Workshops
2027 Institute
Inspiring Discussions on Worship, Ministry, and Music
Workshop room locations will be determined at a later date.
- Christopher Iceman, Ph.D. | “The Science of Community Air Quality and Building Foundational Relationships”
- Julie Grindle ’92, M.M. & members of the Institute’s Advisory Council | “Finding Your Voice as a Presider”
- Meta Herrick Carlson, M.Div. & Carol Meier, M.A. | “Here and Now: Liturgy as Spiritual Geography”
- Fred Niedner, Th.D. | “Preaching Easter 3b and the Rest of the Season”
- Cody J. Sanders, Ph.D. | Post-Plenary Q&A
- Elliott Stephenson ’11, M.Ed. | “An Introduction to AVL Tech for Parish Professionals”
- Steven Zank, Ph.D. | “Understanding the Theology Behind Bethel and Elevation Music”
- Jennifer Baker-Trinity ’99, STM | “The Earth is Full of God’s Glory: Worship Resources for Creation in Christ”
- Mary Louise Bringle, Ph.D. | “The Trees Bear Witness”
- William G. Fredstrom, Ph.D. Candidate | Post-Plenary Q & A
- Fred Niedner, Th.D. | “Preaching Easter 3b and the Rest of the Season”
- Julie Peller, Ph.D. | “How Can We Reduce Plastic Contamination in Our Bodies and Our World?”
- Benjamin Stewart, Ph.D. | “Renewing the Baptismal Watershed: Recovering from the Plume of Petro-theology”
- Rebecca Truland, M.Div. | “Landscapes of Prayer”
Workshop Descriptions & Speaker Bios
Jennifer Baker-Trinity ’99, STM
“The Earth is Full of God’s Glory: Worship Resources for Creation in Christ”
Workshop Session A: Tuesday, April 6, 3:30 p.m.
Workshop Session C: Wednesday, April 7, 12:45 p.m.
Location: TBD
As congregations introduce or become more fully immersed in celebrating Creation in Christ (Feast of Creation), what are some helpful tips for introducing and planning? What worship resources are available to support you? What is still needed? This workshop will survey the lectionary as well as liturgical texts and hymnody from Lutheran sources and ecumenical partners.
Speaker Bio:
Deacon Jennifer Baker-Trinity serves as Program Manager for Worship Resource Development, a shared position between the ELCA and Augsburg Fortress Publishers. In this position, she attends to developing and teaching about resources that support the church’s worship. Jennifer completed her studies at Valparaiso University and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (ULS). Memberships include the Hymn Society, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the North American Academy of Liturgy. From 2017-2020 she co-chaired the Institute and has served on the Advisory Council. Jennifer has served as a church musician and has written for several devotional and worship resources.
Mary Louise Bringle, Ph.D.
“The Trees Bear Witness”
Workshop Session C: Wednesday, April 7, 12:45 p.m.
Location: TBD
When we speak of witnesses, we almost always envision human beings. But the entire created order gives witness to God, and we benefit when we remove ourselves from center stage and listen to what nature has to teach. In a world grappling with climate change, deforestation, and environmental degradation, our connection with trees has never been more critical. In this workshop, we will explore an array of hymns through which trees bear witness to us.
Speaker Bio:
Mary Louise “Mel” Bringle is Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina. The winner of several international hymn-writing competitions, her original texts and translations are included in hymnals and supplements of numerous denominations in North America and the United Kingdom. She has served as President of The Hymn Society and Chair of the Presbyterian Committee on Congregational Song, responsible for creating the 2013 PCUSA hymnal Glory to God. In the summer of 2020, she was named a Fellow of the Hymn Society, the highest honor conferred by that organization.
William G. Fredstrom, Ph.D. Candidate
Post-Plenary Q & A
Workshop Session C: Wednesday, April 7, 12:45 p.m.
Location: TBD
Speaker Bio:
Rev. William G. Fredstrom serves as Senior Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Seymour, Indiana. He is currently completing his Ph.D. at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where his dissertation, “Algorithms of Authority: Christian Political Theology in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” explores the intersection of emerging technologies and Christian political thought. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Concordia University Chicago and Concordia University Wisconsin.
Rev. Fredstrom writes and speaks regularly on artificial intelligence, Christian ethics, and political theology. In 2025, he received the Lutheran Quarterly Annual Essay Prize and currently serves on the editorial committee of Lutheran Mission Matters.
