{"id":317,"date":"2015-12-17T11:19:37","date_gmt":"2015-12-17T17:19:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/cwta\/?page_id=317"},"modified":"2026-01-16T13:03:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T19:03:16","slug":"spotlights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/cwta\/spotlights\/","title":{"rendered":"Spotlight Sessions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/a>In-Person Spotlight Sessions<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/a>Monday Session:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

CHOIR REHEASAL<\/strong>\u00a0with Dr. Anton Armstrong – CHM233 (Fosness) \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

For those signed up for the choir, one of the rehearsal times will be during this period.
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\nBELONG. WONDER. WORSHIP. TOGETHER: INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTIONS\u00a0 with Rev. Renae Boehmer and Rev. Koren Lindley – Boe Memorial Chapel \"\"\"\"<\/b><\/p>\n

Faith is often formed in the holy space between people\u2014especially across generations. This interactive session invites participants into storytelling and reflection to notice where intergenerational relationships are already flourishing in their congregations, and to wonder together where new possibilities might emerge. Rooted in the imagination of the Holy Playground, expect meaningful conversation, shared curiosity, and a few gentle surprises along the way.<\/p>\n

HOLY CAMERA, BATMAN! PHOTOGRAPHY AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE<\/strong>\u00a0with Rev. Mallory Morris – King’s Dining Room (Valhalla) \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ever thought of using a camera to connect with God? If not, then come learn how photography can become a spiritual practice! This is a time for participants of all skill levels to come and explore a new way of encountering God and the world around them. This interactive session will include both discussion and the opportunity to take pictures around campus.<\/p>\n

SYMBOLS OF THE FAITH AND THE STORIES THEY TELL with Rev. Melinda Halom – King’s Dining Room (Trollhaugen) \"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

The session will explore these questions together: What do Christian symbols communicate to those within faith communities, and to our neighbors? How do they proclaim the Gospel? What barriers might they unintentionally create?<\/p>\n

A REPORT ON A STUDY OF THE NEXUS OF CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT, SPIRITUALITY, AND ACCESS TO THE NATURAL WORLD with Dr. Kiara Jorgenson – Viking Theater\"\" \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a>Tuesday Session 1:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

WIGGLE AND WORSHIP: PRACTICING LITURGY THROUGH THE LENS OF OUR YOUNGEST with Rev. Matthew Fleming and Arlene Flancher – Boe Memorial Chapel Undercroft\"\"\"\" \"\"<\/b><\/p>\n

INSPRING THE SONG (EXPLORE SINGING THROUGH A CHILD’S LENS)<\/b>\u00a0with Katie Houts – Kings Dining Room (Trollhaugen) \"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

INTRODUCTION TO WONDERS OF WORSHIP (WOW) CHILDREN’S SERMON SERIES: A PANEL DISCUSSION – Kings Dining Room (Valhalla)\"\"\"\"\"\" \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

IMAGINING AND EXPLORING DINNER CHURCH<\/strong>\u00a0with Rev. Christie Webb – Ballrooms\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are you interested in exploring dinner church and how you can do it in your congregation? Then this session is for you.<\/p>\n

ADVENT 2026 SERIES: PREPARING THE WAY<\/strong> with Rev. Dr. Char Rachuy Cox – Viking Theater<\/strong>\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Preparing the Way: A Herstory of Hope is an Advent series that traces the story of Jesus through the often-overlooked women in his family tree, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Their lives reveal God\u2019s grace at work in unexpected and often painful circumstances, reminding us that hope is born not from perfection, but from God who gifts with courage, faithfulness, and trust.<\/p>\n

Tamar teaches us about justice and resilience, showing that it matters to do what is right. Rahab shows us that it is good to be brave, trusting God\u2019s protection in the face of danger. Ruth embodies God\u2019s steadfast love through her loyalty and faithfulness. Bathsheba, a survivor of violence and loss, testifies that God can bring life out of death. Mary proclaims God\u2019s justice and bears God into the world, trusting a promise that transforms her life.<\/p>\n

Together, these women give us hope through their witness. Their herstory prepares the way for Christ and invites us to see how God\u2019s saving work unfolds through lives shaped by courage, love, justice, and grace.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Tuesday Session 2:<\/strong><\/h4>\n

HANDBELL REHEARSAL with Jill Mahr – BMC010 \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

For those signed up for the handbell choir, one of the rehearsal times will be during this period.<\/p>\n

NOURISHED TO FLOURISH with Dr. John Nunes – Boe Chapel \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Our senses\u2014hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, and touching\u2014are gifts that deepen our connections to our Creator\u00a0and<\/u>\u00a0to our callings. We will look at some common-sense benefits to our vocation when we pay attention in uncommon ways.<\/p>\n

WORSHIPPING WITH THE YOUNGEST SAINTS<\/b>\u00a0with Katie Houts – Kings Dining Room (Trollhaugen)\"\" \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

PRAYGROUNDS: A GUIDED DISCUSSION\u00a0 with Rev. Teresa Stewart, Rev. Brigette Weier, Rev. Halcyon Bjornstad and Rev. Laura Overbo – King’s Dining Room (Valhalla)\"\" \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Are you curious about how to make a praygound work in your worship setting? Attend this guided panel discussion with three experienced pastors who have implemented praygrounds in one or more congregations. They will share the successes, joys, challenges, and strategies of prayground design and implementation. This interactive session will include ample time for questions and conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

CHOOSING A CHILDREN’S BIBLE with Rev. Amy Lindemann Allen – Ballrooms\"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS: NOURISHING BAPTISMAL VOCATION THROUGH LITURGY AND THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL<\/strong> – with Rev. Dr. Char Rachuy Cox – Viking Theater<\/strong>\"\"<\/p>\n

This presentation explores how baptismal vocation is formed, nourished, and sustained through the church\u2019s liturgy and the proclamation of the Gospel. Grounded in Lutheran theology, it considers how the storytelling rhythm of \u201cGathering, Word, Meal, Sending\u201d 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\u2019s call \u201cfor such a time as this\u201d and to embody the Gospel in daily life and public witness.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t<\/div> \n\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\n\n

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