Set Apart Virtual Conference 2023

Set Apart is... Built on the foundation of God’s Word, Set Apart offers a time for women to listen, learn, connect and be encouraged in their faith. You'll be refreshed in your spirit and your heart as you hear from keynote speakers. Experience meaningful worship, learn from dynamic workshops and enjoy fellowship with sisters in Christ.

Mission & Vision

In agreement with the mission of University of Northwestern - St. Paul and Media, the Set Apart Conference strives to equip women to grow intellectually and spiritually, to serve effectively, and to give God-honoring leadership in the home, church, community, and world by utilizing Christian speakers, relevant workshops, and fellowship opportunities while generating scholarship funds for students attending University of Northwestern.

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Welcome!

Welcome to the Set Apart Virtual Gathering 2022! We are excited to be able to offer this virtual version of the Set Apart Conference.

We are celebrating our 40th year of Set Apart, offering a special time for women to come away and be with God (Mark 6:31), and providing scholarships for UNW students to seek a Christian education. God has greatly blessed this endeavor and we stand amazed at His grace.

The conference this year is built on the theme, “He’s the Sustainer of our soul . . .” from Psalm 54:4. As we contemplated all that the world has been and is going through, we felt the desire to dwell on how God sustains us. “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. . . For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. Psalm 54:4&7

We encourage you to take your time as you listen to each message. Allow the Word of God to permeate your heart and soul. We pray that you will come away knowing, in the depths of your soul, that our Lord truly will sustain you through all that life brings.

May God Bless You!

Your Set Apart Committee

Jane, Julie, Miriam, Rosey, Judy, Elisabeth and Tami

For questions regarding Registration & Technical Issues please contact the Northwestern Ticket Office using one of the following methods:

Phone: 651-631-5151 or toll-free 866-821-5151

Email: ticketoffice@unwsp.edu

Ticket Office hours :

Monday - Friday from 11:00am - 4:00pm CT

Accessing Conference Links

Hopefully you received the email from ticketoffice@unwsp.edu and have already logged in to the conference website. If you have not yet created a password and logged in, please follow these steps:

1. Go to our conference webpage - SetApartConference.com.

2. Click on "LOG IN" in the top right corner of the webpage.

3. Click on the "reset password" link and enter your email address you used when you registered for the Set Apart Virtual Conference. You will recieve an email with the password resetting instructions. (The email will come from noreply@editmysite.com, it may be in your Spam or Junk folder.)

4. Click on the link in the email "Click here to reset your password." Once you click on the link you will be brought to a page to enter your password two times.

5. Click the blue "Continue" button and you will receive confirmation on the screen that your password is set. Click on the blue text "Log in" and enter your email address and password.

6. Once you are logged in, you will see a white box titled My Account. Click on the text 2023 Set Apart Virtual Conference. Visit this page for all of the links and information you will need for the conference. You will have access to this page through May 31, 2023.

Virtual Conference Videos

Opening Session

The Opening Session video contains:

Welcome from Julie Sharp, Committee Member

Keynote Speakers

God Will Make a Way 1 by Nicole C. Mullen

God Will Make a Way II

by Nicole C. Mullen

When God's Plan is Not Your Plan

by Laurie Short

God's Mysterious Timing by Laurie Short

Featured Workshops

Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression and Anxiety

by Jenita Pace

Telling Your Story

by

Ann Sorenson

When You Pass Through the Waters by Keith Stevens

Length - 6:45

Length - 47:26

Length - 56:33

Length - 59:15

Length - 1:01:28

Workshops

Be Still

by Sonya Anderson

Revive Our Hearts: Restore Our Joy

by Heather Cruz

Faithfully Connecting Generations

by Becky Danielson and Carol Olsen

Video Length - 34:40

Video Length - 1:03:20

Video Length - 51:34

In Purpose, On Purpose, and For a Purpose

by Kendra Q. Dodd

Video Length - 46:03

Beating Burn Out to Burn Long and Live Refreshed

by Jennifer Dougan

In God's Waiting Room

by Pati Kachel

Video Length - 54:59

Video Length - 55:03

Testing, Training, and Complaining in the Wilderness

by Anna Rask Emison

Video Length - 59:55

Keynote Speaker

Nicole C. Mullen

Nicole C. Mullen has long been known as an undeniably talented artist who is unafraid to be vulnerable and transparent with her audience. She continues a legacy of sincerity and artistic integrity that in the past has been recognized with two Grammy® Award nominations and nine Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including two Female Vocalist of the Year honors, Song of Year for “Redeemer," and "On My Knees,” the Urban Album of the Year for “Everyday People, ” Contemporary Song of the year ("Call on Jesus"), and the first African American female to win Songwriter of the Year for "Redeemer".