Julie Grindle ’92, M.M. & members of the Institute’s Advisory Council
“Finding Your Voice as a Presider”
Workshop Session B: Wednesday, April 7, 9:45 a.m.
Location: TBD
Workshop description coming soon!
Speaker Bio:
Julie Grindle is a lifelong Lutheran church musician, now serving as Associate to the Bishop in the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA. She earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Organ and Church Music from Valparaiso University and Indiana’s University Jacobs School of Music. She has served a diversity of congregational traditions as a musician and cantor: ELCA, LCMS, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic.
A long-time church musician, Julie describes herself as a “liturgi-nerd” and values designing and leading liturgy that welcomes all, providing intentional hospitality liturgically and musically, and hopefully creating room for the Spirit’s work.
Meta Herrick Carlson, M.Div.
Carol Meier, M.A.
“Here and Now: Liturgy as Spiritual Geography”
Workshop Session B: Wednesday, April 7, 9:45 a.m.
Location: TBD
How do the sacred stories of a specific time and place show up in your creative process and liturgical practice? How do they form and inform a spirituality rooted in our deep connection to creation? Explore opportunities for re-enchantment with the geography of your worship locations and their unique expressions of God’s creation/creativity and care. Meta and Carol offer examples from their own creative process and body of work that reveal a theology of place. Then they invite you into simple activities for noticing the gift of “Here and Now” (no matter where and when you are).
Speaker Bios:
Meta Herrick Carlson (she/her) is a pastor and poet whose ministry labors for more meaningful ritual, accessible language, and healthy communities. Her theology is formed by the sacred wisdom of recovery circles and survivors of sexual violence. Meta is the author of five books and several place-based liturgies that proclaim God’s delight for our ordinary lives and all of creation. In 2022, she and Carol Meier teamed up to create The Prairie Liturgies, a collection commissioned by Shalom Hill Farm in Windom, Minnesota and inspired by its spiritual geography. She laughs at her own jokes and packs extra snacks just in case. She and her family live in Minneapolis on Dakota Land. Learn more about her canon of work at www.MetaHerrickCarlson.com.
Carol Meier is a liturgical composer, musician, and retreat leader. She holds a B.A. in music education (Luther College) and an M.A. in Liturgical Music (St. John’s School of Theology). Carol’s recent collaborative projects include “The Prairie Liturgies,” commissioned by Shalom Hill Farm (with Rev. Meta Herrick Carlson) and “Living Voice of Creation,” a Nourishing Vocations project that debuted at the 2026 Conference on Worship, Theology, and the Arts at St. Olaf College (with Rev. Hans Peterson). Featured at seminaries, synod gatherings, conferences, and retreats throughout the Midwest, Carol’s music is published through GIA Publications, Hope Publishing Company, and Chorister’s Guild.
Christopher Iceman, Ph.D.
“The Science of Community Air Quality and Building Foundational Relationships”
Workshop Session A: Tuesday, April 6, 3:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
This session will focus on the work that occurs through the Northwest Indiana Environmental Partnership (NLCEP) and how faith centers have been a foundational cornerstone to working with communities and establishing centers for environmental measurements, data collection, historical benchmarks, and organizing groups to participate in civic engagement with regulatory agencies. Primarily these actions are focused on citizen science solidified through the embedded relationship of being and doing science alongside our community partners. Advice, tips, and experience will be shared for what we have learned and how we are moving forward to continue doing more of the same in these important times.
Speaker Bio:
For the past decade, Dr. Christopher Iceman has been engaged in environmental justice work in Northwest Indiana, providing scientific analysis for community-led initiatives focused on soil, water, and especially air quality. As part of this effort, he has helped install and maintain a network of approximately 30 PurpleAir sensors across Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties, ensuring continuous data collection and accessibility. Beyond deployment, Dr. Iceman has worked extensively with his students on data analysis and archiving, supporting residents as they navigate air permit hearings with agencies such as IDEM and the EPA. This work bridges community concerns with scientific rigor, empowering local advocacy with clear, actionable environmental data. Dr. Iceman is a chemistry professor here at Valparaiso University.
Sally Messner ’02, MSM & members of the Institute’s Advisory Council
Liturgy Rehearsal for Evening Prayer
Workshop Session A: Tuesday, April 6, 3:30 p.m.
