SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024
5:00pm - 5:20pm
Prayers for Peace at Nativity Church of Fargo
Join Jim McKinstra, parish social justice coordinator, and gather with other attendees prior to the start of activities each day to pray for peace. Meet at Nativity Catholic Church of Fargo at their peace pole located at the corner of 11th St and 18th Ave South - just off of the University exit, near I-94. The peace pole is located in the NE corner of the church grounds. Hope to see you there!
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Registration
7:00pm
The Frequency of Peace: Soothing Sound Immersion with Lindsay Masset
The human body is said to be the sum of all the elements; there’s earth in our bones, air in our lungs, fire in our bellies, ether (space) in our minds, and water pouring within every inch of us. In our world of being constantly combatted with system disrupting factors, i.e. pollution, toxins, stress, and clutter, we may find ourselves becoming imbalanced, our bodies getting “out of tune.” This can foster dis-ease, mental unrest, lack of sleep, and more. The alchemy of Elemental Sound Bathing can bring our own unique frequency (the state we exist in at our most well and most happy) back into tune. Receiving the primal and healing properties of intentional and elemental sound can clear away negative emotions, supercharge your goals and intentions, recalibrate your body toward mental and physical wellness, and reset your brain patterns toward empowerment and clarity. It’s powerful stuff.
***Please bring pillows, blankets, a yoga mat and/or anything you need to lie down on the floor for an hour, comfortably.
***Please note that in this healing event, you’ll receive a Elemental Sound Bathing via: Gongs, Crystal Singing Bowls, Himalayan Instruments, Drums, Chimes, Toning, and more. The experience is truly transformational, uplifting, and deeply relaxing. No previous experience necessary. Be aware that Gong work is not recommended during pregnancy (particularly the first trimester), not advised for those with epilepsy or cardiac regulating devices (pacemakers), not meant for anyone under age 13 or those dealing with an active cancer diagnosis, and those with hearing aids must remove the aids during the session.
Get ready for a deeply grounded spirit, a healthier constitution, and a truly peaceful experience.
***Please bring pillows, blankets, a yoga mat and/or anything you need to lie down on the floor for an hour, comfortably.
***Please note that in this healing event, you’ll receive a Elemental Sound Bathing via: Gongs, Crystal Singing Bowls, Himalayan Instruments, Drums, Chimes, Toning, and more. The experience is truly transformational, uplifting, and deeply relaxing. No previous experience necessary. Be aware that Gong work is not recommended during pregnancy (particularly the first trimester), not advised for those with epilepsy or cardiac regulating devices (pacemakers), not meant for anyone under age 13 or those dealing with an active cancer diagnosis, and those with hearing aids must remove the aids during the session.
Get ready for a deeply grounded spirit, a healthier constitution, and a truly peaceful experience.
8:00pm
Mix + Mingle
The vibrations and sounds of gongs during a sound bath can release stress, anxiety, and trauma that's stored in the body's water. Drinking water after a sound bath can help flush out toxins that may be released during the experience, which can leave you feeling dehydrated and thirsty. For this reason, healthy mocktails and snacks will be served as a fun way for us to join in fellowship while rehydrating our body and nourishing our sense of inner peace.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2024
7:00am - 7:20am
Prayers for Peace at Nativity Church of Fargo
Join Jim McKinstra, parish social justice coordinator, and gather with other attendees prior to the start of activities each day to pray for peace. Meet at Nativity Catholic Church of Fargo at their peace pole located at the corner of 11th St and 18th Ave South - just off of the University exit, near I-94. The peace pole is located in the NE corner of the church grounds. Hope to see you there!
8:00am - 9:00am
Registration
9:00am
9:15am
Welcome - Rusty Bender, Director of Church Life; First Presbyterian Church of Fargo
Keynote Address #1 - "Positioned with Purpose: For Such a Time as This!" with Jenessa Fillipi
Have you ever felt the tug to enter into unknown territory, but afraid to make the leap?
Do you wonder if you are using your unique strengths to their greatest purpose?