Nicole, now a single mom, is familiar with broken relationships. She can relate to those who have walked through abuse, betrayal, and hurt. She has learned to forgive and come out of a ‘night season’ stronger than she’s ever been before.

“I want people to be healed, released, empowered, and encouraged. I want them to see the power of Redemption and the relevancy of the Scriptures in our everyday living. I want to explore every avenue available to express this truth.”

Visit Nicole's website at nicolecmullen.com

Nicole's Messages

Friday’s Afternoon Message:

God Will Make a Way Part I

Saturday’s Afternoon Message:

God will Make a Way Part II

Keynote Speaker

Laurie Short

Laurie Short is a speaker, author, wife, and stepmom. A graduate of Fuller Seminary, Laurie has served on staff of four churches, and spoken to more than 500,000 people at conferences, colleges, and churches around the country. She is currently part of the teaching team at Oceanhills Church in Santa Barbara, CA.

Laurie is the author of “40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith,” “When Changing Nothing Changes Everything,” "Finding Faith in the Dark,” and “Gracefilled Stepparenting.” Her most recent book titled “Faith, Doubt and God’s Mysterious Timing” was just released in January.

Laurie has been featured on RightNow Media, Focus on the Family, PBS, and World Magazine.

She lives in Santa Barbara with her husband Jere, and stepson Jordan. You can follow Laurie on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @lauriepshort and find speaking clips and information about her at www.laurieshort.com

Laurie's Messages

Friday’s Morning Message:

When God's Plan is Not Your Plan

Saturday’s Afternoon Message:

God's Mysterious Timing

“After graduating from Mn Adult & Teen Challenge, my family has been restored.”

Changing Women’s Lives

Our person-centered programming offers a judgement-free environment geared towards women and the obstacles that keep them from going to treatment.

Here are ways YOU can get involved:

• Mentor someone finding healing from their addiction

• Volunteer in both our women’s building and Lakeside Academy

• Become a member of Women’s Impact Foundation (WIF), an association of women committed to providing faithful support for the programs and mission of MnTC

mntc.org/wif

Thank You!

Event Partners

University of Northwestern–St. Paul is a private Christian liberal arts university in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota, equipping Christ-centered learners and leaders to invest in others and impact the world.

For over 100 years, students have come to Northwestern to learn and pursue the purposes God has for them. Our programs not only prepare students for a career, but also equip them for ministry and leadership throughout life. Discover more about Northwestern online: www.unwsp. edu.

KTIS has been communicating God’s message in the Twin Cities since 1949. While the “how” has changed in the last 70 years, the “why” has not. Each day we share the love and forgiveness Christ offers using music and stories. Our mission to lead people to Christ and nurture believers in their faith through Christ-centered media remains steadfast. Thank you for your ongoing enthusiasm and partnership of this important mission as lives are changed throughout the Twin Cities. Tune in at 98.5 FM, on the web at myktis.com, or download the KTIS streaming app today.

Faith Radio Network broadcasts a blend of preaching, teaching, and compelling conversation to help connect faith to life. Whether it’s faith, family, or finances, Faith Radio offers sound Bible preaching, encouragement and insight every day. Our mission is to lead people to Christ and to nurture them in their spiritual growth through Christ-centered media.

Thank You!

Event Sponsors

MN Adult and Teen Challenge - Our mission is to assist teens and adults in gaining freedom from chemical addictions and other lifecontrolling problems by addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

We offer effective and affordable programs throughout Minnesota with campuses in Minneapolis, Brainerd, Duluth, Rochester, and Buffalo. We have a broad spectrum of treatment and recovery programs: Outpatient (Telehealth and In-person), Licensed Residential (7-90 days), Long-Term Recovery Program (12 months), Teen Residential (6-12 months), and Ongoing Recovery and Alumni Services, allowing us to effectively serve individuals with a broad spectrum of addiction issues - from those seeking treatment for the first time to those who have been struggling with addiction for many years.

The Dwelling Place – The Dwelling Place offers safe, transitional housing and Christ-centered supportive services for women & children who have suffered domestic abuse. Our twoyear extended-stay program provides a loving community and one-on-one case management to help you discover your new identity: a woman created by God, worthy of love, and beautiful inside and out.

New Life Family Services – Committed and caring providers of comprehensive services for men and women facing unplanned pregnancies. As a nonprofit, Christian social service agency licensed by the state of Minnesota, New Life Family Services empowers men and women to make informed pregnancy decisions through individualized support, education, resources, adoption services, and other professional services. Serving the community since 1973, New Life is one of the oldest and largest organizations of its kind.

