Who We Are

We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), part of a wider church rooted in grace, justice, and the belief that all are welcome.

At Peace, that looks like:

• worship that is grounded and meaningful

• community that is real and supportive

• a commitment to serving our neighbors

We are not perfect. We are learning. And we trust that God meets us right in the middle of it all.

What We Believe

We believe God meets us in grace—
not because we have it all together,
but because love comes first.

We believe faith is something we grow into over time.
There is room here for questions, for doubt, and for discovery.

We believe community matters.
We believe people matter.
We believe God is still at work—in us and through us.

Our Mission

Reflecting God’s light through love and service.

This shapes how we worship,
how we care for one another,
and how we engage with the world around us.

Life Together

You’ll find people here who are:

• seeking connection
• navigating real life
• celebrating, grieving, and growing

Some have been here for years.
Some are just beginning.

There is space here for your story, too.

Leadership

People who serve alongside this community—helping guide, support, and walk with us in the life we share.

The Rev. Travis Wilson - Pastor

This project aims to develop a user-friendly mobile application.

Christi Assink - Parish Administrator

Keeps things running behind the scenes and helps connect people to the life of the church.

Jerry Jelsema - Director of Music

Leads the musical life of our worship, helping shape a space that is grounded, meaningful, and shared.

Ruth Baker - Assisting Musician

Supports worship through music, helping create a steady and welcoming rhythm each week.

Deb Berkey - Lay Ministry Coordinator

Helps hold the life of the church together through care, coordination, and the work behind the scenes.

Alex Davingman - Digital Innovator

Shares the story of our community through digital spaces, helping us stay connected throughout the week.

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.