Have you ever considered where you are in your own story and where you are headed?
Jenessa Fillipi believes in the power of each person’s unique story. In this dynamic session, she will take us on a journey through the miraculous story of starting Down Home. She will then lead us through a reflection of our own stories through the lens of The Hero's Journey, a narrative framework that has shaped countless stories of transformation and triumph.
By the end of this session, you will be equipped with practical insights and tools to recognize and embrace your purpose, understanding that you are positioned with purpose "for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Together, we will find the courage and clarity to step into our own heroic journeys, ready to make a meaningful impact.
Do you wonder if you are using your unique strengths to their greatest purpose?
Have you ever considered where you are in your own story and where you are headed?
Jenessa Fillipi believes in the power of each person’s unique story. In this dynamic session, she will take us on a journey through the miraculous story of starting Down Home. She will then lead us through a reflection of our own stories through the lens of The Hero's Journey, a narrative framework that has shaped countless stories of transformation and triumph.
By the end of this session, you will be equipped with practical insights and tools to recognize and embrace your purpose, understanding that you are positioned with purpose "for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). Together, we will find the courage and clarity to step into our own heroic journeys, ready to make a meaningful impact.
10:30am
CHOOSE YOUR OWN PATH! - Pick an option.
Option #1 - Peace Walk
Join Jim McKinstra, parish associate for social justice from Nativity Church of Fargo as he leads you on a guided peace walk through downtown Fargo.
Option #2 - Panel Discussion: Christian Nationalism, Religious Trauma, & Activism
Join panelists James Bergman & Dr. Brynne VanHettinga for this discussion. Christian Nationalism is a driving factor in American society and politics today. How does Christian Nationalism fit into the broader evangelical context? How can we create peace (in our own lives and our communities) in a way that provides an example of how to move past antiquated ideals? This panel discussion and community conversation will explore how we heal and find peace together in our world.
12:00pm
Luncheon
1:00pm
Interfaith Prayers for Peace
Prayers for peace led by members of the FM Interfaith Center. fminterfaithcenter.org
2:00pm
CHOOSE YOUR OWN PATH! - Pick an option.
Option #1 - Peace Walk
Join Jim McKinstra, parish associate for social justice from Nativity Church of Fargo as he leads you on a guided peace walk through downtown Fargo.
Option #2 - "Together we can work to bring peace, piece by piece" with James Bergman
The theme of Peace has found its way into much of the music I have made over the last several years. Looking back, I can see how many of these songs give voice to a collective yearning for something better than we have now. At the same time, these songs have been cathartic for myself as an individual and have inspired me to better understand my own process and how to include others on that journey.
In this session, I will perform some of the music I have written about Peace and share the stories that helped to inspire them. This will also be an interactive session where participants can provide their own insights and memories about these moments in our history, and recognize the part they have to play in creating a more peaceful world.
In this session, I will perform some of the music I have written about Peace and share the stories that helped to inspire them. This will also be an interactive session where participants can provide their own insights and memories about these moments in our history, and recognize the part they have to play in creating a more peaceful world.
Option #3 - Labyrinth with Rev. Cathie Bishop & Paul Campbell
4:00pm
Keynote Address #2 - Laetitia Mizero Hellerud
DINNER ON YOUR OWN
7:30pm
Taizé Evening Prayer
A service of evening prayer in the manner of the community of Taizé, France. Taizé evening prayer is a meditative, candlelit service for all Christian faiths that focuses on Christ's presence, calling us to dwell deeply on Christ's presence around and within us. The prayer is characterized by simple, repetitive songs, scripture, short readings, and extended periods of prayerful silence.
8:30pm
Mix + Mingle
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2024
9:00am - 9:20am
Prayers for Peace at Nativity Church of Fargo
Join Jim McKinstra, parish social justice coordinator, and gather with other attendees prior to the start of activities each day to pray for peace. Meet at Nativity Catholic Church of Fargo at their peace pole located at the corner of 11th St and 18th Ave South - just off of the University exit, near I-94. The peace pole is located in the NE corner of the church grounds. Hope to see you there!