Schuler Shoes has been dedicated to supporting healthier lives since 1889. It has always been about more than just the shoes for us. We are committed to building relationships with our customers, each other, and our communities. Schuler Shoes is proud to sponsor this time for women to listen, learn, connect, and be encouraged in their faith journeys. From the comfort of your feet to the encouragement of your sole, we are with you every step of the way. Visit schulershoes.com for your neighborhood location and more.

Featured Speaker

Jenita Pace

Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are such heartbreaking challenges that can leave Christians feeling alone and isolated. Jenita is a licensed therapist and author who has had her own personal battle with depression and anxiety. She will share her journey as well as the tools and resources she has used to bring the Gospel to life. If you are struggling with depression and anxiety, love someone who is struggling, or are ministering to those struggling, Jenita will provide ways to find hope using some of the most powerful names of Jesus. Join us for a time of healing.

Jenita Pace, MA Ed, LPC is a therapist who has her own private practice. She is an adjunct professor at the University of Northwestern — St. Paul and the author of the book, "The Healing Names of Jesus: Find Freedom from Depression and Anxiety." Jenita has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Columbia International University and a Master’s in Education in School Counseling from Western Carolina University. She has written devotionals for various organizations including YouVersion, the Jesus Calling blog, and the Live Original organization. Jenita has been featured on various podcasts and radio shows across the country, as well as video projects designed to educate the church on how to handle mental health needs. Jenita is married to Tim, who is a pastor at Trinity Church in Lakeville, Minnesota. She has two teen sons and a Sheepadoodle who is in training to be her co-therapist.

Featured Speaker

Telling Your Story

You are an ambassador of Christ, commissioned to make disciples as you go, everywhere you go, all the time. So how do you DO that? We will work through the Great Commission and discover how to practically walk out our faith with our families, co-workers, neighbors, friends, and more! Life is a mission and we’re on it for Jesus. Come discover how God is calling, equipping, and sending you to advance His Kingdom in your everyday life.

Ann Sorenson is the program director for the Five16 film festival and serves as a film and media professor at the University of Northwestern—St. Paul. Her love and appreciation of stories propelled her professional life, beginning in television production, then directing theater productions, and now directing film and teaching visual storytelling. She received her M.F.A. in Film from Columbia University. During her time in New York City, she received a New York Women in Film nomination and a Directing the Actors Fellowship from Columbia University.

Ann Sorenson

Notes

Keith Stevens

When You Pass Through the Waters

When you've lost the love of your life, how do you find strength to carry on? Keith Stevens shares his story about finding strength in the wilderness after losing the love of his life - strength to carry on when all hope seems lost. If you've gone through loss-loss of a loved one, loss of a friend, or any kind of loss at all, Keith will give you strength to not only carry on, but to find purpose and hope in the middle of your wilderness. When you pass through the waters...I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2

Keith Stevens, has been a radio personality for over 12 years in Minneapolis -Saint Paul at 98.5 KTIS. He currently hosts mornings from 6-10am, and is known for his real-life inspirational stories. Each day, listeners laugh, cry, and pour their hearts out to Keith as they sense a special close relationship with him. Keith says, "The greatest honor of my life is to walk side by side with my listeners each day and talk about Jesus together. I believe we are called to be salt and light to this generation for such a time as this." Keith was married for 30 years and recently lost his wife Sue to a rare form of breast cancer. Keith has four adult sons and a daughter-in-law. He is picking up the pieces of a broken heart and learning how to live life in this "new normal" with God's help.

Notes

Set Apart History

What once began as a dream, quickly turned into a reality when in the early 1980s, four women came up with an innovative idea: reach out to Christian women and at the same time create a scholarship fund for University of Northwestern — St. Paul students. That idea blossomed into A Day Set Apart for Women, a one-day event organized by a group known as the Northwestern Women’s Fellowship.

As attendance flourished, the conference expanded and in 1987 was offered in the two-day format we know today. Over the years, well-known speakers such as Annie Chapman, Lysa Teurkurst, Ann Voskamp, Luci Swindoll, Candace Cameron Buré, Gigi Tchividjian, Priscilla Shirer, Liz Curtis Higgs, Karen Kingsbury, and Susie Larson have graced the Knight Performance Hall stage. In addition, hundreds of speakers have presented in conference workshops.

The scholarship goal of the conference founders has been realized in a mighty way. In the past 41 years, over 400 Northwestern students have been encouraged in their pursuit of Christian education by receiving scholarship funds. The conference endowment scholarship fund, established in 1998, ensures that the original vision will continue to grow for years to come.

