Workshops are offered once or twice on Tuesday and Wednesday.
| In this workshop we will explore how hospice philosophy and experience can inform parish ministry. Some of the topics we will discuss are care of the family and the loved one who is dying, self-care and boundaries, dying at home, ethics and removing life support and prayer. Eldon Balko will join us and discuss the use of music at the end of life. |
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“A Conversation with Two Members of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue, Round XI: | Ted Asta and Susan Wood share theological and liturgical insights from the latest round of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue as it relates to worship life at the time of death |
![]() | The Rev. Dr. Ted Asta, is Associate to the Bishop, New England Synod, ELCA, Worcester, MA. |
![]() | Dr. Susan K. Wood, SCL., is Professor and Chair of the Department of Theology at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. |
"Because We Would Not Stop for Death: The Liturgy”James Bachman | In worship we should be dying often and dying well. In this workshop we will together assess, in light of the Reformation simul justus et peccator, the extent of contemporary catechetical and liturgical neglect of Baptismal dying. This assessment will include review of our culture's comfortable accommodation to the prospect of ultimate meaninglessness. Secondly, we will sift strategies new and old for reviving a lively practice of Baptismal rhythms of death and new life in worship and devotion. Biblical resources for this task will be reviewed. And thirdly, we will consider how renewed catechetical and liturgical practices can prepare for and enrich Worship Life at the Time of Death. |
| James Bachman is Professor of Philosophy and Ethics at Concordia University Irvine, Irvine, CA. |
“Both in Our Living and in Our Dying: Ministry in the Face of Death"
Kristine Carlson and Robert Buckley Farlee
| A pastor and musician team leads a discussion of how to work with a congregation to think about what a funeral is, and how to provide guidance--to bereaved families as well as to the congregation--so that the liturgy at the time of death truly is a service of and for the whole church. Bring your own ideas and experiences to share in our workshop conversation. |
| | Kristine Carlson is Pastor at Christ Church Lutheran in Minneapolis, MN. |
![]() | Robert Buckley Farlee is Senior Editor, Worship and Music, Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN. |
"A Model Funeral Planning Workshop | Experience one pastor’s annual parish “funeral planning workshop” and bring your own ideas and methods to share. Includes discussion of: What does a funeral do, how does it flow? What does our pastor recommend? What decisions will we have to make now or in the future? |
![]() | D. Foy Christopherson is Pastor for Worship, Hospitality, and Pastoral Care at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis. |
Michael Costello | |
![]() | Michael D. Costello is the Cantor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in River Forest, IL., where he conducts the Senior Choir, the Bach Cantata Vespers ministry, and serves as the principal organist. |
"Lutherans, Cremation, | We will take a look at Christian burial, the ecological benefits of cremation, and a plan to establish a columbarium at your congregation. I will take you through the steps of how we came to the decision to build a columbarium at Prince of Peace – everything from marketing the idea to the congregation to snags with the city planners. We will talk about processions and rites you might include in going from the worship space directly to the place of burial and the benefits (and cost savings!) of having the entire funeral experience at the church. Some of our time will also be spent in an open forum where you can share ideas that have worked in your parishes. Join me as we think about how to take back the rites that were originally meant for the people of faith rather than a business enterprise. |
John Morris is Pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Dublin, Ohio. | |
"Words of Thanks | This workshop will explore the challenges and opportunities that come with having the last, public word concerning the life and death of a sinner and saint. |
| | Frederick Niedner is Professor of Theology at Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana. |
“Good Words, Gospel Words: Preaching Resurrection at a Funeral”Melinda Quivik | At a time when the people attending funerals may or may not have a relationship with the church, what is the role of the funeral sermon? Often referred to as a “eulogy,” the funeral sermon, although certainly including the life of the deceased, is something also much larger. Starting with God’s Word, the preacher’s task is to offer gospel words that bring comfort and hope to people who face unfathomable loss. This workshop will explore 1) the contemporary context and the attendant problems preachers and congregations face as we commend the dead into God's care and comfort those who mourn, 2) guidelines for those gospel words from our Lutheran and ecumenical heritage and our liturgical practices, and 3) the myriad challenges our churches face at times of crisis. Come with your questions and a compassionate commitment to the reality of the communion of saints. |
| | Melinda Quivik is Associate Professor of Christian Assembly, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. |
“A Lutheran Requiem?” Nancy Raabe
| This workshop offers an appraisal of requiem texts in a variety of musical settings, including works by living composers, with attention to the theological convictions expressed by compositional choices. How can these texts be used in Lutheran worship? How can they enhance the spiritual life of a congregation? The session will include the singing of accessible settings that can be used in your worship environment. |
| | Nancy M. Raabe is composer-in-residence at Bethel Lutheran Church, Grove City, OH. |
Dan Schwandt | |
“Earth to Earth: A Primer on Green Funeral Practices”
Benjamin Stewart | Why do modern caskets look like space capsules? This workshop will
offer an introduction to emerging green funeral practices in North
America, including natural caskets and urns, protected natural settings
for burial, liturgical participation in the burial, and other green
funeral practices. Theological and homiletical implications will also
be explored. |
| | Benjamin Stewart is Assistant Professor of Worship, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. |
“Paul's Hope and Ours: Recovering the Hope of the Renewed Creation”James Ware | The Christian hope is not the hope of escape from creation in
heaven, but the hope of the resurrection of the body and the renewal of
all creation. This workshop will explore the biblical foundations of
this hope, its loss within much contemporary Lutheran theology, and the
urgent need for the recovery of this hope in our preaching and teaching
today. |
| | James Ware is Associate Professor of Religion, University of Evansville, Evansville, IN. |