Location: Chapel of the Resurrection
Join Sally and members of the Institute’s Advisory Council as they rehearse for the Evening Prayer service.
Speaker Bio:
Sally Messner, Director of Worship for the Institute of Liturgical Studies, serves as minister of worship and music at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. She has presented on topics ranging from vocal care to church music history, written articles and hymn texts for national publications, and has served as musician and preacher for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. She is president of the Twin Cities chapter of Choristers Guild and founding musical director of the Elm Ensemble. Sally earned a bachelor of music in voice performance from Valparaiso University and a master of sacred music from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Fred Niedner, Th.D.
“Preaching Easter 3b and the Rest of the Season”
Workshop Session B: Wednesday, April 7, 9:45 a.m.
Workshop Session C: Wednesday, April 7, 12:45 p.m.
Locations: TBD
Workshop description coming soon!
Speaker Bio:
Fred Niedner is Senior Research Professor in Theology at Valparaiso University. Prior to retirement, he taught biblical studies in Valpo’s Department of Theology. He has preached regularly in Valpo’s Chapel and in regional parishes, and he writes for a variety of publications that serve the ministry of proclamation.
Julie Peller, Ph.D.
“How Can We Reduce Plastic Contamination in Our Bodies and Our World?”
Workshop Session C: Wednesday, April 7, 12:45 p.m.
Location: TBD
Description: Half of all plastics have been manufactured in the past twenty years, and these materials, in particular disposable plastics and their chemical additives, pose threats to human health and the environment. Due to the constant fragmentation of plastics, small particles – microplastics and nanoplastics – are ubiquitous and have invaded living systems. Scientific research is beginning to unveil the negative health consequences of the particles and chemical additives. The greatest threats are to younger generations, who have much higher exposure to plastics. The good news is that solutions exist, and some societies have greatly reduced unnecessary plastics.
Speaker Bios:
Dr. Julie Peller is a Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University, where her research on water pollutants has most recently focused on micro and nanoplastics. She teaches courses in chemistry and has developed the course Science of Sustainability and Environmental Justice. Her research findings on plastics motivated the formation of the nonprofit Plastic Reduction Alliance that is addressing the plastics crisis on a grassroots level in Indiana. Dr. Peller is a member of the Northern Lake County Environmental Partnership, a group of scientists and community members that work to address environmental injustices in Northwest Indiana.
Ralen Robinson, D.Min.
“Creation After the Garden”
Workshop Session A: Tuesday, April 6, 3:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
What happens when the world God gave us is no longer the world we imagined? When God created the world, it was flawless: ordered, beautiful, and flourishing with abundance. And yet rostered leaders are called to ministry after the garden. The garden is a world defined by climate change, grief, political division, exhausted people, and land and environmental degradation, and still we are called to ask: how do we care for what has been entrusted to us when we cannot restore it to perfection? Accompany the conversation while exploring where climate grief and pastoral caretaking take root.
Speaker Bio:
Rev. Dr. Ralen has served at Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas for more than five years and continues to provide pastoral leadership during a season of congregational growth, renewal, and renewed energy. Under her leadership, worship participation has steadily increased, contemporary worship has experienced growth, and new member engagement has risen substantially. Her ministry extends beyond numbers, creating connections, strengthening welcome, encouraging creative approaches to worship and ministry, and engaging the community. Through collaborative and visionary leadership, she brings a spirit of creativity, compassion, and courage to ministry, helping people encounter faith in meaningful ways while building a church ready to meet the future with hope.
Cody J. Sanders, Ph.D.
Post-Plenary Q & A
Workshop Session B: Wednesday, April 7, 9:45 a.m.
Location: TBD
Speaker Bio:
The Rev. Cody J. Sanders, Ph.D., is associate professor of congregational and community care leadership at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He has published several books, including Beyond Affirming: Ministry in LGBTQIA-Inclusive Churches (Westminster John Knox, 2026), and Spiritual Care First Aid: An All-Hands Approach for Church and Community (Fortress, 2025). Prior to Luther, Sanders served as a parish pastor in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and in higher education chaplaincy at both Harvard and MIT.
Kathryn Schifferdecker, Th.D.
