Frontier Village service planned

Scripture, sermon music, a little history and a little change of venue — that’s what people can expect as Atonement Lutheran Church hosts an ecumenical worship service at Frontier Village’s chapel at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

“It’ll be fun,” said the Rev. Scott Block, pastor at Atonement. “I really enjoy it.”

Block plans to dress in period-appropriate clothing for the service, to fit the Frontier Village ambiance.

The service is a tradition for Atonement, started by Block’s predecessor, the Rev. Steve Berntson. This will be Block’s third year leading the Frontier Village services.

In previous years, services have been split between the chapel and the amphitheater, but this year, the second service, at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 5, will also be at the chapel.

Block said the venue is just more popular with visitors, who often walk into the chapel with ice cream treats to join in worship.

Services at Frontier Village are streamlined, with a shortened sermon, and tend to last about 30 to 40 minutes. They’re also more responsive, with more audience participation.

The services are ecumenical, but they do have a bit of a Lutheran flavor, Block said, because they include confession and absolution, as well as a creed — the Apostle’s Creed, for example, will be part of the Sunday service.

Everything in the service is printed in the bulletin, from songs to creeds to a responsive Psalm, so that people who seldom go to church can easily follow along.

“I try to pick hymns that people will recognize,” Block said, describing the services as “light and simple (with) some nice music.”

Sunday’s hymns will include “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Soon and Very Soon.”

Special music will be provided by singers Bernie Madsoe, Terri and Paul Johnson and Jackie Mangnall. In August, a cappella group Cheaper Than Therapy will perform.

Those who plan on attending should wear lightweight clothing if it’s warm out, because the chapel doesn’t have air conditioning.

They should also arrive early if they want a seat.

“It was a full house last year — standing room only,” Block said.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453

or by email at klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: life, religion