WHAT: “Drumming with Psalms and Phrases”

WHEN: Three Sunday evenings – Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Addictions Recovery Centers, 114 N. Main St., Goshen (use Main Street entrance — the green awning across from the Elkhart County Courthouse)

Events to aid relationships

“Drumming with Psalms and Phrases” is an opportunity for both the unemployed and those with jobs to gather together, listen to words from Psalms, share personal concerns and drum together in a comfortable environment.

The event is being planned by Yvonne Riege because of continuing economic challenges and high unemployment in Elkhart County. She is an ordained Church of the Brethren minister and former pastor at Goshen City Church of the Brethren.

“Persons who have found jobs sometimes see emotional chasms form between them and unemployed friends,” Riege said. “Coming together for a time of drumming offers a way of communicating together without words.

“Many of the Bible’s Psalms offer us a way to look at life in a new way. Though many instinctively think of praise Psalms, they are also rich with voices of lament and anguish. Together we will spend time with writers that have been through tough times in life,” she added.

Percussion instruments will be provided for use during the events, but visitors are encouraged to take their own drums as well. All are welcome to attend without instruments, but all will have opportunity to participate together. Individuals will learn some drumming techniques and listen to one another share, pray and play.

Riege said the initial idea for “Drumming with Psalms and Phrases” emerged as she participated in a fall Elkhart County Works Together meeting and listened to stories of the unemployed.

She and a colleague with the Church of the Brethren’s Northern Indiana District are seeking to reach out to people interested in worship that is beyond the traditional scope. The project began with visits to churches in northern Indiana and listening to members’ ideas and dreams. Several congregations voiced an interest in ministry with those experiencing the challenges of unemployment.

The sessions are scheduled on three Sunday evenings — Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 28 — from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The site is Addictions Recovery Centers, 114 N. Main St., Goshen, across from the Elkhart County Courthouse.

There is no registration or cost for participation in this event. For more information, contact Riege at 862-1608.

Who Funds Hope?

As Elkhart County comes to the end of the second year of the ‘Great Recession’, the community is looking for hope… You can be involved directly in providing hope by supporting an effort that provides work for people who do not have jobs.”

We have Who Funds Hope materials available for download using the links below.

Who Funds Hope: Community Leadership Opportunity for business(pdf)

Who Funds Hope: Letter to the community(pdf)

Elkhart County does work together.

What can you do to help Elkhart County Works Together?

Learn more about the ECWT Skills Bank.