Meet Pastor Bill Uetricht of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Muskegon

If you drive on Whitehall road on a regular basis, you can't miss it.  It's a hulking building right across from the Goodwill and Northshore Dental.  It's the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Muskegon.  The sprawling complex consists of the church itself of course and the large space for meetings, activities, luncheons, study and more, but what's in the walls is only part of the story, it's what comes out of the walls that helps set the church and it's congregation a part.



I got a note from Pastor Bill Uetricht of the church a while ago, he mentioned a new outreach that they were getting started with Community enCompass here in town and wondered if I could find the time to come up and learn a little more.  Well, it's a good thing he's a Pastor and knows forgiveness, because the message kind of got buried until I ran in to him at one of those luncheons a week or so ago and I remembered I owed the guy a visit.  We don't need any unwarranted lighting strikes due to forgetfulness ya know.  :) 

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Like many other churches, the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Muskegon sees the big picture when it comes to worship in today's day and age.  There is still plenty of good old fashion messaging, compassion and caring that goes on, but more and more it's become outreach, community work and becoming a community center for gathering, respite and a place that offers security and comfort in times of need.  The are also very active in music, arts and sports for the congregation and community and various organizations use their space for everything from an AA meeting to the Lions Club and even retired teachers who like to gather to talk about issues or just reminisce about their days in school.  The work closely with Family Promise of the Lakeshore to help house those who find themselves homeless and they reach right into Downtown Muskegon with their work with Community enCompass which Bill sits on the board for.

This summer in conjunction with Community enCompass, the YEP! Program and the First Evangelical Lutheran Church  you are going to see a new micro enterprise for young people around Muskegon.  Yes, there will be a good old fashioned hot dog cart out on the streets along with an ice cream cart.  The fun of being able to walk up to a street vendor for a quick dog or maybe a sweet treat will be happening and in the process, young people will be learning how to manage and run a business.  A valuable skill in any line of work. 

Bill and I had a chance to sit down and talk about his church, the congregation, the outreach and community work they do.  We also talk about their refreshing approach to services and he even brings up a long lost church practice called "Holy Hilarity" which you have got to hear about.  Take a listen.

It's a lost art form, a family and faith story.  But this is why Positively Muskegon is here.  Bill and his congregation have broken the mold when it comes to what's expected from a church.  They actively engage all of Muskegon and work to make life better for anyone.  My thanks to Bill for his time to talk about their work and for being such a vital part of the betterment for all.  If you'd like to know more about the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of North Muskegon you can click on the photo below of the congregation to visit the churches website.