Beethoven is quoted as saying “music is the mediator between the spiritual and sensual life.”

There’s something like that going on in Lake Ann these days.

Just over two years ago Pastor Justin Grimm of the village’s Advent Lutheran Church decided he wanted to bring music closer to his congregation’s spirits – while promoting a sense of community and raising money for worthy causes.

And the Sola Gratia Music Series was born.

“The premise is good music, good community, and good causes,” says Grimm, who started Advent Lutheran Church in late 2005.

Now the leader of a 300-member congregation, Grimm oversees monthly concerts that raise money for different causes, enables him to pay musicians better than the average bar venue and withhold only what it costs to print up a few flyers and posters.

Popular Michigan folk-music duo Seth Bernard and May Erlewine helped get Advent Lutheran’s music series off the ground. “Seth really encouraged me to do this,” says Grimm. “And May played our first concert in October of 2009.” So far Seth and May have performed as part of the music series four times.

“What Pastor Justin has cultivated is amazing,” Bernard says. “The musical community loves this music series.” 

Grimm likens the series to VH-1’s Storytellers show. “You get to really be with the musicians and not so far separated with them. This is a real stripped-down, quiet place where the music can be appreciated says,” says Grimm. “We set it up as a coffeehouse kind of feeling. Turn the lights down and light some candles.”

Be it the vibe or the lineup, the series is doing exceptionally well. Advent’s 80-person capacity is frequently met or overrun. And it’s attracting a varied audience.

“At our last concert we literally had fans from two years old to 72,” says Grimm. “People are starting to realize they are part of a community that is bigger than themselves. A couple of weeks ago we gathered to raise money for a family who just lost their five-year-old son. And by being here, I tell [the audience], they are part of that effort.”

Among the causes the Sola Gratia series has aided are local non-profits like TC’s On the Ground, which supports global projects, and “Save Our Sairy,” a fundraiser for a young woman battling Lyme disease. In May, a concert featuring local musician Samantha Crawford will raise money for the Children’s Advocacy Center in Traverse City. 

“This is what a church is supposed to do,” says Grimm. “The church exists to serve the community.”