Plymouth Magazine-Fall26-DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 45
Angie Arendt and former TiM Aaron James serve
Saturday Worship Communion in 2007.
The first Saturday Night Band in 2000 included Curt Powell (original band leader) on keyboards,
Bill Connet on guitar, Bill Nelson on bass, and Fred McLaughlin on drums.
and singing woven throughout. “Every
component of that service is rooted in
tradition and influenced by the science of
welcome and belonging,” Arendt said.
“The ritual in that room might not look
like Sunday morning ritual, but the ritual
and rhythm of Saturday night service is
what keeps people coming back. It’s what
creates a sense of comfort and security,
what provides continuity and connection
– not just to each other, but to God, and
to those who had come before us and
those who will come after us, too.”
Services are held in Waveland Hall rather
than the sanctuary, and worshippers sit at
round tables that facilitate conversation.
At each service, worshippers share high
and low points of the previous week with
others at their table. Tables are topped
with brown butcher paper and baskets
of crayons that encourage people to
doodle. “Doodling is a great way to focus
attention,” Arendt adds.
Sharing food and offering communion
at each service were other important
aspects. “In the early days, we baked
bread in bread machines and had warm,
fresh loaves ready to share by the time
worship started. The smell alone was
worth coming for.” As the congregation
grew, the practice of bread baking was
replaced with people bringing cookies or
other treats to share. Now communion
is served by Plymouth deacons stationed
around the room. Deacons also play a
role in welcoming worshippers.
“We wanted people to feel welcome
within seconds of entering the church.
We carefully thought how we could best
welcome everyone; those that are “church
allergic,” those just curious about God,
and those who needed the courage to
walk in the doors,” Arendt said.
“Saturday worship at Plymouth is home
to a lot of folks, not just because it is
convenient or relaxed, but because
the rituals are accessible in ways that
traditional worship structure is not for a
number of people,” Arendt said. “I always
thought of it as inviting people into a big
ol’ living room, casual and comfortable,
and connecting to each other, to God,
and to their own selves, too.”
Saturday Night Band in 2007.
Director Bill Connent, playing with the band’s
current director, Seth Hedquist, in 2007.
Small children’s choir singing in worship.
Amy Elbert, a retired journalist and lifelong history lover, is a
40-year Plymouth member and is active on the Plymouth Archives,
Creation Care & Justice, and Frisbie Fellowship committees.
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Angie Arendt preaching in Plymouth
WavelandMagazine
Hall.