Post-Plenary Q & A
Workshop Session A: Tuesday, April 6, 3:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Speaker Bio:
Kathryn Schifferdecker, Th.D., is Professor and Elva B. Lovell Chair of Old Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is also an ordained ELCA pastor, having served in rural Wisconsin for five years before coming to Luther Seminary. She earned her Th.D. from Harvard and her M.Div. from Yale. Kathryn is a frequent contributor to WorkingPreacher.org and EntertheBible.org. She has a forthcoming commentary on the book of Esther and is writing her second book on Job. Kathryn’s research interests include biblical creation theologies, agrarian readings of Scripture, biblical responses to suffering, and theological hermeneutics.
Elliott Stephenson ’11, M.Ed.
“An Introduction to AVL Tech for Parish Professionals”
Workshop Session B: Wednesday, April 7, 9:45 a.m.
Location: TBD
This session introduces audio, video, and lighting fundamentals for parish professionals. Attendees will learn the basics of each topic as it pertains to live worship and streaming environments. We’ll also cover installation and budgeting strategies, as well as long-term planning for parish AVL systems. The goal is to help churches make smart technology decisions to build flexible, scalable systems that will serve worship and ministry needs now and in the future.
Speaker Bio:
Elliott Stephenson was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Valparaiso University, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri. For the past 15 years, Elliott has worked as an audio engineer across a wide range of environments, including cruise ships, concerts, festivals, corporate events, and other live productions. His passion is helping organizations use technology effectively to create engaging and meaningful experiences for their audiences.
Benjamin Stewart, Ph.D.
“Renewing the Baptismal Watershed: Recovering from the Plume of Petro-theology”
Workshop Session C: Wednesday, April 7, 12:45 p.m.
Location: TBD
In this workshop participants will be equipped to recognize the motifs of petro-theology and other forms of manifest destiny, identify liturgical forms that are especially vulnerable to being distorted by these motifs, and strengthen liturgical practices that foster healthy ecotheological resilience in an age of fossil-fuel-driven climate change.
Speaker Bio:
Benjamin M. Stewart is Distinguished Affiliate Professor of Worship at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and pastor to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Two Harbors, Minnesota, on the shores of Gichi-gami (Lake Superior). Ben is a past convener of the Ecology and Liturgy Seminar of the North American Academy of Liturgy, author of A Watered Garden: Christian Worship and Earth’s Ecology, and a Minnesota Master Naturalist.
Rebecca Truland, M.Div.
“Landscapes of Prayer”
Workshop Session B: Wednesday, April 7, 9:45 a.m.
Location: TBD
This workshop will share ideas for how a worshiping community can use natural materials to build a “landscape of prayer” inside their sanctuary. Developed as a way to name and visualize our spiritual and material wildernesses during Lent, this form of prayer honors our lament around specific issues (hunger, racism, illness, etc.) by collaboratively adding natural elements (sand, sticks, rocks, etc.) to a model landscape in the center of the worship space. This activity invites the assembly into theological reflection that deepens the link between the natural world and our spiritual lives.
Speaker Bio:
Rebecca Truland is a graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and has previously served congregations in New Jersey and southeast Michigan. She is currently the pastor of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Liverpool, New York. Rebecca is also the co-creator of the podcast “Mind the Gap,” a project that provided commentary specifically for the scripture verses that are skipped over in pericopes of the Revised Common Lectionary. “Mind the Gap” was published from 2023-2026.
Steven Zank, Ph.D. Candidate
“Understanding the Theology Behind Bethel and Elevation Music”
Workshop Session A: Tuesday, April 6, 3:30 p.m.
Workshop Session B: Wednesday, April 7, 9:45 a.m.
Locations: TBD
It has been argued that songs published by groups such as Bethel Music and Elevation Worship may be inappropriate for certain worship contexts—but what lies behind this concern? This presentation explores the theology associated with these churches and the New Apostolic Reformation, considers how that theology may be reflected in their music, and offers a broader framework for thinking critically and theologically about the songs churches choose to sing.
Speaker Bio:
Rev. Steve Zank serves as Director of the Center for Worship Leadership and the Parish Music Program at Concordia University Irvine, where he helps equip church musicians and pastors across the church. Steve also enjoys his work working as a musician, Ph.D. candidate of Concordia Seminary Saint Louis, and co-host of The Lutheran Worship Podcast. He and his family live in Southern California, where they are actively involved in their local church and community life.