Abortion is one of the most painful and tragic realities of our broken world. It’s a sin that destroys life, leaves lasting wounds, and reveals the depth of our fallen nature. But Christ is making all things new—even in the face of death and destruction. You’ll learn to understand abortion through a Biblical lens, confront its realities with both truth and love, and hold fast to the hope we have in Christ, who redeems even the most broken situations.

Martin Luther's radical reinterpretation of the Lord's Supper represents a pivotal moment in Christian theological history. How did Luther approach the Sacrament of the Altar? What were His criticisms of medieval Roman Catholic sacramental theology and practice of the Mass? It all hinges on Jesus’ institution! Learn about the profound theological and liturgical shifts that reshaped Christian understanding of the Lord’s Supper. Luther’s sacramental theology was truly revolutionary and still contributes to our rich liturgical heritage today.

The organ is the king of instruments . . . and for good reason! The organ occupies a key role in the Lutheran liturgy and in presenting the church’s music. But sometimes the organ can seem a bit intimidating. What do those buttons actually do? Do you really play with your feet? And how many pipes is too many (trick question . . . you can never have too many!)? This session will explore how the organ works, what it takes to play the organ well, and what makes for a great church organist.

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“It was the best times, it was the worst of times. . . .” This famous line from Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is only the beginning. A few pages in, a mysterious message gets delivered and the return message is simply: “Recalled to life.” What does this mean? A Tale of Two Cities helps us to grapple with life in the “now, but not yet.” With Dickens, we’ll ponder the baptismal realities of daily dying and rising as we live out our vocations this side of heaven.

Jesus’ words “Behold, I am making all things new” clash with our senses that perceive the family as more trouble than it’s worth. Where is the newness of God in families ravaged by divorce, rebellion, pain, sadness, and hardship? Is marriage and family even worth pursuing? We’ll look at these questions and others in this session on the gift of family as created by God, why it’s still good in a fallen creation, and how in our struggles in this blessed vocation we find consolation in the One has made all things new by His cross and blood.

Why did God give you a body? How should you think about the suffering, sickness, and limitations you experience in your body? Will you have a body in eternity? We will address these questions and more by tracing the role of the body in Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and the New Creation.

Congratulations, you have depression! There are a million contradictory ideas about how you got depression, why you have it, and how to deal with it. Some say that medication will fix all your problems. Some say that just praying more will make it all better. How does a baptized child of God deal with depression? How should we view those who struggle with depression when their disorder leads to doubt or despair? How can a Christian faithfully suffer with depression? Short answer: Through the work of the Holy Spirit. But for a slightly longer answer, come on over!

Congratulations, you have depression! There are a million contradictory ideas about how you got depression, why you have it, and how to deal with it. Some say that medication will fix all your problems. Some say that just praying more will make it all better. How does a baptized child of God deal with depression? How should we view those who struggle with depression when their disorder leads to doubt or despair? How can a Christian faithfully suffer with depression? Short answer: Through the work of the Holy Spirit. But for a slightly longer answer, come on over!

Thinking about putting together a youth program can seem daunting. Let’s start with some building blocks that go into a healthy, sustainable, safe youth program! We’ll share resources and ideas as well! Crysten Sanchez, former youth coordinator at a church in Iowa, will walk you through the many pieces of the puzzle.