Staff Writer- Cora Hess

As the calendar transitions into November, it can only mean one thing: Christmas in Christ Chapel has begun its preparations. Beginning on Nov. 4th and ending on Nov. 15th, Gustavus staff and students, as well as some special guests, will make rounds to local church communities who support Gustavus, to share the story of this year’s service. 

The theme for Christmas in Christ Chapel (CinCC) changes every year. This year’s theme is centered around the prophet Isaiah which will consist of many familiar Bible passages from the Advent/Christmas season that have strong connections to this book in the Old Testament. 

The theme, “A Shoot Shall Spring Forth,” is based on Isaiah 11:1, where the topic of growth arises from the severed stump of a tree and is portrayed as a symbol of hope. Some of the inclusions of the tour this year consist of musical and dance numbers which, while being a part of the services in December, will be a whole different experience on the tour. 

Along with the many arts being included, there will also be educational opportunities implemented into each tour stop. Professor of Religion Blake Couey, who is a member of the tour team, will be facilitating a Bible study surrounding the book of Isaiah. 

“The preview tour will boost interest in this year’s Christmas in Christ Chapel. My scholarship has long focused on Isaiah, and on the tour I’ll offer in-depth studies of three texts from Isaiah that will appear in Christmas in Christ Chapel,” Couey shared. 

Alongside student musicians such as the Christ Chapel Ringers and the Lucia Singers, the preview tour is bringing John Hermanson and Maren Haynes Marchesini who are key musicians in this year’s telling of Isaiah. They both were involved in the composition of the piece “Branch of Jesse” which Hermanson wrote and the piece is centered around the book of Isaiah. They will be helping conduct solo auditions of both vocalists and guitarists for this piece. 

“John Hermanson is an award-winning songwriter of the acclaimed duo Storyhill, as well as compositions spanning orchestral, world, pop, rock, and indie genres. Rooted in prophetic and mystical traditions, John’s sacred songs raise ancient yet urgent theological questions about radical love, care for the poor, and mutual responsibility, written in his compelling, distinctive folk style. John serves as Artist-in-Residence at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman, Montana, and co-founder of Hope’s Center for the Arts. Dr. Maren Haynes Marchesini is a cellist, vocalist, composer/arranger, and PhD ethnomusicologist. She serves as Hope Lutheran’s Director of Music and Worship, and co-founded Hope’s Center for the Arts with John,” the artist biography said. 

Another key member of the touring team is Chaplain Ben Hilding. While planning, the team had decided to make sure that the preview tour explored a variety of aspects; music, arts, and education. 

“We decided to create a series of educational opportunities about this theme, in preparation for Christmas in Christ Chapel. Blake Couey will facilitate a Bible study, and musicians John Hermanson and Maren Haynes Marchesini will provide music. John composed one of the pieces that will be a part of the service this year,” Hilding exclaimed. 

Incorporating live performance with Bible study is something that stands out about this tour. This makes it not only a learning experience, but it enhances the opportunity to expand the views that have been previously cast upon the stories of Isaiah. 

“The tour captures what makes Gustavus distinctive: academic and artistic excellence, rooted in the Lutheran tradition but open to new discovery. The teaching and music are meant to enrich the experience of Christmas in Christ Chapel next month.” Couey explained. 

One of the students involved with the planning, Tour Administrator and Senior Soph White, sees this as an opportunity for other congregations, who are affiliated with Gustavus, to see the magic of CinCC. 

“We are incorporating live performances and bible studies. We are implementing student participation: poetry readings, the Lucia Singers performing at one of the stops, and the Christ Chapel Ringers as well. It is a fun collaboration between music and the arts,” White shared. 

The team has been putting lots of hours and passion into the process of constructing this tour smoothly. There will be a tour almost everyday from Nov. 4th to Nov. 15th with some of the days even having two services in different cities. This being said, the team will be working very hard through the next few weeks to achieve the tour.  

“I’m not the only student who is a part of this. There is a group of students who are making it possible; especially during the school day, so we can still do our studies and make it all work well. It will be a great opportunity for students and members of the office to make connections with congregations and help bolster relationships that we can bring back to Gustavus,” White shared. 

These church communities that support Gustavus are connected to the school in multiple different ways.

“My favorite part of the tour is the Gustavus connections. We’ll be visiting many different churches that support Gustavus. Most of them have alumni on their staff, and a few of them are pastored by Trustees. One of the churches was actually started by Eric Norelius, the founder of Gustavus,” Couey said. 

The preview tour only shows a glimpse of what will be showcased in December. There will be multiple musical acts from Gustavus including all three choirs, the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, the Christ Chapel Ringers, and select members of the Gustavus Dance Company.

“The other day I stopped into the Chapel as the choir was having their … mass rehearsal. I was brought to tears. It sounded so beautiful. We essentially sold out of all four services within the first week that the tickets went on sale. This year, we are opening up the dress rehearsal on Thursday evening just for the campus community, because we want the whole campus to have the opportunity to experience this wonderful service,” Hilding exclaimed.

There’s something else special about the preview tour this year. There will be an event hosted at Gustavus on Nov. 8th at 6:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall, which will be open for the campus community as well as the greater St. Peter community. 

“[This event is] for anybody who is curious about the Bible, for anyone who wonders how people of the Christian faith can interpret the prophet’s words in our time and place, and for anyone who just loves the Christmas season, I think you’ll enjoy it,” Hilding shared.