10:30am
Traditional worship service at First Presbyterian Church of Fargo
11:45am
Luncheon by Heart-n-Soul Community Café
One of FPC Fargo's mission partners, Heart-n-Soul is a pop-up and mobile food café dedicated to serving local, healthy, delicious meals to everyone in our community with dignity and respect with pay what you can afford pricing. They will be serving their regionally famous Tater Tot Hotdish.
1:15pm
Pie, Prayers, & Peace
A time of guided meditation with intercessory prayers for peace all while indulging in afternoon dessert with a piece of your favorite pie.
2:30pm
Sing Peace! Concert & Hymn-Sing
Come enjoy an afternoon listening to piano/organ duets, handbells, performances by the FPC Fargo Sanctuary Choir, local singer/songwriter James Bergman, a violin solo by Jessica Stoppleworth, and join in singing hymns together in a community focused on peace. A lovely way to close our time together.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
JENESSA FILLIPI
Jenessa Fillipi is a wife, mother of four, former elementary school counselor, resident of Moorhead, Founder & Executive Director of Down Home nonprofit, and 2024 American Mothers Inc.® National Mother of the Year®. The heart of her work is to lead others to believe in the power of their own stories. Jenessa engages, equips, and activates others. Her simple messages powerfully impact all ages.
LAETITIA MIZERO HELLERUD
Laetitia Mizero Hellerud (she, her, hers) is the executive director of the Jeremiah Program, Fargo-Moorhead Campus. She is a seasoned leader with almost 30 years of professional experience working primarily with minoritized/underrepresented populations.
A 26-year resident of the Fargo-Moorhead community, Laetitia has spent her career and much of her life supporting women and children through forward-thinking leadership, program management, community engagement, advocacy and equity-driven principles. After a decade of advocating for HeadStart families and coordinating the statewide settlement of new refugees, she has most recently led policy and systems change and advanced gender, racial and socio-economic inclusion as a published author, Bush Foundation Fellow, board member and leader in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northwestern Minnesota. This work has also been critical to Laetitia’s intercultural consulting practice in the areas of diversity, equity, access, belonging, immigrant issues, and qualitative/quantitative research methods. A well-traveled leader, she brings her holistic worldview to any space and project she is engaged in.
Laetitia holds a M.S in Management from the University of Mary, Fargo, and an Executive Certificate from Harvard University in Leadership, Organizing and Action: Leading for Change. In 2016, she completed a yearlong formation process to become an Associate of Sisters of the Presentation which effectively bridges her deep-rooted passion for community engagement, spirituality, justice, and peace.
Laetitia and her husband Mark live in North Dakota and Minnesota. Their blended family includes two adult children: Yann and Nicole.
A 26-year resident of the Fargo-Moorhead community, Laetitia has spent her career and much of her life supporting women and children through forward-thinking leadership, program management, community engagement, advocacy and equity-driven principles. After a decade of advocating for HeadStart families and coordinating the statewide settlement of new refugees, she has most recently led policy and systems change and advanced gender, racial and socio-economic inclusion as a published author, Bush Foundation Fellow, board member and leader in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northwestern Minnesota. This work has also been critical to Laetitia’s intercultural consulting practice in the areas of diversity, equity, access, belonging, immigrant issues, and qualitative/quantitative research methods. A well-traveled leader, she brings her holistic worldview to any space and project she is engaged in.
Laetitia holds a M.S in Management from the University of Mary, Fargo, and an Executive Certificate from Harvard University in Leadership, Organizing and Action: Leading for Change. In 2016, she completed a yearlong formation process to become an Associate of Sisters of the Presentation which effectively bridges her deep-rooted passion for community engagement, spirituality, justice, and peace.
Laetitia and her husband Mark live in North Dakota and Minnesota. Their blended family includes two adult children: Yann and Nicole.
SPONSORS
VISIoNARY $2,500
AMBASSADOR $1,000
BRIDGE BUILDER $750
CHANGE AGENT $500
PEACEMAKER $250