In 2007, the conference name A Day Set Apart for Women was changed to Set Apart: A Faith-filled Conference for Women. The Set Apart Committee continues to provide a conference that is firmly based on the promises of God while bringing glory to His name.

We thank God for the women who walked in faith to turn a great idea into a reality: Pauline Hutchens Wilson, Eleanor Anderson, Marion Bildsoe, and Bonita Ericksen. We are also thankful for the blessing God gave Set Apart in Monica Groves, who led the conference for the next 25 years, keeping the focus on Christ and for the support and guidance of Gayle Cureton, wife of former University President Dr. Alan Cureton, over the last 20 years. Of course, we are especially thankful for all of the many women who have attended and supported Set Apart over the years, and for those who are with us today.

As the years go on, Set Apart offers a special time for women to listen, learn, connect, and be encouraged in their faith. It is refreshing for their spirits and their hearts as they hear keynote speakers and soak in the presence of the Lord. Women participate in worship, learn from dynamic workshops, and enjoy fellowship with sisters in Christ. God turned the four women’s dream into a reality and has sustained and flouished that dream for 41 years.

As women, we are set apart to love, nurture, create, build, and lead in a way that only daughters of the Almighty King can.

If you feel the Lord nudging you toward a new path in ministry, psychology, business, leadership, or healthcare management, let University of Northwestern guide you.

It’s possible—even with your busy schedule— to earn a degree through our online, on-campus, and blended courses.

Workshop Speaker

Be Still

Many people are familiar with the verse, “Be still, and know that I am God” but are unaware of its context. Psalm 46, Exodus 14, and Matthew 8 all paint pictures of stillness in the midst of chaos—trusting God in spite of unsettling circumstances. Sonya is mom to five young adult sons, two adopted as teenagers. She shares stories of God’s faithfulness through seasons of turbulence, and how she discovered the prayer that never fails. “God, I trust you.” Participants will explore practices for seeking stillness in the midst of the inevitable chaos of everyday life.

Sonya Anderson is a writer and teacher with a background in education and church ministry. She is married to Kyle, and a mom to five young adult sons. Sonya is the author of The Covenant Story: Trusting the Love of a Faithful God, published August 2022. She has been blogging for several years, telling stories of faith, family and adoption, and currently posts weekly at Seeking God Through Story. Sonya loves being outdoors, and lives with Kyle on a lake near Princeton, Minnesota.

Sonya Anderson

Notes

Workshop Speaker

Revive Our Hearts: Restore Our Joy

We will walk through the book of Isaiah with our magnifying glass aimed at the heart of God's people. Our journey will lead us to see how God makes a way for joy to be restored today. We will focus on three key ideas: Grace - the Heartbeat of Joy, Wholehearted Devotion to God, and a Heart of Worship.

Heather Cruz loves Jesus, moms, and kids. She holds a Master's in Education, but more importantly she holds Jesus in her heart. Her passion to help families grew as she noticed how hard moms work and how they don't realize the incredible impact they make on their kids and their community. She set out to encourage mothers that they are doing a great job balancing it all.

Heather Cruz

Workshop Speaker

Faithfully Connecting Generations

From the beginning, God made a way to pass on His Gospel message through the family. Often generations find it hard to relate to one another. This session is designed to equip women of all ages. Using practical tips and strategies, we will provide ways to connect, communicate and invest spiritually, relationally, and financially with family members. We will also address challenges such as busyness, distance, difficult relationships, and abandoning faith. Participants will leave prepared to build or strengthen their family legacy of faith.

Becky Danielson and Carol Olsen are Christian wives, mothers, and experienced parent and family educators. They encourage vibrant intergenerational relationships. Becky has a BA in Elementary Education, MA in Education, and licensure in Early Childhood, and Parent and Family Education. She works with parents privately, in small group settings, retreats, and national conferences sharing God's Word to equip and encourage families. For 40 years, Carol has worked in education. She supervised the Edina Family Resource Center, co-hosted the cable program Mrs. Olsen’s Neighborhood, and taught children and adults America’s Christian heritage. Carol and her husband Neil have eight grandchildren.

Becky Danielson & Carol Olsen

Notes

LIFE DECISIONS need support

Being pro-life is about more than just saving babies. It is about helping mothers and fathers build healthy relationships. It is about providing adoption services to both birth families and adoptive parents. It is supporting families and nurturing their spiritual development.

At New Life Family Services, we believe a holistic approach to pro-life work leads to reduced abortions and increased thriving families.

Our goal is that families would not only choose life, but would have abundant life.

