Hume Creative Arts Conference

MUSIC ・ VISUAL ARTS ・WRITING

October 26-29, 2023

Cultivating the arts and supporting artists who are putting their hands to work for the glory of God

A place for artists, musicians, storytellers, and creators to gather together and cultivate their creative gifts, to encourage one another, and be newly equipped to illuminate the world with the goodness, truth, and beauty of Jesus.

2023 Speakers

2023 Keynote Speakers

Erik Thoennes

Erik Thoennes

Professor/Author

Thaddeus Williams

Professor/Author/Musician

Jerry Root

Jerry Root

Professor/Speaker/Author

2023 Worship Leaders

Mikey and Susan Portis

Mikey and Susan are a couple that love the Lord deeply and desire to make His name known. They serve on full-time staff at Hume Lake Christian Camps where Mikey works as a camp director and Susan works seasonally as a head lead counselor. Worship through music is something both Mikey and Susan are passionate about and desire to live out what the Word says in Ephesians 5:19, “Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

2023 Workshop Presenters

Scott “Fuzzy” Joseph

Graphic Novel Artist

Joshua Smith

Photographer

Ernie Zielsdorf

Graphic Designer

Claire Bechert

Writer

Elisa Watson

Writer

Bob Bennett

Singer-songwriter

Josh Harmony

Artist, Musician

Justin Unger

Worship pastor

Jen Schuler

speaker

2023 Workshops

Presented by Scott “Fuzzy” Joseph

From every tree to every leaf, to the creatures that inhabit them, this workshop focuses on taking the time to appreciate the tiniest of details. God took the time to design and place every leaf, blade of grass, and grain of sand. All these things add to the objective beauty that is in nature. Who we are is in the details. How we live our lives and what we produce is a reflection of those details. Matthew 10:29-31 mentions how important we are to Him and that He even knows the numbers of hair on our head. We are valuable to Him.

Presented by Scott “Fuzzy” Joseph

This workshop involves taking a look at the comic book format and storytelling. We will discuss how the use of visuals and text can work together to teach, and to entertain.

I will also share how I use the Book of Revelation as a starting point in my own graphic novel series and how I’ve been able to share the Word of God with an audience that might otherwise have no interest.

We will focus on 1 Corinthians 10:31 as we set to honor God in all that we do.

 

Presented by Bob Bennett

Jesus’ public messages were primarily in the form of “stories”. How have we somehow managed to mostly abandon that aspect of artistry in Church? I simply think this ought not to be. So as songwriters, how do we learn and improve? One answer is what I call the “Bank Teller School of Songwriting” … if you handle enough “genuine currency”, it becomes easier to tell the “real” from the “counterfeit”. This session will be a listening party of some songs I love (by others) with comments, discussion, and your questions.

Presented by Bob Bennett

Although inspiration is what most often leads us to begin writing a song, ruthless editing and attention to every detail is what usually turns a nice/sincere idea into a great song. In this session, I’ll be asking a few brave souls to trust me with their “creative babies” so we can learn and explore together what seems to be working and what might need to work a little better. Please bring a lyric sheet if you can. We’ll basically unpack my smart-aleck axiom: “When writing about the Sacred, nothing is sacred!”

Presented by Dr. Eric Thoennes

Erik Thoennes believes that play is a unique, God-given, universal, human experience that should be woven into all of life. This is true even in the midst of grief and pain because of the hope we have in Christ. In this session we will explore the biblical basis of play and seek greater discernment about the role of godly play in art, worship, and everyday life.

Presented by Claire Bechert

Some lives well-lived ought to be shared. They bear witness to the fact that God is at work in all times, in all places. Whether on paper or in film, these stories depict the reality of God’s existence, and His masterful use of our experiences and circumstances to show us Himself and make us more like Him. In this workshop, we will explore the process of telling the stories of others: where to begin, how to structure a narrative, how to navigate vulnerable spaces and care for others there, and center all of it on Jesus.

Presented by Dr. Thaddeus Williams

Join Dr. Thaddeus Williams as he discusses how the resurrection of Jesus ought to shape the Christian’s creative endeavors.

Presented by Justin Unger

In this workshop, Justin will unpack the discernment of understanding what IS and what ISN’T our role as worship leaders

Presented by Justin Unger

God’s Purpose and Design for the Gathering of the Saints

Presented by Justin Unger

In this workshop, Justin will teach on the implications of leading musical worship: The battle is real and you are on the front lines! Are you okay with that?

