (Trollhaugen)
We will explore the resource materials from the Nourishing Vocation Project Lectionary tool box, and the Celebrate+ Worship materials. Pastor Shellie will share how she has used various pieces in her last and current calls; how small groups were formed, and other ways to incorporate the NVP Vocare resources in already established groups and gatherings that include all ages. There will be ample time for Q&A, visioning, and coaching on how to bring the Nourishing Vocation Project to your context.
LIVING CATECHISM with Keerthana Babu and Brenda Blackhawk – Viking Theater
In this Spotlight session, learn about A Living Catechism, a joint project of the Lutheran Center at St. Olaf and Church Anew, that seeks to explore and nourish a vibrant Lutheranism for the 21st century. The project is centered around seven principles that invite us all into the ways that Lutheran tradition and practices can nourish our relationship with God and our neighbors. Since January, a working group of 10 members from around the country have led experiments engaging their congregations and communities with the principles. Come hear a general overview of A Living Catechism and about two of the experiments. You will also have the opportunity to think about how you could engage with A Living Catechism in your own context!
PIVOTAL ACTIONS AND CRITICAL RESOURCES: WHAT LEADERS SAY ABOUT SHAPING THEIR CHURCHES FOR THE FUTURE with Leslie Mulder – BC143
What’s your “why” for being part of change in your church? What actions and resources will shape your organization for the future? The presenter will share 3 case studies of U.S. Protestant churches undergoing organization change and compare their actions and resources. Cases include starting a new church due to disaffiliation, expanding a collaborative ministry model, and joining a historically white congregation with a queer, BIPOC congregation. Whether your church is undergoing big or small changes, be inspired by these stories, learn concepts in leadership and organization development, and walk away with a resource to lead rich conversations with your own congregation.
4:45–5:45 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal with Dr. Anton Armstrong
Location: Christiansen Hall of Music ~ CHM233
5–6:30 p.m.
Dinner (for those with the dinner meal plan)
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ Stav Hall Cafeteria
Dinner is available for residential, Nourishing Vocation Project and Living Catechism Project attendees.
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Exhibitor Fair Open
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room
6:30-7:15 p.m.
What Nourishes You? with Emily King-Nobles, Snapshots and Music
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
7:30-8:15 p.m.
Choir Reading Session with Dr. Anton Armstrong
Location: Christiansen Hall of Music ~ CHM233
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar and Jonny Pops Networking Social and Exhibitor Fair
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room
Dairy-free and vegan options available.
Exhibitor Fair Feature Day
7-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Buffet (for those with the breakfast meal plan)
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ Stav Hall Cafeteria
9–9:30 a.m.
Liturgy inspired by the Nourishing Vocation Project
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Plenary Session “Nourished” with Rev. Sergio Rodriguez and Vonda Drees
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
10:30–10:45 a.m.
Coffee and Break
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room & Norway Room
- Norway Room is for people who would like a quiet break.
- King’s Dining Room is for people who would like social time.
10:45–11:45 a.m.
Spotlight Sessions
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room, Viking Theatre and BC140 rooms
SEASONS OF THE CHURCH YEAR THROUGH A CHILD’S EYES with Katie Houts – King’s Dining Room (Valhalla)
How do we invite wonder and foster connection as we move through the church year? For children – and even adults who are unfamiliar with our traditions – the seasons of the church year and their signs, symbols, and songs can be filled with mystery. We’ll focus on fostering connection in this guided journey through the liturgical seasons, generating ideas to heighten understanding and minimize disconnect. We’ll also touch briefly on child development and learning styles, discovering opportunities to nurture a child’s experience in worship as we move through the liturgical year.
ELEMENTAL MINISTRY with Rev. Teresa Stewart – Boe Chapel
Rev. Stewart and congregation has discovered that art encounters, along with the elements of water, earth, air, and fire are uniquely capable of holding together the Scriptures and creating an environment where families who haven’t yet brought the children to church want to come. In our Elemental Ministry’s effort to spread the Gospel through non-traditional means, we’ve expanded from engaging with fewer than 10 children per week to more than 30. Likewise, our outreach has grown from fewer than five families with children in the home last year to more than 100 such families this year.
If you have an interest in reaching out to young families to share the Gospel and you have a congregation full of retirees, come on over and see how we are doing with “Elemental Ministry” a new way to proclaim the Gospel to families not reached by more traditional methods and a way to create spiritually-focused community with those who have been reached by the traditional methods.
We will explore our outreach to families beyond our community, their openness to dialogue, and the way artistic experiences can foster family participation in spiritual events. We’ll discuss how the natural elements of wind, water, fire, and earth can enrich scriptural understanding, and how we motivate retirees to share the Gospel. Additionally, we invite you to a campfire worship where will gather, partake in the Word, share the meal, and send. We invite you to visit; we’re confident you’ll depart feeling intrigued by our time together.
