{"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":"2026-04-27T08:25:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T13:25:06","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

THE MAKING OF THE ART FOR WONDERS OF WORSHIP (WOW)<\/strong> with Vonda Drees \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Journey with the artist from concept and invitation to the culmination of the WOW Tree of Life painting. Image by image, we’ll delve into how nature, imagination and liturgy became partnered in this work.<\/p>\n

NEUROSPICY & NOURISHED: MOVING FROM INCLUSION TO JUSTICE IN SPACES OF WORSHIP: with Dr. Kiara Jorgenson – Viking Theater\u00a0<\/strong>\"\"<\/strong>\"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you ever considered what worship could look like if neurodivergent children were empowered not just to attend \u2014 but to lead? Join Kiara Jorgenson to explore how access to nature and natural elements in worship meets the embodied needs of neurospicy children and moves our communities from mere inclusion toward justice. Drawing on disability theology, child theology, and emerging neuroscience, this session offers a practical menu of nature-integrated liturgical practices \u2014 from wonder bowls and sensory tables to elemental Sundays and outdoor worship \u2014 and invites participants to imagine what it might look like to nourish every child’s vocation in their own context.<\/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

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.<\/p>\n

INSPIRING 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 – Rolvaag Memorial Library (RML515)\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/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

THE HEAVENS ARE SINGING THE GLORY OF GOD (YOU MAY AS WELL TOO!)<\/b> with Hans Peterson and Carol Meier – Viking Theater<\/strong>\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Join the composers of the <\/span>Living Voice of Creation<\/span><\/i> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

THE MINNESOTA BOYCHOIR<\/b> \u00a0(Boe Chapel) \"\"\"\"\"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Minnesota Boychoir will be leading this spotlight around congregational worship.<\/p>\n

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<\/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 – Boe Memorial Chapel Undercroft\"\" \"\"<\/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

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) \"\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

Children\u2019s Bibles are a common medium for teaching the Word of God in both formal and at-home faith formation; however, the messaging of children\u2019s 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\u2019s Bibles.<\/p>\n

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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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