Presented by Joshua Smith

Long before digital cameras, photographers sat in darkrooms, waiting for their creative work to develop. The process was scientific and slow, and tiny errors could ruin the greatest potential. Many modern believers still sit in the dark, waiting…worried about mistakes and struggling to discover their potential. This workshop will shine light upon ideas of faith and creativity, while borrowing insights from the photographic process, to reveal a theology of art that can be applied to everyday challenges for Christian creatives. Our aim will be to develop an image for each artist that reflects the Creator’s hand in their unique work, craft and passions.

Presented by Jerry Root

Why do children say, “Read it again!” after a good bedtime story? Lewis says he thinks it is because the child came to love the world of the book and it awakens in them a longing for other worlds. Ultimately, the child’s heart begins, through the story, to long for the only ‘other’ world they can ever truly know; that is, they long for Heaven! The longing, awakened by the story, then enables the child, and the adult, to see this world is filled with people, places, beauty, and events of all shapes and sizes because God is always, lovingly wooing us to Himself. This breakout session will develop these themes further.

Presented by Ernie Zielsdorf

We will walk through the graphic design process, looking at things like: how to come up with concepts for a design, what are some good practices when choosing design for different products, and utilizing the gifts God gave you to create something for others. You will have the opportunity to be a part of the conceptual process with some “live designing” or just sit back and watch it unfold. And there will be plenty of Q&A time, so ask away!

More Worshops to Come!

Register Now to Lock in Early Bird Pricing

Lodging

$399  $429

Per Person

Lodging

$379  $399

Per Person

Lodging

$339  $359

Per Person

Bring your Own

$329  $349

Per Person

Self Provided Lodging

$299  $329

Per Person

*If registering as an individual, after you click the “Register” button, click the “Register My Family” option on the next page.*

DELUXE

The Hotel Experience

Single Occupancy for Added Fee

Standard

The Dorm Experience

minimum of 8 guests required

Economy

The Camp Experience

minimum Requirement varies depending on cabin size

Event Only

No Housing Cost Added

IMPORTANT
Some older mapping services will suggest you take the 245. It is a curvy, winding road that will take you at least an additional hour. DO NOT take 245!

Check in starts at 3:00 PM the first day of the retreat.

You need to be checked out of your lodging by 11:00 AM the last day of the retreat.

We provide:

Dinner the first day of the retreat

All meals each full day of the retreat

Breakfast and lunch the last day of the retreat

We do not offer free guest WiFi at this point in time. We do offer Internet for a fee; however, the speeds here are not fast. Purchase at your own risk.

Yes, there is a non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit of $100 per person due at the time of registration.

At the time of cancellation, your non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of $100 will be forfeited.

Questions?

Contact our Hume Information team
info@hume.org • 1 (800) 965-4863

Dr. Erik Thoennes

Speaker

Erik Thoennes is Professor and Chair of the Theology Department at Biola University and is a pastor at Grace EVFree, La Mirada. He was voted Professor of the Year twice, and was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award by his colleagues at Biola University. He is the author of “Life’s Biggest Questions: What the Bible Says About the Things that Matter Most,” and “Biblical and Theological Studies: A Student’s Guide,” Erik and his wife Donna have four children; Caroline, Paige, Samuel, and Isaac.

Thaddeus Williams

Speaker

Dr. Thaddeus Williams loves enlarging students’ understanding and enjoyment of Jesus at Biola University in La Mirada, CA, where he serves as Associate Professor of Theology. He has taught Philosophy at Saddleback College, Jurisprudence at Trinity Law School, Worldview at L’Abri Fellowships in Switzerland and Holland, and Ethics for the Federalist Society in Washington D.C. He resides in Orange County, CA with his wife and four kids. His books include REFLECT (Lexham 2019).

Jerry Root

Speaker

Dr. Jerry Root is professor emeritus at Wheaton College, as well as a visiting professor at Biola University, Talbot Graduate School of Theology, and Moody Bible Institute teaching C. S. Lewis courses at all three schools. For over forty-one years, Dr. Root has lectured on C.S. Lewis topics at 78 universities in 18 countries. He is the author of numerous C.S. Lewis focused books, articles and publications. He is married to Claudia Root and together they have four married children and 15 grandchildren.

Scott “Fuzzy” Joseph

Speaker

Scott “Fuzzy” Joseph takes his inspiration from the comic books and animation of the 80s. Fuzzy has a BA in Studio Art from California State University of Bakersfield and an M.Ed. with a Special Emphasis on the use of comics in the classroom. In 2017 he became a member of the Comic Art Professional Society. He also teaches high school art at Bakersfield Christian High School. He is most proud of his wife and two daughters that Bless him every day.

Joshua Smith

Speaker

Joshua has over two decades of creative and branding experience with Christian organizations—beginning with 10 years at Hume Lake Christian Camps. He and his wife own Pillar Brands, a design and content marketing agency in Fresno (CA) where they serve national ministries and faith-based organizations. His longtime passion for photography has recently led to exciting adventures including worldwide travels, a fine art photography business & a teaching position at Fresno Pacific University.