Kendra Q. Dodd Workshop Speaker

In Purpose, On Purpose, and For a Purpose

You are uniquely designed and called to lead for a specific purpose. Learning your purposeful story will help you see God’s faithfulness in you. During our time together, you will discover how to focus on your calling and priorities. It’s a time to see how God has been present in your life from before you were created to your current circumstances. We will discuss how to move forward with confidence in your Destiny. We ALL are created In Purpose, On Purpose, and For a Purpose. Learn to see how your experiences shine a light on where you should go next.

Kendra Q. Dodd, Sr. Director, Career and Leadership Development at UNW. She’s a sought-after facilitator, presenter, coach, author, and consultant due to her unique experience with regional, national, and international complexities within organizations, teams, and leadership. Kendra loves assisting within business, government, educational, and Christian entities regarding culture dynamics, personal development, and spiritual calling. Her dynamic enthusiasm is evident in her interactions with all she meets. Kendra has a master's in Human Resources Development, certified DDI Trainer, certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and Certified Life/Career Coach. She serves on the board for two organizations and her church's Leadership Academy.

Notes

Beating Burn Out to Burn Long and Live Refreshed

In our frenzied, fast-paced world, how do good leaders model balance? Weaving the continual urgent needs of a hurting people and world with his own team's needs for food, rest, and renewal, Jesus has much to teach us about work/life/ministry balance. Stepping into historical accounts from the Bible, walk beside Jesus and his team, seeing with new eyes three tools he models to help us beat burn out and live a renewed, refreshed life. Speaker, writer, and Bible teacher, Jennifer Dougan loves to point people to God's life-transforming words. www.jenniferdougan.com.

Jennifer Dougan - With 28 years of church experience as a Youth Pastor’s Wife, working with teens, women, and churches, Jennifer is passionate about topics close to a woman's heart. With years of church staff experience, an active coordinator and member of women’s ministries, experienced in co-facilitating women’s and couples’ retreats and in leading women’s Bible studies, Sunday Schools, and small groups, Jennifer loves to share with women. She speaks often at conferences, MOPS/Moms next groups, retreats, camps, including multiple times at the Set Apart conference, at Camp Lebanon’s fall women’s retreat, and Camp Jim’s spring women's retreat. Jennifer has been married for 28 years and has three children.

Jennifer Dougan

Workshop Speaker

Pati Kachel

In God's Waiting Room

Sometimes we pray and pray about situations and concerns in our lives and God asks us to just wait for His answer. While we are waiting, God is still working behind the scenes, orchestrating the details and arranging the perfect timing for His sovereign plan to unfold. I will share scriptures that have encouraged my heart and given me peace as I have waited upon the Lord to make His highest and best plans come to pass in my life. I will share how God has come through for me in miraculous ways when I have put my trust in Him and in His perfect timing. It will be a FUNSHOP, not a workshop!

Pati Kachel received Jesus Christ as her Savior when she was 13. For the past fifty-three years, she has experienced the abundant life that He promised to those who would follow Him. It has not been an easy life, but the Lord has helped her all along the ups and downs of her faith journey as a single woman. Her vocation is serving churches all around the Midwest as a traveling Christian Storyteller with a nonprofit ministry, THE PARABLE FUND. She loves to encourage women to grow in their faith through the scriptures, stories, and songs that she shares in her programs.

Anna Rask Emison

Testing, Training, and Complaining in the Wilderness

After God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, it was imperative they did not go straight to the Promised Land. Israel needed to learn more about God, and God wanted to see if they were ready to trust, obey, and be his covenant partner. So he led them into the wilderness and tested them. These were not pass-or-fail tests; instead, they were training exercises for Israel to learn more about God and practice trusting him. Unfortunately, these tests were regularly met with complaining and the striking revelation that while God was testing Israel, Israel was testing God. so they are reflecting the selfless, inclusive, and serving love of God.

Anna Rask Emison is a Biblical Studies alum of the University of Northwestern. She has taught Old and New Testament courses at Northwestern since 2017 and was hired as a full-time instructor in 2022. Anna is working on her Ph.D. in Old Testament Theology via distance education at Union Theological College in Belfast, Northern Ireland; her advisor is Dr. T. Desmond Alexander. Anna and her husband John have been married for just over a year and currently reside in Roseville.

Save the Date

March 8 & 9, 2024

Chrystal Evans Hurst

PreSale Price: One Day $50 | Both Days $85 Buy your 2024 tickets today!

These Special Rates are avaialble through the Virtual Conference. Tickets must be purchased through the Ticket Office by May 31, during the 2023 Virtual Conference.

Confirmed 2024 Keynote Speaker