About Us

A Community Where You Can Breathe

You don’t have to have life sorted out to belong here. At Peace Lutheran, we welcome people in every season of faith — the curious, the hopeful, the skeptical, the tired, the joyful, and everyone in between. Your questions are not a problem. Your doubts aren’t disqualifying. We walk together, trusting that God meets us right where we are and keeps leading us forward in love.

 

Our Story

Our congregation has been part of South Haven since 1901, beginning as First English Lutheran Church on Kalamazoo Street. In 2000, we built our current home and became Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, carrying our history forward with a new name and renewed purpose.

Our vision shapes everything we do:

The Father’s love… our love.
We reflect God’s boundless welcome by embracing all people.

Christ’s life… our light.
We let Christ’s compassion guide our words and actions.

The Spirit’s work… our hands.
Empowered by the Spirit, we serve our community with kindness and hope.

Our story is still unfolding — and we’re grateful to share it with you.

 
Church steeple with a cross against a blue sky.

Our Mission

Reflecting God’s Light Through Love and Service

 

We believe God’s light is meant to shine through everyday acts of compassion, courage, and community. Here at Peace, we share that light by loving deeply, serving boldly, and welcoming every person who walks through our doors.

 

 

Meet Our Staff

The people who serve here aren’t just staff — they’re part of the heartbeat of our community. Each one brings their own gifts, stories, and passions to the ministry we share. We’d love for you to get to know them.

 
Pastor Travis Wilson

Travis Wilson

Senior Pastor

Pastor Travis brings a warm, grounded style of leadership to Peace, walking alongside people in every season of life and faith.

 
Jerry Jelsema

Jerry Jelsema

Director of Music

Jerry Jelsema leads our music and choir ministries with creativity, dedication, and a deep love for helping our congregation worship through song.

 
 
 
 
 
Deb Berkey

Deb Berkey

Lay Ministry Coordinator

Deb lovingly coordinates our lay ministry and helps with many administrative and worship tasks, ensuring that our community can gather, serve, and worship together with care and joy.

 
 
 
 

Christi Assink

Parish Administrator

Christi Assink keeps our ministry running smoothly with her organization, kindness, and steady, behind-the-scenes care for the whole congregation.

 
 
Ruth Baker

Ruth Baker

Assisting Musician

Ruth brings music to life as our assisting musician, lending her talents as organist, pianist, and choir accompanist to enrich worship and support our choir’s ministry.

 

Alex Davingman

Digital Innovator

Alex brings creativity and energy to our digital presence, helping with social media, communications, and all things online to keep our community connected and informed.

 

Join us this Sunday

Come as you are and experience a welcoming community where questions are encouraged, and God’s love is celebrated. Join us this Sunday to worship, connect, and be part of something bigger than yourself.