Music that Makes Community is excited to be in residence at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa this winter, sharing the ancient and new practice of paperless song leadership. Conie Borchardt, Monica Onyedika, and Paul Vasile will create a space for experiential learning where participants:

• sing aural/oral tradition songs from diverse cultures, musical backgrounds, and faith expressions;
• explore leadership skills that empower you to share song in your context;
• worship and reflect together, deepening into spaces of listening and empathy;
• experience how the energy we create through singing affects our human lives, with a specific focus on its role in worship and faith formation in the Christian and other traditions.

You’re welcome to join us throughout the weekend. All events will be held at Luther College, 700 College Drive in Decorah, IA.

Music that Makes Community is a non-profit that encourages and support practices of communal singing and learning. Watch this short video to learn about the unique work we're doing around the United States and Canada.

Friday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m. - MORNING WORSHIP
Chapel Center for Faith and Life

Join the campus community for a brief worship service without paper. Experience how paperless singing can support our prayer and praise.

Friday, February 28 - MINI-WORKSHOP for Luther Students
Location and time TBD

We’ll explore the basics of paperless singing in an intensive workshop geared specifically for Luther students. Sing with others and explore your innate leadership skills in a supportive, gracious space we will make together.

FREE to Luther students, faculty, and staff.

Friday, February 28 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. - COMMUNITY SING and Potluck
Shirley Baker Commons

Community SINGs are for everyone – no musical experience is required! We'll share songs that enliven the spirit, nourish the soul, and remind us that we are not alone. The potluck begins at 6 p.m. and the Community SING at 7 p.m.

FREE; please bring a dish to share or a donation to cover the cost of food

RSVP here to let us know you’re coming (and what dish you’re planning to bring if attending the potluck).

Saturday, February 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - ONE-DAY WORKSHOP
Shirley Baker Commons

Join us for a deeper dive into paperless music with a one-day workshop exploring how and why we sing together, noticing way our bodies and voices are present when we learn through thoughtful modeling and generous invitation. We'll share morning prayer, participatory learning time, and reflect on paperless song forms and leadership practices.

Registration fees are on a sliding scale, from $35 to $100/person for the day, including lunch. We ask you to pay what is generous and affordable for you and your family, with gratitude for the time and skill of our presenters.

The workshop is full! Please reach out if you'd like to be on the waiting list.