By Deaconess Michelle Schultz

“Beer and Hymns” began as a cherished tradition at New Holland Brewing Company in Grand Rapids, Mich., where a large group would gather to sing hymns, enjoy good beer, and build meaningful fellowship.

When my husband, Andy Schultz, a longtime attendee, moved to the Chicagoland area for school, he carried those memories with him. Though he missed the monthly gatherings, he hoped that one day, he would revive the event in a new community.

While in Chicago, we met, and I was a singer who was studying at Concordia University Chicago to become a Deaconess. This connection brought his hopes one step closer to reality.

I later received a call to serve at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Ind., where I now oversee family life ministries. After settling into our new congregation and community, we began laying the foundation for the first “Beer and Hymns” event.

Planning the First Gathering

When we started, a small group of couples gathered, hymnals in hand, to thoughtfully compile a list of well-known favorites. I then crafted the event’s logo and hymnal booklet, now staples of “Beer and Hymns.”

The first event took place in our backyard with musicians set up on a trailer stage and members of our church invited. The weather was cold, rainy, and damp — and to top it off, the kegerator malfunctioned. Yet, despite the setbacks, attendees came together in joyful fellowship and worship.

Growing the Vision

Three months later, the second “Beer and Hymns” was held at the Greener’s family barn, owned by one of our church members. This Christmastime event was so well attended that the space could barely hold everyone. The barn echoed with beloved Christmas hymns and warmth from patio heaters and propane fireplaces.

Quarterly events then continued at their barn. By Christmas 2024, it was clear the event had outgrown its space. The desire to welcome more congregations led to a new partnership, and Lutheran connections introduced us to Scott Fergusson, a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, also in Fort Wayne, and owner of Chapman’s Brewing Company in Fort Wayne. Chapman’s became the venue for a landmark celebration.

A Community Celebration

That Christmas, members from five Lutheran churches and several seminary attendees filled the room with music and celebration. More than 150 people came together to rejoice in the birth of Christ.

A few months later, “Beer and Hymns” returned to the Greener’s Barn for a smaller, more intimate evening with our church.

As excitement for the event continued to grow, the second community-wide “Beer and Hymns” was held at Kuehnert Dairy Farm in July 2025 with seven churches attending. In December 2025, members from many area churches once again filled Chapman’s Brewing Company with song and fellowship!

With Gratitude

With deep gratitude, thank you to all who have supported “Beer and Hymns” through the years. This event is built on shared dreams, generous hearts, and a love of music that brings people closer to each other and to our Lord. Please pray it continues to inspire joy, fellowship, and praise.

Photo provided: The “Beer and Hymns” program has seen many locations and lots of fellowship. The events see multiple churches come together to sing.