abilities. There is the “ joyful noise hymn,” during which each participant receives an instrument to play. Zimmermann also delivers a message and administers communion. The service ends with a hymn and jubilant cross parade, an idea Wargo and Williams adapted from one of the churches they visited. Each worshiper receives a cross to hold as they march around the sanctuary. Drawing in people from varied denominations,
the service averages 30 attendees each month. And it’s growing: recently residents of group homes for adults with special needs have been bused in to participate. Looking back, Wargo is filled with gratitude for the
growth she’s witnessed in her congregation and in the life of the families with special needs. “There is not one service where we haven’t cried. You are so uplifted when you sit here,” she said. “It’s become much more than a worship service.”
“This is the work of the Holy Spirit” Robbie Watts is 14 and on the more intense level of the autism spectrum. For many years his mother Michelle couldn’t bring him to worship at Faith. “No one ever saw him but everyone knew him,” she said. That changed when Joyful Noise began. At first it was hard to get Robbie in the door,
Wargo said. Later he came in but wouldn’t move from his adult-sized stroller. Little by little Robbie began
to participate more. Today he walks in the cross parade, which is an accomplishment in and of itself, Zimmermann said. The experience has made all the difference for the
Watts family. “Being able to worship with my child in a stress-free, relaxed environment in fellowship with others who acknowledge and welcome special needs is amazing. I truly feel blessed and surrounded by love at Joyful Noise,” Watts said. Not only have parents like Watts seen a change in
their children, they’ve also noticed a change in their spiritual life. “Parents who I have never met before came up to me that very first week to thank me for doing it and to say, ‘You might think you’re doing this for our children, but you’re doing it for us too. For us to know someone cares enough to do this for us means the world,’ ” Zimmermann said. The pastor gives all the credit to God: “This is the
work of the Holy Spirit. Tori and Allyson and I go along for the ride.”
For an extended version of this story, visit
LivingLutheran.org.
Erin Strybis is a content editor for Living Lutheran and a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Chicago.
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