SCATTERING THE SEEDS OF VOCATION ACROSS YOUR FAITH COMMUNITY with Rev. Sue Leibnitz – Viking Theater
In this session we’ll think about the many areas of life within a faith community and how seeds of vocation – its concepts, language, and spirituality – can be sprinkled into that area. This is the approach Trondhjem Lutheran Church in Lonsdale used in its participation in the Nourishing Vocation Project. Some of what was tried took root and grew! Some didn’t sprout at all! However, we found new life in the Holy Spirit in some unexpected ways – even in the Congregation’s Annual Meeting!
LIVING CATECHISM with Keerthana Babu and Brenda Blackhawk – BC142
In this Spotlight session, learn about A Living Catechism, a joint project of the Lutheran Center at St. Olaf and Church Anew, that seeks to explore and nourish a vibrant Lutheranism for the 21st century. The project is centered around seven principles that invite us all into the ways that Lutheran tradition and practices can nourish our relationship with God and our neighbors. Since January, a working group of 10 members from around the country have led experiments engaging their congregations and communities with the principles. Come hear a general overview of A Living Catechism and about two of the experiments. You will also have the opportunity to think about how you could engage with A Living Catechism in your own context!
PIVOTAL ACTIONS AND CRITICAL RESOURCES: WHAT LEADERS SAY ABOUT SHAPING THEIR CHURCHES FOR THE FUTURE with Leslie Mulder BC143
What’s your “why” for being part of change in your church? What actions and resources will shape your organization for the future? The presenter will share 3 case studies of U.S. Protestant churches undergoing organization change and compare their actions and resources. Cases include starting a new church due to disaffiliation, expanding a collaborative ministry model, and joining a historically white congregation with a queer, BIPOC congregation. Whether your church is undergoing big or small changes, be inspired by these stories, learn concepts in leadership and organization development, and walk away with a resource to lead rich conversations with your own congregation.
12–1 p.m.
Lunch
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ Stav Hall Cafeteria
12–1 p.m.
Lunchtime Discussion – The use of technological tools post-pandemic with Dr. Deanna Thompson and Rev. Natalia Terfa
Location: King’s Dining Room ~ Valhalla
So many communities of faith moved online during the pandemic for worship, Bible study, Sunday school, coffee hour, and beyond. Emerging from pandemic life, we know we can live-stream worship and host church council meetings online, but should we? Join Dr. Deanna Thompson, author of The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World, and Rev. Natalia Terfa, pastor, content producer at Church Anew, and co-host and creator of the Cafeteria Christian podcast for a lunch-time conversation around our discernment regarding the use of technological tools to help us be the body of Christ post pandemic.
1–2:45 p.m.
Ministry Fair & Exhibitors Fair
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room
3–3:50 p.m.
Arts Encounters
CHOIR REHEARSAL with Dr. Anton Armstrong – CHM233 Fosness
For those signed up for the choir, one of the rehearsal times will be during this period.
CREATIVE, QUIET TIME: PRACTICES OF VISUAL EXPRESSION with Vonda Drees – King’s Dining Room (Valhalla)
Come kindle the fire of your imagination with breath and mark-making, as you learn practices to integrate creativity and contemplation. With a scaffolding of instruction, form gives way to presence, connection, and joy. Experienced artists, self-professed “can’t even draw a stick-person” individuals and everyone in between are welcome!
STRIVING FOR PEACE ON HORIZON’S BRIM with Mac Gimse – Art Barn
Striving for Peace on Horizon’s Brim is a kinetic, interactive sculpture created by St. Olaf Professor Emeritus of Art Mac Gimse ’58. It serves as an emblem of hope for peace among humans, all living things, and with the earth. The initial idea for On Horizon’s Brim, and a poem of the same name by Gimse, originated with the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Forum held at St. Olaf. Commissioned to create sculpture and poetry for 12 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, Gimse’s artistic focus turned to issues of human rights, climate change, poverty, disease, and other ongoing challenges to humankind. All of these will be on the agenda.
The 24ft stainless steel structure is imbued with vibrant color and symbols of peace and harmony. The sculpture’s legs highlight images of whales breaching and submerging, eagles soaring and landing, leafless and leafing trees, and reflexive human beings stretching. A Double Dove of Peace and Love at the top of the sculpture spins in the wind. The Sphere of Our Finite Journey represents the earth on the central Color Column of Life with seven spiralling colors.
There will be a presentation and a take home sculpture.
EXPLORING VOCATION THROUGH THEATER with Dr. Elaigwu Ameh – Theater Building 014 (Haugen Theater)
Are you a theater enthusiast? Are you interested in exploring your vocation or vocation (generally) through theater games and methods? Are you looking for a workshop that will give you theater-related tools to use right away in your family, congregation, or community? If yes, “Exploring Vocation through Theater” is the right workshop for you.
ELEMENTAL MINISTRY MUSIC with Revs. Dave Efflandt and Nick Fisher-Broin – CHM100 Urness
Pastors Dave Efflandt and Nick Fisher-Broin collaborated on composing music for Elemental Ministry, a pilot project of Nourishing Vocation with Children, a St. Olaf College project of the Nurturing Children through Worship and Prayer Initiative of Lilly Endowment Inc. They will discuss their collaboration process and experience, share how the music has been used and received in their respective communities, and invite participants to experience Elemental Ministry Music.
