Worship Conference

Ruth Duck, Noted Writer and Teacher on Worship to Headline Spring Worship Conference -   April 19 & 20, 2013

Dr. Ruth Duck

Chicago Theological Seminary seeks to provide ongoing opportunities for area churches and organizations to be challenged, enriched, and inspired in ministry to their congregation and community. One of the most dynamic and engaging of these opportunities will take place April 19 & 20 when the Seminary offers a “hands-on” look at worship.  This event offers a chance to engage experts in the area of writing for worship, congregational dynamics, and planning effective and exciting worship encounters for today’s congregation. Each area of focus will feature a “practicum” so that participants may test their skills and receive input.

Through a combination of plenary presentations, practicums, and worship experiences, we believe that participants in the Spring 2013 Worship Conference will go away revived, inspired, and challenged toward innovative and creative worship for their congregations. Ruth Duck, Professor of Worship at Garrett Theological Seminary and alumnus of CTS, believes that teaching and learning about Christian liturgy is endlessly fascinating and that studying worship is exciting; and above all, teaching and learning about worship inspire awe and humility, because as planners and leaders of congregational praise, we share in the Spirit's labor to draw humanity into just and loving relationship with God and all creation. Her new textbook on worship, which Westminster John Knox Press will publish in 2013. integrates theology, practice, and history in a way that informs and supports the ministry of worship in congregations of diverse backgrounds. Her published writings include: Praising God: The Trinity in Christian Worship (co-authored with Patricia Wilson-Kastner, 1999), Finding Words for Worship (1995), both through Westminster John Knox Press. Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship with Maren Tirabassi, (Pilgrim Press, 2012). Duck has written 160 hymns and psalm paraphrases, which have appeared in many hymnals and supplements in the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Scotland, and England. 

Over the two-day conference, leading experts will be on-hand to offer insight in an invigorating dialogue with the conference attendees.  Opportunities for small-group discussion will be scheduled throughout.

Registration Information

Now Open: Spring Worship Workshop Registration

• Register for on-campus attendance of the complete conference. $45
• Register for live streaming for the conference. $20 Those events designated * will be available for viewing online
• Register for on-campus attendance for Friday, April 19 $25
• Register for on-campus attendance for Saturday, April 20 $20
• CTS Students/Faculty/Staff – no charge, but you must register online to indicate you will be attending

THEME: The Language of Worship

SCHEDULE:

Friday, April 19

8:30 am – Registration & Breakfast
*9:00 am: WORSHIP
*9:30 – 11:00: PLENARY SESSION ONE: Ruth Duck, CTS Alumnus and Professor of Worship, Garrett Theological Seminary, "We Have This Ministry: Reconciling through Worship and Ritual."  We will explore old and new ways to seek healing, address hurts, and reach across human divides through liturgy and prayer. The presentation will feature new hymns by Ms. Duck.
11:15 – Practicums: On-Campus attendees may choose one

-Further conversations with Ruth Duck
-Writing for Reconciliation with Scott Haldeman
-Toward A Consistent Language of Inclusion with Lisa Seiwert, 2012 G. Campbell Morgan Preaching Award Recipient

12:30 – LUNCH: Presentation of CTS 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award to Ruth Duck

*1:45 – PLENARY SESSION TWO: Beyond the Gloria Patri: Crafting Ritual for the Church Year from Music led by Rev. Gregory Sabetta, Pastor, Edgebrook Community Church, Chicago, and noted professional musician
3:00 – Practicums: On-Campus attendees may choose one

-Further conversations with Rev. Sabetta
-The language of love: worship from the heart, mind, and soul – Rev. Rob Leveridge
-Fostering Great Congregational Singing TBA

4:00 pm – WORSHIP featuring 2013 Winner of G. Campbell Morgan Preaching Award
5:15 - 6:30 pm SOCIAL HOUR

Saturday, April 20

8:30 am – Breakfast & Registration
9:00 am – Worship
*9:30 am – PLENARY SESSION THREE: Religious (re)Imagination: Worship with Youth & Young Adults - Rev. Julian DeShazier, Pastor, University Church, Chicago and Allison Baker, Youth Director, Wellington UCC This team was a hit at the United Church of Christ National Youth Event. Rev. DeShazier is also a popular rapper under the name J. Kwest.
11:00 Practicums: On-Campus attendees may choose one

-Further Conversations with DeShazier & Baker
-”All The Rage?” A look at how two congregations combined resources to have a viable youth ministry when each on their own was challenged. Rev. Kevin McLemore, Epiphany UCC, Chicago and Lundsay Truikys, Ravenswood UCC
-The Young Prophets: Covenant UCC's Intergenerational Outreach - presented by Rev. Vanessa Monroe and Rev. Alison Gise Johnson

12:15 - Conversations over a boxed lunch – closing comments, evaluations, prayers for the road