Rejoicing Spirits Worship Services Fill a Void for Families and Communities

The second Sunday of the month is a special time at Christ’s Lutheran Church in Oreland.  On those Sundays Rejoicing Spirits will come to worship, sing, laugh and celebrate.

Rejoicing Spirits is a special monthly worship service for people with developmental disabilities. Through a meaningful, nondenominational Christian worship service, individuals may be themselves while actively participating as contributing members in an inclusive faith community.

“Our congregation was thrilled to get involved with Rejoicing Spirits as soon as we heard about the program. This connects perfectly with our strong desire to share the word of God with all people and in ways that can be understood by everyone,” said Elise Seyfried, Director of Spiritual Formation.

Kathy Suloff, a member of the congregation, has an adult son with learning disabilities.  “But he grew up in a small congregation.  It was easy to accommodate his needs when there were only 15 children in the Sunday School.” Suloff continued,  “Rejoicing Spirits is special because it makes a place for people who are not as fortunate as Chris was.   It is important to give everyone a place.  I know there is a need for this.”

Chris, who just finished a term on Church Council at his home congregation, helps his mother with refreshments for the fellowship time following the worship service.

Rejoicing Spirits services are filled with music and a clear, simple message of God’s love.  They are designed for the full participation of the “rejoicers” who are encouraged to be the lectors, ushers, singers, greeters.

The Otterbein Family have been rejoicers.  “It is a joy to see the whole family involved in a very spiritual service,” said Diane Otterbein, whose daughter, Lauren, especially loves the birthday celebrations.  “Lauren is a participant rather than an observer.”

Lauren Otterbein has a couple of special roles in the services at Christ’s Oreland.  She carries the banner and takes the offering.   “The banners are top heavy, “ explained her dad, Scott Otterbein,  “So I had to remember my acolyte training and show her how to hold the pole so it wouldn’t tip over.”  Otterbein chuckled as he explained that he would stand nearby to help Lauren initially, but now Lauren pushes him away.

The Otterbeins also appreciate the accessibility of the message.  Visual images, repetition and interaction are used to engage the participants.

Music is an important element of the worship service.  At Christ’s it is provided by The Rock, a praise band featuring members of the congregation.   One way to make the service accessible for all members is to use contemporary music that is easy to sing.   Rhythm instruments allow everyone to participate. 

Ken Selinger, the Director of Music, first experienced a Rejoicing Spirits worship service at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Exton.   “I’ll never forget seeing the rejoicers preparing to be helpful before the service.  They stood in a circle and prayed.  There was something special happening here; you could feel the love in that room,” said Selinger. Selinger brought the concept back to his home church in Oreland and the first Rejoicing Spirits service at Christ’s Oreland was held in the spring of 2006. 

The benefits of Rejoicing Spirits extend to all ages and include families, caregivers and the broader community.  “A wonderful bonus for us has been the number of our teenagers who turn out each month to help and to make our visitors feel welcome.  We love to see their warm hearts and capable hands used to serve their brothers and sisters in Jesus’ name,” said Seyfried. 

David Langlois, is one of those teens.  Although he first participated at the encouragement of his mother, he found he liked the interaction. “What I like is how it helps people who don’t usually go to church,” said Langlois. “It is shorter and I did a lot more; the songs are easy and good.”    

Rejoicing Spirits began in 2003 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Exton with the vision of Susan Crawford.   There are now about 10 churches offering this ministry in the greater Delaware Valley.  Crawford has written a guide on how to start a Rejoicing Spirits ministry which is available through the website for a small fee.

Services are scheduled on the second Sunday of each month at 4 pm at Christ’s Lutheran Church, 700 E. Pennsylvania, Oreland, PA  19075.  For more information, call the church office at (215) 886-4612.  For more information about Rejoicing Spirits including how to start a worship service in your congregation visit, www.rejoicingspirits.org