DICKINSON, N.D. - A Bible study group from St. John Lutheran Church is launching a novel way to incorporate their love of hymns within a social gathering - and it’s open to the community.
The first gathering of “Beer and Hymns,” is 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at the Elks Lodge in Dickinson.
“It is the first of what we hope to be regular monthly gatherings where we will sing some hymns, have some fellowship and drink some beer,” study group member Brent Seaks said.
The hymns will be played by a live band, including Jon Tangen, stand-up bass; Kent Anderson, piano; Tim Holdahl and Pastor Ellery Dykeman, guitars; Jeremy Wohletz and Seaks, saxophone.
“There is no charge for this event, but we will take a free-will offering to benefit a local Dickinson charity,” Seaks said.
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The idea was born out of his small Bible study group which calls itself, “Word and Wings.”
The group meets monthly at the Eagles Club for Bible study.
The members envisioned “Beer and Hymns” as a copy idea from Mandan, but with different instruments, restaurant and times, he said.
“We thought this could be a good outreach,” Seaks said. “We put the band together - half from St. John Lutheran and the other half from Peace Lutheran Church. I think it’s for like-minded people who love hymns and like to sit and enjoy a beer ... but you don’t have to drink beer.”
Dykeman, who is pastor of Peace Lutheran, described “Beer & Hymns” as an ecumenical opportunity for folks to get together, sing familiar hymns and enjoy an adult beverage.
“It’s been a really enjoyable time to get together with other musicians,” he said. “If we can get 24 people to come, we’ll be doing great.”
The band has prepared a repertoire of around 30 hymns.
“These are pure, old-school hymns,” Seaks said, adding, “There’s no sermons, no Bible study, no devotions. We will play until we run out of hymns and get together again.”
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Seaks is excited about the opportunity to reach out into the community.
“We want to do it monthly, but when summer comes, we’re not sure,” he said. “I can say there’ll be more. This is the first of many.”
Proceeds will go to the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center in Dickinson. For more information, visit their Facebook page, “Beer & Hymns Dickinson.”