Ernie Zielsdorf

Speaker

Ernie has been living and working at Hume for the past 6 years doing design and working in marketing and retail.  Outside of the job, he loves creating, and his inspiration includes the outdoors, skate culture, nostalgia, music, pop culture, and Americana.  He also enjoys running, reading, board games, learning fun new things, and time with his wife, Morgan, and son, Forrest.  He is passionate about using his skills for the Lord and loves to cheer others on in their own creative pursuits.

Claire Bechert

Speaker

Claire works in international disaster relief and recovery, and has travelled to eight countries with Samaritan’s Purse since 2017. Her greatest joy has been witnessing Jesus’ love in action through the Church across the globe. She studied writing and international development at Biola University, enjoys telling a good story, and crafting a solid sentence. She and her husband Nick live in Boone, NC, where you can find them hiking, belting out Beatles hits, or playing games with friends.

Elisa Watson

Speaker

Elisa loves words the way toddlers love toys – she admires them, wants to accumulate them, likes playing with them, shows them off to other people (who may or may not think they’re nearly as interesting as she does), and gets irrationally upset when someone misuses them. She likes to read words as well as write them, and is always delighted to find other people who feel the same. She and her husband Todd live in Gilbert, AZ, where they are raising four articulate and semi-well-read sons.

www.elisajoyful.com

Bob Bennett

Speaker

No flurry of superlatives here, just a brief self-introduction. Playing, singing, making up songs from age ten (58 years ago) with twelve solo albums since 1979. Still doing concerts, services, and (as here) retreats. I hope I can encourage you, equip you a bit, and strongly reassure you that artistry in the orbit of the Church is necessary, honorable work. I’m not going to last forever, so I want you take my job and do it well! I look forward to being with you all.

Josh Harmony

Speaker

Josh Harmony is a songwriter, visual artist, surfer and former professional skateboarder for Toy Machine Skateboards. At 19, he gave his life to Jesus and found himself in a unique position to share God’s love with some of the most unlikely individuals. Josh’s music has been used in a variety of skateboarding/surf videos and commercials including surfer John John Florence as well as Harley Davidson’s Milwaukee engine launch. Josh lives in Costa Mesa, CA with his wife Jenna and their 3 boys.

Justin Unger

Speaker

Justin has served in the local church for over 12 years as a worship pastor and is passionate about unifying the Body of Christ with the gift of music. He is a pastor of pastors and loves to disciple, equip and encourage both young and seasoned worship leaders. Justin is the Executive Director of Likewise Worship and is a Speaker & Consultant for churches struggling to bring all generations together in worship. He is married to his wife Falon and they have four children.

Jen Schuler

Speaker

Jen is passionate about cultivating community and knowing the hearts of those around her, and tries to live life in a way that invites people in. Her absolute favorite is deep conversation of the heart at her kitchen counter while she bakes or cooks. Though not a traditional “creative,” she is enamored with other people’s talents and delights to celebrate them! Jen and her husband, Joel, have served at Hume Lake for 21 years and have the joy of raising three kiddos in this sweet community.

Standard Lodging

The Dorm Experience

minimum of 8 guests required

Deposit and cancellation policy – ADult/Family Retreats

Deposits for Adult/Family Retreats
  1. Deposit is $100 per spot
  2. All remaining payments are due 2 weeks (14 days) prior to your date of arrival for your retreat.
Cancellations for Adult/Family Retreats
  1. If a spot is cancelled, the $100 deposit put down at the time of registration is forfeited.
  2. We offer a 100% refund for cancellations directly related to COVID-19 infection.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at register@hume.org.

Pet/Animal Policy

No animals allowed except ADA-approved service animals.

We gladly welcome service animals that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Pets providing emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship are not recognized as service animals under ADA regulations.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@hume.org.

Hume Christian Camps and Retreats

Join us for an amazing

Summer at Hume

We’ve opened our lodges and cabins to families and couples! Come up the mountain to worship, hear the Word, and spend time playing together in God’s creation. It’s the best place to be this summer!

Virtual Summer Camp 2020

Missing camp? Try our

Virtual Camp

We’re bringing Hume to you! With chapels hosted by our Camp Directors, you’ll get to participate in worship, play “virtual Rec” games, watch theme videos, and hear from Hume speakers. You don’t want to miss this!

We need help this summer!

Volunteer

As you know, things are a bit different at Hume this summer. The good news? The Lord has made it possible for us to shine His light in some wonderful ways, and we really need your help to make it happen!

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