Description
This Saturday morning workshop is an opportunity for students of Concordia Seminary, as well as other hymn writers and translators, to gather together and learn from an expert in the field about the mechanics and craft of writing hymn texts.
This workshop is offered especially to students of Concordia Seminary to equip them to participate in the annual Pamela Ann Prevallet Hymn Competition*. Although the competition is open to current first, second and vicarage M.Div. students, as well as residential Deaconess Studies students, all Concordia Seminary students may participate in this hymn writing workshop to learn or to sharpen their skills in hymn writing.
This year’s presenters will be:
- Dr. Lisa M. Clark is Senior Editor of Curriculum Resources at CPH, and has written hundreds of hymns, many of which have been published at CPH in “One and All Rejoice”, choral anthems and digital resources. She recently completed her doctoral dissertation on hymnody through the University of Bristol (UK). Lisa has also authored a number of books available from CPH, including The Messengers series and several children’s books.
- Katie Schuermann is a widely published author and storyteller, with several volumes of fiction to her credit, including: “The Big Father and His Little Boy” (Kloria, 2024); “The Beloved Son and His Brother” (Kloria, 2025); the much beloved “Anthems of Zion” series, including “House of Living Stones” (CPH, 2014), “The Choir Immortal” (CPH, 2015), and “The Harvest Raise” (CPH, 2017); and her latest standalone novel, “The Saints of Whistle Grove” (Kloria, 2023). Her nonfiction books include: “He Remembers the Barren” (LL 2011; 2nd ed., EP 2017); “Pew Sisters” (CPH, 2013); and “He Restores My Soul” (EP, 2018). Katie holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in music.
- Rev. Dr. Jon D. Vieker, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Dean of Chapel at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Dr. Vieker was integrally involved in the research, development, editing and production of “Lutheran Service Book” and its core companion volumes, currently teaches worship and hymnology, and has adjudicated a number of hymn competitions over the years.
Schedule
| TIME | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 8-8:30 a.m. | Registration, coffee and donuts, meet-and-greet with the presenters |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Presentation Dr. Jon Vieker Cliffs Notes to Hymn Writing: Exploring “The Anatomy of Hymnody” by Austin C. Lovelace |
| 9:30-9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45-11 a.m. | Presentation Katie Schuermann Hymn Writing as Storytelling |
| 11-11:15 a.m. | Break |
| 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Presentation Lisa M. Clark Hymn Writing as Teaching |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 1-3 p.m. | Optional individual coaching. Participants may bring texts they have been working on to share with the presenters and other hymn writing coaches who will be available. |
A copy of “The Anatomy of Hymnody” by Austin C. Lovelace will be provided to each participant at registration.
Presentations will take place in CH-012, located in the lower level of the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. The presentations will also be made available live by Zoom to all vicars and other off-campus students. Free copies of “The Anatomy of Hymnody” will be sent to vicars by email request to Dr. Jon Vieker, Dean of Chapel.
This workshop is free for all Concordia Seminary students and their spouses, and the cost for all others is $15.
Register Competition Criteria
Registration deadline: Feb. 24, 2026
*The Pamela Anne Prevallet Memorial Fund Hymn Competition was created in June 2000 by Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Prevallet in remembrance of their daughter. Though Pamela Anne’s limited abilities prevented her from participating in many things other children could enjoy, it was clear in her short life that music was dear to her, in particular the sound of hymns practiced at home by her mother, a church organist. It is thus fitting that she be remembered in this way. It is also a way of supporting seminary students and encouraging church music and liturgical musical excellence. For many years Mr. Prevallet was chairman of the Seminary’s Board of Regents. His widow, Martha, has served as a church organist for 40 years, and resides in Blytheville, Arkansas.
Eligible applicants to the Prevallet Hymn Competition may apply through the Financial Aid Office. This year’s deadline for applying is Aug. 1, 2026.