3–3:50 p.m.
Campus Tour
Those not participating in an Arts Encounter are invited to go on a campus tour with a trained guide.
4-4:50 p.m.
Arts Encounters
HANDBELL REHARSAL with Bill Mathis – Boe Chapel Undercroft
For those signed up for the handbell choir, one of the rehearsal times will be during this period.
CREATIVE, QUIET TIME: PRACTICES OF VISUAL EXPRESSION ARTS ENCOUNTER with Vonda Drees – King’s Dining Room (Valhalla)
Come kindle the fire of your imagination with breath and mark-making, as you learn practices to integrate creativity and contemplation. With a scaffolding of instruction, form gives way to presence, connection, and joy. Experienced artists, self-professed “can’t even draw a stick-person” individuals and everyone in between are welcome!
STRIVING FOR PEACE ON HORIZON’S BRIM with Mac Gimse – Art Barn
Striving for Peace on Horizon’s Brim is a kinetic, interactive sculpture created by St. Olaf Professor Emeritus of Art Mac Gimse ’58. It serves as an emblem of hope for peace among humans, all living things, and with the earth. The initial idea for On Horizon’s Brim, and a poem of the same name by Gimse, originated with the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Forum held at St. Olaf. Commissioned to create sculpture and poetry for 12 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, Gimse’s artistic focus turned to issues of human rights, climate change, poverty, disease, and other ongoing challenges to humankind. All of these will be on the agenda.
The 24ft stainless steel structure is imbued with vibrant color and symbols of peace and harmony. The sculpture’s legs highlight images of whales breaching and submerging, eagles soaring and landing, leafless and leafing trees, and reflexive human beings stretching. A Double Dove of Peace and Love at the top of the sculpture spins in the wind. The Sphere of Our Finite Journey represents the earth on the central Color Column of Life with seven spiralling colors.
There will be a presentation and a take home sculpture.
EXPLORING VOCATION THROUGH THEATER with Dr. Elaigwu Ameh – Theater Building 014 (Haugen Theater)
Are you a theater enthusiast? Are you interested in exploring your vocation or vocation (generally) through theater games and methods? Are you looking for a workshop that will give you theater-related tools to use right away in your family, congregation, or community? If yes, “Exploring Vocation through Theater” is the right workshop for you.
ELEMENTAL MINISTRY MUSIC with Revs. Dave Efflandt and Nick Fisher-Broin – CHM100 Urness
Pastors Dave Efflandt and Nick Fisher-Broin collaborated on composing music for Elemental Ministry, a pilot project of Nourishing Vocation with Children, a St. Olaf College project of the Nurturing Children through Worship and Prayer Initiative of Lilly Endowment Inc. They will discuss their collaboration process and experience, share how the music has been used and received in their respective communities, and invite participants to experience Elemental Ministry Music.
THE ART OF ENGAGING YOUNG CHILDREN IN WORSHIP with Jo Beld – Viking Theater
Drama, dance, visual art, poetry, and music are all wonderful ways to engage even the youngest among us in the experience of worship. How do congregations currently use the arts to nurture children and adults alike in congregational worship services? What do they wish they could do, and what do they need in order to do more? This session will share insights from more than 900 church professionals and lay leaders on engaging children in worship through the arts.
4–4:50 p.m.
Campus Tour
Those not participating in an Arts Encounter are invited to go on a campus tour with a trained guide.
5–6:30 p.m.
Dinner (for those with a dinner meal plan)
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ Stav Hall Cafeteria
Dinner is available for residential, Nourishing Vocation Project and Living Catechism Project attendees.
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Exhibitor Fair Open
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room
6:30–7:15 p.m.
Snapshots and Eucharist with Homily by Rev. Dr. Char Rachuy Cox
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
7:30-8:15 p.m.
Handbell Reading Session
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel ~ BMC017
7:30-9:15 p.m.
Evening Root Beer Float Networking Social & Exhibitor Fair with Music by Mark Heiman
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room
7-8:30 a.m.
Breakfast Buffet (for those with a breakfast meal plan)
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ Stav Hall Cafeteria
7-9:15 a.m.
Check-Out
Location: Residence Hall & Buntrock Commons ~ Crossroads
8–9 a.m.
Handbell Rehearsal
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
8:30–9:15 a.m.
Modelling the Nourishing Vocation Projects
Location: Buntrock Commons ~ King’s Dining Room (Trollhaugen)
9-9:30 a.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Plenary Session “Sent” with Rev. Amanda Dahlseng-Monroe and Vonda Drees
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
10:30–10:45 a.m.
Coffee/Break
Location: Boe Chapel Foyer
10:45–11:30 a.m.
What Nourishes You? with Jason DeRose and Announcements
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Snapshots and Closing Worship with Homily by Rev. Dr. Matt Marohl.
Location: Boe Memorial Chapel
12:30–1 p.m.
Lunch
12:30-1 p.m.
Depart Campus
Location: Buntrock Commons
1–2 p.m.
St. Olaf Campus Tour
Those not needing to depart campus straight away are invited to go on a campus tour with a trained guide.
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